Chapter 528 Talk Things Out
Seeing that Amelia Winters did not retort even after being rebuked, Eleanor felt a pang of heartache. After all, she wanted nothing more than to cherish and love the daughter whom she could not reunite with. Even though she was dissatisfied that Olivia did not seem fond of her daughter, she could not voice her frustrations.
After clenching and unclenching her fists beneath the table, she said, “Mrs. Clinton, you seem younger than me. Can I call you by your name? You must be good at taking care of your health, seeing that you seem youthful and pretty. I can tell at a glance that you come from a noble family. Lia told me many good things about you multiple times. She said that she missed you the most during those two years she was in Beshya and felt sorry for leaving. However, she was blind at that time and didn’t want to trouble you. Her time in Beshya wasn’t pleasant as she had to take care of a child after losing her sight.”
Feeling emotional, she paused for a while before continuing, “When I saw that she was blind and had a child with her, I asked her where her spouse was. She was hesitant to tell me at first, but probably because she finds us compatible, she eventually told me a lot about you two. She described you as a benevolent and gentle mother-in-law who cares about her a lot. When she found out she was losing her sight, she didn’t want to burden you and your family. However, she had nothing left and could not bring herself to part with her child.
Thus, she steeled her heart and brought Tony away with her. At that time, she felt that an excellent guy like Oscar would be able to move on swiftly and build a big family with another woman. She said that you would have many grandchildren while she only had Tony. Afterward, I heard that Oscar went to find her and brought her to Anglandur for a cornea transplant before bringing her home.
When I was at Saspiuburg, I was concerned that you would be harsh on her, yet she sang your praises over the phone. It made me curious about you. I wanted to meet a magnanimous woman like you, so I made a presumptuous request, asking her to invite you and your husband out. Now that I have met you today, I see that you are compassionate, generous, knowledgeable, and reasonable, just as she had described. I’m relieved to know that she has you as her mother-in-law.”
Olivia’s eyes glinted several times, and she subconsciously cast a glance at Amelia Winters, who was feeling a bit flustered. The latter had not expected Eleanor to say those words during the meal to help her please her mother-in-law.
They had not talked about their relationship officially, but what Eleanor was doing for her had exceeded the boundaries of a normal friendship.
A faint smile touched Olivia’s lips. “Mrs. Hutton, you flatter me. Amelia is a nice young lady. I admit that I resented her when she left with Tony without saying a word back then, but there’s nothing I can do. My son is all grown up, and I can’t be as evil as to split them apart. Even if I find it in me to do so, I don’t want my grandson to grow up in a single-parent family. Thus, I acquiesced.”
As soon as those words fell from her lips, Amelia Winters’ eyes widened, and she stared at her in disbelief.
Oscar grabbed her hand and interlocked their fingers, gesturing for her to calm down. “Mom, are you planning on forgiving Amelia?” he asked while smiling.
Olivia shot him a glance. Instead of replying to him, she turned to look at Eleanor and said, “Mrs. Hutton, you look youthful too. I think I’m older than you.”
Eleanor laughed. “No way. I was born in 1956, which means I’m sixty years old this year.”
“I’m older than you. I was born in 1954,” Olivia remarked gently.
Hearing that, Eleanor could not help but smile.
Throughout dinner, the two ladies had the time of their night chatting away. Therefore, when they left the restaurant, Olivia said, “Eleanor, please visit Tayhaven often when you have time. I think our personalities are quite compatible, and we can get along with each other well. People our age are afraid of being alone, so I’ll have someone to talk to if you come over. Also, Amelia resembles you so much, even more so than your biological daughter. That was why I thought you were Amelia’s mother when I first saw you. But it turned out to be a misunderstanding.”
Eleanor smiled as she masked the pain in her eyes. “I would be gratified if I had a loving, thoughtful, and competent daughter like Lia. You know, I’m quite envious of you. I’ll take her home if you don’t want her as your daughter-in-law.”
“Of course, I want her. No matter how great we get along, I can’t let you take her away. Otherwise, how will I face my son when he comes asking for his wife from me?”
Olivia’s statement amused everyone that they all burst out laughing.
The two women chatted for a while more until Oscar interrupted, “Mom, I need to send Mrs. Hutton back to their accommodation now. Their flight is at two in the morning, so they’ll have to head to the airport after packing up.”
“So rushed?” Olivia blurted in surprise.
“My husband and son are returning from their business trip. If they don’t see me at home, they’ll be worried. I’ll visit here again when I’m free,” Eleanor explained.
“All right. I’ll be waiting for you. Have a safe trip.”
Once they entered separate cars, Eleanor patted Amelia Winters’ hand and smiled. “Lia, I can feel at ease now after knowing that your mother-in-law treats you well. As long as you’re doing well, I’ll feel extremely gratified.”
