Chapter 717

Evelyn Ross fell silent.

She looked at Alexander Vance, her fingertips tightening slightly.

Finally, she spoke. "Actually, Grandma didn't forget you... My medicine was very effective. She..."

"I know."

Alexander's voice was soft, but it struck Evelyn's heart like a hammer.

She froze.

"You know?"

"Yes." Alexander lowered his head, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Have you forgotten? When Grandma had her episodes before, she wouldn't recognize anyone, except me. She said she would never forget me."

Evelyn's throat tightened.

Alexander instinctively reached for the cigarettes in his pocket. His fingers brushed the pack, then stopped. He turned to look out the window. Dark clouds hung low in the distance, the sky gloomy.

His voice seemed to drift from far away. "How could Grandma forget me? She even remembers Richard Evans... So, just like you said, she was afraid I couldn't bear her leaving. She pretended not to know me on purpose. She wanted me to grieve first, to become numb first. That way, when she really left, perhaps... I wouldn't hurt as much."

Evelyn's eyes instantly reddened.

She grasped Alexander's hand. Her fingertips were cold.

She hadn't expected Grandma's love to be so profound. She also hadn't expected Alexander's trust in Grandma to run so deep.

"Then you..." Her voice trembled. "What will you do next?"

"Play along with Grandma."

Alexander lowered his gaze, his eyelashes casting shadows under his eyes. "We can't let Grandma leave with worries. Even in this state, she's still worrying about me... How can I let her worry?"

He looked at Evelyn, his eyes pleading. "Evelyn, starting tomorrow, let's be happy, okay?"

Evelyn choked back a sob and nodded firmly. "Okay."

Alexander held her hand tightly.

That night, they slept in each other's arms.

But Evelyn was startled awake three times during the night.

Alexander shouted "Grandma!" in his sleep, then suddenly sat up, threw off the covers, and rushed downstairs. He burst into Eleanor Vance's bedroom, his hand trembling as he reached to check her breathing. Only after confirming she was still breathing did he relax, silently returning to their room.

Evelyn watched his desolate back, her heart aching as if pierced by needles.

Grandma's time was truly running short.

Today's sudden fainting was a warning.

The next morning, when Evelyn woke, Alexander was still asleep.

He hadn't slept again after waking up startled last night, only managing to close his eyes as dawn approached. Evelyn got out of bed quietly, careful not to wake him.

When she went downstairs, Eleanor Vance was already seated at the dining table.

Fiona Vance was supporting her. Lillian Evans and Cecilia Evans were diligently serving her breakfast.

Evelyn walked over. Before she could speak, Lillian looked up with a smile. "Miss Ross, the Madam says she wants to eat your cooking. Lunch will be your responsibility."

Evelyn looked at Eleanor Vance.

The old lady wore a smile, but a sharp glint flashed in her eyes.

Before the Madam could speak, Evelyn spoke first. "Fine. I'll prepare lunch."

The Madam had always loved her cooking.

In these final days, she was willing to cook for her.

What did it matter if Lillian was giving orders?

The one eating was Grandma.

Evelyn turned and walked into the kitchen.

Fiona followed her in, her eyes red. "Miss Ross, please don't take it to heart. The Madam... she just doesn't remember."

Evelyn patted her shoulder. "Aunt Fiona, I'm fine. Alexander is fine too. Don't worry."

Fiona wiped her tears and nodded.

She didn't know the Madam was pretending. She thought she had truly forgotten and had come specifically to comfort Evelyn and Alexander, afraid they would be sad.

Evelyn sighed inwardly.

Just then, exclamations suddenly came from outside.

Followed by the sharp cries of Lillian and Cecilia.

Evelyn immediately rushed out.

She saw Eleanor Vance leaning over the table, vomiting. The vomit splattered onto Lillian and Cecilia.

Their faces turned ashen, barely suppressing their disgust.

After finishing, Eleanor wiped her mouth and looked at them, her expression innocent. "Sorry, daughter-in-law, great-granddaughter. I couldn't hold it back."

Lillian and Cecilia looked at the filth on their clothes, their eyes almost shooting flames.

But they didn't dare to erupt.

Lillian took a deep breath and forced a stiff smile. "It's fine. We'll go change first."

She pulled Cecilia away hastily, their retreating figures looking狼狈.

Eleanor Vance watched their backs, a slight curve lifting the corner of her mouth.

Evelyn walked over and supported the old lady.

The Madam held her hand and gave it a gentle pat.

Her eyes held cunning, affection, and a trace of barely detectable fatigue.

Evelyn's nose stung.

She knew Grandma was using her final way to protect her and Alexander.

She was also using her final way to teach a lesson to those with ill intentions.

At noon, Evelyn was busy in the kitchen.

She made several of the Madam's favorite dishes, light yet flavorful.

