chapter789

In the past few years, William's parents' health not what it used to be, so William and Mabel had moved back in to take care of things. Nathaniel, on the other hand, spent most of his time out on his own.

The moment Mabel heard the noise outside, she rushed out first, Nathaniel close behind her.

"Kylie, Cameron, you're finally home!" she called out, beaming.

Trailing behind them were several bodyguards, all carrying armloads of gifts. The pile was almost over the top, even more than what William and Mabel had brought to the Norwood family the day before.

Cameron glanced at the gifts, still thinking it wasn't enough. This was their first time coming back to formally reconnect with family, but he also didn't want to go overboard and make it awkward.

To be honest, the Robinsons didn't really need any of these things anyway.

"Mom and Dad have been waiting for you two forever," Mabel said, then reached for Lydia's hand. Lydia, your grandparents have missed you so much."

Elliot made a dramatic face. "Aunt Mabel, what about us? Don't Grandpa and Grandma want to see us too?"

Mabel laughed. "Of course they do. But Lydia gets to go first."

Blake and Elliot exchanged glances. Fair enough, their little sister should always be at the front of the line.

After the teasing, Mabel looked behind the group, a little surprised not to see Lucinda anywhere.

She asked, "Where's Lucinda? Didn't she come back with you?"

Kylie gave an embarrassed smile. "She's a bit shy. We didn't bring her this time, but we'll bring her to visit next time."

Mabel didn't ask any more. She used to be close to Lucinda, but something had changed during their last meeting. She just hoped Lucinda wouldn't end up letting her down.

"Lydia, welcome home." Mabel opened her arms and pulled Lydia into a warm, tight hug.

"Come on, Mom, Grandpa and Grandma are waiting. Do you want them to get all worked up?" Nathaniel grumbled from the side.

Mabel let out an exasperated sigh. She let Lydia go and turned to give Nathaniel a playful smack on the back of his head. "Watch it, kid. Mind your manners."

Nathaniel just grinned. "Seriously, their necks are so long from waiting, they look like giraffes."

"Nathaniel, come on!" Mabel could hardly believe how ridiculous her son was sometimes.

Everyone burst out laughing, even Lydia couldn't help giggling at her silly cousin. Nathaniel finally straightened up and politely gestured for everyone to come inside. The main hall looked like something out of a painting. The wooden doors and windows were carved with delicate patterns, and sunlight streamed through windows, sprinkling shadows across the stone floor.

The floor itself was made of smooth, worn bluestone, shining softly with age. In the center stood a sturdy old table, the kind you could imagine generations of family eating around, with a beautiful tea set arranged neatly on top.

Tall armchairs sat on either side, the wood grain rich and the carvings on the backrests almost lifelike. Ink paintings hung on the walls, lending the room an elegant, timeless feel.

Sitting in one ne of the grand chairs

was an old man with a full head of white hair, combed neatly back. He wore a deep navy suit, embroidered with silver lies that seemed to shimmer when he moved. Every line on his face looked etched by time, but his eyes were bright and sharp, as if he'd seen a thousand stories.

Beside him, the old lady was just as striking. Her hair was gathered into a graceful bun, pinned with a simple hairpin. She wore a deep red jacket with flowers embroidered on it, looking regal and warm. Time had left its mark on her face, but her gentle smile was like a breeze in spring, kind and reassuring.

William, looking sharp in a black suit, sat nearby. As soon as the group walked in,

Mr. Robinson gave a little huff and fixed Kylie with a look, half teasing, half stern.

"So you finally remembered to bring your whole pack home, huh? Thought you'd forgotten all about us."