Chapter 310

Alexander held tightly onto Vivian’s hand as they walked side by side into the living room. “Grandpa,” he called softly. Vivian smiled, following his lead. “Hi, Grandpa.” Old Mr. Brooks lit up at their greeting. “Good, good.” He pulled out a thick red envelope from his coat pocket and handed it to Vivian. “Take this, my girl.” “Thank you, Grandpa.” Vivian accepted it with a smile, no hesitation at all. To her, this envelope wasn’t just money—it was a gesture, a blessing. Meanwhile, Stephen and Amelia sat nearby, visibly awkward. They were standing right there, and yet their son and daughter-in-law didn’t spare them even a glance. It stung—a lot. “Vivian, these are your father- and mother-in-law,” Old Mr. Brooks said, trying to ease the tension. “They didn’t go anywhere today, just waited here to see you and Alexander.” He wanted to close the gap between the two generations, but calling them Mom and Dad outright? That might trigger his grandson to storm out. Vivian’s smile faded a bit,