Lilah interjected calmly, “Alright, I understand. There was a disagreement between Ruth and me, and it's natural for her to be upset. Maybe she's venting her anger on you."

Lilah watched Karol closely, gauging her reaction.

“Lilah, don't be ridiculous," Karol countered, her voice firm.

"There's no blame on you. But if it weighs on you, come home for dinner more often, okay?"

Lilah's surprise was evident.

Confusion clouded her mind.

What was Karol up to? Something didn't sit right.

A saccharine smile spread across Karol's face as she met Lilah's gaze.

Her eyes, however, held a glint of expectation.

Danna's voice, laced with icy disapproval, cut through the tension.

“She doesn't even consider herself a Morris. You and Absolon are both bewitched by her."

"Grandma, that's not true!" Karol shot back, a frown etching lines on her forehead. "We're a family, no matter what. Please don't talk Like that. It hurts Dad and me both."

Lilah's bewilderment deepened.

However, she decided not to dwell on it. She'd deal with problems as they arose.

Absolon's smile widened. "Karol, that's a good way to think. Get along with Lilah, alright? Don't let the past squabbles happen again."

A spark ignited in Karol's eyes. She nodded eagerly. "Of course, Dad."

The dinner unfolded pleasantly.

Absolon sat to Lilah's left, while Karol occupied the right. Both tried to dote on Lilah, especially Karol, who barely touched her own plate as she piled food onto Lilah's.

Without thinking much, Lilah savored each dish, particularly the phenomenal stewed beef-a Morris family specialty she never got tired of.

Suddenly, mid-meal, Karol spoke up. “Lilah, why don't you bring Jerrold home to live with us? I miss him terribly, and so does Dad."

Lilah's heart lurched.

This sudden generosity reeked of suspicion.

Placing her fork down, she spoke slowly. “Jerrold's been busy studying with a tutor lately, so coming here might not be feasible. He's comfortable in his current environment, and I'm afraid a move would disrupt his routine."

Her voice conveyed a clear sense of detachment.