Chapter 197

That evening, Anastasia and Cassian went to her grandmother’s place for dinner.

Grandma Elisabeth was waiting downstairs in the lobby, practically ambushing every neighbor who walked by. “This is my granddaughter’s husband!” she'd announce proudly, showing off Cassian like he was some kind of trophy.

Everyone gushed about what great taste Anastasia had, landing such a gorgeous husband. Grandma Elisabeth was the building’s sweetheart – everyone loved her – so the compliments just kept flowing. Poor Cassian’s face was getting redder by the minute.

“Grandma, can we maybe go upstairs and eat now?” Anastasia knew exactly what her grandmother was doing. She wanted the whole world to know how happy she was.

Elisabeth figured she’d shown off enough for one day and finally led them toward the elevator.

“Mrs. Paige is really living her best life now,” one neighbor whispered to another. “Her granddaughter found such a wonderful husband, got her two full-time caregivers – one for cooking, one for companionship and walks. Look how much better she looks lately!”

“Those two finally caught a break. About time, honestly.”

Everyone agreed that Elisabeth and Anastasia had been through enough hardship. Both women heard every word. Anastasia glanced at her grandmother, who was already looking back at her with twinkling eyes. Anastasia squeezed Elisabeth’s hand gently, and they shared a knowing smile.

They’d barely made it upstairs when an unwelcome visitor appeared.

“Wait, isn’t that guy… Ana’s cheating father?” one of the elderly residents stage-whispered.

“Looks like him, but it can’t be, right? If it really is him, how’s he got the nerve to show his face around here?”

The old-timers had voices like foghorns – apparently their hearing was shot, but their volume control was broken too. Sharpson Kingsley’s head drooped lower with every word.

He’d expected this kind of reception, but he didn’t have a choice. He had to be here today.

Sharpson climbed the stairs and knocked on the door. When it opened, he found himself face-to-face with Anastasia.

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Oh. It’s you.”

Sharpson hadn’t expected to see Anastasia here. He froze, then said awkwardly, “Yeah… it’s me.”

SLAM.

Anastasia shut the door right in his face.

Sharpson’s expression darkened, irritation flashing in his eyes. This ungrateful little brat, he thought. I’m still her father, and she can’t even show me basic respect.

He knocked again, calling out, “Mom, it’s me. I came to see you.”

From inside, Elisabeth’s voice rang out clearly: “Is that a dog barking outside? So annoying.”

“Hey, calling him a dog is an insult to dogs,” Anastasia’s voice added.