Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 435 The meal was eaten in calm silence, yet everyone felt uneasy. Martha tried to liven up the mood, "This is my daughter, Mallory. You've met her once when she visited Broburgh City. However, this is the first time you're meeting my grandson. Leo, come greet Margaret." Leo's obedient manner made him instantly likable, and Margaret beamed with delight. The dining room was filled with chatter and warmth. However, Margaret replied in a faint, sorrowful voice, "I hada daughter , too. Sadly, thirty years ago, she died after giving birth to Riri." The room fell silent in an instant.

It was a dead, suffocating silence. There was only the sound of Wendy's cutlery slipping from her fingers, clattering onto the floor. She stared at Margaret in shock. At that moment, she was sitting directly across from Margaret . Their eyes met, and she clearly saw the release in Margaret's eyes. Margaret had met Wendy with tears in her eyes, overwhelmed with emotion, just months ago. Now, Margaret had declared ---- her dead. In this world, Grace Crane no longer existed. Wendy had long ago stopped acknowledging Margaret as her mother. However, an inexplicable hollowness crept into her chest.

Margaret had, without hesitation, chosen to favor Valeria. When she found out that both Wendy and Valeria were a part of the Grant family, Margaret hadn't broken down. She was not mad, nor did she object to that. She hadn't clung to outdated, rigid notions either. Instead, she was calm yet resolute, decisive, and firm. She decided to act as a protector, shielding the one she loved the most from the storm of gossip. Martha and Nicholas exchanged looks of shock. However, they were also relieved, knowing that their greatest worry would not come to pass. 'Tears welled up in Valeria's eyes.

Margaret was the best person in the world. Sebastian took a deep breath, grabbing Valeria's hand under the table. Most of those present quietly let out a breath of relief. Only Wendy sat there with a sense of emptiness. There was also Gabriella, who clenched her teeth hard as she lowered her ---- head to eat. Her eyes burned with resentment and confusion. How did it turn out this way? Originally, Margaret had wanted to leave, but Martha insisted that she stay for a few days. Selena clung to her hand. "Great-Grandma, don't go." Martha herself carried a sense of guilt.

She was a deeply emotional person. She knew Margaret had borne the burden alone, preserving the Grant family's dignity. And now, she was all alone despite the New Year. Both Thomas and Jennifer were still in detention , and Grace was estranged. Even though it was Thomas and Jennifer who had brought ruin upon themselves, making it not the fault of the Grant family, it was still true that the Grant family could have arranged for an earlier release for the two of them. Martha said, "Margaret, from now on, the Grant residence is your home.

We are family." That night, Valeria shared a room with Margaret. Seeing Valeria's reddened eyes, Margaret hooked her finger and gently brushed Valeria's nose. "The only thing I want is for you to be happy, Riri." ---- Valeria leaned against her shoulder, and Margaret softly patted her back. "In traditional times, royalty would even marry their cousins. What's there for me to be upset? You underestimate me." Valeria couldn't hold back anymore. Her voice was choked with sobs. "I was afraid of you finding out and nothing else.

I was just afraid that you'd get angry, which would then harm your health. Granny, I want you to always stay with me." Margaret teased lightly. "Then, wouldn't I be some old witch? They'd drag me away to study me." Valeria said, "Then, you must live to see Lenny's wedding." "By then, all my teeth would have fallen off. I wouldn't even be able to walk." Margaret lovingly stroked Valeria's hair. She added, "I'm really happy right now. I love seeing you with good in-laws, a good husband, and a daughter who's clever and sweet." "| don't care. Grandma, promise me.

Promise you'll live to see Lenny go to college." Valeria's voice was hoarse and thick with tears as she held out her pinky finger. Margaret laughed and hooked hers around it. "Alright, I'll do my best."