Anyone Dares Bully you, Call Uncles! novel Chapter 1501

A sense of foreboding filled Bettany's heart as she gazed out at the swirling snow. Memories came rushing back—of the first heavy snowfall when Lilly almost lost her life in the Hatcher Mansion, the second time Lilly disappeared during a snowstorm, and the third time when Cloud couldn't return.

Bettany couldn't shake the thought and muttered, Is it Anthony this time? Panic surged within her, and she involuntarily stood up.

The sound of the car engine outside ceased. Wrapped in a thick mink shawl, she pushed open the door and fixed her gaze on the car.

Lilly was the first to step out, extending her hand to help Anthony out of the car.

Bettany sighed in relief, but her heart quickly tightened again. She wondered where Lisa was. If Lisa had also returned, Anthony would have been the first person to exit the car. He would have assisted Lilly and then Lisa. However, the current situation seemed different.

While observing Lilly guide a dejected Anthony inside, Bettany came to a realization. Her legs gave way, and she had to lean on the door frame for support.

"Mom," Quinnie softly called, supporting Bettany's arm.

Bettany held onto Quinnie's hand tightly, tears welling up in her eyes. "Quinnie..."

Once, she had many daughters-in-law, but now only one remained. She knew that Lisa would leave; it was only a matter of time. She just didn't expect it to be on such a snowy day, with Christmas just around the corner.

Bettany looked forward to it year after year, anticipating a big family reunion on this day. She welcomed and accepted everyone, whether they were supposed to come or not, but she could never accept parting.

She watched Anthony enter, observed the disheveled state of his beard, and gently reached out to touch his chin. "Anthony, you must be tired. What would you like to eat? I'll cook it for you..."

His lips twitched as he surveyed his family members. When the car had just stopped at the door, he had heard the warmth and liveliness inside the mansion. But now, all eyes were on him.

At that moment, Matthan pretended to play with Riley, but he kept glancing over.

"I'm fine," Anthony forced a smile. "Mom, Lisa got delayed and won't be back for Christmas this year..." Before Bettany could say anything, he quickly added, "I'm going to take a shower first. I've been in the mountains for several days, and I smell." He laughed, ruffled Matthan's hair as he passed by, and silently went upstairs.

Edward came down from upstairs and said, "Anthony..."

Josh also stuttered and said, "Dad..."

Anthony didn't respond, and he just went straight to his room.

Lilly whispered, "Grandma, is dinner ready? It smells so good..."

The festive aroma of Christmas dishes—chicken, duck, fish, and meat—filled the air, blending seamlessly with the sounds of fireworks and prayers. This deep yearning, engraved in thousands of years of civilization, carried a sense of longing. Yet, despite the sorrow, returning to the harbor always provided the strength to embark anew.