Chapter 163

Chapter 163 Damian gingerly cradled the tiny baby in his arms. He wore a serious expression as though holding a precious and delicate toy for fear that he might hurt her.

Megan was almost one month old, and her bright eyes were full of curiosity. She fixed her gaze on Damian, occasionally flashing an innocent smile that melted everyone’s hearts.

Initially, Shirley had only planned for Damian to hold the baby for a short time. But to her surprise, he didn’t want to let go even after half an hour. Realizing she couldn’t leave them alone, Shirley called for the maid to keep an eye on them.

Rachel couldn’t help but smile at the sight. “That boy from the Ashford family used to be just like Damian. Whenever he visited, he would hold you so tightly and wouldn’t let anyone else near you.”

Shirley knew Rachel was referring to Derek in the past, the Weiss and Ashford families were close friends.

However, as the Weiss family’s business grew and the Ashford family became more involved in politics, rumors began to spread.

Both families were cautious since gossip was a fearful thing, and over time their interactions became less frequent Rachel mentioned, “I heard that he returned from the army. Mrs. Whitman Senior even called to say she would visit us someday soon. But then, we didn’t hear anything else. It seemed like he went back to the army again.”

Shirley remembered how Derek suddenly left while visiting Blackwood Manor. “Maybe there was some kind of urgent situation.”

It was a shame that when he defended her, he departed before she could properly express her gratitude In a sudden realization, Rachel remembered something important. “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you Mrs. Whitman Senior will be celebrating her Both birthday the day after tomorrow and she sent me an invitation. Since I’m still in confinement, could you go on my behalf?”

Shirley didn’t give it much thought. “Sure, no problem.”

After chatting for a while, Shirley noticed the two Ettle ones playing nearby and asked, “Megan will be turning one month old soon. When should we have her one–month celebration?”

Rachel furrowed her brow. “I was just about to bring that up. Let’s keep it simple and invite your grandmother and the others over when they’re back. We can also invite Benjamin to join us for a meal at home.”

Shirley didn’t seem to have any objections. After all, her grandparents on her father’s side had both passed away, and her family didn’t have many relatives to burn to. The relatives from her grandmother’s side were all very snobbish, and she had no interest in connecting with them.

On the other hand, her mother’s family had relocated to Newlandia when Shirley was just a child and rarely returned to visit during the year, Shirley recalled Hayley’s words during their previous phone call. She turned to Rachel and asked, “Didn’t Grandma mention that Uncle James business wasn’t thriving in Newlandia and be wanted to return and start anew here?

Rachel smiled and replied, “Yes, we’re all delighted. The entire family will be moving back this time. I’ve already purchased a house for them in Westeria, so they can settle in as soon as they arrive.”

Westeria had clean air and was not too far from there. However, the cost of housing there was quite high, especially for villas with large areas.

Shirley had no objections Her grandparents from her mother’s side had still been alive and in need of care, which they had not received from her or her mother. Since James! business had been struggling, she had wanted to help out if she could.

As they chatted for quite a long time, Rachel brought up Benjamin once more, Rachel had heard many negative things about Benjamin, and she was concerned that the Blackwood family would mistreat Shirley.

Shirley kept her struggles to herself, not wanting to burden Rachel with the fact that her father was sick and her mother frequently cried. She didn’t want to add any more worries onto her friend’s plate She held Rachel’s hand and smiled, “Don’t worry, mom. Your daughter isn’t being mistreated. He even requested for me to bring him lunch today” “Really?”

“Of course. You know how skilled I am in the lachen”

Only then did Rachel del a sense of relict. “Then why don’t you go ahead and start cooking?”

Shirley groaned, “Mom, it’s not even 10:00 am yet Rachel playfully kicked Shirley, “Come on, make a delicious meal. I won over your father’s heart with just one meal back in the day. You have some catching up to do.” Shirley was speechless as she thought, “She really is my mother through and through!”

Shirley went to deliver food to Benjamin once again.