She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 684

As they reached the front door, Zeke paused and looked back at Lucian. The younger man slightly dipped his head. "I'm sorry, Grandfather."

He apologized, but he had absolutely no intention of returning to the stifling house that had always made him miserable.

Zeke's voice was low and thick with complex emotion. "You're doing well here."

Lucian froze. It was the first time in his life he had ever heard a statement of genuine approval from his grandfather.

"Whatever happens from now on... whatever you want to do, whatever you decide... it's entirely up to you." With those parting words, Zeke turned and walked out into the biting chill of the winter night. But his notoriously rigid posture seemed to carry a subtle trace of relief and closure.

Lucian stood in the doorway for a long time. Only when the car disappeared down the street did he finally turn back inside.

Loyce was waiting for him in the foyer.

She didn't ask any questions. She just reached out and gently wrapped her fingers around his cold hand. The sudden rush of warmth spread through his entire body.

He flipped his hand, lacing his fingers tightly with hers. Looking into the brightly lit living room where her family was laughing and talking, the emotional turbulence his grandfather had stirred up slowly settled. In its place grew a profound, unshakable sense of grounding.

After dinner, they all gathered around the Christmas tree to open gifts.

Morris gave Hank a limited-edition luxury watch, and Hank countered with a collection of rare, antique books from his private vault.

Forrest gifted Gordon a custom-made, master-crafted chess set that left the old man grinning from ear to ear.

When it was Loyce's turn, her pile of gifts was basically a mountain. The jewelry, designer gowns, and rare medicinal ingredients from her brothers were expected.

But everyone was dying to know what the old man Shapiro had given her.

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