When the food was served, Alexander also came downstairs.

He looked much calmer. He walked to the Madam's side and asked softly, "Grandma, is your appetite good today?"

The Madam glanced at him, her eyes blank. "Who are you?"

Alexander's fingers trembled slightly, but he quickly steadied himself and smiled. "I'm a servant in the house, here to serve you your meal."

The Madam nodded and said nothing more.

Evelyn ladled a bowl of soup and placed it before the Madam.

The Madam took a sip, and her eyes lit up. "This soup is delicious."

Evelyn smiled. "I'm glad you like it."

Lillian and Cecilia returned after changing clothes. Seeing this scene, their expressions darkened.

But they didn't dare say anything more, silently sitting down to eat.

The meal was exceptionally quiet.

Only the occasional praise from the Madam and Evelyn's gentle responses broke the silence.

After the meal, Alexander helped the Madam back to her room to rest.

While Evelyn was clearing the dishes, Lillian approached.

She lowered her voice, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Miss Ross, you're quite adept at serving people."

Evelyn didn't look up. "Not as adept as you are at acting, Mrs. Evans. You're quite immersed in your role."

Lillian's face changed. "What do you mean?"

Evelyn put down the plate in her hand and looked at her. "Exactly what I said. Mrs. Evans, Grandma may be old, but she's not confused. She knows clearly who truly cares for her and who is just acting."

Lillian sneered. "What can a senile old woman possibly know clearly?"

Evelyn's eyes turned cold. "Watch your words, Mrs. Evans."

Lillian was intimidated by her gaze and took a step back, but her mouth remained sharp. "Did I say something wrong? She doesn't even recognize her own grandson now. What else can we expect from her?"

Evelyn ignored her and turned back to clearing the table.

Lillian, having gained nothing, left in a huff.

In the afternoon, after waking from her nap, Eleanor Vance expressed a desire to go for a walk.

Alexander and Evelyn accompanied her, strolling slowly in the garden.

The sunlight was good, shining on the Madam's face, making her look a bit better.

She walked very slowly, each step cautious.

Alexander supported her tightly, his gaze focused.

Evelyn walked beside them, watching this scene, her heart feeling both warm and sorrowful.

She knew such moments were numbered.

When they reached a bench, the Madam was tired and sat down to rest.

She looked at the flowers in the distance and suddenly spoke. "Alexander."

Alexander jolted.

Evelyn also froze.

The Madam turned her head and looked at Alexander, her eyes clear. "Grandma is tired. I want to sleep for a while."

Alexander's eyes instantly reddened.

He knelt down and took the Madam's hand. "Grandma, sleep. I'll guard you here."

The Madam smiled and closed her eyes.

Sunlight spilled over her face, serene and peaceful.

Evelyn stood to the side, tears silently falling.

She knew Grandma did it on purpose.

At the final moment, she let Alexander know she remembered him.

She had never forgotten.

Alexander held Grandma's hand for a long time, not letting go.

His shoulders trembled slightly, but he never cried out loud.

Evelyn walked over and gently embraced him.

The two of them stayed like that, guarding the sleeping Grandma, sitting in the garden for a long time.

It wasn't until the sun set in the west that the Madam slowly woke up.

She opened her eyes, her gaze returning to blankness. "Where is this? Who are you?"

Alexander took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Grandma, we're here to take you back to your room."

The Madam nodded, allowing them to help her up.

On the way back to the room, she remained silent.

But just before entering, she suddenly turned back and looked at Alexander.

That look was deep and heavy.

Then, she turned and entered the room.

The door closed.

Alexander stood outside the door, motionless for a long time.

Evelyn held his hand and said softly, "Grandma knows you're here."

Alexander nodded, his voice hoarse. "I know."

That night, Eleanor Vance vomited again.

This time it was more severe than during the day, almost emptying her stomach.

The family doctor rushed over. After the examination, his expression turned grave.

He called Alexander and Evelyn outside and said in a low voice, "The Madam's condition is not good. The rate of organ failure is accelerating... You need to prepare yourselves."

Alexander's face paled, but his voice was steady. "How long?"

The doctor was silent for a moment. "At most... a week."

Alexander closed his eyes.

Evelyn supported him, feeling the trembling of his body.

After the doctor left, the two returned to the Madam's room.

The Madam was already asleep, her face pale, her breathing faint.

Fiona kept vigil by the bed, silently weeping.

Alexander walked over, sat by the bed, and took Grandma's hand.

He said nothing, just sat there quietly.

Evelyn stood behind him, equally silent.

That night was exceptionally long.

The next day, after Eleanor Vance woke up, she seemed somewhat better.

She even took the initiative to say she wanted to see Richard Evans.

Upon hearing the news, Lillian and Cecilia immediately brought Richard over.

