Chapter 609: Epilogue (36)

“Zoe, have you named your son yet?” Nora asked.

“I picked one, but Herman shot it down. He picked one, and I shot it down. Then his parents suggested some, and we both hated them. We just can’t agree, so we haven’t been able to pick a name that everyone likes.”

Chloe Marshall chimed in, “Well, what name did you pick? Tell us. Maybe we can offer some suggestions.”

“I suggested Franklin Hawthorne…”

“Pfft…”

“Huh?”

“That name… is a little unsophisticated, isn’t it?”

Zoe Ellsworth explained, “It might sound a little unsophisticated, but it represents a mother’s boundless hopes for her son. I want him to be wealthy and successful.”

Herman retorted, “Who names their kid that? Aren’t you afraid he’ll resent you when he’s older? The other kids at school will have a field day with nicknames.”

Zoe Ellsworth huffed. “And your suggestion was so much better? What was it, Taylor Hawthorne? I’m pretty sure my brother used to have a dog named Taylor…”

Ethan Ellsworth added, “Yeah, ha ha! Young Master Hawthorne, were you kicked in the head by a donkey or something? How could you give my nephew a name like that? I ought to kick your ass.”

“And that’s not the worst of it. Do you know what nickname my parents came up with? Dandan. Quan Dandan… Were they afraid the world wouldn’t know we had a son?”

Nora was laughing so hard her stomach hurt. “Why not just call him Victor? It sounds so authoritative.”

Chloe nodded. “Or Leo. That’s powerful too.”

Zoe’s eyes lit up. “Oh, those are both great! We could use them.”

“Hmm, they really are,” Herman agreed.

“We’ll just take them home and let his parents pick one,” Zoe said excitedly. “I think I like Leo. And if I have a daughter later, we’ll name her Lily. See? What great names.”

“What if the next one is a boy?” Herman asked, concerned.

“Then we’ll just have to find another good name for him.”

“Sounds good.”

That evening, the four people from Valeria arrived.

Faye Sinclair looked at her granddaughter, and her smiling face soon turned to tears. “Back then, when I gave birth to Nora, it was just like this. This baby… she’s the spitting image of Nora as a child.”

Luna Ainsworth came forward. “It’s a happy occasion, and here you are crying again.”

Sierra Ainsworth reached out for a hug. “That’s right, Mom. Look how fair and beautiful your granddaughter is. If she’s this pretty now, imagine how she’ll be when she grows up.”

Faye nodded. “Yes, yes, you’re right. I won’t cry. Our Nora is so blessed. Two sons and a daughter, and Quentin treats her so well. After all those years she suffered… it makes my heart feel a little better.”

Nora held her hand. “Mom, that’s all in the past. Let’s not talk about it anymore.”

“Alright. Nora, you should stay in the hospital for a few more days.”

“Mom, I’m being discharged tomorrow. I don’t want to stay in the hospital. I had a natural birth, so there’s no need to stay longer.”

“Fine, it’s up to you. It will be more comfortable at home,” Faye said, then added, “You all must be tired from the flight. Go back and get some rest. I’ll stay here with Nora.”

Mrs. Grant, holding the baby, said, “I’ll take the baby home for now. It’s better there than in the hospital. If she gets fussy tonight, it won’t disturb Nora’s rest. We’ll have her waiting for you at home when you’re discharged tomorrow.”

Nora agreed.

That night, Faye slept on the inner bed, while Nora slept on the outer one.

After talking for a while, Faye got up, took out the old Jade Pendant, and placed it back around Nora’s neck. “This is the Jade Pendant that forms a pair with your sister’s. Nora, this will bring you good fortune in the future, not harm. Wear it well.”

Nora nodded. “Okay.”

“Marriage… it’s like a walled city. Everyone wants to get in, but no one knows if they’ll find a prison or a palace inside. Nora, my life has turned out how it has, but I can only rest easy if you and Sierra live well.”

“Mom, actually… Dad was just confused back then. You should forgive him…”

“What’s to forgive or not forgive? It is what it is. Life goes on.”

“You’re right. Go to sleep, Mom. Tomorrow is a beautiful new day, a new beginning, a new starting point.”

“Yes. Goodnight, Nina.”

**

After being discharged from the hospital the next day, Nora Ainsworth posted an update on her Weibo account, announcing the safe arrival of her child and that both mother and daughter were doing well.

She was taken directly home.

Life moved on at a bustling pace.

After the baby’s one-month celebration, Luna Ainsworth, Faye Sinclair, and Sierra Ainsworth returned to Valeria together.

Just as she saw her family off, a call came from President Harding.

He was asking when they could begin filming the charity project in the mountainous region. Nora replied that as soon as Quentin Grant had arranged things at his company, they would be able to participate.

Hearing this, President Harding smiled and immediately contacted Ethan Ellsworth’s family.

‘Originally, I had planned to invite several celebrities, but on second thought,’ President Harding figured, ‘what celebrity could possibly be on the same level as Quentin Grant? Besides, they’re just doing this to give their sons some experience, not for hype, fame, or money.’

‘With big names like Quentin Grant and Ethan Ellsworth, how could I possibly worry about viewership ratings?’

So, President Harding began promoting the event, hoping to draw more attention to the children in the mountainous regions, to charity work, and to inspire a love for philanthropy.

That afternoon, when Quentin Grant came home, Nora told him about the conversation. Quentin said, “I already started making arrangements at the company a few days ago. But, Nora, if the three of us—the boys and I—are gone, will you be okay on your own with the baby?”

“Chloe is going to come stay with me until you get back.”

Hearing that, Quentin Grant felt much more relieved.

Nora was holding their daughter, who was just over a month old. The baby had just finished feeding, and her eyes were starting to droop sleepily.

“Sweetie, it’s Daddy. Don’t fall asleep, look at me.” Quentin Grant reached out and poked her chubby little cheek with his index finger, trying to keep her awake.

“Daddy, Mommy, we’re home from school!”

The voices of his two boys echoed from the entrance. Quentin Grant quickly retracted his hand and sat up primly, watching his two sons walk in.

The little princess, who had been about to fall asleep, must have heard her brothers’ voices, because her half-closed eyes opened wide.

“See? Your sister heard your voices and now she’s not sleepy anymore.”

Elmer Grant lifted his chin, huffed, and rolled his eyes. “Daddy, I may not be a genius, but don’t lie to me. What does a baby who’s just over a month old understand?”

“Do you know what a family bond is? Besides, you two were already little schemers at this age. It’s a fact that your sister has clearly adored you both since she was born. She even smiles when you hold her. When Daddy holds her, all she wants to do is sleep.”

Elmer, still wearing his backpack, turned his face away without a word and went upstairs.

The little princess opened her eyes again and looked toward Dylan Grant. Dylan came closer and kissed her little cheek, and the little princess actually smiled, a faint hint of a grin on her face.

Then, she could only watch as her brother went upstairs.

‘If she could get down, run, and talk, she would have been trailing behind him, chirping ‘Brother! Brother!’ nonstop!’