Chapter 70: I Want Greatgrandkids

"Natalie, can you get my cell phone from my room?" Albert asked.

"G-Grandpa, don’t worry. I’ll talk to him right away," Natalie replied, forcing an awkward smile. "I haven’t spoken to him since this morning, so I’ll take this chance...."

"Just admit you’re missing him and can’t wait to talk," Albert teased, grinning. "Go ahead, call him."

Natalie hurried to her bedroom, tossing her bag onto the bed before quickly dialing Justin’s number. The call went through, but he didn’t answer.

She gritted her teeth as the second time the result was the same.

She typed him a message and sent while she murmured, Justin was busy in work when he noticed his phone ringing. Seeing Natalie’s name flash on the screen, he frowned.

he thought dismissively.

The phone rang again, but he ignored it and continued working. A short while later, a message notification popped up. Curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to check it.

The phone almost slipped from his hand in shock.

He read the message again, then immediately dialled Natalie’s number.

As soon as she picked up, her voice came through in an angry whisper. "Finally decided to answer?"

Justin thought about apologizing but held back. He was still irritated by what he’d overheard earlier—Natalie and Albert talking about how she still pined for that idiot, Ivan Brown.

"I read the message," he said curtly, refusing to soften his tone. "I won’t be coming home."

"Good, at least you’ve got some sense," she snapped, trying to keep her voice in check. "Do something about your grandma, and get her away from my grandpa before both of them plan something like today again. Then we both would be exposed and be chewed alive by our grandparents."

"I will do something," Justine assured, "But Julia rarely listens to anyone so I can’t guarantee either."

"No wonder you and her are so related. Like grandma, like grandson."

Justin understood the jab but chose not to respond. ’You are no different. You are related to her more than me.’

Justin added, "If she doesn’t leave soon, just let her stay for a bit. She’ll get bored and leave on her own. In the meantime, I won’t come home."

"I’ll tell Grandpa you’re tied up with something important at work, and that you’ll either be late or might not come back at all."

Justin hummed and hung up. He immediately called Julia.

Julia was thrilled to see his call come through.

"See? My grandson called. I’m sure he’s worried about where I am," Julia said, picking up her phone. Her cheerful face quickly shifted to a more serious expression, hiding her excitement. "Why did you call?" she asked coldly.

"Grandma, sorry I missed breakfast with you. To make up for it, I was thinking of taking you out for dinner," Justin replied.

"Dinner? I think I’m already in the best and most perfect place for it," she said, glancing at Natalie, who had just returned after calling her husband. Her gaze softened. "The chef here is to my liking. My grand... I mean, my friend’s granddaughter is going to cook for us."

"Grandma, it can’t be compare to the place I am taking you to," Justin pressed.

"No, I’m staying here," Julia declared. "Why don’t come over? You’re a great cook, and you might as well help with your amazing cooking skills."

Justin pinched his nose bridge in frustration. His father was right. His grandma was wilful and listened to no one. Instead of letting him take her away from there, she was dragging him back to her.

"Also, I will introduce you to Natalie’s husband. Who knows you might get a new friend in this new city," Julia added.

At her words, both Justin and Natalie, along with Andrew, held their breaths.

Albert asked.

"Grandpa, Aiden is swamped with work today. He might be late or won’t come home at all tonight," Natalie replied, her voice loud enough for Justin to hear through the call.

"You newlyweds," Albert grumbled, frowning. "You should be glued to each other, but both of you are busy working."

"Grandpa, we were together last night," Natalie replied awkwardly. "You weren’t home."

Albert grinned. "Well, you two better keep working on giving me a great-grandkid soon."

"Of course, Grandpa," Natalie forced an awkward smile.

Julia, meanwhile, wasn’t letting up. "See, my friend here is going to have great-grandkids, and yet you haven’t even given me a granddaughter-in-law!"

Justin, still processing what Natalie had just said, was momentarily stunned.

"Did you hear me?" Julia’s sharp voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Grandma..."

"I want a great-grandkid too," Julia declared, unwavering. "Do whatever you want, but give me one. I don’t care if you marry or not, like your father—but I want a great grandchild. I don’t even care what kind of woman you choose."

The room fell into stunned silence. Not just Justin, but the others—Natalie, Andrew, and Albert—stared at her in shock. She was talking about having a child as if one could buy it from the store.

Natalie:

Andrew:

Albert:

Justin:

"Did you hear me?" Julia broke the silence again.

"Yes, I heard you," Justin responded, trying to keep his composure. "Now come back."

"I will only return if you come to get me," she declared coldly.

"Grandma... I can’t come there," he sounded helpless.

"Then I am not retuning either," and turned to Albert, "I am staying here until my grandson comes to get me. Do you mind?"

"No, I don’t mind," Albert replied with a smile.

"Did you here, my friend doesn’t mind."

Natalie, Justin and Andrew:

Julia hung up the call even before Justin could say more.

Natalie nervously looked at Andrew, both thinking that everything was going to be exposed today.