Chapter 926

The message Keira had asked Hayden to pass on was simple: “My father is no longer here. I will speak of his origins at his gravesite, and nothing more is needed.”

Over the years, only the Johnston family had given her warmth and familial love. She felt no attachment to her other so-called relatives, nor did she see a need to force a connection. Having gone through so much, Keira had come to understand that no matter how strong blood ties might be, they require companionship and nurturing to truly matter.

When Hayden returned, Keira was busy at the cafe. For some reason, business was particularly good today, with an unusually large crowd. Even the staff were struggling to keep up.

“Quite a crowd today,” Hayden remarked, sounding as puzzled as Keira felt.

“Right? Look at this,” she said, glancing at the full tables inside and outside the café. Her heart brimmed with satisfaction.

Over the years, Keira had held high-ranking, well-paying positions, whether working for Jace or Ron. Yet, none of it brought her joy. This little café, however, filled her with a sense of fulfillment and happiness as if she had gained the whole world.

“Looks like my wife is on her way to becoming rich,” Hayden teased, putting on an apron. “Let me help out. Don’t wear yourself out.”

“I’m not tired at all,” Keira said sincerely, and it was the truth.

Hayden gave her a gentle hug and kissed her lightly on the cheek. “But I worry about you.” She leaned her head against his, playfully rubbing his face with her hair. “How did the talk go?”

Before Hayden went to meet Peter, he had thoroughly investigated the situation and informed Keira about it. It was her decision not to meet Peter personally.

“Not bad,” Hayden replied. “The old man is calm and not overly pushy. He just said he’d like to meet you for a meal, no strings attached.”

“Did you tell him what I thought?” Keira asked as she set aside her work and sat down in the corner lounge.

Hayden poured her a glass of water and handed it over. “I did. The old man said you’re still his granddaughter, and meeting once shouldn’t be too much to ask.”

Honestly, Peter’s request wasn’t unreasonable. Her father’s abandonment all those years ago was partly his responsibility, though it wasn’t entirely intentional. However, her grandmother’s tragic death was directly caused by him.

Chapter 926

“What else did he say?” Keira asked.

Hayden shook his head lightly. “Nothing more.”

He didn’t mention the meeting between the Mitchell family and the Hart family. He didn’t want to worry her.

After a brief moment of thought, Keira said, “Let’s arrange a meeting with him, then.”

“Alright, as per Madam Kay’s wishes,” Hayden replied, visibly more relaxed.

Life at this pace—unhurried and steady—was immensely satisfying. While Hayden busied himself helping out in the café, Keira leaned back and watched the guests outside. A curious pattern emerged: most of them were alone. Some sat in silence, lost in thought; others read books.

None of them were on their phones, almost as if the café had no signal.

Keira turned her attention to the indoor guests. While a few tables hosted two or three people, the majority were occupied by individuals.

The courtyard hadn’t even officially opened yet. Her intent had been to create a personal retreat, or a peaceful space for others who sought solitude, so she hadn’t done much in the way of promotion.

That so many people had shown up here all of a sudden was strange.

Keira thought for a moment before noticing a young girl sitting in the courtyard. She rested her chin in her hand, gazing intently at the ginkgo tree in the yard, as if she were witnessing something magical.

Keira picked up a freshly made slice of cake from the counter and walked over to her. Her approach broke her reverie, and she turned to look at her and the dessert she had brought.

“It’s a new item on the menu. Please, give it a try,” Keira said with a smile.

“Thank you,” she said, her eyes sparkling with a pure, unguarded joy.

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Chapter 927