Chapter 16 The Prestons‘ Family Dinner
Night had settled over the Prestons‘ home.
After dinner, Ernest Preston looked down at his grandchildren, his face brimming with unrestrained joy.
Each grandchild had achieved more than the one before, and he was thoroughly satisfied with their accomplishments.
“Gary, come here. Let me take a good look at you,” Ernest Preston called out.
Although Gary’s grandfather had been a close friend of Ernest’s, he had passed away years ago. Despite this, the bond between the families remained strong.
As a result, both Rhonda Reeve and Gary were always present at the Prestons‘ family dinners.
They weren’t related by blood, but their connection was as strong as family.
“Go on,” Rhonda encouraged Gary with a gentle nudge, her gaze warm.
“Alright.” Gary stood and walked over to Ernest before bowing. “Grandpa Ernest.”
Despite nearing eighty, Ernest appeared remarkably vibrant, looking much younger than his years.
Ernest took Gary’s hand and examined him closely before nodding. “You look much better than three years ago.”
He gave Gary’s arm a firm squeeze. “You’ve built up some solid muscle. Very impressive!”
Rhonda added, “After three years of care, if he hadn’t improved, I wouldn’t have let him come back.”
Ernest agreed. “That’s exactly how it should be!”
Ernest was most pleased with William and Gary among the younger generation. Even though Gary wasn’t his blood relative, Ernest considered him as close as family. Yet, both had caused him concern.
One had marital issues, the other faced health problems.
At least now, things seemed to be improving, which eased Ernest’s worries.
After talking with Gary, Ernest turned his attention to William, who was as reserved as ever, speaking little.
“William, come with me to the study.”
“Okay.”
William placed his coffee cup down and followed Ernest upstairs.
With the old man gone, the rest of the guests continued their conversations, and the atmosphere stayed lively.
Gary glanced around and noticed someone was missing.
“Mom, didn’t you mention that William got married? Why haven’t I seen his wife?”
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Chapter 16 The Prestons‘ Family Dinner
The families were close and often gathered for meals at their old home whenever their schedules allowed.
Gary had rarely attended due to his illness.
But with William now married, his wife should have been present.
Yet, she hadn’t appeared all evening–William was alone.
Rhonda’s expression changed subtly as she responded softly, “William is divorced.”
Gary frowned.
Though he and William were a few years apart, their relationship had always been good due to the strong bond between the Prestons and the Reeves. However, their contact had lessened over the years because of
his illness.
He recalled his mother mentioning how deeply William had loved his wife and how he had fought to marry her despite opposition.
William had wed an ordinary woman from a different background.
And now, they were divorced?
In the study upstairs, Ernest regarded William with a thoughtful expression. William’s eyes were reminiscent of Rhea’s, but his face was more akin to his father. But no one knew who he took after when it came to his personality.
His temperament was a blend of assertiveness, dominance, and ruthlessness–a skilled figure in the business realm.
Ernest had never been disappointed in him professionally.
However, in matters of the heart, it seemed William was struggling.
“William, I’ve heard some things and would like to ask you a few questions.”
“Go ahead, Grandpa.”
Gary had spent some time with the elders in the living room before stepping outside.
The cool breeze was refreshing, the moon hung low, and the stars sparkled brightly.
It was a beautiful evening.
He wondered about Lisette’s well–being.
Gary picked up his phone and dialed Lisette’s number.
“Hello, Gary.”
“Lisette, have you eaten?”
Yes.”
“Did you enjoy the meal the maid nrenared?”
“Yes, I’m not picky.”
“That’s good to hear.”
William came outside and noticed Gary talking on the phone.
The smile on Gary’s face was warm, his eyes full of affection.
All this tenderness was directed toward the person on the other end of the line.
After finishing his conversation with Lisette, Gary ended the call and headed back inside, eager to leave and go check on her.
As he turned, he saw William waiting nearby.
Gary’s smile dimmed slightly. He cleared his throat, adjusted his expression, and walked over.
“William.”
“Hey.”
“Feeling better?”
“Yes, much better.”
“Take care of yourself.”
“I will.”
