Chapter 381

In the backyard, Calliope soon found Eamon basking in the afternoon sun. He lounged leisurely, watching the koi fish glide gracefully in his pond.

Hearing the gentle rustle of footsteps, he turned his head and found Calliope trying to sneak up on him for a playful scare.

Realizing she got caught, Calliope puffed out her cheeks in mock frustration. “You’re sharper than a hawk, Eamon! I was so careful, and you still caught me!”

“Well, you know, this old man still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Fit as a fiddle,” Eamon chuckled, his eyes twinkling with humor. “Come on over and keep me company with a game of chess!”

Calliope quickly sat across from Eamon. “What are you doing hiding out in the backyard today? Feeling shy, avoiding everyone?”

“Shy? At my age, I’ve got a skin as thick as a castle wall,” Eamon laughed, shaking his head.

“Then why are you out here?” Calliope asked, curious.

“Just enjoying the fish. It’s peaceful. Inside, it’s either too quiet or too loud, depending on the crowd,” Eamon sighed contentedly.

Calliope nodded in agreement. “You’re right about that. When it’s you and a few staff, it’s too quiet. But when everyone’s around, it’s like a circus.”

Sizing up Eamon with a playful grin, Calliope suggested, “How about I find you a new playmate? I’m sure you’d love it!”

Eamon’s eyes lit up with hope, darting to Calliope’s belly. “Is there some news?”

Following his gaze, Calliope quickly realized his misunderstanding.

“Oh no, that’s not what I meant!” she laughed, her cheeks flushing. “I have a big pet at home that can understand people and is good at chess. How about I bring it over for a few days?”

Eamon’s face fell slightly. “I thought I was getting a new grandchild.”

Calliope chuckled awkwardly, changing the subject to something that had been on her mind. She recalled seeing Yvette earlier and the concern about her pregnancy, which seemed fraught with issues. Calliope suspected the doctors had advised against carrying on, yet Yvette was still holding on, hoping for a miracle.

She shared her concerns with Eamon, not wanting him to get his hopes up about becoming a great-grandfather just yet.

“I care more about you than all that,” Eamon said sincerely, looking at Calliope. “Callie, maybe you could think about giving Silas a little one?”

“In due time,” Calliope assured Eamon gently. “Don’t worry. The kids will come when they’re meant to.”

“True enough,” Eamon nodded. “How many are you thinking? One’s too few, and two might not be enough. I say aim for three or four to keep things lively!” Calliope was momentarily speechless.

“You see, Silas respects me, sure. He visits during the holidays, but he doesn’t feel much of a connection to the Baker family. He needs his own family, a bustling, warm household. Silas isn’t my biological son, everyone knows that. But do you know anything about his real family?” Eamon asked with a hint of curiosity in his voice. Truth be told, Calliope didn’t know much about Silas’s original family.