The Billionaire's Forgotten Wife-Chapter 96 - 3 Generations, 1 Room

After Claire finished playing with Rocco, Zeke invited them inside for lunch.

As they stepped into the dining room, Claire’s eyes widened in wonder. The long table was filled with various dishes, colorful salads, warm rolls, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, grilled fish, and a spread of desserts.

"Wow..." Claire breathed, staring at the table in awe.

Cassidy looked around, then turned to Zeke. "Isn’t this a bit too much for just the four of us?"

Zeke gave a light shrug and a smile. "It’s fine. I just wanted to treat you all properly. Whatever’s left, the staff will take care of. Nothing will go to waste."

Cassidy nodded, though she still looked a little overwhelmed by the spread.

They took their seats, with Claire sitting between Cassidy and Zeke. Though her eyes were drawn to all the food, she didn’t reach for anything until Cassidy gave a gentle nod of approval.

"Just what Mommy says, okay?" Cassidy reminded softly.

Claire nodded obediently. "Okay."

Zeke helped prepare a small plate for her with items Cassidy had agreed to, some soft rice, steamed vegetables, and a bit of grilled chicken.

Claire smiled brightly. "This smells really good."

The meal felt calm and pleasant. Simple, but warm. For a moment, Cassidy just let herself enjoy being there.

When they finished eating but were still seated around the table, a quiet moment passed between them until Mr. Nelson leaned in toward Zeke and spoke in a low voice.

"Madam Margaret’s car just entered the driveway, sir."

Zeke’s expression tightened. He gave a subtle nod. "Go ahead and greet her, Mr. Nelson," he said calmly. "Tell her I’ll be with her shortly. Please ask her to wait in the living room."

"Very well, sir." Mr. Nelson gave a slight bow before quietly making his way to the front entrance.

A moment later, Margaret stepped into the villa, her heels clicking softly against the floor. She was greeted by Mr. Nelson, who gave a respectful nod.

"Madam," he said politely, "Mr. Zeke asked that you wait for him in the living room. He’ll be with you shortly."

Margaret gave a short nod. "Thank you, Mr. Nelson."

Margaret paused, glancing around the unusually lively house. "Is Zeke having guests?"

"Yes, Madam," Mr. Nelson replied with a calm tone. "They’ve just finished lunch."

Margaret raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, but said nothing more. She walked into the living room and took a seat with quiet grace, her curiosity unmistakable.

From the garden to the front gate, she had already noticed how much staff Zeke had brought in today, far more than usual. Normally, his house was quiet, managed by just a few hands. Yet today, it felt like something else entirely.

And now, hearing that he had guests?

That only deepened her interest.

Because Zeke never entertained anyone at his home. Not like this. Not ever.

Whoever these guests were, they must be important.

And Margaret intended to find out why.

***

Meanwhile, in the dining room, Zeke watched as Claire quietly finished the small bowl of yogurt in front of her. She hummed softly, completely content, swinging her feet under the table.

Zeke leaned slightly toward Cassidy and spoke in a low voice, just enough for her to hear.

"My mother’s here," he said. "Do you want to see her?"

Cassidy’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. She glanced at Claire, then turned back to him. "I don’t mind," she replied calmly. "But..."

Zeke nodded, already anticipating her concern. "If you’re not ready to introduce Claire, I can ask my mother to leave."

Cassidy shook her head slowly, then exhaled deeply. She paused, then made her decision. "It’s alright. I don’t mind if Margaret meets Claire."

She looked at him carefully. "But what about you? Are you okay with it?"

She knew exactly how this would go. Margaret would ask questions. Probably more than a few. And once she saw Claire, she’d put the pieces together, maybe not all at once, but enough to start pressing Zeke for answers.

Zeke didn’t even flinch. "Of course. I don’t mind," he said quietly. "And I’ll ask her not to say anything to anyone. For now."

Cassidy studied him for a second longer before nodding. "Alright, then."

It wasn’t the ideal setting for a first meeting but maybe it was time.

Cassidy glanced at Claire, who had just finished the last spoonful of her yogurt, looking satisfied.

