When Her "Death" Couldn't Break Him Novel

Chapter 674 Meeting Elena

After dinner that evening, Norman called Cecilia. He informed her that the court session would be starting in a few days and asked if she was prepared.

The necessary evidence had been prepared long ago. What Norman was truly concerned about was whether Cecilia was mentally prepared. After all, she was about to face her own mother and brother in court.

“Yes, I’m ready,” declared Cecilia with an exceptional resolve.

Regardless of whether Paula was ill or not, she was determined to reclaim the Smith family’s assets that were rightfully hers.

Coincidentally, the court case was scheduled after the All Souls‘ Day. Cecilia and Nathaniel had to return to the Rainsworth Manor for the memorial.

The next day, after Jonathan returned, Cecilia, along with the two brothers and Nathaniel, first visited the cemetery in the western suburbs to pay their respects to Regas and Martha. Only afterward did they head to the Rainsworth Manor.

On the way, Elliot excitedly talked to Jonathan about the live streaming, while Jonathan listened with little interest, offering only brief, indifferent replies.

Meanwhile, at Rainsworth Manor, Elena, upon hearing that her eldest grandson would be arriving that day, eagerly prepared a pile of gifts in anticipation. She had known Jonathan for quite some time and had gone to great lengths in the past just to see him. When she finally learned that Jonathan was indeed her grandson, her joy was beyond words.

Cassandra stood beside Elena, watching the old woman’s face light up with excitement. A pang of jealousy twisted in her chest. “Mom, should we head back to the living room and wait? It’s cold out here,” she suggested, her voice laced with frustration.

Pregnant and already worn down by Paula’s constant demands, the last thing she wanted was to stand outside, waiting to welcome Cecilia and her child. The thought of it only added to her growing exhaustion and exasperation.

“I’m not cold. You’re pregnant. Go back there and rest,” said Elena indifferently.

Cassandra couldn’t possibly leave Elena alone. She had to maintain her facade as a good daughter–in–law in front of Elena so that her marriage with Nicholas could proceed more swiftly.

“No worries, I’ll wait with you,” she offered.

Elena merely hummed in response, too focused on the arrival of the two children to say more. Her anticipation was palpable. At last, Nathaniel’s car pulled up, and as it came to a stop, Cecilia, along with the two children and Nathaniel, stepped out one by one.

“Jon, Eli, come here to Grandma,” she called out.

Hearing that, both children froze in place.

Elena’s expression momentarily stiffened.

Cassandra, seizing the opportunity to criticize Cecilia, said, “Cecilia, why haven’t you told the kids about their grandma? Mom and I had been waiting here since forever to welcome the two kids.”

She swiftly shifted the blame to Cecilia, implying that she had failed to properly educate her children, who were being disrespectful toward their grandmother.

At first glance, Jonathan instantly saw through the woman before him, sensing she was trouble. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and greeted Elena, “Grandma Elena.”

Elliot, always the charming one, followed suit, sweetly echoing, “Grandma Elena.”

Elena, who had wanted to give Cecilia a piece of her mind, was overjoyed to hear the kids call her “Grandma.” Her displeasure evaporated instantly, and she bent down, her face filled with a warm and amicable smile.

“My darlings! I finally heard you call me ‘Grandma.” Cassandra’s face fell instantly. She shot Cecilia a cold glare.

Cecilia wore a hostile look, too.

Elena was oblivious to the tension between her two daughters–in–law, for her attention was wholly focused on her two grandsons. Without delay, she led them into the house.

“I built a massive playground for you guys even before you were born, complete with a skating rink and a ski resort. Jon, you like reading, don’t you? I also prepared a library for you,” Elena eagerly shared.

She couldn’t wait to show her two grandsons everything she prepared for them.

Cecilia, trailing behind, was touched by Elena’s gestur

Elena really wanted grandchildren and genuinely loved the two kids.