Cecilia thought that if Magnus truly changed, she could repay Regas for raising her.

    If he refused to change, she would help him only once more.

    After arranging everything, Cecilia closed her eyes to sleep, but a video call lit up the screen-it was Nathaniel.

    She answered, and his handsome face filled the disy.

    Cecilia asked in puzzlement, "What''s wrong?"

    Before Nathaniel could reply, a small face crowded into view. Elliot stared at her, eyes wide and pitiful.

    "Mommy, are you moving into the hospital?"

    "Of course, not," she coaxed. "I''m only staying there to keep your grannypany. Once she''s better, I''lle home."

    Elliot was no toddler. He could tell she was lying.

    "Mommy, please bring Granny home, okay?" he pleaded.

    Cecilia felt a stab in her chest.

    In fact, besides Elliot, Queenie had recently said she wanted to go home.

    Queenie''s illness was too advanced. The hospital couldn''t cure her, only prolong things a little.

    But Cecilia wasn''t ready to lose the mother she had only just found.

    She remained silent, unsure how to answer her son.

    Nathaniel spoke up. “I''ve hired a medical team and installed specialized equipment at home. Once Mom is back, her treatment will be identical to what she receives in the hospital.”

    He paused. “At home, you and Mom can rest better, and she can see Eli."

    Nathaniel had been busy these past weeks.

    Cecilia had assumed it was work. She hadn''t realized he was organizing the medical team.

    “All right, I''ll bring Mom home tomorrow," Cecilia answered with an easy smile.

    "That''s wonderful, Mommy! I miss you and Granny so much!" Eli pressed a noisy kiss to the tablet screen.

    Cecilia blew him a kiss in return.

    Watching the tender exchange, she felt a faint warmth settle over the ache in her chest.

    Early the next morning, Cecilia told Queenie about returning to the Smith residence.

    Queenie agreed, "Good. I''ve been wanting to go back with you-see the children, soak in the bustle. Who knows, maybe the noise will chase the illness away."

    Cecilia''s throat tightened; she simply nodded.

    “Yeah, it''ll definitely get better. Nathaniel hired the top specialists.”

    "Mm.” Queenie managed a smile; she seemed to have more to say butcked the strength and let her eyes drift shut.

    Only then did Cecilia call the caregivers to help prepare the trip home.

    Nathaniel was already waiting

    outside. He nced at Queenie, being settled in the car, then strode to Cecilia and sped her hand.

    “Come on, let''s go home."

    "Mm." Cecilia nodded.

    On the drive, sheced her fingers through Nathaniel''s, gripping hard.

    “Nathaniel, should I tell my grandparents about Mom''s condition now?"

    Her maternal grandparents were still in Drocver, unaware of how serious Queenie''s illness had be.

    They were elderly, and Cecilia feared the news might be more than their hearts could bear.

    "We need your mom''s opinion first,” Nathaniel said. "Talk with her once we''re home."

    "Okay."

    Cecilia nodded again, sorrow darkening her eyes.

    Nathaniel pulled her into a gentle embrace. He offered no emptyfort-only a solid shoulder, which said more than words.

    At the Smith residence, when

    Queenie arrived, Charlotte, Lucille,

    Madeline, and several others were е waiting. They greeted her the

    moment she entered, "Wee home, Mdm. Queenie!"