Prosperous Marriage: Married to My Brother-in-law-Chapter 724 - 723: Love Rival (1)_1

「Friday.」

It’s the day the children look forward to the most because with Friday comes Saturday.

Ivan Horne, wearing his school uniform and carrying his backpack, descended the stairs alone.

It was now July, and the weather was particularly hot. There were only a few days left until Ivan and Jimmy Horne’s fourth birthday, not to mention that summer vacation was fast approaching.

"Ivan."

The elderly lady had just walked out of her room on the first floor. Her health was weakening day by day, and now she needed a cane to walk on her own. Seeing little Ivan coming downstairs, she called out to him with affection.

Her great-grandson Ivan held a very dear place in her heart. She had always doted on Glades Horne and Julia Bluen the most. Since Ivan was the son of these two people she loved dearly, her fondness for him was naturally even more pronounced.

When the elderly lady walked, her back was slightly bent, not as straight as it used to be. This is something many elderly people experience.

As her health deteriorated, the Horne Family worried in silence, trying everything to cure her of her various ailments. Marcel Horne and Glades’ uncle even thought about sending her to the Military District Hospital for better care. But she refused, saying there was no point in fussing over her old age.

Glades Horne had asked the doctors at the Horne Family Hospital to find ways to prolong her life, but they said she was too old, nearly ninety, and it was hard to extend her life. That she had now lived beyond the doctors’ previous prediction of only six more months was already considered a great blessing.

"Great-grandmother," little Ivan said when he saw her come out of the room. He dashed down the stairs, slinging his backpack onto his back, and thoughtfully reached out to help her. He wasn’t strong enough to support her entirely, but his gesture greatly pleased her.

In the past, what she craved the most was the company of her children, their genuine concern rather than just material satisfaction. Unfortunately, she did not receive this; apart from Julia Bluen, no one else had thought to spend more time with the old lady.

Now, with several great-grandchildren, the house had become much livelier. Although Ivan and Jimmy were young, their mature understanding was often indescribably touching. The two little ones often clung to the elderly lady, keeping her company with their innocent, childlike hearts and allowing her to truly enjoy the bliss of family. Perhaps this was also why she had managed to defy the doctors’ prediction of having only six months left.

"Great-grandmother, be careful, the floor is slippery," Ivan reminded her. The cautious and concerned expression on his delicate, youthful face comforted the elderly lady once more.

The elderly lady chuckled, looking at Ivan’s handsome face, so similar to Glades Horne’s. His composed demeanor deepened her smile. "HEH HEH, no worries, your great-grandmother isn’t that frail yet."

The Valence Group had successors.

When she passed away, she could face her late husband with dignity.

Her husband had been concerned about her and the Valence Group until his last moment. She had poured all her effort into raising the next generations, and finally, the Valence Group had stabilized and become the largest conglomerate in T City. She felt she had lived up to her late husband’s expectations.

She didn’t know if her time was drawing near or if she was just missing her late husband too much, but lately, the old lady often dreamt of him talking and chatting with her. Therefore, she didn’t care much for walking in the courtyard or sunbathing as she used to; she preferred to stay in bed, dreaming.

Dr. Lei emphasized that this was bad for her health and encouraged her to stick to her usual routines, which were better for her well-being. But she didn’t want to listen anymore. All she wanted was to sleep, as only in sleep could she meet her late husband.

"Great-grandmother, come, sit down." Ivan helped the old lady to the sofa. He then thoughtfully fetched her other pair of reading glasses, which she usually kept under the coffee table, unfolded them, and handed them to her.

"Great-grandmother, would you like to have breakfast first or read the newspaper?" Ivan asked again.

The old lady chuckled as she took the glasses and put them on. "Great-grandmother doesn’t want breakfast just yet, nor does she want to read the newspaper; she just wants to look at you, Ivan."

Ivan Horne’s deep eyes, so similar to Glades Horne’s, twinkled. He then stood in front of the old lady, beaming the purest smile, and said, "Great-grandmother, then Ivan will stand right here for you to look at as much as you want." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

HEH HEH.

The old lady chuckled again. She tenderly pulled Ivan into her arms, hugged him lightly, and said with a smile, "Little Ivan, you’re so well-behaved." After laughing, she thought of Jimmy Horne and sighed softly. "I wonder how Jimmy is. He has been hiding for ten days now. When will this all end? That man with the surname Reyes..."

The old lady didn’t continue, as there was no use telling these things to little Ivan.

She had met Noah Reyes himself and watched him closely. She knew that the man, who bore a slight resemblance in demeanor to her precious grandson Glades Horne, wouldn’t give up easily.

Her granddaughter was suffering. Could that man truly intend to take Jimmy away from them?

Glades Horne had also told her privately that if Noah Reyes was indeed set on taking Jimmy, the Horne Family wouldn’t be able to protect him, as Reyes was not a benevolent person and had endless schemes at his disposal.

"Great-grandmother." Right then, Jimmy Horne walked downstairs, led by the nanny.

Calling out to the old lady, he happily walked over to her and buried his head in her embrace.

The old lady, who had just been thinking about Jimmy, heard his call. Seeing the boy who had just plunged into her embrace, squeezing in next to Ivan, was indeed Jimmy, she was instantly overjoyed. She let go of Ivan, gently pushed Jimmy slightly away from her embrace, and tenderly held his little face, looking at him lovingly. She repeated, "Billy, you’ve come back; you’ve finally come back."

Jimmy nodded.

When Rebecca Hughes brought him back last night, the old lady had already gone to bed, so she didn’t know he had returned.

"Grandma."

Glades Horne and Julia Bluen also appeared on the first floor.

"Daddy, Mommy, good morning."

Upon seeing his parents come downstairs, Ivan stood up and greeted them politely.

Sometimes he acted very clingy towards his parents. He would bring his small pillow to knock on their door when they were preparing for bed, hoping to sleep with them. Of course, he always failed and would be tossed out by his daddy. Other times, he was remarkably sensible. He understood what adults said, could read their expressions, and would act in ways that pleased them, making them both love and dote on him. Yet, at other times, he could seem very profound. This was most notable when he mimicked Glades Horne, pursing his lips. His tender, childish voice would be filled with a commanding tone, his words deep and unfathomable, baffling listeners. His gaze could also become so profound and inscrutable that it left a very deep impression on people.