The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 305

Slumped on the floor, Quinn's pitiful sobs died violently in her throat.

Warm tears still clung to her cheeks, but her chest was hollowed out by a crushing, acidic embarrassment.

Archie hadn't screamed at her or aggressively exposed her. He had simply dissected her motives with terrifying patience and kindness. To think that a ten-year-old child could catch her fragile, obsessive breakdown with such effortless grace... At that moment, she was drowned in a suffocating tide of guilt and sheer mortification.

Standing nearby, Garrison stared at his son's remarkably mature and gentle demeanor. The iron-clad tension that had gripped his chest for years finally began to loosen.

The permanent frost in his gaze fractured, giving way to a turbulent surge of hot, overwhelming emotion.

Archie... he had truly grown up. The spoiled, throwing-tantrums little boy from years ago had quietly evolved into someone incredibly wise, kind, poised, and fiercely just.

Garrison couldn't help but wonder—if Sloane were here right now, witnessing her son's brilliant mind and beautiful heart, would she finally smile?

*

The next morning broke crisp and clear for New Year's Day.

Garrison walked alone through the rear courtyard of the estate. His boots crunched over the residual frost on the flagstones as he headed toward Eleanor's private quarters.

It was the most tranquil corner of the Foster Estate. An ancient plum tree bloomed in the corner, its subtle, sweet fragrance cutting through the biting winter chill.

He pushed open the slightly ajar wooden door. His grandmother was already waiting for him in the main parlor. At eighty-six, Eleanor's hair was entirely white but pinned flawlessly at the back of her head. Dressed in a navy blue silk jacket, she sat rigidly straight, her hands wrapped around a polished cane. Her posture was impeccable, her eyes as sharp and lucid as ever.

Garrison stepped into the room and offered a deep, respectful nod of reverence, his posture reflecting absolute deference.

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