Chapter 165

“Grandpa Walter passed away.” The words hit Mr. Hawthorne like a cold slap. He froze for a moment before finally processing what he’d just heard. “What happened? Wasn’t Walter living back in the countryside, enjoying retirement?” Mr. Hawthorne’s brows were furrowed tight with frustration. Edward’s usual terse way of speaking made his blood pressure spike. “We’ll talk tomorrow. I need to stay with Emily for now,” Edward said, then promptly hung up. Mr. Hawthorne’s face shifted from pale to flushed in seconds, and a sharp ache throbbed in his chest. As he headed to the dining room, his head felt oddly heavy. “Dad, I had a quick chat with Lydia earlier. We thought the 15th of next month would be perfect—coincides with Susan’s birthday too. A double celebration!” Robert smiled as he spoke, watching his father sit down. Mr. Hawthorne gave him a sidelong glance. “We’re postponing the engagement.” Susan shot up from her chair. “But Dad! We already set the date! Why change it now?” Already in