Chapter 81

Royce blinked at me, using the same skewer I had used. "It's cool, I don't mind."

I was speechless.

I followed Royce from one end of the street to the other, and he finished all the food.

Watching him, I couldn't help but chuckle. I had bought quite a lot, and he seemed to struggle with it.

Ahead was an area where street vendors weren't allowed, but there were still plenty of people out for an evening stroll, so it was brightly lit.

Royce and I walked side by side in silence, each lost in our own thoughts.

He suddenly spoke up, "Don't you have anything you want to ask me?"

I nodded. Royce raised his chin, signaling me to go ahead.

I asked, "How did you make so much money?"

A few days ago, I had heard about Royce's recent experiences from Kathy, and I was utterly shocked.

Royce had always been a good student, but his family was quite ordinary, with both parents being teachers.

So when he suddenly disappeared, I couldn't accept it, but I thought maybe he got into a good college, and his parents didn't allow him to contact me, or he didn't want to.

But who would have thought he would turn into a famous investor?

He had invested in many startups that went public, and his personal wealth had grown significantly.

Royce choked, "That's what you want to ask me?"

I nodded. After my divorce from Brandon, I needed to start over, and running a company would require my attention. Learning from someone successful like him seemed like a good idea.

Royce's face darkened, and he didn't say anything. Somehow, I felt like he was a bit angry.

I knew what Royce wanted me to ask, but I didn't want to. I didn't know where this inexplicable emotion came from.

After a while, Royce spoke first, "Back then..."

I waved my hand, "You don't have to say it. It's your privacy."

Royce choked again, then smiled helplessly, "You really know how to get under someone's skin, you know that?"

"Whether you want to hear it or not, I'm going to say it."

"Back then, something happened to my family. My parents died in a car accident, and I became an orphan overnight."

I held my breath, looking at him in disbelief.

"I didn't tell you because I thought I might never recover, and I wasn't suitable for you at the time. You got into a good college, and your family was well-off, so your future was bound to be bright."

"But at that time, I was in a state of despair about my life..."

He spoke calmly about the past, but it sounded so sad to me.

I didn't know what to say, so I just looked at him.

"Later, I went abroad to find my uncle and stayed with him, doing business. That's my story."

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. "You should have told me back then."

Royce was silent for a moment, then said hoarsely, "I know, I realized later that I was wrong."

Suddenly, fireworks exploded behind us, startling me. I turned around to look.

Royce also turned slowly, the brilliant fireworks standing out against the night sky.

I sighed, "It's beautiful!"

Royce echoed, "It really is."

When the fireworks ended, I looked at Royce and found he was already looking at me.

"I have to head back now. Bye."

Royce nodded, standing still.

I walked a long way before turning back. I saw Royce still standing there, waving at me.

I felt a strange emotion but chose to ignore it and went home.

Kelly and the three kids were already asleep, all on one bed. Kelly had only a tiny space, but she was smiling in her sleep.

I covered them with a blanket and went to my room.

Holly brought me a glass of water. "Mrs. Jordan seems really happy."

I nodded, "Who wouldn't be happy to be home?"

After drinking the water, I told Holly, "Go to bed early. Tomorrow, come with me to the mountains. I want to visit my dad."

Holly nodded, and we went to our rooms.

The next morning, Kelly was already up making breakfast.

I was a bit exasperated, "Mom, why are you up so early?"

Kelly smiled, "You like my breakfast, so I got up to make it for you."

I jumped up and kissed Kelly on the cheek. Brett suddenly appeared, looking at me. "Mom, that's embarrassing."

I grinned, "To be honest, Grandma loves me the most, not you."

Kelly laughed and playfully hit me, while Brett pouted, tears welling up in his eyes.

"No, Grandma loves me the most."

Kelly quickly comforted him, "No, no, I love you the most."

After finally calming Brett down, I teased again, "Grandma loves me the most, you're second."

He started crying again.

Kelly glared at me, "Are you a child? Go away!"

I laughed and ran off, feeling like a kid again with Kelly.

I happily waited for breakfast, but then Eugene walked in, his eyes scanning between Kelly and me.

My smile faded. I had been so happy that I almost forgot I was still under someone's watch.

I grabbed an apple and thought about how to get rid of this person.

After breakfast, Kelly held Brett while we ate.

I looked at her doting manner and felt a bit dissatisfied. "Mom, let Brett eat by himself. You'll spoil him."

To my surprise, Brett looked at me smugly. "Grandma likes spoiling me! Mom, you're just jealous."

Kelly laughed, "Serves you right for teasing us. Brett got you back."

I snorted, quickly finished my meal, and prepared some things to visit Gerald. I had Holly carry one child while I carried another, and we held Brett's hand as we headed up the mountain.

Brett walked beside me, curiously asking, "Mom, where are we going?"

I patted his little head, "To see someone Grandma truly loves."

This time, Brett seemed to understand and didn't cry. He obediently followed me up the mountain.

Halfway up, I turned, and a tombstone appeared before us.

"Dad, I'm here to see you."

Brett blinked his little eyes, "Mom, is this Grandpa?"

I nodded, "Call him Grandpa."

"What's Grandpa doing in there?"

I smiled, "Grandpa is resting. He's been tired for a long time."

Brett nodded, somewhat understanding, and touched the tombstone. "Grandpa, you've worked hard."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I struggled not to cry.

"Brett, go with Holly for a bit. I need to talk to Grandpa."

After Brett left, I knelt down.

"Dad, I'm sorry I'm late."