Chapter 337 Relatives in Coral Bay
Nathaniel turned to look at the two children and said in a calm voice, "Grandpa, I'll be back soon."
Aurelia saw that he had something to deal with after the call, and before she could ask, Nathaniel explained, "Tomorrow is my grandmother's death anniversary. Grandpa wants me to go back now to prepare many things."
After saying this, he glanced around the living room, a hint of reluctance in his eyes. It was rare for the whole family to be together, and he privately wanted to bring the two children to see Reed. At his age, Reed's only wish was to have great-grandchildren.
Nathaniel hesitated, thinking that he and the two kids had just met and weren't familiar yet. The children definitely wouldn't follow him. He held back and didn't ask.
Aurelia had been married into the Heilbronn family for three years, knew how seriously they took their tradition of visiting graves each year. "You should go quickly then, don't delay," she said, understanding the importance of this family ritual.
Nathaniel returned to the Heilbronn Villa, where Reed had been waiting in the living room for a while. "Why are you back so late?"
Nathaniel found an excuse. "There was a bit of a delay at the company, Grandpa. I'll go get the things now. If there's anything special you need, let Ted note it down."
Reed, dressed neatly in casual clothes and leaning on a cane, stood up, clearly ready to go with Nathaniel.
In previous years, Nathaniel would make a list of the items to buy, take Ted along to get them, and Reed would check each item upon their return, adding anything that was missing. This time, Reed wanted to go personally.
"Grandpa, won't you wait at home for me?" Nathaniel asked.
As he spoke, Reed had already walked to the door with his cane, "I'm going with you."
In the car, Reed coughed a few times, and Ted quickly handed over a prepared thermos. "Mr. Reed, have some tea to soothe your throat."
Reed took a few sips and gradually calmed down.
Nathaniel, driving, looked at Reed through the rearview mirror. Reed's hair at the temples had turned completely white. Age was catching up with him. Over the past four years, Nathaniel had few opportunities to show his filial piety to Reed. At this point, just not making Reed angry was an accomplishment.
"Grandpa, has you been coughing a lot lately?" Nathaniel asked.
Ted answered for Reed, "His bronchitis has flared up again these days. The air is dry here in the North. I suggested he go South to recuperate, but he refused."
Nathaniel was silent for a moment before speaking, "Grandpa, I bought a house in Coral Bay. Why don't you stay there? The air is more humid than here, and if needed, we can use a humidifier."
Reed, resting with his eyes closed, slowly opened them at Nathaniel's suggestion. "I'm old and frail. Where would I go? I might not have much time left."
Ted, sitting beside him, sighed. "Mr. Nathaniel Heilbronn, please persuade Mr. Reed Heilbronn. He feels he's too old and doesn't want to leave his family. He often mentions how much he misses everyone when he doesn't see you."
Nathaniel thought about how soon Aurelia would be taking the two children back to Coral Bay. Gripping the steering wheel tightly, he said, "Grandpa, you have family in Coral Bay too. Besides, I'll be spending most of my time there."
Reed snorted. "See you every day? I don't think I can stand that."
Reed glanced at the driver's seat and continued, "How are things with Aurelia lately? Has she forgiven you?"
Reed's words made Nathaniel anxious again. Winning back his wife wasn't easy; he hadn't managed to win over his wife or the two kids.
Nathaniel remained silent, unable to respond.
At that moment, his phone rang. It was a red light, so he saw that Betty was calling. He answered and put it on speaker, "Mr. Heilbronn, Mrs. Heilbronn wants me to return to the Bloom Villa. Could you talk to her?"
Nathaniel agreed. "Betty, stay with Aurelia for now. I'll call her in a bit."
"Alright, you two discuss it first." She hung up.
Nathaniel planned for Betty to stay with Aurelia for a few days to help with the kids and household chores, mainly to handle the meals.
Betty had already packed her bags and even brought her suitcase when she went over today.
At lunch, Nathaniel saw that the two kids and Aurelia were eating happily, especially Aurelia, who was usually quite particular about her food. Back in Imperick, she only ate more when Betty cooked. This strengthened his resolve to keep Betty there.
He didn't expect Aurelia to refuse such a small offer, highlighting the distance that still existed between them.
Nathaniel immediately called Aurelia, but she didn't answer after several rings.
Reed sneered, not feeling the least bit sorry for Nathaniel, almost as if he were watching a comedy. "She doesn't want to talk to you?"
Nathaniel felt a bit embarrassed. "Grandpa, Aurelia might be busy. I'll call her later."
"She doesn't want to talk to you, and she has every right not to!" Reed snapped. "You messed up a perfectly good family."
Nathaniel didn't dare respond, remaining silent.
Meanwhile, Aurelia received a call from the police saying Norman wanted to see her. She refused, but a few minutes later, they called again, relaying Norman's request for some clothes and a photo with Brenda, specifying where to find it.
He also said he had many things to talk to her about.
Aurelia went to the villa Norman bought later.
It was her first time there. The house was warmly decorated but clearly hadn't been tidied by a woman in a while, with things scattered around. Probably since Maria's arrest, Norman had lived alone here.
Despite the warmth of the decor, the house was about to be seized.
Norman had hidden the photo in the frame of his and Maria's wedding photo on the master bedroom's nightstand. Aurelia found the master bedroom and felt a pang of irony seeing the wedding photo.
The photo with Brenda was a bit yellowed, showing its age.
Brenda had a noticeable baby bump, and from experience, Aurelia judged she was about to give birth. She leaned in Norman's arms, looking happy.
Aurelia couldn't help but cry, seeing the pregnant Brenda in the photo. Her mother probably thought she had found love then, never imagining that the man holding her was hiding his true nature.
Aurelia wandered around the house, seeing traces of Norman's life everywhere.
An hour passed, nearing the time the police had set.
Aurelia took a tote bag, packed Norman's clothes, and took the wedding photo from the nightstand. Before leaving, she grabbed a small pair of scissors from the kitchen.
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