Faux Vows, True Desires
Chapter 142

After such a thing happened to Lucinda, Stefan didn't return to the office in the afternoon. His employees were understanding and took over his work.

Because they didn't inform their elders, Stefan took Lucinda back to Ascend Estate in the evening.

Patrick and Savannah Blue Anderson were enjoying the sunset while tending to their plants.

Seeing the young couple return, Savannah grinned at her husband, "Men change after marriage. Stefan used to stay in Diamond Ridge Estates, saying it was closer to his office. But now he's coming home every day."

Because his wife preferred the environment at Ascend Estate.

Patrick glanced at his grandson's car and nodded, "So, we need to nudge them to tie the knot soon. That way, they'll come home more often, making the house livelier."

Even though they had many grandkids, everyone was busy and rarely home.

The only company the old couple had were the housekeepers.

It wasn't that the grandkids didn't care about them; they just didn't show it enough since they didn't manage to visit often.

After retirement, their sons were busy exploring the world with their wives.

Luckily, Patrick and Savannah had each other's company.

Savannah chuckled, "Let's let things run their course. I don't want to rush them. Except for the youngest one, all of our grandkids are adults with their own ideas and lifestyles."

She was content knowing her oldest grandson was already married.

Patrick agreed with his wife. He'd worked hard to amass such wealth for his grandkids. Now all he had to do was enjoy his twilight years, waiting for the birth of his grandkids. Holding a baby in his arms would be the cherry on top.

Stefan and Lucinda had no idea what the old couple were discussing. He parked the car, and they both got out, bringing gifts for the elders.

Before they even got close, Lucinda was already smiling.

She admired Stefan's grandparents the most. Although they were old, their love was still strong.

Her own grandparents had a good relationship too, though they would sometimes bicker. Her grandpa liked to nag and comment on everything her grandma did. "Grandpa, Grandma."

Patrick stood up, replying warmly, "You're off work?"

"Yes, my shop isn't open yet. There's not much to do after the decorators left."

Savannah beamed, "Your grandpa and I were just about to have dinner. It's perfect timing. It's just not the same with only the two of us."

Dinner was always more fun with more people.

Lucinda took the watering can from Savannah, "Stefan and I will come to visit whenever we can."

Savannah glanced at Stefan and smiled, "You guys are busy. You don't have to come every day. Weekends would be enough."

The newlyweds still needed to cultivate their relationship.

After Stefan and Lucinda's relationship went public, Emma told Savannah that Stefan had been fond of Lucinda for a long time.

Savannah was very surprised.

She hadn't expected the previously aloof Stefan to have liked Lucinda so much. He was always gentle and patient around her, waiting for over a decade to win her love. To win Lucinda's heart, Stefan dealt with his rivals behind her back.

Lucinda probably wondered why she had no suitors, even though she was so beautiful.

In reality, all her potential suitors were secretly defeated by Stefan.

Now the couple seemed very much in love.

Savannah could tell that Stefan had put in a lot of effort. Lucinda accepted his love passively, was moved by it, and gradually it turned into love.

She was sure Lucinda loved Stefan, just not as deeply as he loved her.

Once the elders had washed their hands, the couple helped them into the house.

Patrick always said, "I'm not so old that I need help walking."

Despite his words, his face beamed with happiness when Stefan helped him.

Savannah told Lucinda, "Ignore him. He's just stubborn."

"Lucy, what did you get me?"

"A little something. I hope you won't mind."

Savannah chuckled, "I won't mind. As long as it's from you guys, I'll love it."

She had a room dedicated to all the gifts her kids gave her. She just kept them, sometimes admiring them, considering them tokens of their affection.

Even the homemade cards Stefan and the others gave her as kids were there.

Once inside, Savannah eagerly unwrapped the gifts like a child on Christmas morning.

Patrick teased her, "You're acting like I never got you any gifts."

"It's not the same."

Patrick told Stefan, "You see, Stefan, you guys better visit less. Every time you're here, I lose my authority."

"Pay him no mind. If you guys really stopped visiting, he would miss you the most."

Stefan laughed, "Lucy also got him something."

"I don't need anything." Despite his response, Patrick was ecstatic.

Actually, it wasn't the gifts they cared about, but the thought that their kids remembered them.

"Dinner's ready." Nelson came in and reminded them respectfully.

"Lucy, are you hungry? Let's go eat."

Savannah pulled Lucinda up, and they both headed to the dining room.

After they left, Patrick's face fell, and he glared at Stefan as he reprimanded him, "Something this big happened, and you didn't even give me a heads up. You think I can't help?"

His youngest grandson left in a hurry after receiving a call, so Patrick knew something was up.

He had someone look into it just a little and found out that Lucinda had been in trouble.

Stefan also lowered his voice, "Does Grandma know?"

"I didn't tell her. If she knew, she'd be too worried to eat or sleep."

After saying that, Patrick kept his intense gaze on Stefan.

"I can handle it; isn't Lucy safely back now? I just didn't want you guys to worry."

"Are you sure you know who did it?"

"I'm still investigating; no results yet."

Patrick frowned, asking seriously, "Is the kidnapper targeting you?"

Stefan was silent for a moment, then said, "Not likely."

"So they're targeting Lucy? Could it be Megan's doing? Megan's back, and since you put Ruby in jail, she'd definitely want to avenge her daughter."

"Or could it be a joint effort from your other suitors?"