"It's just my old ailments." Eleanor patted her head, her gaze incredibly tender. Due to her illness, her breathing was slightly uneven. "Why are you here alone? Where's my grandson-in-law?"

"Harold is away on a business trip. Once he gets back, I'll bring him over to see you," Lorelei replied, forcing the corners of her lips up, trying her best to maintain a serene facade.

"That's fine." Eleanor patted her hand, a gentle smile on her face. "I can tell he's a good, honorable man. He'll definitely treat you right."

Harold had visited twice, and at Lorelei's desperate pleading, he had behaved perfectly both times.

Her grandmother absolutely adored him.

"Grandma..."

Lorelei opened her mouth, her voice catching painfully in her throat.

She had only ever confessed her true feelings for Harold to her grandmother.

Eleanor thought she had finally gotten her wish and was living happily, but...

She had fallen in love with a man who would never love her back.

"Martha, isn't it time for her medicine?" Unwilling to dwell on the painful topic, Lorelei turned to the elderly caretaker.

"Oh, yes, yes, yes."

Martha quickly brought over the bowl of herbal medicine, shooting Lorelei a subtle look. "Eleanor hates how bitter it is. She only drank half a bowl this morning."

"You old tattletale." Eleanor's expression shifted as she hurriedly tried to defend herself. "Lori, don't listen to her nonsense. I'm very good about taking my medicine."

"Is that right?"

Lorelei couldn't help but smile, her voice incredibly soft. "Grandma, drink it now while it's still warm."

Eleanor stared down at the dark, sludgy liquid with visible revulsion.

But meeting her granddaughter's earnest gaze, she obediently took the bowl and choked it down, fighting past her distaste.

"Grandma, the wind is picking up out here. Let me help you inside for a nap."

Lorelei smiled in satisfaction, gently supporting the older woman as they walked toward the bedroom.

"Lori, just stay right here with me."

Eleanor lay down happily, clutching her granddaughter's hand.

"I will."

Lorelei tucked the blankets around her. Once she was sound asleep, Lorele stood up the smile vanishing from her face as she stepped back out into the courtyard. "What did the doctor say about Grandma's condition?"

"You noticed?" Martha sighed, a deep sadness washing over her features. "Her illness is a chronic, deep-rooted issue. As she ages, it's only going to get worse."

"She caught a bad cold recently, and her health took a sharper decline. We're just using this medicine to

keep her stable," Martha explained"" further she was terrified you'd worry, so she forbade me from

telling you. I'm so sorry, Ms.

Bellamy."

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In this entire household, she was the only one who genuinely cared about the old woman.

"Thank you for everything, Martha." Lorelei pressed her red lips together, reminding her gently. "Please try to ensure she rests quietly. And above all, keep those two women away from her."

Every time she had to interact with her stepmother and stepsister, her mood plummeted.

"I understand." Martha nodded.

Just as she spoke.

A sudden knock echoed from the door.

"Ms. Bellamy, Mr. Bellamy has returned." It was her father's secretary. "He

requested your presence in the main hall."

"Understood." Lorelei nodded, the warmth completely draining from her eyes. "I'll be right there."

"Yes, ma'am."

After the secretary left, Martha

grabbed Lorelei's hand, staring at her with profound worry. "The family's business dealings haven't been smooth lately. Rumor has it that the Houston family is intentionally sabotaging them. Mr. Bellamy will likely pin the blame entirely on you. Please be careful."

"Should you perhaps just head back home now?"

Surely, he wouldn't dare chase her all the way back to the Houston estate.

"Thank you, Martha." Knowing exactly what she was walking into, Lorelei offered a faint smile. "I'm a Houston now. My father wouldn't dare lay a hand on me."

She might not be favored by her husband, but the title of Mrs. Houston still wielded immense power.

Besides, they were getting a divorce anyway.

What did it matter if she used his name one last time?!