Chapter 209 Call Me Grandma
"Cordelia's eyes filled with tears. ""Connie must've been worried about her daughter and wanted me to take care of her. That's why I've treated Isabella like my own all these years. If I'd known Joyce was Connie's daughter, I wouldn't have kept you two apart.""
She cried, pounding her chest. ""It's my fault. I didn't know. I owe Joyce and Connie an apology. Sebastian, please bring Joyce back so I can apologize.""
Sebastian's expression remained cold. ""You caused her great-grandfather's death and almost killed her father. Do you think she'll forgive you?""
""Tell me what to do. I'll listen,"" Cordelia pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
If Sebastian didn't know her true nature, he might've been fooled. He sneered. ""Divorce my dad and leave the Winters Family.""
Cordelia shook her head. ""I don't have many relatives. If you make me leave, where will I go? I'm your mother. Do you really want me to grow old alone?""
Sebastian expected her refusal. ""Then move to the Red Cottage in the back and don't come out.""
""You want to imprison me? I'd rather die.""
Sebastian was ruthless. ""Until things are cleared up, you won't die. Take her to the Red Cottage and don't let her out.""
""Yes, Mr. Winters."" Several bodyguards grabbed Cordelia and dragged her away.
Cordelia shouted, ""Sebastian, don't do this. I'm your mother. Have you forgotten everything I've done for you? Bianca and Derek won't forgive you. I didn't know Joyce was Connie's daughter. Give me a chance to make things right.""
Sebastian's expression didn't change. He'd rather have never had such a mother. Since that kidnapping incident in his childhood, Cordelia had changed. The once kind woman had become harsh, arguing with Derek and scaring him and Bianca from coming home.
Cordelia had caused a lot of trauma. Sebastian had let her off many times, but his compromises had hurt Joyce repeatedly. Until things were cleared up, he couldn't let her hurt Joyce again. He stood in the yard for a moment, then walked into the living room.
He hadn't expected to see Aurora and Beatrice there. Beatrice was already in tears, sobbing uncontrollably.
They had heard Cordelia's cries. Joyce's true identity couldn't be hidden anymore. Sebastian stood at the door, looking troubled.
Beatrice trembled as she stood up, walked to Sebastian, and looked at him with tear-streaked eyes. ""Sebastian, is what Cordelia said true? Is Joyce really Connie's daughter?""
Sebastian nodded slightly. ""Yes, but she's not in a condition to know the truth right now.""
Beatrice understood immediately. ""It's better not to tell her, to avoid any stress that could affect the baby.""
Sebastian's eyes narrowed. ""You knew she was pregnant?""
Beatrice, tears in her eyes, nodded. ""I suspected, but now I'm sure. Sebastian, you've been through so much for Joyce. Connie would be proud.""
Sebastian said firmly, ""Grandma, it's my duty.""
Hearing him call her ""Grandma,"" Beatrice's tears flowed again. She had found her granddaughter and learned Joyce was pregnant, and now Joyce's child's father was calling her Grandma.
Beatrice held Sebastian's hand, overwhelmed. She turned to Aurora. ""My grandson-in-law called me Grandma.""
Aurora, smiling, said, ""Connie chose him for Joyce since childhood. It's only right. Sebastian, now that Isabella is in prison and Cordelia is under control, can you bring Joyce over so Beatrice and I can see her and the baby?""
Sebastian hesitated. ""It's not that simple. As long as the person who set Connie up is out there, Joyce's in danger. But I'll find a way for you to meet her. Just keep it quiet.""
""We understand. The child's safety is the most important.""
They were so excited at the thought of seeing Joyce that their eyes turned red. Beatrice was especially tearful. From the first time she met Joyce, she felt a connection. It turned out Joyce was her biological granddaughter.
A week later, Benjamin was discharged from the hospital.
During his stay, many relatives and friends visited. To thank everyone, Joyce organized a banquet for Benjamin.
As soon as she walked into the banquet hall, she saw Todd running towards her in a little white suit. ""Ms. Blackwood, I missed you so much.""
Joyce bent down, pinched his cheek, and smiled. ""I missed you too. Who did you come with? Where are your parents?""
Todd smiled. ""My parents are at work. I came with my great-grandma. She's over there.""
Joyce saw Beatrice smiling kindly in her direction.
Joyce took Todd's hand and walked over to Beatrice, nodding politely. ""Mrs. Taylor, why are you here?""
Beatrice took Joyce's hand, trying to contain her excitement. ""Todd heard about the party and insisted on coming. His parents were busy, so I brought him. I also wanted to see how your dad's doing.""
""Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Taylor. My dad's getting better.""
""That's good. You've been working hard. Come, sit and eat."" Beatrice pulled Joyce to sit and handed her some food.
""I heard you've been picky with food lately. I made some light dishes and snacks for you. See if you like them.""
Looking at the food, Joyce felt a warmth towards Beatrice, despite her feelings about Isabella and Darren.
She smiled lightly. ""Thank you, Mrs. Taylor.""
Beatrice reluctantly let go of Joyce's hand. ""Joyce, can you call me Grandma like Sebastian does?"""
