Chapter 2162
Wayne, growing up in the shadow of Natalie, was a child raised under the watchful eye of Brisa, the beloved family housekeeper.
Mention Wayne, and Brisa's face would soften with a warm, maternal glow. "Now look at him, all married with a baby of his own... Eh? The young master didn't come? Then who's this gentleman?" "Ma'am," Felix replied, easing back on his imposing demeanor to offer a friendly smile to Brisa, "I'm Mr. Silverman's bodyguard, hired to keep him and Mrs. Silverman safe while he's hard at work." Brisa gave a nod of understanding. She studied Felix for a moment before reminiscing, "Ayden used to have a bodyguard just as tall and strong as you. I wonder where he's gone off to, if he's even still around."
Sighing deeply, Brisa's expression turned sorrowful. "I tried to tell Lady Natalie not to push away the people who were loyal to Ayden. But she always thought that as the heir to the Silverman Group and the Stein family businesses, Ayden needed to be tougher than anyone else, devoid of attachments."
Turning to Rosalynn, Brisa continued, "She even believed Ayden shouldn't depend on his mother. It was so cruel, and I understand all too well why he chose the path he did."d2
"Great-grandmother, the doctor said you need to stay calm, please don't upset yourself," the young man gently soothed her.
"I've sinned in my silence, never daring to speak the truth to Lady Natalie!" Brisa's eyes filled with tears. "I know my time is near, and today I came to say all the things I never could. To tell her she was wrong, so very wrong!"
Her passionate words left her breathless. Rosalynn quickly suggested they go to the hospital, but Brisa waved the idea away, silently but resolutely heading towards Natalie's tombstone.
Felix, holding an umbrella, watched the small, stooped figure move away. "The last update we got was that the old lady was losing her marbles, but she seems quite lucid now, doesn't she?" Rosalynn didn't reply, watching Brisa reach the grave.
Brisa pulled a handkerchief from her pocket, cleaning the beads of moisture from the stone, murmuring words lost to the wind before resting her forehead against the cold marble and crying. Rosalynn stood still, and Felix, like a solid wall, remained respectfully behind.
After a moment, the young man helped his great-grandmother to her feet; Brisa could barely stand.
"Help them," Rosalynn signaled to Felix.
Felix nodded, handing Rosalynn the umbrella before rushing to assist Brisa.
"I'll carry the lady," Felix offered, crouching down.
The young man hesitated, then gratefully said, "Thank you, sir," allowing Felix to lift Brisa into his arms.Original from NôvelDrama.Org.
"We should still consider the hospital," Rosalynn voiced her concern.
"No, I'm just hungry. I've been craving Sam's Diner for years," Brisa whispered softly. "I remember sneaking out to eat there when I worked for Lady Natalie. Their signature fish chowder was divine!" Rosalynn looked to the young man for guidance. He nodded solemnly.
Brisa's mind had become cloudy last winter, but that morning, she had awoken clear-headed, wishing to pay respects to her former mistress. The family knew it was a sign of a last rally before the end. But the drive to Natalie's resting place was long, and the adults feared Brisa wouldn't make it. Only her great-grandson, not wanting her to have any regrets, defied the family's wishes and took her out. Soon, they arrived at the now-grand establishment of Sam's Diner, which had grown into an impressive restaurant while keeping its original storefront, a token of nostalgia for its loyal patrons. Brisa didn't recognize the grandeur of the new place, only the old sign she knew so well.
Trembling, she walked in, choosing a table by the wooden framed windows.
As they waited for the meal, Brisa's gaze lingered outside, as if expecting someone to join them.