“Bianca, if you don't let go, your uncle's backside is going to be seeing the sun.”
As they struggled, Vivienne appeared outside Obsidian Estate, leading a small yellow turtle dressed in a frilly skirt. A blushing Marissa followed behind her, not knowing where to look.
Benedict was rendered speechless.
Bianca immediately let go and bounced over to them. “So? Did you say goodbye to Grandpa? Can we go now?”
“Yes. I said goodbye.”
Caspian had intended to see her off, but just before she left, Cedric whispered something in his ear, and the old man changed his mind.
Vivienne didn't mind. She had already said a proper goodbye to her grandfather the night before and had even had breakfast with him that morning. The old man had promised to personally come to Alderwick to bring her home in two months.
Bianca pointed at Benedict. “Uncle, hurry up and help Vivienne with her luggage.” Before Benedict could react, she pulled Vivienne into one of the SUVs. “This car is more spacious. We'll sit in here.”
“Hey!” Benedict turned to Talia. “Did Greenie take the wrong medicine today?”
Talia was also surprised but was more annoyed by Benedict's nickname. “What are you standing around for? Your niece told you to move the luggage.”
Marissa would never dare to trouble Benedict with such a task and quickly waved her hands. “Mr. Benedict, I can get it.”
Benedict picked up a suitcase and tossed it to a nearby bodyguard. “No need for you to do it. Get in the car.”
Tessa and Marissa were about to get in when Bianca stuck her head out. “No, Vivienne and I have things to talk about. You two sit in the car behind us. Little Uncle, you drive!”
“Hey!” Benedict raised a hand to flick her on the forehead, but Bianca quickly ducked back inside.
Tessa and Marissa both looked at Talia, who had a complicated expression. Bianca had suffered quite a bit at Vivienne's hands before, and Talia’s original intention was to keep them from getting too close. But with so many people watching, she didn't want to embarrass her daughter, so she nodded in agreement.
Talia froze, stunned. Bianca waved at her with a smile. By the time Talia snapped out of it, the car was already far away.
***
As the car wound its way up the mountain road, Benedict’s eyes were a little misty. He gave Bianca a thumbs-up in the rearview mirror.
Sometimes, a child grows up in an instant.
Vivienne glanced at Bianca, her expression neutral as she played with her small turtle's belly.
Determined to get on good terms with Vivienne, Bianca offered her bag of snacks. “So, for the next few…”
“For the next few hours, I’m going to sleep. Don't bother me.” Vivienne pulled a blanket over herself, closed her eyes, and covered up.

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