The latter nodded with a smile. “Mrs. Hutton, rest assured that I’ll live a blissful life. I’ll show you around the tourist spots on your next visit. I’m so sorry for neglecting you and Amelia; too many things happened in the last few days.”
“I came here specifically to visit you. If I were here to travel, I would’ve planned everything out, but that isn’t the purpose of my trip. I’m contented with seeing you, so don’t beat yourself up.”
“Mrs. Hutton, I’ll wish you a safe flight in advance then. When you get to Saspiuburg, call me to let me know you’ve arrived so that I wouldn’t worry.”
“Okay.”
The couple only headed home after the Huttons boarded the plane. By the time they arrived home, it was already half-past three. Fortunately, they could sleep in the next day since it was Sunday.
After taking a hot shower, Amelia and Oscar went to bed without saying anything since they were exhausted.
While they were sleeping soundly, the Huttons headed straight home after their flight landed.
When they entered the house and saw it was brightly lit, they exchanged glances. “Did someone break into our home, Mom?” Amelia Hutton asked worriedly.
“Would a burglar be as bold as to switch on so many lights in someone else’s house?” Eleanor gave her a sidelong glance.
At that, Amelia Hutton pursed her lips. Her mother seemed to be calling her a fool for asking such a question.
Feeling a little enraged, she dragged the suitcase at a quicker pace and entered the house before Eleanor. Upon seeing the figures seated on the couch, she stiffened for a few seconds before saying timidly, “Dad, Sean, you’re home?”
Benjamin merely cast her a cool glance.
Eleanor stepped in and also saw the people on the couch. Her hand, which was gripping the suitcase, tightened. A flicker of panic crossed her mind, but she maintained a frosty countenance.
She usually pulled a long face when facing her husband. Even though she was terrified, she refused to appear intimidated and put on a tough front. That was her character.
“Didn’t you say you’d return tomorrow?” Eleanor pulled her suitcase along as she approached them. “Sean, are you exhausted after being on the business trip for so many days?” she inquired, looking at her son.
“I’m all right, Mom. Did you and Amelia go traveling?”
“I was bored, so I invited Amelia to accompany me,” Eleanor replied nonchalantly. “It’s late, so let’s talk tomorrow. I’m heading upstairs to rest now as I’m tired. Sean, you should get some rest as well. Work is important, but your health should be your utmost priority. I’ll cook something delicious for you tomorrow.”
After saying that, she grabbed her suitcase and was ready to go up the stairs when Benjamin thundered, “Stop right there! Shouldn’t you explain your absence to me? Where did you go?”
Eleanor came to a halt, turned around, and flashed him a false smile. “I believe I’m not your servant, so I should have the freedom to travel anywhere I please. I don’t want to argue with you late at night. Let me sleep now if you really care about me. We can discuss it after I wake up.”
Benjamin rose to his feet, eyes flashing as he glared at her.
The husband and wife were acting like enemies.
“Dad, Mom is exhausted from our trip. If you have anything to say, wait till she’s well-rested. It’s late anyway, so don’t argue.” Amelia Hutton stepped in to be the mediator.
Benjamin shot her a glare and commanded, “Shut up. I haven’t settled the score with you yet; I’ll reprimand you tomorrow.”
Amelia pouted as she felt like she was wronged.
Eleanor pulled her suitcase over to the couch and sat with her arms crossed before her chest. “Tell me all your dissatisfaction toward me. You don’t have to take it out on our child.”
Benjamin was so irate that his chest was heaving rapidly.
“Very well. You’ve become bold now after being away for a few days. I bet it’s all because of that Amelia Winters,” he said, sneering. “I can’t do anything to you, but I know you care about her. How about I have her foster family wreak havoc at her place? Let’s see if you can maintain your tough demeanor then.”
Eleanor stood up from the couch and glared at him. “What are you trying to do to Lia? I won’t let you off if you dare to hurt her, even if I have to risk my life!”
Benjamin was incensed to the point that his chest ached.
“Do something, Sean. What are you doing sitting there? Do you want them to fight each other?” Amelia Hutton yelled.
Sean got up from the couch and said, “Calm down, Dad. I’m sure you love mom. Communicate with her calmly. Nothing good will turn out if you keep fighting. Besides, it’s not what you want, so it isn’t necessary.”
Only then did Benjamin calm down.
“Mom, Dad adores you. He’s only reacting in such a way because he’s very concerned about you, and I hope you can be considerate of his feelings. Do you really want to destroy our whole family because of a daughter who has been missing for over twenty years? Even if you want to reunite with her, she might not share your sentiments. Please don’t make Dad upset again. He’s had a tough life for the past years.”
At long last, Eleanor recovered her repose.
“Amelia, Sean, go to bed. I’ll speak with your father. Don’t worry. I don’t want to quarrel with him either,” she said collectedly.
The pair of siblings exchanged gazes before replying simultaneously, “Okay, Mom, we’ll go upstairs now. You should talk things out with Dad.”
Afterward, they walked up the stairs together.
