CHAPTER 353: ELINA’S KNIVES AND MICAH’S SMILE

Inside the kitchen, Aria moved toward Micah, who was waiting for the water to boil. "Hey, what’s your relationship with them?" she whispered.

"Hmm?" Micah hummed in confusion.

"Don’t give me that look! You would never get that close with just anyone," Aria hissed.

"Because they are good, humble people, nothing like those snobbish rich types," Micah replied. "Why are you being so noisy? It’s not very becoming of you."

Aria clicked her tongue. "Tch. Fine. Stick to that story. Anyway, you are dead once they leave. Hiding something from Mum? Good luck with that!"

Micah rolled his eyes and poured the water into the pot. Then he left the kitchen, stepping inside the living room with a bright smile, balancing the teapot in his hands. He carefully poured tea into the porcelain cups, one by one, as if he had all the time in the world, totally unaware that his gentle mother was quietly sharpening her knife, ready to skin him alive once the guests left.

"Mum," Micah said, setting a cup in front of her. "Did you call Grandma?"

Elina’s lips curved into a controlled smile. "Yes," she replied, her voice deceptively calm. "They will be here soon."

Micah turned toward Lin Heye. "Brother Lin, can we reserve a spot for Sunday? I’ve been craving your cooking. Honestly, I miss it so much."

Lin Heye, who had been sitting stiffly at the edge of the sofa, nearly dropped his cup at how casually Micah addressed him in front of his mother. He dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief, forcing a smile. "Sure. Come by anytime you want."

Inwardly, Lin Heye was wailing. What was happening here? Micah’s mother, this formidable Mrs Ramsy, had spent the last ten minutes subtly fishing for information like a seasoned interrogator. And on the other hand, Micah treated her with such casual ease. It was almost as though Micah wasn’t afraid of her at all. Damn Clyde. Feeding him wrong information. He had agreed readily, thinking that with a family as dismissive as Ramsy, no one would care how they knew Micah, let alone ask about Clyde. But now, he had no idea what lies he was spouting. Or how much his father spilled the beans. He did come unprepared!

With every passing second, he was more certain he was blindsided. They looked like a close, normal family. What was the shunning part? If they were putting on a show, then they deserved an award for best actors of the century!

They exchanged some pleasantries, sipping tea until the door opened and an old couple stepped inside.

Micah instantly jumped to his feet. His expression lit up as he rushed up, helping Zhou Ruyan to sit down. He introduced everyone, then looked at Uncle Lin. "Grandpa Lin, could you examine my grandma?"

Uncle Lin rose to his feet with solemn dignity. He walked toward Zhou Ruyan and sat opposite her, his fingers reaching for her wrist. The room felt silent as he checked her pulse, his brow gradually furrowing.

Micah shifted from one foot to another, nervous. Could his grandmother’s future be changed?

Elina stood beside him, scanning her son from head to toes, searching for any visible sign of illness. He seemed robust as always. That wouldn’t do, she thought. Her fingers twitched as she held herself back from reaching for Micah, demanding an answer. She brushed her hair and left the room. Taking advantage of this rare moment with Micah home, she hurried to call the family doctor to examine him.

Just then, Uncle Lin pulled his hand away from Zhou Ruyan’s wrist. His expression was grave. "Madam, your body contains too many impurities. Purifying them... I am afraid it may not be possible."

The words dropped like a heavy stone into the room.

But Zhou Ruyan smiled gently. "You don’t have to sugar-coat it. I am well aware of my condition. I only wish to spend a bit more time with my grandchildren."

Micah felt his heart pierced. He knew she was speaking of Darcy.

Uncle Lin inclined his head respectfully. "In that case, I’ll visit you regularly for short sessions and prepare my special medicine decoction. I cannot promise a cure, but I hope it will at least ease your discomfort, madam."

"Thank you, sir." Zhou Ruyan replied with quiet dignity.

Across from her, Albert Ramsy’s thick brows knitted together. His strong hands clenched on his knees. He had held out hope for a miracle, but hearing the truth laid bare twisted his insides. Even so, he forced himself to bow his head slightly in thanks. "We are grateful," he said hoarsely.

The conversation shifted toward practical matters, how to take care of Zhou Ruyan, what diet she should maintain, and how to avoid overexertion.

Meanwhile, Micah’s usual playfulness had completely vanished. His shoulders slumped, his eyes lowered, face filled with sadness.

Lin Heye noticed the shift, reached over, and patted his shoulder. "Life is in god’s hands. I grew up seeing many miracles happen by my father’s side. You never knew."

Micah offered a sad smile. "I know," he admitted. "I just...thought maybe she could stay with us longer."

"Then let’s all pray for that." Lin Heye replied, his tone warm and encouraging.

Outside the room, Elina ended the call and stepped beside Aria. She followed her gaze on Micah and the young man. They couldn’t hear what they were saying, but the closeness was unmistakable.

"The more I think about it, the more suspicious it is!" Elina whispered. "Why would Micah hide his illness from us? It wasn’t like the last time when he got a knife injury for fighting. There wouldn’t be any scolding. So why? Not to say we are talking about a brat who used any means to act spoiled."

"Umm. Really suspicious." Aria nodded. "Remember the time he had an upset stomach on our holiday trip? He wouldn’t let us off until we brought him the entire spring collection from that brand."

"Aside from his so-called stomach problem, his coziness with them is strange, too. They genuinely like him. And you know as well as I do, most people would be fed up with his sharp tongue and boldness after ten minutes." Elina said.

"Have you heard anything about them before?"

"Not much, just the owner of that restaurant is from a higher circle than even the Ramsy’s."

"Could they have some flawed daughter they want to dump on Micah?" Aria murmured.

Elina shot her a sharp glare, silencing her instantly.

"I’m just saying! Otherwise, why? Even I sometimes want to smack Micah on the head for being so insensitive. Who else could tolerate him willingly unless they had ulterior motives?" Aria defended herself.

Elina exhaled slowly. "Stay sharp until they leave," she ordered, her voice clipped. Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Once this is over, we’ll corner that brat and hold a proper family meeting. I will get to the bottom of this today."