Xia Yu hung up the call with a tight smile that faded the moment the screen went dark.
She wasted no time. Standing up, she grabbed her bag and rushed to the convenience store across the street, selecting a few boxes of nutritional supplements and tonics that were good for the elderly.
On the way to the car, Xia Yu hesitated, clutching her phone tightly. She wanted to call Han Zhou, did he know about his grandfather's condition? If he did, why did he not inform her in the morning? Or what if his mother was hiding it from him so that he did not worry and what if she told him accidentally? Torn between her thoughts, she still decided to call him once in case he blamed her for not informing him earlier! But when she dialed, all she received was the mechanical tone of a busy line.
She called twice before taking a deep breath and shook her head firmly. No matter what, she couldn't keep the elders waiting. She would deal with the consequences later.
Sliding into the driver's seat, she started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. Since it was still earlier, the roads were not that congested and she drove faster for the Han villa.
As she approached the Han estate, a familiar pressure settled over her chest. The towering gates of Han Villa loomed ahead, ornate and imposing, with intricate golden patterns engraved into the heavy iron. Two uniformed guards stood by, straight and expressionless, recognizing the car immediately and signaling for the gates to open.
Xia Yu drove slowly, her grip tightening on the steering wheel. The driveway stretched long and winding, with tall ornamental trees casting gentle shadows over marble statues, and a crystal-clear fountain in the center that glittered under the setting sun.
The garden was breathtaking, a silent testament to wealth and power — yet all she could feel was a growing sense of suffocation. It was beautiful, yes, but none of it felt welcoming even as Lei Mei.
Parking near the front steps, Xia Yu gathered the bags of supplements and stepped out of the car. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she walked toward the entrance.
Housekeeper Cheng was already there, bowing slightly, her face polite but filled with unease.
"Young Madam, Madam is waiting for you inside," she said quietly, her eyes darting away as if she could not bear to meet Xia Yu's gaze.
Xia Yu nodded calmly, adjusting the bags in her hands.
"Thank you," she said softly, stepping into the vast, marble-floored foyer. "How is grandfather?" Hearing her voice full of worry, Mrs Cheng shifted to her place.
"He is still resting." she could only speak this much without proving her employer a liar. "Madam told me to lead you to her once you come."
Xia Yu frowned. She knew that Mrs Han did not like her at all. But she could not show her confusion and could only smile as she followed the housekeeper inside.
Housekeeper Cheng led her to the formal sitting room before bowing slightly and retreating. inside, Mrs. Han was already seated on the central sofa, with a tender look in her eyes. But that look was not for her. It was for Su Yan who sat beside her. dressed impeccably in a soft pastel dress, her long hair cascading over one shoulder, her makeup carefully natural to look weak and innocent. She looked like the perfect, gentle young lady. if Xia Yu didn't know better, she might have believed the act herself.
"You're finally here," Mrs. Han said coolly, not even giving her the courtesy of a greeting.
Xia Yu stepped forward, setting the bags of supplements down carefully on the ornate coffee table.
"Good evening mother, how have you been? I brought some tonics for Father," she said, her voice soft and full of warmth.
Mrs. Han didn't even glance at the bags. Her sharp eyes were fixed on Xia Yu, as if she were a stain on her expensive carpet.
"If you really cared," Mrs. Han said, her voice laced with disdain, "you would not need reminders from others to come home."
Xia Yu lowered her head slightly, swallowing the retort burning on her tongue.
"I was unaware. I'm sorry," she said simply, not giving Mrs. Han more fuel to ignite a scene.
Su Yan, who had been silently playing the part of the demure bystander, finally spoke up, her voice soft and full of false concern.
"Sister Mei, you must have been so busy with work. It's understandable... but grandfather really missed you. He kept asking for you today." Her tone was gentle, but the slight emphasis on busy was not lost on Xia Yu.
Mrs. Han nodded approvingly at Su Yan's words, as if she were the real daughter-in-law.
"Fortunately, not everyone forgets their duties," Mrs. Han said pointedly.
Xia Yu smiled lightly, refusing to rise to the bait.
"I'll go and see grandfather now," she said, stepping back, trying to slip away before the situation worsened.
But Mrs. Han's next words froze her mid-step.
"No need. He is resting now," she said sharply. "You're here for dinner. Sit."
Xia Yu had no choice but to obey, settling into the armchair opposite them. She placed her hands neatly on her lap, her posture composed even as her mind raced. Something was wrong. Mrs. Han's tone was too controlled, her eyes too bright with cruel anticipation.
Across from her, Su Yan was a picture of gentle concern, but Xia Yu caught the slight twitch at the corner of her lips, a flicker of glee she could not quite hide.
The room fell into an uncomfortable silence since they both kept talking, giving her no chance to participate. Their voices were so full of affection and sweetness that Xia Yu was sure she was going to have diabetes just by sitting there.
Did they have specifically called her to show their love for each other so that she would create a scene. Perhaps, real Lei Mei had. But she absolutely did not care!
"I have called Zhou to join us too."