His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 320: Grandfather's Game

Lily's expression was grim. She sat stiffly, her face cold and unreadable, clutching her fork without taking a bite. Her jaw was tight, and she didn't utter a word.

Harold, Irene, and Arthur stole glances at her, their own moods sinking in response.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder," Beatrice remarked softly. "Three years is a long time." She turned to Frederick. "Can't you see how much your son has been through all this time?"

Frederick replied matter-of-factly, "A man should focus on building his career. Getting wrapped up in romance only holds him back."

Vivian shot him an annoyed look. "You have the nerve to say that? After Iris left, Julian threw himself into work—and the first thing he did was take over both family businesses and push us out completely. Even you have to watch your step around him now."

Humiliated, Frederick slammed his fork down angrily.

Beatrice quickly stepped in to ease the tension. "Come on, now. It's Thanksgiving. Let's just enjoy the meal and leave all that aside."

Ryder nodded in agreement. "Julian's always been a good man—loyal and kind. Do you really think he won't look after you? When you're older, it's best to step back and let the younger generation live their lives. We shouldn't meddle."

Beatrice smiled warmly. "Exactly. Now, everyone, please dig in."

The table fell quiet as they returned to their meals.

Arthur quietly placed a portion of mashed potatoes on Lily's plate and leaned in to whisper, "Just eat. Don't dwell on things you can't change. He only has eyes for Iris—surely you've realized that by now?"

Lily forced a smile and pretended to brush it off. "I'm not thinking about him. I just can't stand Iris, that's all."

Arthur, a trained psychologist, simply smiled knowingly. He saw right through her but chose not to say more.

*****

A little past two in the afternoon, the sun was shining brightly.

Julian walked out hand in hand with Iris.

Outside the villa, the family had gathered in the backyard, sipping coffee and chatting.

The Prescotts were still there, too. When they noticed Julian and Iris, their expressions noticeably cooled.

"Have you two had lunch yet?" Beatrice asked.

"We're heading out to eat," Julian replied.

"Where to?"

"I'm taking Iris downtown to look around." Julian held Iris' hand firmly, and the way he said her name was tender and intimate.

Iris spotted Harper playing Monopoly with Frederick off to the side, completely absorbed in the game.

A pang of worry stirred inside her. She gently squeezed Julian's hand and whispered, "Let's take our daughter with us."

Julian looked down at her, his voice low. "No. Just the two of us."

"I don't feel right leaving her here by herself."

"The whole family's here, plus May. I've also left two security guys at the house. She's perfectly safe."

Iris met his gaze, still uneasy. What really worried her was Frederick.

Even though the old man seemed genuinely fond of his granddaughter and had been spending time with her, she couldn't shake her concern.

Julian led her toward the garage.

Iris kept glancing back at Harper and tugging at Julian's hand. "Please, can we just bring her? I'm really worried."

"My dad adores Harper. Haven't you noticed he's always around her? He'll take good care of her."

"What if he's not as sincere as he seems?"

Julian stopped walking, turned to face her, and spoke earnestly. "He's not the type to hide how he feels. He doesn't fake it, and he wouldn't."

Iris pulled her hand back, annoyed. "Then I'm not going."

Julian sighed, softening. He cupped her face gently, leaning close until they were only inches apart. "Are you really that against spending time alone with me? Do we have to bring a third wheel along?"

"I can't relax if she stays here—especially with your father around."

"My dad might be biased against you, but when it comes to his granddaughter, he only sees the good."

Whatever Frederick's true feelings were toward Harper, Iris wasn't willing to gamble with her daughter's well-being.

Frustrated, Iris turned and started walking back toward the house.

Julian quickly caught up, wrapping his arms around her from behind in a soothing embrace. "Okay, okay. You win. We'll take her with us."

He gently guided Iris to the car and opened the door for her. "Get in. I'll go get her."

Iris took a steadying breath and slid into the passenger seat to wait.

Julian closed the door, walked over to Frederick, and reached out for Harper's hand. "Come on, sweetheart. You're coming with Mom and Dad."

Harper jumped up excitedly. "Okay!"

But Frederick held onto her hand, shooting Julian a stern look. "You two go alone. Why take my granddaughter? Can't you see we're in the middle of a game?"

Then his tone softened, his eyes warm as he looked at Harper. "Stay here with Grandpa, honey. We'll keep playing. Going out isn't all that fun anyway."

Harper beamed at him. "Okay, Grandpa!"

"Harper, come here," Julian said, a bit more firmly.

Harper shook her head. "I wanna stay and play Monopoly. You guys go ahead."

"Come with us, and I'll buy you that toy you wanted," Julian coaxed.

Frederick chimed in, too. "Harper, don't go. Grandpa will buy you even bigger toys—and ice cream, too."