Richard sat in a wheelchair, pushed before the Madam's bed.

The Madam looked at him, her expression complex.

After a long while, she spoke. "Richard, Grandma is sorry to you."

Richard was stunned.

The Madam continued. "Grandma didn't raise your father well, and I didn't raise you well either. I let you go astray... It's Grandma's fault."

Richard's lips trembled. He wanted to say something, but no sound came out.

The Madam reached out and gently patted the back of his hand. "From now on, be good. Don't make mistakes again."

Tears fell from Richard's eyes.

He nodded heavily.

The Madam smiled, withdrew her hand, and closed her eyes. "I'm tired. All of you, leave."

Everyone withdrew from the room.

Richard sat in his wheelchair, motionless for a long time.

Lillian nudged him. "Let's go. What are you waiting for?"

Richard looked up at her, his eyes cold. "Mom, are you satisfied now?"

Lillian was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"Grandma is about to leave, and you're still acting here." Richard's voice was hoarse. "Aren't you tired?"

Lillian's face changed. "What nonsense are you talking!"

Richard ignored her and wheeled himself away.

Lillian stood where she was, her face alternating between pale and flushed.

Cecilia walked over and said quietly, "Mom, Brother he..."

"Shut up!" Lillian cut her off. "Do what you're supposed to do!"

Cecilia lowered her head and didn't dare speak again.

In the room, the Madam opened her eyes again.

She looked at Alexander and Evelyn keeping vigil by the bed and said softly, "Alexander, Evelyn, Grandma has something to say to you."

The two immediately leaned closer.

The Madam took their hands. Her voice was soft but very clear. "Grandma is leaving. Don't be sad. Grandma's life has been worthwhile."

Tears finally fell from Alexander's eyes.

Evelyn also choked with sobs.

The Madam smiled. "Alexander, treat Evelyn well. Evelyn, take good care of Alexander. You must be happy, understand?"

Both nodded forcefully.

The Madam closed her eyes contentedly. "Alright, Grandma is sleepy and wants to sleep. You two go rest too."

Alexander refused to leave.

Evelyn pulled him and said softly, "Let Grandma rest well."

The two left the room and gently closed the door.

Standing outside, Alexander leaned against the wall, tilting his head back to keep the tears from falling.

Evelyn hugged him and whispered, "Cry if you want to."

Alexander shook his head. "Grandma doesn't want to see me cry."

Evelyn's nose stung, and she held him tighter.

Over the next few days, the Madam drifted in and out of sleep.

When awake, she was in good spirits. She would talk with Alexander and Evelyn, and play with her two great-grandchildren.

When asleep, her breathing was so faint it was almost inaudible.

Everyone knew time was running out.

On the seventh day, early in the morning.

Eleanor Vance suddenly seemed revitalized, even able to sit up by herself.

She had Fiona help her wash up and change into her favorite clothes.

Then, she called everyone to her bedside.

Alexander, Evelyn, Richard Evans, Lillian Evans, Cecilia Evans, and the two great-grandchildren.

She looked at each one in turn, her gaze calm and kind.

Finally, she looked at Alexander and Evelyn and smiled. "Alexander, Evelyn, come here."

The two walked to the bedside.

The Madam took their hands and placed them together. "Grandma is leaving. If you two are well, Grandma can rest assured."

After saying this, she closed her eyes. Her breathing gradually grew fainter.

Alexander held her hand tightly, unwilling to let go.

Evelyn wept, tears streaming down her face.

The room fell into silence.

Only the Madam's faint breathing grew lighter and lighter.

Until finally, it ceased.

Alexander knelt by the bed, his forehead pressed against Grandma's hand, his shoulders shaking violently.

Evelyn knelt beside him, holding him.

Lillian and Cecilia stood to the side, their expressions复杂.

Richard sat in his wheelchair, head bowed, his expression unreadable.

Fiona knelt at the foot of the bed, weeping uncontrollably.

The Madam was gone.

Peacefully. Serenely.

By the side of her beloved grandson and granddaughter-in-law.

Before the family she cared for.

She had completed her life's journey.

Alexander knelt for a long time.

Until Evelyn whispered, "Alexander, let Grandma leave in peace."

Only then did he slowly raise his head.

His eyes were swollen and red, but his gaze was firm.

He gently released Grandma's hand and covered her with the blanket.

Then he stood up and looked at everyone in the room.

"I will handle Grandma's funeral arrangements."

His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable force.

Lillian wanted to say something, but intimidated by his gaze, she ultimately closed her mouth.

Alexander turned and looked at Evelyn. "Evelyn, help me."

Evelyn nodded. "Okay."

Side by side, they walked out of the room.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, falling on the Madam's serene face.

A smile lingered at the corner of her mouth, as if she were merely asleep.

Dreaming a long, beautiful dream.