"She didn't agree," Tom said, returning to the dining room and sitting at the head of the table. He wondered what had gotten into his wife's head today. Everything had seemed fine, especially since they were going to see their son and grandson. But now, he wasn't so sure.
"I'll talk to her," Ace said suddenly, surprising both his grandfather and father. Alexander raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his son's newfound confidence.
"Can you?" Tom asked, impressed.
"I didn't offer or ask for advice; I've already made up my mind," Ace replied, filling his plate with food.
"What are you doing?" Tom asked.
"Don't you want your wife to eat?" Ace countered, standing up with his plate.
"Of course, I do," Tom said.
"Good, then," Ace said, walking out of the dining room towards the garden, where his grandmother sat.
"I like this grandson of mine," Tom said with a smile, watching Ace walk away.
"Is he usually like this?" Tom asked his son.
"No, I don't know what's changed since we came here. Maybe he likes being here," Alexander replied, shrugging and continuing to eat.
"He's about to graduate from high school, right?" Tom asked.
"Yeah," Alexander said, tilting his head, curious about why his father was asking.
"I want him to stay here for college and make this his home. I want him to take over the company after he finishes his studies," Tom said, sharing his thoughts.
"I don't mind; ask him yourself," Alexander suggested.
"My beautiful Carrel," Ace said, approaching his grandmother in the garden.
"Yes, Ace?" Carrel replied, turning to smile at him.
"What brought you here? Shouldn't you be having dinner with everyone in the dining room?" she asked.
"I couldn't eat there without my dear, cheerful grandmother," Ace said, looking into her eyes. His words were genuine, and he felt an undeniable connection to his grandmother.
Hearing his words, Carrel smiled and looked away before speaking up.
"I'm glad you said that. Not that I wanted you to feel bad on your first night here," Carrel said, gazing at the small stream of water in the garden.
"I get it; you feel angry about what Grandpa said, right?" Ace asked.
Carrel hesitated before voicing her thoughts. "Hmm, I don't know what's wrong with me today. I just feel off for some reason."