Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 413 Martha said, "Just speak less and focus on smiling later. I'll do the talking." Valeria pressed her lips together , eyeing Nicholas's freshly drawn brows. It almost made her laugh out loud. Sebastian slipped an arm around her waist and whispered , " Go ahead and laugh. You have an even higher standing in the family than I do now. The old man wouldn't say anything if you laughed." "There's no need to make this such a grand affair," she responded. "My granny's very easygoing." Valeria unlocked the door, and the group went inside. Martha's social skills were formidable.

She immediately released Nicholas' hand, stepping forward as she warmly held Margaret's hands. Nicholas did exactly as she said, focusing on smiling and letting Martha handle everything. After a polite greeting, Martha pulled Margaret's hand, commenting, "Margaret, you're amazing. Did you take care of this whole courtyard by yourself?" Margaret, still carrying a trace of elderly social anxiety, answered plainly and honestly, "Yes, I did it myself. I usually ---- have plenty of free time." Martha chatted away warmly as they walked inside together.

The apartment was about 1300 square feet, serving as a modest three-bedroom residence. The kitchen was half-open, and the living room was small but clean and bright, filled with sunlight. Selena had been doing her homework in her room. Hearing the voices, she came out and greeted politely, "Mrs. Grant Sr." Then, she glanced at Nicholas and added, "Mr. Grant Snr." Even though he tried to appear gentle, Nicholas still carried an innate air of authority that made him hard to approach. Martha let go of Margaret's hand as her eyes suddenly teared up again.

Afraid of scaring Selena, she forced herself to smile and walked over. "Lenny, I'll be in Broburgh City for a few days. It's summer break, right? Will you keep me company?" Selena nodded. She glanced at Valeria, not far away. "I'm doing homework. Once I finish, I'll play with you." She actually wanted to tell Martha to speak normally. She was not a little kid anymore, so there was no need to talk in such a sing-song voice. "We brought you a gift this time." Martha shot Nicholas, who was holding a gift box, a look.

He crouched down and handed it over, forcing what he ---- thought was his most kindly, grandfatherly smile. Then, he mimicked Martha's coaxing tone. "Are you doing your homework? If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me. "God..." Martha almost rolled her eyes. She really couldn't stand watching Nicholas act like that. Selena held the gift box without opening it. She nodded again and answered , "Actually, there is one question I don't know how to solve. I was planning to wait for Mr.

Grant to come back and ask him." Everyone present could sense that Selena hadn't changed the way she addressed Sebastian at all. Nicholas offered to tutor his granddaughter and followed her into the bedroom. Meanwhile , Martha stayed in the kitchen with Margaret. "Margaret, you're incredible. You prepared all this yourself? Tonight's dinner is so lavish. Your cooking skills put five-star chefs to shame!" Martha commented. Then, she said, "I heard from Val that you had surgery before. That means we're sisters in hardship , what a bond. I've had open-heart surgery.

I still have a long scar from it." Margaret looked surprised. "You look so young." Martha shook her head. "I'm not young anymore. My hair's all dyed. I was already forty when I gave birth to Sebastian . ---- Once things settle, you should stay at my place for a while. I've arranged for a specialist to check you out. Technology is so advanced now that I'm sure your illness can be controlled." Margaret replied, "I'm fine as long as I can see Riri happy. 1 just want to spend more time with Lenny and watch her grow up." Martha reassured her. "You will.

We both will." Inthe bedroom, Nicholas was tutoring Selena, not letting anyone disturb them. In the kitchen , Martha and Margaret chatted away warmly, not letting anyone else interfere either.