Chapter 80

"When are you coming back, hon?"

"Don't worry about me. I'll be back once I've cooled off. Just make sure you handle the overseas stuff right, okay?"

"If anything comes up, call me first. No more making decisions on your own like before."

Brandon, feeling guilty, agreed to everything I said without hesitation.

Just then, Kelly asked who was on the phone. I showed her the screen. "It's Brandon. He noticed I hadn't called since I landed and wanted to check in."

Brandon heard this and I put him on speaker: "Talk to Mom."

He didn't dare mention why I was coming home, so he made small talk with Kelly. "Mom, how have you been?"

"I'm really busy right now. Just opened up the overseas market. I wanted to go with you, but I just don't have the time."

Kelly smiled. "It's okay. It's the thought that counts. Come see me next time."

"Alright, Mom. I have to go now. I'll call you later."

With that, Brandon hung up.

I looked at Kelly. "See? We're fine."

Kelly nodded, then suddenly looked outside. "Caroline, come in here. I need to talk to you."

We put the kids in the room, and she said, "Actually, I didn't explain the urban renewal thing clearly last time. Your dad didn't just buy one house here."

I was stunned and quickly asked, "What do you mean?"

Kelly continued, "Your dad always believed that Suncrest City, with its rich cultural heritage, would eventually be heavily developed for tourism. So, he bought several plots of land early on, including the hill behind our house. All of it is within the urban renewal area."

I was in disbelief. I couldn't even imagine the cost of one house, let alone all the land my dad had the foresight to buy.

Kelly added, "Don't tell anyone about this. I only mentioned the house last time because I was afraid. People can turn into beasts over money. I didn't want to gamble on what he might become."

I wanted to laugh coldly. Brandon was already a beast; money wouldn't change that.

I thought of my dad's smiling face and shook my head. "Dad had such great foresight. Who could have predicted this back then?"

My mom smiled too, her eyes filled with nostalgia. "Yes, he just wanted to make sure you had enough money so you wouldn't suffer."

"He always told me that daughters should be raised in wealth and should live in wealth their whole lives."

Kelly's words brought tears to my eyes. "I'll take the kids to see him in a few days."

Kelly nodded, wiping away a tear. "Go ahead. Your dad misses you too."

I couldn't look Kelly in the eye, afraid we'd both start crying.

So, I changed the subject. "Brett is messing with your plant!"

Kelly jumped up and ran over, not looking like someone nearing seventy.

"Brett, don't touch that!"

I laughed and said to Brett, "Brett, Grandma cares more about that plant than you."

Brett pouted. "No way!"

Kelly coaxed him. "Be a good boy and put it down, okay?"

Watching them bicker, I couldn't help but smile.

I probably smiled more today than I had in a month at home.

Eugene soon had dinner ready. I woke Holly up, and we all ate together.

After we sat down, Eugene stood by Kelly.

I invited him to join us, but he waved it off. "No, in case Mrs. Sharp needs anything, I can help right away."

Kelly looked at him. "Eugene, no need. My kids are here, and I'm happy. I don't need your help."

I agreed. "Yes, Eugene, sit down. I can help Kelly with whatever she needs."

Eugene finally sat down, eating in the corner.

I savored the familiar taste of home.

At home, I usually followed Brandon's heavy taste, but I preferred lighter flavors. Though I'd gotten used to it over the years, I still loved the taste of home.

I was incredibly satisfied with the meal. Afterward, I told Kelly I wanted to go for a walk.

Since college, I hadn't strolled around the neighborhood. I was eager to revisit old memories.

Kelly agreed and handed me a jacket.

I stepped out, feeling rare freedom.

No one was watching me here. I didn't have to worry about the food. Most importantly, I was with Kelly.

There was a long night market in front of the old street. I walked over, wanting to join the fun, and saw some shoes for kids at a stall. I bought three pairs for my kids.

Just then, I heard a familiar voice. "Buying for your kids?"

Startled, I turned and saw Royce standing next to me, looking at me.

I was surprised. "When did you get here?"

He chuckled, his eyes deep. "Just when you entered the night market."

I shook my head. "I meant, when did you come back to Suncrest City?"

"Just a few days ago. I finished my business and wanted to come back. Didn't expect to run into you."

What a coincidence.

I was amazed. "Alright, you go ahead. I'm going to check out that side."

I walked forward, but Royce followed. I thought I was mistaken and walked a few more steps, but he was still right behind me.

"Why are you following me?"

I turned to him.

Royce looked at me. "It's been a while. Can't we walk together?"

For some reason, I saw a hint of sadness in his eyes.

He asked again, "Can't we?"

I reluctantly nodded. "Okay."

Royce immediately walked beside me.

The night market on the old street had a unique charm, with each stall exuding an antique vibe.

I walked around, curiously looking at everything.

There were many snacks I hadn't had in a long time, so I eagerly bought a few to try.

After a few bites, I realized I had already eaten dinner. I was at a loss, looking at the food in my hands.

Maybe I could take it home for the kids as a late-night snack?

But they'd probably be asleep soon, and the food wouldn't be good tomorrow.

Just then, a pair of hands reached out and took the food from me.

"Perfect, I haven't eaten."

Relieved that I wouldn't waste food, I handed it to him. "You can have it all."

He started eating, and I suddenly remembered. "Wait, I used that skewer."

Royce just smiled. "No worries. I don't mind."

I watched him eat, feeling a strange mix of emotions. It was nice to have someone to share this moment with, even if it was unexpected.

We continued walking through the market, chatting about old times and catching up on each other's lives. The night was filled with laughter and nostalgia, and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly at ease.

As we reached the end of the market, Royce turned to me. "It was really good seeing you again. Let's not wait so long next time."

I nodded, smiling. "Yeah, let's not."

We said our goodbyes, and I headed back to Kelly's, my heart lighter than it had been in a long time.