Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 36

Martin returned from the study a changed man.

“Sabrina, could you please supervise the kitchen this evening? Have them prepare a few extra dishes, the ones Lillian likes. You know her favorites, don't you?”

As Martin spoke, an irrepressible excitement shone on his face.

Sabrina paused for a moment, then quickly slipped back into her role as the tolerant, understanding, and gentle partner.

She immediately put on a smile. “Is Lillian coming home for dinner tonight? Oh, that’s wonderful! She’s finally come around and is willing to reunite with her family. Of course, Martin, don’t you worry. I’ll personally go to the kitchen and cook a few of my specialties.”

Martin pulled Sabrina into an embrace. “Sabrina, you are truly my better half. I don’t know what I’d do without you. These past two years, I’ve been so lucky to have you by my side.”

As Martin expressed his gratitude, Sabrina nestled softly into his arms. “If it weren’t for your care all these years, Bella and I might have starved or frozen to death with no one to know.

Martin, I’m the one who should be thanking you. You’ve given me a second chance at life.”

Her gentle, adoring words made Martin feel as if he were walking on clouds. He felt immensely powerful, as if he were the most capable man in the world. A surge of confidence washed over him.

Sabrina seized the opportunity to ask, “Lillian has been so angry with the family. Why the sudden willingness to come home today?”

Martin replied, “Lillian was spoiled by her brothers and me growing up, so she has quite a temper. She hasn't actually agreed to come home yet, but there’s a matter that makes her return necessary.

Remember that blue hospital room we passed this morning? The one where Mr. Montrose from Sevria Bay is staying? We couldn't even get through the door, but somehow, Lillian paid him a visit today.

She has a connection like that, so how can she not use it for the family’s benefit? That's why I told Brandon to use any means necessary to politely invite her back.”

Sabrina was shocked. “You’re saying Lillian knows the old gentleman in that special room? How does she know him?”

“I have no idea,” Martin said. “That child never tells me anything. In any case, since she knows him, the Mercer family must capitalize on this connection.”

Sabrina hadn't expected Lillian to be so capable. If she was this useful to the Mercer family, wouldn’t that threaten her own daughter’s position? Sebastian already needed Lillian for a second child, and her daughter might lose her grip on him. Even if she couldn’t secure Sebastian, holding onto the Mercer family was still a good fallback. But now, with the Mercer family...

Sabrina’s smile deepened. “Martin, I don’t think that approach will win Lillian over.”

“What do you mean?” Martin asked.

As Brandon pleaded with her, using every kind word he could muster, Lillian suddenly realized they wanted something from her. But it couldn't be about having a second child to save Noah. For that, they would only stand on their moral high ground and condemn her; they would never resort to this kind of approach.

Lillian couldn't figure out what they were up to.

“I can go home with you, but let me make a phone call first.”

“Of course, take your time. I’ll wait,” Brandon said, even taking a few steps back to give her privacy.

Lillian called Leonard. As her roommate, she felt she should let him know she wouldn’t be back for dinner.

When Leonard heard she was going back to the Mercer estate, his tone was laced with concern. “You dare to go back there?”

“They’ve set the stage and prepared a grand performance. I can’t miss it,” Lillian replied. “I’m also curious to see just how heartless they can be towards me.”

Leonard knew she wasn’t holding onto any false hope for the Mercers but was rather approaching it as a spectator. He relaxed.

“I’ll have bodyguards waiting outside the Mercer estate. You don’t have to hold back. You have every right to flip the table on them. Go for it!”