Female Novel
Chapter 2113
Old Mr. Jarvis sighed, the weight of the world seemingly on his shoulders, "I'm thinking of headingback to Crescent City tomorrow!"
Estelle looked up in surprise, "You're not waiting for Vivian?"
Old Mr. Jarvis shook his head, a hint of resignation in his voice, "It seems like Vivian won't be ableto make it back for a while."
Estelle was puzzled, "Isn't Vivian really fond of her daughter? Now that she knows her daughter'sbeen found, why isn't she rushing back?"
A painting exhibition, no matter how significant, surely couldn't trump the importance of one's owndaughter.
"You're out of the loop!" Old Mr. Jarvis set down his chess piece with a decisive clack and spokegravely, "Years back, Old Mr. Quintin thought he had a lead on Nana too. He'd urgently tell Vivianeach time, but every identification turned out wrong. So Vivian's lost faith in Old Mr. Quintin; sheprobably thinks it’s another one of his wild goose chases."novelbin
Estelle nodded in understanding, "That explains it!"
Gabriel chimed in from the side, his tone earnest, "This time it's different, Old Mr. Quintin truly seesEvelyn as his granddaughter!"
Estelle, her fingers idly playing with a chess piece, mused, "Maybe you and Gabriel should stay afew more days."
Gabriel gave Estelle a meaningful look, "You're worried about Evelyn, aren't you?"
"It's not that I don't trust the situation, but I feel more at ease with both of you around," Estelle saidwith a smile. "And with the holidays a month away, there's no hurry to leave."
Old Mr. Jarvis considered for a moment then nodded, "Then we'll stay a bit longer. It would beperfect if we could wait for Vivian's return."
"Sounds good," Estelle agreed.
Just as they finished their game, Evelyn and Old Mr. Quintin joined them. Evelyn's face was brightwith excitement, "Estelle, you're here!"
Estelle stood up, "How are you settling in?"
"I'm quite comfortable. Grandpa's study is full of paintings. I loved to paint when I was a kid, but myfoster parents said we couldn't afford art lessons." Evelyn's tone carried a hint of past regret.
Old Mr. Quintin reassured her, "Don't worry, dear. That's all in the past. From now on, I'll teach youmyself!"
Evelyn nodded vigorously, her eyes shining, "Thank you, Grandpa!"
Old Mr. Quintin laughed heartily, looking at Estelle, "Why don't you take Nana out for a bit? Showher around Jewel City. She can't stay cooped up here with an old man like me."
"I'd love to!" Estelle turned to Evelyn, "Any place you'd like to go?"
Evelyn replied, "I don't know J City well, so wherever you suggest!"
Old Mr. Quintin added, "Gab should go too. He can drive and keep an eye on you both."
Gabriel smirked, "Old Mr. Quintin, do you have some kind of misconception about my dear Estelle?"
Did she really need his protection?
Old Mr. Quintin winked at him, "Just go, will you? Can't I give you an order anymore?"
Evelyn whispered, "If Gabriel's busy, we shouldn't trouble him."
"No bother at all; I'll take you!" Gabriel chuckled, then announced, "You two wait here. I'll bring thecar around."
"Thanks, Gabriel!" Evelyn beamed a grateful smile.
As they were about to leave, Old Mr. Quintin pulled Estelle aside to instruct her, "Buy Nana someclothes and jewelry. I trust your taste. Just come to me for the expenses."
"Master," Estelle began, then hesitated.
Old Mr. Quintin raised his hand to stop her, "I know what you're about to say. No worries. I've takenquite a liking to the girl. She's adorable and lovable. Even if she turns out not to be my biologicalgranddaughter, I'd be proud to call her my honorary granddaughter."
Since Old Mr. Quintin had put it that way, Estelle didn't press the issue and nodded, "Understood."
"Don't rush back. Take her out, show her around. Look after her for me," Old Mr. Quintin saidaffectionately.
"Will do!"
Gabriel pulled up in the car, and Evelyn called out to Estelle, "Let's go!"
After bidding farewell to Old Mr. Jarvis and Old Mr. Quintin, Estelle joined Evelyn in the car and theydrove off into the bustling heart of J City.