Chapter 486 Shane Disappears
Patricia observed Ariel discreetly as she took two small white pills with water. Something seemed off, prompting Patricia to inquire, "Sis, what are those pills for?"
Ariel answered without much thought, "They're for treating blocked fallopian tubes."
Inspecting the bottle, Patricia found the medication did indeed target fallopian tube blockages, containing ingredients to aid circulation and reduce inflammation. Yet, the pills appeared smaller than she remembered, perhaps due to a recent redesign.
Ariel, noticing Patricia's interest in the bottle, asked, "Is something wrong?"
Patricia snapped back to the present, shaking her head as she handed the pill bottle back to Ariel. "I never saw you take medicine while staying with the Kochs."
Ariel chuckled. "I usually took my medicine privately. It's a bit awkward to do it in front of others, right?"
Understanding Ariel’s feelings, Patricia didn't press further. Ariel tucked the medicine back into her purse and began to eat.
Perhaps touched by her words, the three kids seemed to pity her, taking turns serving her food. Even Charles, who'd always been rather cold toward her, unexpectedly served her some vegetables. Warmed by their kindness, Ariel also started serving them food.
The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
After dinner, although Martin originally planned to drive them to the Ellenstein Villa District, Shane insisted on staying at a nearby hotel. Martin obliged and took them there.
Before parting, Jeremy clung to Maria, clearly reluctant to let go. Whether it was a strong first impression of Charles and Randy, or simply a case of being charmed by the opposite sex, he was particularly fond of Fannie and Maria. He found Fannie to be soft and sensible. And Maria, well, she was adorable and cheerful, always giggling, never irritable.
Standing at the doorstep, Jeremy handed Maria back to Patricia reluctantly, clinging to Maria's little hand. "Patricia, please bring Maria and Fannie to visit me tomorrow."
Patricia rolled her eyes at him. "Fannie's got school tomorrow, so she won't have time."
Jeremy persisted, "Then just bring Maria. You’ve got to bring one of them at least."
"Alright, alright," Patricia said. "Once Maria wakes up tomorrow, I’ll make sure to bring her. If you love kids so much, why don't you settle down? Look at Martin, he's about your age and he's already got several."
Jeremy pouted. "No way! Women are too complicated. Besides, both my older cousin brothers aren't married yet, so it’s not my turn yet."
Shane started to worry. Among all his grandchildren, only Ariel was married. His three grandsons were adamant about not getting married. After all these years, they hadn't managed to give him a great-grandchild, which he had waited with such anticipation for years.
Thankfully, today's reunion with Patricia gave him a glimmer of hope. Otherwise, he had no idea when he'd get to hold a great-grandchild in his arms.
After a bit of chattering at the doorway, Patricia finally left with Maria cradled in her arms.
Once home, Martin started with giving the three little ones their baths and then helped Patricia give Maria her bath. After tucking all four kids into bed, Patricia took her phone out to the balcony, slid the glass door shut, and dialed a long-forgotten number. Staring at the digits, she hesitated for a long while before finally making the call.
She was greeted by an automated female voice, saying, "Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable. Please try again later."
What just happened? Had she been blocked?
She dialed again in disbelief, but the same automated voice answered.
The harsh reality set in—her father had blocked her.
Patricia, with tears threatening to spill and a touch of derision in her eyes, pondered whether her father thought she would still recognize him after all that had transpired, or if he feared she might claim an inheritance. If not for her grandfather's request, she would never have considered calling that number again.
Taking a deep breath to steady her surging emotions, Patricia decided to use Martin's phone, knowing her father wouldn't dare block Martin if he wished to preserve his standing in Ivara City.
Sure enough, this time, the call connected immediately.
"Mr. Langley, can I help you?" came the overly attentive voice.
"You can," Patricia said and could almost visualize her father's smile collapse.
As Gavin was about to hang up, Patricia cut in, "When are you free? My grandpa wants to see you."
Gavin paused. "Who did you say?"
Patricia repeated patiently, "My grandpa, my mom's dad."
Gavin finally snapped to his senses, curtly declining. "I'm busy. Tell him to go back where he came from."
The outright refusal, devoid of any hesitation, ignited Patricia's ire. "He's your father-in-law."
"So what? His daughter's gone, and you've cut ties with me. He's irrelevant to me now. Why should I bother meeting him?"
With that, Gavin hung up the phone.
Patricia couldn't help but laughing in frustration at the dial tone echoing in her ear. If Grandpa knew that Gavin wouldn't even give him the time of day, he'd be so disappointed and perhaps even more guilt-ridden, feeling his efforts were in vain.
Reluctant to worry Shane, Patricia had wanted to keep this to herself, but Shane seemed set on meeting Gavin face to face. With no other option, Patricia relayed the conversation and Gavin’s response to him.
To her surprise, Shane didn't react with anger but retreated quietly to his room.
Patricia thought Shane had given up. However, the next day, she received a call from Ariel, stating Grandpa had vanished. He had taken only his cane, leaving behind Jeremy and Ariel.
Hotel surveillance showed Grandpa catching a taxi at the hotel entrance, and further checks revealed the taxi headed to Watson property.
A realization struck Patricia like lightning—Grandpa had gone alone to confront Gavin.
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