Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 370 The family dinner at the Grant residence that evening was grand. Martha had already sensed that Valeria seemed to have little to do with Wendy or Gabriella. She had noticed it the last time Valeria came to the Grant residence for a meal. She wasn't sure what the conflict was, but either way, they were family, and they would inevitably have to deal with each other in the future. With Gabriella's engagement being such a major event, Valeria, as the elder, was expected to attend. If she were absent, it would only invite gossip.

As the mother-in-law, Martha believed that if there was tension between the two daughters -in-law, it was her role to step in and mediate. That evening, Joseph and his wife, Dahlia Lincoln, along with Ruby, would also be present. Even the seating arrangements had been carefully planned. 'The dinner was set to begin promptly at 6:00 pm. Valeria and Sebastian arrived at the Grant residence around 4: 00 pm. Martha had always been especially fond of Sebastian. He was the son she had carried and raised. And after losing ---- Florian, she had channeled all that love into Sebastian instead.

The moment she heard his car pull up, she asked Avery to help her outside. Valeria stood next to Sebastian as they got out of the car. Martha genuinely liked Valeria, not just because of her connection to Sebastian. 'As soonas they met, Martha asked, "Where's Lenny? You didn't bring her with you?" It was always more lively with kids around. "Her summer break just started. We'll bring her over in a few days," Sebastian replied, opening the trunk. His gaze swept over the courtyard, where several unfamiliar cars were parked, and he frowned slightly.

"Are the Youngs here already?" "Yeah," Martha replied, motioning him to lower his head as she leaned in and added, "Ruby's here as well." She spoke softly. But with Valeria standing right next to them, even a whisper was impossible to miss. Sebastian raised an eyebrow. He caught Martha giving him a meaningful look. After all, everyone knew that Ruby had once pursued him. Both families were aware of it. Back then, Martha had had ---- those intentions as the Youngs were considered a safe, respectable match. Seeing how nervous Martha looked now, Sebastian couldn't help but laugh.

He patted her arm lightly, then turned to pop open the trunk. "valeria's grandmother grew these herself. She knew we were coming home today and picked them fresh for us. They're all straight from her garden-no chemicals," he explained. Inside the trunk were two big bags of vegetables. Initially, Valeria was a little worried. The produce wasn't worth much, but it was a gesture of love and Margaret's hard work. Margaret said gardening was the only thing she was good at, yet she managed to keep that small yard in perfect order.

"Oh, that's far too generous," Martha said, quickly waving for Avery to take the bags. "These vegetables are homegrown and pesticide -free, so fresh and healthy. I've never been good at things like this, and my own courtyard just sits empty. "Next time, we should invite your grandma here so we can spend some time together." Through the clear plastic bag, a few tomatoes peeked out. Martha pulled one free, gave it a rub, and took a bite. "This tastes nothing like the ones at the supermarket; it tastes so much better.

This one is sweet and tangy." ---- Sebastian lifted one of the bags with one hand and took Valeria's hand with the other. "I told you my mom would like them," he said to her. She felt a rush of emotion as they walked behind the others, her eyes stinging with tears. "Your mom's so kind. Has she always been like that? You must feel lucky to have a mother like her." "Honestly, if it weren't for her, I'd never have come home. I'd rather stay at my grandfather's. She was too good for my dad." Valeria couldn't help but laugh. "Don't say that about your father.

He seems decent enough to me." "My mom only married him because of a marriage alliance and because of his looks. Back then, his temper was terrible. All he cared about was the company , and he was hardly ever home. When my brother and I were kidnapped..." Then, Sebastian trailed off. Valeria felt his fingers tighten around hers, and the silence spoke volumes. Valeria looked at him and laid her palm gently over the back of his hand, giving it a soft pat. He gave a wry smile, his tone light and almost casual. "Initially, he wanted Florian to be his heir.

After Florian died, he turned to Alexander. And when Alexander got sick, he finally realized... he still had me."