Chapter 173

A few garden lights glowed faintly in front of the villa. Under the dim light, Xavier called up to Julia from below. She felt a slight stir in her heart as she watched his earnest expression. She knew he had been dropping by these past few days, bringing her little treats—pastries, snacks, and fruit. But tonight... Downstairs, Elaine received a call from the guard, quickly threw on a coat, and hurried down to open the door. "Xav, what brings you here so late? Is everything okay?" "Grandma, I brought Mommy some late-night snacks. These cupcakes are really good!' That was when Xavier lifted the takeout bag with the cupcakes. Elaine's throat tightened, and a sharp ache pierced her heart, bringing her to the verge of tears. "Sweetheart, it's so late..." She couldn't bring herself to scold him. Instead, she ushered him inside, ready to let him stay the night. "Xav, you're still young and growing. You need to go to bed early. Grandma will take good care of your mommy." Xavier let El