Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 133

When the plane landed, someone was there to pick them up in Midvale.

Her grandparents' old house had always been maintained by dedicated staff. Eleanor Lancaster was an only child, but the Lancaster family clan was tight-knit and reliable.

The wealthy families in Midvale seemed different from those in Northwyn—more down-to-earth, more approachable.

The old house was entrusted to the care of the extended family, with funds set aside to employ long-time staff at their regular salaries. So even though Lillian and her generation rarely visited, the house continued to operate as usual.

The person who picked them up was the son of the old housekeeper.

Lillian recognized him; they had even played together as children.

Now, the boy she remembered was a middle-aged man with a potbelly.

It was clear the housekeeper's son had done well for himself, but when he saw Lillian, he was as warm as ever.

"Lillian, my girl, you're as beautiful as ever! Hey, you cut your hair? The old madam loved your long hair. But short hair is sharp; it makes your pretty face look even more delicate."

Lillian smiled, genuinely happy. "Stephen, you've changed quite a bit yourself."

Stephen Clarke patted his stomach. "My six-pack has consolidated into a keg. And this must be Mr. Brandon Mercer?"

Seeing Lillian's easy rapport with the man, Brandon extended his hand. "Hello."

"Let's chat in the car," Lillian suggested.

Stephen held the door open, and Brandon got in first. Lillian opened the front passenger door for herself and slid in.

With a smile, Stephen got in, started the car, and headed toward the old Lancaster estate.

Along the way, they chatted about all sorts of interesting things.

Of course, it was mostly Lillian and Stephen talking.

After listening for a while, Brandon gathered that Stephen was only distantly related to the Lancasters. His parents were the housekeepers at the estate, and he had used some of the family's connections to start a small business.

He was surprised. How could Lillian be so friendly with the housekeeper's son?

Just because they played together as kids?

Brandon couldn't understand this strange dynamic. It was something you'd never see among the elite in Northwyn.

Perhaps, he mused, the housekeepers in Northwyn were more professional. They wouldn't bring their children to their employer's home, and they certainly wouldn't leverage that relationship for their own business ventures.

Unable to comprehend it but wary of angering Lillian, Brandon remained silent.

When they arrived at the Lancaster estate, the house was ablaze with lights.

Lillian had called ahead to let them know she was coming.

Knowing she was arriving straight from work, the housekeeper had arranged a dinner featuring Midvale's local specialties, many of which had been Lillian's childhood favorites.

As she stepped inside, the elderly housekeeper couple and two other live-in caretakers came out to greet her.

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