Patricia remarked, "Noah's grown up. It's hard to catch him in an awkward moment. You must have caused quite a few funny scenes when you were little. It's such a pity I missed them."
Noah rolled his eyes. "Great-grandma, you enjoy seeing me embarrass myself? How boring!"
As Blake and Catherine descended the stairs, they happened to see Abigail carrying Hedwig upstairs.
The little girl, listless and leaning on her great-grandmother's shoulder, weakly greeted Blake and Catherine before drifting back to sleep.
The couple exchanged a smile.
"Leo and Sunny didn't come for dinner, right?" Catherine casually inquired.
"He had quite a bit to drink and called to say he wouldn't make it tonight," Blake replied softly.
In truth, Leo hadn't returned to the Royal Pack's manor for dinner because Sunny was apprehensive about facing Abigail.
Patricia had also extended an invitation to Richard's family, but they'd declined with excuses—Richard had intended to dine with Emily but was rebuffed with her claim of fatigue.
Richard vaguely sensed his adopted daughter was slipping from his control, yet consoled himself with the thought that her purpose had been fulfilled.
He'd successfully secured shares in the company, and Emily had completed her mission.
Nick, unaware that Richard had bartered Emily for favors, was surprised by her absence at dinner. "She looked pale today. Is she ill?" he asked.
"Probably nothing serious. Just ignore her," Richard replied indifferently.
"Why hasn't Blake reported them to the police despite having solid evidence? Is he planning to spare Emily?" Nick inquired, referencing the incident where Emily had hired thugs to cause Blake's brother's fall. "Blake must have enough proof by now."
Richard's lips curled into a cold smile. "You're naive. Can't you see what he's waiting for?"
Nick, preoccupied with his own ventures, hadn't pondered Blake's intentions. "Maybe he still harbors some old-fashioned loyalty, considering Emily once cared for him."
"Humph, he's more likely biding his time until Emerson passes on to settle scores with us," Richard said shrewdly. "Blake was raised by Emerson, much like Marc was in the past—unfortunately, Emerson never took the time to mentor me." This was the root of his resentment.
Nick's expression darkened. "He's waiting for Emerson to die? That's despicable! Does he plan to seize control of the family assets after Emerson's gone?"
"Perhaps," Richard coldly steered his son toward harsher tactics. "Power inflates ambition. Blake's appetite will only grow."
"Even if Emerson dies, he won't get away with monopolizing the family wealth!" Nick vowed.
"Rest assured, with me around, he won't have it easy," Richard said with venom.
They ate their meal with simmering resentment.
Meanwhile, in a luxury hotel room, Emily hadn't touched a bite of food.
Standing by the window, gazing at the city's twinkling lights, her seething anger momentarily subsided.
Earlier, the odious old man had come to see her again—this hotel was his property, and his intentions in housing her here were unmistakable.
He was generous with her, granting every wish, but Emily's heart had long turned cold, devoid of ripples.
She had loved someone since childhood, and now, it seemed, she had lost the will to live.
She sighed and closed her eyes, envisioning herself plunging from this height...
But she couldn't die—not yet. If she were to die, she would take others with her. She believed she wasn't the only one deserving of hell.
Leo and Sunny slept until nine in the evening, waking up groggy.
"What do you feel like eating? I'll make something," Sunny whispered, interlacing her fingers with his.
"You stay put; I'll check the fridge," Leo said as he got out of bed. Opening the fridge, he found only a few bottles of drink.
Sunny poked her head out from behind. "There's nothing to eat. I'll go downstairs and buy some."
"I'll go with you. It's too late, and I don't feel safe," Leo insisted.
"You're a celebrity. You'll be recognized at the supermarket," Sunny said, her popularity having waned slightly, but Leo's was higher than ever.
"Then I'll have my assistant deliver some over," Leo said, promptly making a call.
Half an hour later, the assistant arrived with packed dinner.
"Tomorrow, I want to go home and bring my mom some things," Sunny said softly.
"I'll go with you," Leo replied, realizing he'd never formally met his future mother-in-law. "It's time I paid her a visit."
"Really?" Sunny's eyes lit up with surprise and joy.
"Of course. Think about what you need to buy tonight, and we'll go first thing tomorrow morning."
"My mom loves money and jewelry," Sunny said with a self-deprecating smile.
"More ambitious than you— you're too un-womanly, lacking greed," Leo teased, lightly tweaking her nose.
"No, I'm greedier—I want you," Sunny looked up at him, her eyes bright.
Sunny's reply left Leo stunned for a moment.
When he recovered, a smile tugged at his lips, and the last empty corner of his heart seemed filled. He affectionately stroked her cheek again, his fingers lightly pinching her chin.
Sunny, who used to dislike others touching her face, now relished the warmth of his hand, wishing to become his beloved pet, basking in his tenderness.
"By the way, today Jessica mentioned someone. Have you considered poaching him?" Sunny, snapping back to reality, suddenly recalled the matter.
"Who?" Leo's expression turned serious.
"Harley Hicks, that male actor who's been gaining traction lately. Heard he's won audiences over with his acting skills," Sunny said hastily.