Chapter 498: Clara's Eyes Curved into Crescents

"Sure." Clara's eyes curved into crescents.

She picked up the dessert box on the table. "Would you like to try some sweet bean cake first? Let me get you a piece."

Before the elderly woman could respond, Connor's phone rang abruptly.

A frantic voice came through the line. His expression darkened instantly. "Understood. Keep things steady. I'll be right there..."

Hanging up, he gave Clara an apologetic look. "An emergency at the company. I have to leave."

Turning to the elderly couple, he said, "Grandfather, Grandmother, let me take you home first. We'll go out together another day?"

"Of course. But Clara's parents—" They hadn't met them yet.

Clara quickly interjected, "It's fine. There will be plenty of opportunities later."

By the time Helen and Daniel approached the teahouse, Connor's car had already driven off.

"Who were those two?" Helen asked curiously.

"Connor's grandparents. We met at the book signing," Clara replied casually.

Helen nodded. "What a coincidence. Tired from walking? Ready to head home?"

"Let's stay out a little longer." Clara linked arms with her mother playfully.

Helen chuckled indulgently. "Alright, let's keep exploring."

* * *

Inside the car, Connor gripped the steering wheel with one hand while dialing his assistant with the other. "Proceed as planned. I'll be there in thirty minutes."

Walter asked with concern, "Is it urgent? We can take a taxi back."

"No need. Everything's arranged."

After a brief hesitation, he continued, "Grandfather, what are your plans for this trip? I know several ophthalmologists who could examine Grandmother."

Walter nodded. "You handle it."

"And..." Connor chose his words carefully, "Mother has been thinking of you both. Knowing about Grandmother's eyes, she reached out to specialists abroad. Perhaps... we could all have dinner together?"

The atmosphere in the car turned icy.

Marian refused outright. "I'm not feeling well. I won't be receiving guests."

The word "guests" stung Connor's ears.

The old woman's stance was clear, so he didn't press further.

After a moment of silence, he changed the subject. "The ten-year lease for Ivy Garden is about to expire. Should we renew it?"

Walter gazed at the passing scenery outside the window, his clouded eyes flickering with nostalgia. "Yes. Another ten years."

If Helen ever returned, at least the house would still feel like home.