He Gave Me Hearing, Then Taught Me What Silence Really Means novel Chapter 218

Nelson let out a cold, cynical laugh, keeping his eyes shut as he lapsed back into silence.

Eleanor knew her grandson disliked Alistair, but she assumed Nelson was simply being overprotective of Juniper.

Back when they first left Oakley, she had genuinely believed Nelson was in love with the girl. But when confronted, he had simply scoffed, "That naive little brat is just someone to look after. Don't overthink it."

Eleanor had let the matter drop. If Nelson had actually claimed Juniper, the Saint family would have erupted into chaos, and Juniper's life would never know a day of peace.

Assuming he was just in a foul mood, Eleanor focused her attention back on Juniper. "What do you think, sweetheart? You told me last time that you're quite fond of Alistair."

Put on the spot, Juniper had no choice but to bite the bullet. "Alistair is a wonderful person. I'm willing to see where things go. If we're compatible..."

Acting as their enthusiastic matchmaker, Eleanor smiled brightly. "Wonderful, simply wonderful! Let's eat first. After lunch, Alistair and I will have a little private chat."

The group migrated to the dining room.

Alistair naturally took the seat beside Juniper. She had braced herself for Nelson to cause a scene, but he chose a chair further down the table, maintaining a brooding silence.

Throughout the meal, Nelson felt entirely out of place—like a stranger intruding on a family gathering.

Halfway through lunch, his phone rang. It was Lydia.

He lazily tapped the answer button. "What is it, Lydia?"

"Are you coming home soon, Nelson? Don't forget, today is your birthday."

At the stroke of midnight, she had already sent him a meticulously timed birthday message. Josie had forced herself to stay awake until twelve just to give him a hand-drawn picture of the three of them as a happy family.

Nelson had promised to take Josie out for dinner tonight, which naturally meant Lydia was coming along.

She had booked a table at an exclusive restaurant weeks in advance.

"I haven't forgotten. I'll be back at noon."

Anxious that something might ruin her plans, Lydia pressed, "Alright. Are you at the estate with Eleanor? How is she doing?"

After lunch, Eleanor led Alistair to the study to interrogate him about his background.

She needed absolute certainty before trusting him with Juniper's future.

With the two of them gone, the sprawling living room was left to Juniper, Nelson, and Reggie, the estate manager, who was quietly directing the kitchen staff.

Having zero desire to engage with Nelson, Juniper moved to a sofa near the window. To her dismay, Nelson followed and sat right across from her.

"How much longer can your father hold on?" he asked.

His tone dripped with casual indifference as he scrolled through his phone. "Did you see the message I sent you?"

Instead of answering, she pulled out her own phone, pretending to reply to a client.

Nelson leaned back. Noting her blatant attempt to distance herself, a cynical smirk touched his lips. "The address is still valid. But if you don't give me an answer by tonight, I'm washing my hands of your father's situation."

"Nelson, this isn't how Eleanor wants you to help me."