Chapter 376
The following day dawned bright and Saturday. After Evelyn and the twins finished breakfast, she prepared to take them to visit their maternal grandfather.
Dominic had intended to join them, but an urgent call from Blackwood Enterprises demanded his immediate attention at headquarters. He promised to meet them for lunch later.
Though Dominic apologized profusely, Evelyn waved it off. Running a multinational corporation came with immense responsibilities that she understood completely.
Sometimes she pitied Dominic. While she enjoyed regular weekends as a salaried employee, he often worked around the clock during busy periods without proper rest.
Dominic arranged for Lawrence, his personal driver, to chauffeur Evelyn and the children to their destination.
Reginald Sinclair resided in an idyllic lakeside community in Nordlong district. Nestled between mountain ranges and the shimmering lake, the neighborhood offered fresh air and breathtaking views. Though removed from city bustle, it boasted comprehensive amenities including a medical center, rehabilitation facility, park, and upscale supermarket.
Dominic had chosen this location specifically - not only for its therapeutic environment ideal for elderly residents, but also for its convenience.
As Evelyn and the twins stepped from the luxury vehicle, they spotted a group of seniors practicing line dancing near the community entrance.
Her grandfather stood among them.
Reginald appeared in excellent spirits, chatting animatedly with his daughter Gwendolyn who walked beside him.
Gwendolyn's gaze caught Evelyn's approach from the corner of her eye.
Evelyn carried several gift bags while guiding two adorable children. Dressed casually with her hair in a simple ponytail and no makeup, her natural beauty still made her stand out in the crowd.
"Grandfather, Aunt Gwendolyn..."
Evelyn greeted them softly, observing her grandfather's vitality contrasting with her aunt's paler complexion.
Gwendolyn gently tugged Reginald's sleeve. "Father, Evelyn and the children have come to visit."
"My granddaughter's here? It's been too long! Let me see if you've lost weight..." Reginald beamed, waving enthusiastically at Evelyn, his eyes brimming with affection.
As Evelyn and the twins approached, her vision blurred seeing her grandfather's full head of silver hair. "Forgive me, Grandfather. Work has kept me away. I'll visit weekly from now on."
"Nonsense, child. I know you're busy making your own way in the world. A phone call would suffice when you can't visit."
His understanding only deepened Evelyn's guilt. She silently vowed to visit more frequently so he wouldn't feel lonely.
"Alexander, Isabella, come meet your Great-Grandfather and Great-Aunt Gwendolyn. Mind your manners."
The twins chorused perfectly: "Good morning, Great-Grandfather and Great-Aunt Gwendolyn. I'm Alexander/Isabella." They completed their greeting with adorable flying kisses.
"Marvelous children!" Reginald's face lit up instantly. Gwendolyn had briefed him about Evelyn's circumstances.
He'd been deeply moved learning how his granddaughter had become a surrogate mother to save her father, while simultaneously feeling tremendous guilt.
Now seeing these bright, beautiful children, Reginald couldn't stop smiling. Seating himself on a bench, he gently cupped their faces with weathered hands. "Such lovely features - just like my Evelyn at their age!"
"Did Mommy look like Isabella when she was little, Great-Grandfather?" Alexander inquired.
"Indeed! Your mother was just as precious - twin braids bouncing, turning heads wherever she went. While other children cried, Evelyn helped with chores. And now her babies are already so grown..."
Reginald's expression softened with nostalgia as he studied the children's resemblance to their mother.
"Shall we go inside, Grandfather?" Evelyn flushed at the praise.
Gwendolyn chuckled at her niece's embarrassment as they assisted Reginald toward the residence.
Fellow exercisers called out greetings: "Reginald! Is this your granddaughter's visit?"
"Yes, this is Evelyn, and these are my great-grandchildren!"
"My, your granddaughter's beautiful! And those children look like little angels! You're blessed, Reginald!"
Wrinkles deepened around Reginald's smiling eyes.
"That handsome gentleman who drove them - your grandson-in-law? Tall, drove that luxury car. Why didn't he come greet you?" inquired one curious elderly friend.
The line-dancing group had witnessed Evelyn and twins emerging from the impressive vehicle, noting the well-dressed man who'd opened their doors before departing.
Though financially comfortable themselves, the neighbors were impressed by the display.
"That was our driver, ma'am. My husband is handling business but will join us for lunch," Evelyn explained.
"Even your driver's so distinguished! Your husband must be extraordinary! Really, Reginald, your fortune shines..."
The family proceeded homeward beneath envious gazes.
The two-story house contained four bedrooms - one for Reginald, another for his caretaker, plus two guest rooms.
Though well-appointed, the home felt slightly desolate with so few occupants.
A framed photograph dominated the living room table - a younger Evelyn with Reginald from years past.
Evelyn's heart clenched.
Her grandfather needed family nearby in his golden years, yet lived here alone.
She'd repeatedly invited him to live with them, but he always declined, insisting he'd disrupt their lives and be a burden.