Chapter 498

"Sure." Evelyn's eyes curved into crescents.

She picked up the dessert box on the table. "Would you like to try some mung bean cake first? Let me get you a piece."

Before the elderly woman could respond, Ethan's phone rang abruptly.

A frantic voice came through the line. His expression darkened instantly. "Understood. Keep things steady. I'll be right there..."

Hanging up, he gave Evelyn an apologetic look. "An emergency at the company. I have to leave."

Turning to the elderly couple, he said, "Grandfather, Grandmother, let me take you home first. We'll go out together another day?"

"Of course. But Evelyn's parents—" They hadn't met them yet.

Evelyn quickly interjected, "It's fine. There will be plenty of opportunities later."

By the time Victoria and William approached the teahouse, Ethan's car had already driven off.

"Who were those two?" Victoria asked curiously.

"Ethan's grandparents. We met at the book signing," Evelyn replied casually.

Victoria nodded. "What a coincidence. Tired from walking? Ready to head home?"

"Let's stay out a little longer." Evelyn linked arms with her mother playfully.

Victoria chuckled indulgently. "Alright, let's keep exploring."

......

Inside the car, Ethan gripped the steering wheel with one hand while dialing his assistant with the other. "Proceed as planned. I'll be there in thirty minutes."

George asked with concern, "Is it urgent? We can take a taxi back."

"No need. Everything's arranged."

After a brief hesitation, he continued, "Grandfather, what are your plans for this trip? I know several ophthalmologists who could examine Grandmother."

George nodded. "You handle it."

"And..." Ethan chose his words carefully, "Mother has been thinking of you both. Knowing about Grandmother's eyes, she reached out to specialists abroad. Perhaps... we could all have dinner together?"

The atmosphere in the car turned icy.

Eleanor refused outright. "I'm not feeling well. I won't be receiving guests."

The word "guests" stung Ethan's ears.

The old woman's stance was clear, so he didn't press further.

After a moment of silence, he changed the subject. "The ten-year lease for Yi Garden is about to expire. Should we renew it?"

George gazed at the passing scenery outside the window, his clouded eyes flickering with nostalgia. "Yes. Another ten years."

If Isabella ever returned, at least the house would still feel like home.