The Huttons had always placed Sydney's health above everything else. After Julian spoke, no one pressed the matter further.
His reasoning was sound.
Florence felt reassured by his attentiveness. "You've thought it through."
Agatha released a quiet breath.
A simple visit was one thing. Attempting to take her granddaughter-in-law and great-granddaughter away was quite another.
She glanced at the time and smiled. "It's almost lunchtime. Stay and have a simple meal with us."
"Yes," Sydney said gently to Florence. "It's been a while since we've eaten together."
The words nearly brought Florence to tears. She turned her head to compose herself, then nodded quickly. "Good. Good."
The rest of the Hutton family agreed at once.
As everyone headed toward the dining room, Raymond and Julian lagged a few steps behind.
Raymond got straight to the point. "Alan never said that, did he?"
Julian was shameless. He would not loosen his hold on his sister for even a moment. He had been that way since childhood. It was no wonder Sydney once believed he disliked her.
Julian showed no hint of guilt. He merely smiled. "Then go ask Alan."
Raymond had no intention of doing that. Alan would take Julian's side anyway.
When Raymond fell silent, Julian's smile deepened. "You should thank me."
"Thank you for stealing my sister?"
Julian shot him a sidelong glance, pride barely concealed. "Thank me for giving you the chance to upgrade to uncle."
Raymond gave a cool laugh. "Couldn't find anyone else to brag to?"
He added without mercy, "You were the last person on earth to find out the baby is yours."
Julian raised a brow. "You knew too?"
So he truly had been the last to learn.
Raymond pressed the advantage. "Not just me. My whole family knew."
In truth, he had only learned on the drive over after overhearing Diana and Florence. Diana had warned him not to tell Julian first.
At last, he won a round.
…


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