Chapter 163

Night had settled over the city.

A call from someone who introduced themselves as Fraser's assistant left Eleanor more curious than concerned.

Fraser Benton?

What on earth could he want with her now?

Lillian, never one to mince words, swept into the living room and planted her hands on her hips. "Honestly,the Benton family just doesn't know when to quit! After everything they pulled at the hospital, now they're asking for a meeting? Trust me, this is nothing but trouble."

Before Eleanor could protest, Lillian yanked her off the couch. "But we're going, no question. I want to see what tricks they're playing at this time. Don't worry. I'm with you, and if anyone steps out of line, they'll answer to me!"

Arm in arm, the two women headed out, and Lillian bundled Eleanor into her car, then drove away.

They reached the café in no time.

Lillian pulled into the parking spot, took a steadying breath like a soldier bracing for battle, then marched straight through the doors with purpose in her stride.

The moment she stepped inside, her eyes landed on Fraser, seated beside the window with the light catching his profile.

He wore a black suuit that fit him like it had been crafted just for him. There was a quiet elegance in the way he carried himself, a polished charm wrapped in an air of steady composure.

The man,was dangerously handsome, exactly her weakness.

For a split second, Lillian's irritation wavered, but she quickly remembered Eleanor's earlier humiliation and Handsome or not, this was the enemy. Fraser was here for a reason, and she wasn't about to let down her guard.

With determination burning in her eyes, Lillian marched straight to the table.

But the moment she drew close enough to catch the depth in Fraser's eyes, something in her eased,and her expression lost some of its sharp edge.

"You. Tell me what business you have with Eleanor." Her voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty.

Fraser barely acknowledged Lillian, his focus shifting straight to Eleanor.

Rising from his seat, he spoke in a low, even tone. "Miss Warren, my father acted out of line earlier at the hospital. He lost his temper and said things he shouldn't have. I'd like to apologize for him, and I hope you won't take it to heart."

Lillian blinked, momentarily stunned.

Was this really happening?

Was a Benton actually offering an apology?

She had walked in braced for fireworks, not courtesy. Maybe the Benton family.wasn't all bad, after all.

Before she could chime in, Eleanor nudged her into a chair and took a seat herself.

Eleanor's voice was smooth, almost offhand. "It's fine. I was wondering how your mother's been lately."

Mentioning Hilda brought a flicker of emotion to Fraser's usually steady face.

He lingered on Eleanor's features; she looked so much like Hilda, it caught him off guard."She's awake, but still very weak," he replied.

A faint smile crossed Eleanor's lips, relief evident in her eyes.

She reached into her bag and pulled out a small bottle, passing it to him. "These are from a friend, a remedy for asthma. Once a day with warm water."

She paused to make things clear. "If you're uncertain, have your doctor check them first."

For a moment, Fraser seemed unsure, then nodded and accepted the bottle. "Thank you, truly."

With her message delivered, Eleanor stood up, tugging Lillian to her feet. "We should get going."

Lillian,however, found herself wavering.

She cast an uncertain glance at Fraser, then at Eleanor; as if torn between outrage and somnething far more distracted.

Was she really just supposed to walk out now? She hadn't said half of what she wanted, and she certainly hadn't finished appreciating the view. and she certainly hadn't finished appreciating the view.

Just as they were about to leave, Lillian spun around and darted back to Fraser. She offered a sheepish grin,holding up her phone. "Hey, um... you're kind of hard to forget. Mind if we connect?"

She took out her phone and brought up the QR code without missing a moment. "Want to add me on Facebook?"

Fraser seemed ready to decline, but after catching Eleanor's eye, he relented and scanned the code.

Lillian smiled, all her inner turmoil vanishing as she finally followed Eleanor out the door.