Chapter 490 The One Who Caused the Problem Should Solve It
Alexander noticed Victoria's hesitation.
She was uncertain about meeting the visitor.
Similarly, he had already guessed who it might be.
"Go see them," he said decisively. "It's alright. Don't let yourself regret it later."
He made the decision for her, knowing that her hesitation meant she actually wanted the meeting.
Some connections ran in the blood—even without prior contact, there was always a quiet anticipation lurking in one's heart.
Victoria looked up at him, her furrowed brow instantly relaxing, eyes brightening with appreciation.
She nodded obediently. "Okay."Ten minutes later.
In a café adjacent to the hospital.
Victoria found herself facing Electra Ross, an elegant elderly woman with snow-white hair but remarkably vibrant energy. Electra gazed at Victoria with unmistakable warmth and kindness.
Wearing stylish glasses and dressed impeccably, Electra exuded an air of refined nobility.
Victoria couldn't help but notice traces of her mother Esme in the older woman's features.
She glanced at Isadora, who stood beside Electra.
Some things, it seemed, were truly destined.
Neither spoke initially.
Victoria didn't know what to say.
Meanwhile, Electra hadn't taken her eyes off Victoria since she arrived.
"So similar," Electra kept murmuring.
After what felt like an eternity, Electra finally spoke, "Victoria, do you resent me for approaching you so suddenly?"
Victoria met her gaze, slightly taken aback by the direct question.
The excitement in Electra's eyes had been evident from the moment they met.
Now, Victoria could see additional emotions: caution, compassion, and a grandmother's love.
It stirred complicated feelings within her—a heaviness she couldn't quite articulate.
She shook her head and replied with measured politeness, "May I ask why you wanted to see me, Mrs. Penrose?"
Her tone was neither cold nor familiar—just neutral, tinged with respect for the elderly woman.
From what Victoria understood, when her mother Esme left the Penrose family, Electra had no knowledge of Esme's pregnancy or Victoria's existence.
Electra visibly flinched at the formal address.
Before coming, she had researched everything about Victoria—learning she wasn't a pushover but rather intelligent and decisive.
She had read everything available online about Victoria, including how difficult her life had been with the Kennedy family, though Victoria had proven resilient.
"Victoria, I'm your grandmother," Electra stated bluntly.
Isadora remained silent, thinking, 'Grandmother, couldn't you be more tactful? What happened to easing into this? You've just blurted it out—aren't you worried about overwhelming her?'
Victoria was indeed startled by Electra's directness—a trait, she realized, that they apparently shared.
"I'm aware of that, Mrs. Penrose," she replied.
The word "Grandmother" remained unspoken, partly from unfamiliarity, partly because they were strangers who had never shared a life together—the word felt hollow.
In truth, Victoria had always craved family bonds, but over time, circumstances had taught her not to hope. Even when she discovered her mother was alive, her initial excitement had quickly faded to acceptance. Then learning her biological father was also alive, and now meeting a grandmother she never knew existed...
During the years when she had most needed love and support, she had received only cold words, endless criticism, and manipulation.
None of these supposed "real" family members had been there for her.
Of course, she knew it wasn't their fault.
They hadn't known she existed.
But now she was grown, having weathered life's hardships alone.
This belated family connection seemed almost unnecessary.
"Do you hate me, Victoria?" Electra asked.
Electra was surprised that Victoria already knew their relationship, yet wondered why, if she knew, Victoria had remained so detached and never sought them out.
ictoria offered a fleeting smile, gentle as a spring breeze. "You're overthinking, Mrs. Penrose. Why would I hate you? You've done nothing wrong. I'm simply unaccustomed to this, though I am glad you reached out."
Seeing Victoria's persistent formality, Electra sighed deeply. "If only your mother and I hadn't both been so stubborn back then—neither willing to compromise. She wouldn't have left, and I wouldn't have missed knowing I had a granddaughter."
Victoria could hear the profound regret in Electra's voice.
She wanted to comfort the older woman but knew she had no right to offer forgiveness on her mother's behalf.
Some issues must be resolved by those who created them.
She simply sat quietly, listening as Electra spoke.
Eventually, Victoria realized that Electra truly loved Esme, though barriers remained between them.
Victoria escorted them back to their hotel entrance before departing.
Electra watched her retreating figure, eyes misting over.
Although Victoria never called her "Grandmother," Electra felt content that Victoria had at least been willing to talk with her.
"Don't worry, Grandmother," Isadora said, "Victoria will understand eventually. She already said she doesn't blame you. Just give her time."
Isadora could understand Victoria's position perfectly.
When Victoria returned to the hospital and stepped into the room, she found Alexander's space filled with unfamiliar faces.
No one noticed her arrival except Marcus, who was about to announce her presence.
Victoria subtly shook her head, signaling him to remain quiet.
Marcus immediately fell silent.
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