Chapter 16 Michael felt like he was losing his mind . Just because of this young lady's words, is Grandpa ready to change the heir to Rhodes Group! This is beyond absurd. Michael wanted to say something more. But when he looked up, he saw a pure smile on Tristan's face he'd never seen before. In Michael's memory, Tristan rarely smiled. Losing his father before birth, his mother in childhood, his wife in middle age, and then ins son. Tristan's life seemed a series of farewells to loved ones . Nothing in this world had ever brought Tristan even a moment of true happiness. "Accepting this "great-grandmother," perhaps it isn't such a bad thing after all, he thought. Michael pressed his lips together, then spoke, the words feeling awkward. "Great-grandmother." Chloe smiled warmly. "Good boy. Tris needs rest now. Show me to my room. Tristan had just awakened, and his emotions had gone through ups and downs. He was exhausted. After taking the medicine, he fell asleep. Michael led her to the guest room. Chloe said softly. To my own room." Michael paused for a little. Then he led her to the second floor . to the largest master suite. It had remained empty for decades. Though the furnishings had been replaced over the years, they were still in the style of seventy years prior. to return. Maids cleaned it every day, and the windows were bright and spotless, as if waiting for the owner to Chloe walked in. Her fingers trailed over the dresser surface, brushing a simple black hair clip-her hair clip from long ago. Beside the mirror stood a framed photograph, slightly yellowed with age: her wedding portrait, a young couple full of promise. Chloe entered the walk-in closet. One side held the elegant gowns and jewels she wore for parties; the other, the practical work clothes she favored for the research institute. Everything in her room was preserved. It felt as if she'd never left. Chloe pushed open the study next door . Time seemed suspended there. Opening a dusty old book released a cloud; inside, pages held her faded handwritten notes. "Michael," Chloe said, 'I'll give you a book list tomorrow morning. Have them bought as soon as possible." Michael nodded, his expression deeply conflicted. He had doubted her identity before, but watching her stand here-how she fit right into this place, He could almost imagine the scene of her sitting here, bent over a desk working, like she used to. "Could she truly be any great- grandmother?" he mused. Dominic arranged for someone to send Chloe clean clothes and various daily necessities- "I need to rest now, Chloe said , starting to close the door. She paused. "Wait , where is Callum? Doesn't he come home at night?" She had five great - grandsons. Michael, the eldest, managed Rhodes Group and family affairs. The second and third were pursuing their careers. The fourth was at university , Callum, the youngest , was still in high school-he should be home. I "Callum's in his senior year, Michael explained. "To avoid disrupting his studies, I bought him an apartment near the school. He stays there during the week and comes home on weekends." Chloe chuckled. "Disrupting his studies?" She shook her head slightly and closed the door. Letting go of all thoughts, Chloe sprawled out on her bed and fell asleep the moment her head touched the pillow. The night was filled with chaotic dirams, all forgotten upon waking. After washing up, she opened the door. A figure stumbled in, catching himself. She couldn't help but laugh. "Tris What are you doing outside my door?" Tristan rubbed his head sheepishly. "T-I thought yesterday was a dream. I was afraid to open the door and hnd nothing." P P. Chapter 16 "It's not a dream. Tris. I'm right here . Chloe helped him up and handed him his cane. "I took the day off school. I'm spending it all with you Tristan looked down at her hand holding his. He sighed. "Back when I was little, I needed you to hold my hand. But now? I still need you to hold it. My body really lets me down." "Nonsense." Chloe chided gently. "Knowing your health needs care, focus on getting better. Aim for a hundred. They walked downstairs together. Dominic stood downstairs with his head bowed respectfully. "Mr. Rhodes, Miss Lancaster, good morning." Tristan's voice held its usual authority. "From now on , you must treat Miss Lancaster the same as you treat me. Dominic had noticed the intimacy between the two the day before. He racked his brain but couldn't figure out what relationship Tristan could have with this young Chloe. "Mistress?' The thought had flickered and died instantly. He'd served Tristan for over forty years-forty years of unwavering singleton and zero interest in any woman. Perhaps, adopting her as a granddaughter?' Tristan's next words struck Dominic like a physical blow. "Let me be clear: if Miss Lancaster's command ever contradicts mine, her command takes precedence, Dominic's mind buzzed, certain he'd misheard. He looked up to see Tristan himself pulling out a chair for Chloe. She sat down with natural ease , showing no trace of being overwhelmed. Then, Tristan poured her a glass of milk. Michael walked out of the study and joined them at the table. He spread jam on a piece of toast and offered it to Chloe. "Thank you. Michael," she said, accepting it . Dominic silently bowed his head. He mused. Some things are beyond my understanding. Forget it. I'd better do my duty well, and that's enough." They were midway through breakfast when the sound of a car engine roared outside. Dominic looked towards the entrance. "It's Callum," he said, moving to greet him. Callum spent yesterday sulking after his public rejection. He'd drowned his sorrows in an all-night gaming session with friends at an internet cafe. Not until he turned on his phone in the morning did he realize Michael had sent him a message, saying that Tristan had awoken. Skipping school, he'd driven straight to Octmond Villa. "Grandpat I'm back!" Callum burst into the grand hall, ready to rush to Tristan's side . His momentum halted abruptly as his gaze swept the table. His eyes locked onto Chloe. A disbelieving, angry laugh escaped him . "What the hell, Chloe? I pour my heart out, you humiliate me in front of everyone, and now you show up here? At my house? What's your game?" Callum put his hands on the table , leaning forward in an aggressive posture. 'How does she even know where I live? Has she been stalking me! If she's this obsessed , why reject me? Changed her mind already ?' he thought . Callum amirked. "Regretting it? It's not too late, you know " Callum's words hung in the air. Thwack! Tristan's palm cracked hard against the back of Callum's head with surprising force . Before Callum could react, Tristan hauled him bodily away from the table. "Dominic Clear the room!" "Tristan barked. Maids scurried out, heads bowed. Callum clutched his head , confused "Grandpa, what was that for?" "You little brat!" Tristan was furious . He'd always been proud of Michael, but Michael wasn't smart enough. He'd even considered bragging to Chloe about Callum's potential. But as soon as Callum came in, he started talking nonsense, which was simply outrageous. "This is your great-grandmother. Show your Callum blinked, sure his ears were playing tricks. He turned, confusion warring with disbelief, "What, great-grandmother? What are you ulking about?" P P -