Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 56

A genuine smile unconsciously tugged at the corners of Hazel's lips. She quickened her pace as she walked into the grand foyer. "Grandma, I'm here."

Grandma Hayes was seated comfortably on the plush living room sofa. The moment she spotted Hazel, her eyes absolutely lit up. "Hazel, sweetheart! Come here, come here. Let me get a good look at you."

She grabbed Hazel's hands, looking her up and down before giving an approving nod. "You've lost a little weight, but you look so radiant. I heard you're finally back to work?"

Hazel was just about to answer when a cold, drippingly sarcastic voice cut through the room. "Her? Working? What exactly is she qualified to do? Sweep the floors and fetch coffee?"

The vicious insult came from Eleanor Hayes, Julian's mother.

Eleanor leaned back into her armchair, not even bothering to glance up. Her tone was overflowing with absolute disdain. "She'd be much more useful in the kitchen helping the maids prep dinner instead of wasting her time on such pointless hobbies."

The warmth instantly drained from the room. Grandma Hayes's expression darkened, but before she could scold her daughter-in-law, Hazel let out a light laugh. "You're absolutely right. I don't have any spectacular talents. I just help out at the Institute, run data analysis, and do whatever little things I can manage."

Eleanor finally lifted her eyes to glare at her, letting out a harsh scoff. "The Institute? You've got to be kidding me. Someone with zero credentials like you actually has the nerve to show her face at a place like that?"

Grandma Hayes's face turned thunderous. "Eleanor! Hazel is finally back visiting us. Would it kill you to say something pleasant for once?"

Eleanor rolled her eyes, but she finally clamped her mouth shut.

Hazel kept her gaze lowered, masking the deep frustration brewing beneath the surface.

She had been listening to these exact same insults for five years, and by now, she was entirely numb to it. In the past, she would have instinctively tried to appease the woman, desperate to keep the peace simply because she loved Julian.

But now, there was absolutely no point in trying anymore.

Hazel's footsteps faltered slightly. "Not at all, Grandma."

Grandma Hayes stopped entirely, looking at her with an expression filled with deep, maternal ache. "Don't lie to me. I've lived a long time, and there isn't much I miss. The way you look at Julian... it's completely different now."

Hazel fell completely silent. She couldn't risk telling the older woman about Evelyn. If Grandma Hayes intervened, securing a clean divorce would become infinitely more complicated.

Grandma Hayes let out a heavy sigh. "That boy never learned how to truly cherish anyone. I know he's put you through so much."

Hazel shook her head softly. "I'm not suffering."

She was going to be divorced soon. She wouldn't have to suffer another day.