Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 57

Not mistaken?

Bella reflexively stood up as well. If he wasn't mistaken, then how could Lillian possibly be going into Professor Avery's private room?

“Could Lillian be working here as a waitress?” Colin wondered aloud. “I thought she was moving up quickly at Litech NaLabs. Is she that desperate for money?”

Even seeing Lillian walk into that room, none of them could connect her to Professor Avery. Their minds leaped to the conclusion that she must be working there out of financial desperation.

“Mr. Cole seemed to be heading in that direction too,” Brandon added. “Does he really value her that much? To bring her along to such an important business dinner?”

Sebastian's face darkened, though he kept his composure. Since her release, Lillian had avoided coming home, instead frequently appearing with Nathan at various events. Sebastian didn't know the extent of Nathan's regard for her, but he knew that this kind of attention would only make her more reluctant to return. He had assumed her rebellion was a phase, and that she would eventually come home, have a second child, and save their son. Was she now so determined that she was willing to abandon her son entirely?

“My former classmate said Professor Avery canceled all his engagements tonight for a private family dinner,” Bella mused. “Why would he invite Mr. Cole? Could there be some kind of family connection between them?”

“That's impossible,” Brandon countered. “When we were considering a partnership, we did a background check on Mr. Cole. He's from a poor family. He got where he is today because of his exceptional talent and because he was discovered by the industry legend, Li.”

“He didn't even show up at the lecture, but he's here for dinner,” Bella noted with a touch of cynicism. “That’s a tactic we could learn from.”

The arrival of their food interrupted the conversation.

Meanwhile, the door to the other private room opened. As they walked, Leonard repeated to Lillian, “Just focus on eating. My uncle can be a bit talkative. We'll leave as soon as we're done.”

“Is that really okay?” Lillian asked.

“Why wouldn't it be?”

As they spoke, they stepped into the room. Lillian had expected a simple family get-together, a meal she was crashing with Leonard. She hadn't anticipated the sound of lively conversation, which included two voices that were faintly familiar. Her feet felt as if they were rooted to the spot.

Her mind raced, wondering if she could turn around and leave without being noticed, but just then, the screen partition by the door was moved aside. Lillian’s gaze fell directly on the people sitting at a tea table not far from the main dining table. Her breath caught in her throat.

At the tea table, Nathan, who was in the middle of pouring tea, froze. He looked over at her, stunned. “I thought you said you weren't coming?” he blurted out.

Seeing her teacher’s temper flare up—it had only gotten worse over the years—Lillian worried the old man might actually make himself sick. She quickly rushed over to soothe him.

“Sir, it’s all my fault. Please, don’t upset yourself. Besides, I’m back now, aren't I? I know I was wrong. Look at the mess I’ve become. I beg you, for the sake of still being your student, please forgive me this one time.”

As she spoke, she offered him a freshly poured cup of tea. The old man took the cup, his anger softening into a sigh. “After all these years, to have put yourself through this... The one you should be asking for forgiveness from is yourself, not me.”

Lillian hadn't been prepared for this reunion and found herself at a loss for words. She simply bowed her head, ready for the scolding she deserved. Mr. Avery had never seen his proudest student bow her head to anyone before. His heart softened.

“Alright, what matters is that you’re back. You’re willing to come back. Look how thin you are. When my wife gets back in a few days, you'll come stay with us. I’ll have her make all your favorite dishes and fatten you up.”

At that, Nathan’s eyes lit up. “Professor, me too! Have her fatten me up too. Look at me, running a company all day, worried sick. I’ve lost several pounds myself.”

Mr. Avery didn’t even bother to look up, just shot him a sidelong glance. “You have the nerve to mention that? I asked you to write a piece of code for me. Have you forgotten you started out as a programmer? Not a single one of you brings me any peace of mind.”

It was Leonard, who had been standing aside, who suddenly remembered. Years ago, it was because of a passing mention from his uncle, Thomas Avery, that he had decided to invest in Litech NaLabs.