SWNOVELS Chapter 2223
Granny Owens cast a warm glance toward Rose and thanked her with genuine affection.
Rose responded with a smile, insisting it was the least she could do.
But beneath her lowered eyelids hid a disdain Granny Owens couldn't possibly detect.
Rose had a strong aversion to such elderly folks.
Whenever she looked at them, her thoughts would inadvertently shift to Natalie.
For a long while, Rose had harbored gratitude towards Natalie for taking in both her and her mother. But then, an epiphany struck her.d2
Had Natalie not meddled in Ayden and Betsy's relationship, perhaps their story wouldn't have ended in such a tragic mess.
Her life, and her mother's, wouldn't have spiraled into the chaos that ensued.
Gradually, her gratitude waned, and Natalie became an object of scorn and loathing for Rose.
To keep Baillie from making a fuss over it, Granny Owens had refrained from telling him that her discharge from the hospital was today.
So, the driver was the one waiting downstairs to pick up Granny Owens.
Paige and Rosalynn were both concerned about Granny Owens returning to live alone, so they decided to temporarily take her to Moonlit Lake.
Upon hearing of Granny Owens's illness, Kate had repeatedly insisted that this year, for the holiday season, Baillie and Paige should bring the old lady over to Norhaven to celebrate.
Back at Moonlit Lake, after Paige had settled Granny Owens in, she sought out Rosalynn at the cabin.
"You're always here lately," Paige said, crossing her legs and sitting opposite Rosalynn. "Is Wayne really coming back at the end of the month?"
"Next Monday," Rosalynn replied.
Paige was astounded. "Really? That's settled?"
"Let's talk about this after next Monday," Rosalynn said, playfully tapping Paige's nose.
Paige shook her head slightly. "Honey, to be honest, I feel like you've been acting really peculiar lately."
"What's so peculiar?" Rosalynn inquired.
Paige pursed her lips. "Like with Ms. Albinia."
Rosalynn nodded, encouraging her to go on.
"Do you remember how hard it was for Lola to start working for you? Nine of the QS top ten interviewees, each with an impressive resume, with experiences. I've seen Ms. Albinia's resume - it's a miracle she graduated. Her grades skated just above failure, and her internship experience is laughable. The only noteworthy job experience she has is as an assistant to Penn."
Paige bit her lip. "I don't think you took her in for Ayden's sake. Does Ms. Albinia have some hidden identity? Like, is she your dad's secret daughter or something?" Rosalynn couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"This time, sweetheart, you're off the mark. I did indeed make an exception for Rose because of Ayden and Betsy," Rosalynn confessed with downcast eyes. "I hope she won't end up like her mother. I want her to step into the light and be free."
Paige had heard rumors about Rose's mother's rebellious antics after Betsy passed away: teenage romances, having a child at a tender age, and succumbing to alcohol at an age when most were still in college.
"You're such a good soul," Paige said as she wrapped Rosalynn in a hug. "I believe with your help, she won't follow in her mother's footsteps!"
Rosalynn gently stroked Paige's back. "I hope so."
After finding the answers that puzzled her, Paige swiftly changed the subject. "Since Wayne's coming back, why don't we all head to Norhaven for the holidays? The festive spirit is so much richer there. Cory and Ivy could play with Scott and Cain, it would be a load of fun!"