Chapter 204 Who gifted this old man a teddy bear?

Chapter 204: Chapter 204 Who gifted this old man a teddy bear?

"Thank you for taking care of her."

Grandpa James looked at Alessio with a tired but sincere smile. His eyes, though weary, held a warmth that hadn’t been there when he had been looking at Cedric.

Alessio nodded respectfully. His posture was relaxed, but there was a quiet deference in the way he stood before the old man. "You don’t have to thank me, Grandpa."

He glanced briefly toward Daisy. She was standing a little distance away, her hands clasped in front of her, her eyes still glassy from earlier. "I was only doing what anyone should have done."

James’s eyes softened. He studied Alessio’s face for a moment, taking in the sincerity in his expression, the way his gaze stayed on Daisy for few seconds before returning to him. "I know," he said quietly.

Alessio gave a small nod before turning around. "Come on, Rafael."

Rafael immediately followed him, but not before casting one last glance toward Daisy. His expression was unreadable, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips.

As the two brothers walked away, Grandpa James watched Alessio’s back for a long moment. There was something in the young man’s manner that was difficult to miss. The way his eyes followed Daisy. The way he had stayed close whenever she seemed uncomfortable. The way his expression changed whenever someone upset her. The way he had held her while she slept, protecting her even in his own rest.

James quietly sighed. That young man really likes her.

Perhaps Alessio hadn’t even realized how obvious it had become.

Behind him, Cedric suddenly spoke. "I’m going to my room."

James looked toward him. His eyes, which had softened for Alessio, hardened once more.

Cedric didn’t wait for a response. He turned around and walked away, his expression tense and unreadable. His footsteps were hard against the floor, and his shoulders were rigid.

Jessica immediately followed. "Cedric, wait."

He stopped near the hallway and turned toward her. His patience had already disappeared, worn thin by the events of the evening. His eyes were cold, and his jaw was tight.

"Go home."

Jessica froze. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"

"I said go home."

His voice was cold and hard. There was no room for argument.

"But—"

"Not tonight, Jessica."

She stared at him in disbelief. Her mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. "You’re seriously asking me to leave after everything that happened?"

Cedric’s expression hardened. "I don’t want to talk right now."

Jessica’s face slowly became ugly with irritation. Her eyes narrowed, and her lips pressed into a thin line. She wanted to argue but one look at his face told her that arguing would accomplish nothing.

He wasn’t looking at her the way he usually did. There was no warmth and affection. She can only see Just cold distance.

She pressed her lips together. "Fine."

She turned around sharply and walked away. Her heels clicked against the floor, each step sharp and angry. She didn’t look back.

Jenna didn’t stay either. She had already realized that Grandpa James was in no mood to entertain excuses, and she had no desire to be questioned about what she knew or didn’t know. Her face was pale, and her hands were trembling slightly. Without saying much, she quickly left the room as well.

Soon, the large house became strangely quiet. The guests were gone. Cedric had disappeared upstairs. Jessica had left. Jenna was gone.

Only Grandpa James, Daisy, and a few maids remained in the sitting room. The staff moved quietly, clearing away the last of the glasses and plates.

For several seconds, nobody spoke.

Then James suddenly clapped his hands together lightly. The sound echoed through the quiet room.

"Well..."

He forced a cheerful smile. "Let’s see what everyone gifted me."

Daisy looked at him. She could see the sadness still hidden behind his smile. The corners of his mouth were lifted, but his eyes were tired and dim. Her heart ached.

But she didn’t want to make him feel worse. So she nodded.

James smiled a little more genuinely this time. "Come on, sweetheart. Help me."

He walked toward the table where the neatly wrapped presents had been placed. The pile was impressive, filled with boxes of all shapes and sizes, wrapped in expensive paper and tied with ribbons.

Daisy followed him. Her steps were quiet, and her presence was calming.

One of the maids began arranging the gifts while James sat comfortably in his chair. His old bones creaked as he settled into the cushions.

"Oh, look at this one."

He picked up a beautifully wrapped box. The paper was dark blue with silver ribbons. "Who gave me this?"

The maid checked the small card. "From Mr. Cedric."

James paused. For a brief moment, the smile on his face faded. His fingers tightened around the box, and his jaw clenched. Then he simply placed the box aside.

"We’ll open it later."

Daisy noticed. She didn’t say anything. She just watched him, her eyes filled with quiet understanding.

James picked up another gift from the table and began opening it, his fingers carefully pulling away the wrapping paper. The paper was soft and elegant, tied with a thin golden ribbon. His old hands moved slowly and carefully.

The moment he saw what was inside, he paused. His fingers stopped moving, and his eyes widened slightly.

Then his eyebrows rose.

A small teddy bear was sitting inside the box, looking ridiculously cute with its soft brown fur and a tiny little bow around its neck. Its little black eyes seemed to stare up at him with an innocent expression.

James stared at it for a second before bursting into genuine laughter.

"Hahaha! At this age, who gifted this old man a teddy bear?"

Daisy couldn’t help laughing too. Her shoulders shook silently, and her eyes crinkled at the corners. She leaned closer to look at it, her eyes lighting up with amusement. The little teddy really was adorable, and seeing Grandpa James holding it with such an exaggeratedly confused expression made it even funnier.

James shook his head, still smiling. "Look at this fellow. He thinks I’m still young enough to play with him."