Pearlyn sighed and said, "Heinz, both your uncle and I appreciate your kindness. Without you, we really couldn't have survived all these years."
"You have sacrificed so much for us," she continued.
"Heinz, it's enough. You have sacrificed enough for us," Pearlyn added.
Heinz did not take credit for it and said calmly instead, "It's my duty to do so. There's no need to thank me. Please don't treat me like an outsider."
Pearlyn, who was very touched, looked at Heinz with eyes full of tears. Then, she got into the car and said, "Heinz, take care of yourself."
"You too," Heinz said as he stood by the car and looked at Pearlyn. Then, he nodded slightly at her and closed the car door.
"President, I will send Aunt Drake off," Lester said.
Heinz nodded and said, "Go and send her off personally. Make sure that the caregiver and bodyguard are taking good care of the two elders."
"Yes," Lester nodded and answered respectfully.
Then, Heinz pondered for a moment.
Lester, who was quick-witted, could see that Heinz still had something to say.
And so, he asked immediately, "Is there anything else you want me to do?" "Don't mention this matter to Grace for the time
being," Heinz said.
Lester answered promptly, "Yes, don't worry. I have a sense of propriety."
Heinz nodded and said, "Be careful on the way."
"Yes," Lester replied.
After that, Lester quickly got into the passenger seat and accompanied the arranged driver to send Pearlyn back.
Heinz watched the car drive out of the parking lot before walking toward Grace's direction.
His blinking eyes were filled with complicated emotions.
He took each step hesitantly.
Heinz wondered whether Grace would ask him about what had happened.
How should he reply if she asked him about it?
Finally, he arrived at his car.
Somebody opened the door from the inside. Then, Grace got out of the car and lifted her gaze to look at him.
Her eyes, which were dark and bright, gazed at him gently.
He pursed his thin lips and fixed his eyes on Grace without saying a word.
When Grace looked at him, her expression seemed to be more solemn than usual.
She said softly, "You are back."
Heinz's breathing became ragged out of a sudden.
Grace didn't blame him or inquired about what had happened. On the contrary, she only greeted him calmly which caused him to feel even more apologetic toward her.
Heinz nodded slightly and hummed in reply. His voice was a little choked. He widened his eyes to look at Grace, then, glanced elsewhere for a moment before looking at her again. His voice was even more hoarse when he asked, "Have you waited anxiously?"
"No," Grace replied while shaking her head.
"I'm sorry," he apologized while stepping forward and lowered his head to look at Grace. However, he was unable to look directly into her bright and gentle eyes.
"Why do you apologize?" Grace smiled and asked, "Is that lady your relative?"
Heinz was caught off guard by her question. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded and replied, "Yes, a special relative."
"Special relative?" Grace was startled for a moment. Then, she asked out of curiosity, "What do you mean by that?"
"She is the mother of my old friend," Heinz answered. "I address her as 'Mom'. She is my responsibility, and I need to ensure she is taken care of till her death."
Grace was astonished to hear what Heinz had said.
Looking after the old woman all the way until she died?
They must have a very close relationship. There was no other possible explanation.
"An old friend?" Grace looked at him and asked, "Did she lose her child?"
"Yes," Heinz replied. He looked at Grace with narrowed eyes. However, although he was looking at her, his attention seemed to be elsewhere.
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