"Claire," she said gently, "would you like to meet Grandma Margaret? She’s Uncle Zeke’s mom."

Claire turned to Zeke, her eyes curious. "Uncle Zeke... your mommy?"

Zeke gave a small nod, his expression soft. "Yeah. But only if you want to, kiddo. It’s okay if you don’t."

Claire thought for a second, then nodded. "I want to meet her."

Zeke smiled, warmth touching his eyes. "Thank you."

***

They left the dining room and made their way to the living room.

Margaret was seated on one of the armchairs, her fingers gently tapping the armrest as she waited. She seemed lost in thought until her eyes landed on Zeke entering the room, with Cassidy walking just behind him.

Her expression shifted in surprise.

"Cassidy," Margaret said warmly as she stood up. "So you’re the guest. I should’ve known."

Cassidy offered a polite smile. "Hi, Margaret."

Margaret embraced her briefly, warmly, then stepped back with a pleased expression. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

It was only then that her gaze moved past Cassidy to another woman, a little younger than herself, holding the hand of a small girl.

Margaret turned to her and offered a kind smile. "Hello. Margaret"

The woman nodded. "Hello. Clara."

Margaret’s attention then dropped to the child by her side. A sweet-faced little girl with bright eyes.

"And what’s your name, little one?" Margaret asked gently.

The girl blinked up at her. "Claire. Are you Uncle Zeke’s mommy?"

Margaret smiled, charmed by the softness in Claire’s voice. "Yes, I am."

Claire’s lips curled into a shy but sincere smile. "You’re very pretty, Grandma."

Margaret laughed, touched by the unexpected compliment. "Why, thank you, Claire. You’re very pretty too."

Claire beamed and said, "Yes. I’m pretty like my mommy." She let go of Clara’s hand and walked over to Cassidy, wrapping her small fingers around Cassidy’s.

Margaret’s eyes widened. She glanced between Claire and Cassidy. "Your mommy?" she asked, her voice uncertain.

Claire nodded confidently. "Yes. Isn’t my mommy beautiful, Grandma?"

Margaret stared at the little girl, still trying to process her words. Slowly, she turned her gaze to Cassidy. "Cassidy... is Claire your daughter?"

Cassidy gave a soft smile and nodded. "Yes. She is."

The revelation hit Margaret like a wave. She blinked and turned to look at Zeke, almost searching for answers in his calm expression.

Cassidy has a child? Was she married? When did this happen? And why does Zeke seem completely fine with it?

Margaret placed a hand on her chest. "I... I think I need to sit down," she murmured, suddenly overwhelmed.

Claire, noticing the shift in mood, looked up at Cassidy. "Mommy, is Grandma okay?"

Before Cassidy could respond, Zeke stepped in gently. "Grandma’s okay, sweetheart. She just needs a minute to rest."

Together, they all sat down in the living room.

Margaret stayed quiet for a while, her eyes never straying far from Claire, who was now happily chatting with Zeke, telling him something animatedly with her hands.

And Margaret watched. Silently, thoughtfully.

How could he be this gentle, this warm with a child who wasn’t even his?

Was he really that in love with Cassidy?

So much that he could love this child, Cassidy’s child as if she were his own?

But the more Margaret looked at Claire, the more something tugged at her. There was something familiar about those eyes. The shape. The quiet intensity. The way they scanned the room with silent curiosity.

She looked at Zeke. Then back at Claire.

And suddenly, she stood up.

"No way..." she whispered, her voice cracking.

Her eyes widened. "Is Claire... is she...?"

"Mom," Zeke said quickly, his voice calm but firm. "Sit down."

Margaret stared at him. "You... you..." Her hand flew to her mouth as the truth hit her like a wave.

Claire wasn’t just Cassidy’s daughter.

She was Zeke’s.

Claire was his daughter.

Margaret slowly sat back down, her hands trembling in her lap. Her gaze drifted to Claire again, still giggling beside Zeke, blissfully unaware.

And then, barely above a whisper, like she was speaking more to herself than anyone else, Margaret said,

"So... I’m a grandmother now?"

***

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