Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1173

When the weekend arrived, Lillian brought Celia Bennett and Ethan Hayes to the dinner.

Though she rarely dined out, an occasional meal was fine.

However, she didn't want Beatrice to suspect anything about her health condition, so she purposefully left her nutritionist behind and skipped her usual specialized meals.

Since Lillian was the one hosting, she arrived early.

To her surprise, Beatrice and her two grandsons were already waiting in the private room.

"Beatrice, I'm so sorry. I'm late."

"Not at all, not at all! We're just early," Beatrice replied warmly. "It's the weekend, so we decided to do some shopping, and came straight here afterward."

Beatrice took Lillian's hand, her enthusiasm palpable.

Lillian didn't pull away. In her heart, she genuinely viewed the older woman as family.

Once they were seated, Beatrice gestured for Miles to hand over a shopping bag.

The older woman carefully opened the gift box inside to reveal a stunning vintage brooch.

She slid it across the table toward Lillian. "I saw this while shopping today.

It caught my eye immediately. Then I realized it looked exactly like one your grandmother used to wear.

It's not a priceless gemstone, but it made me think of her, and of you, so I bought it.

I haven't given you a proper gift since we got back. I used to get you a birthday present every year.

Consider this my way of making up for missing you grow up."

Lillian looked at the brooch. It wasn't extravagantly expensive, but it certainly wasn't cheap either.

Maintaining that boundary was the only way their families could sustain a healthy relationship.

Lillian introduced her companions. The Winthrops had already done their homework on them.

"Ah, Mr. Hayes and Miss Bennett," Beatrice noted smoothly. "Bringing your top executives to dinner... you must be ready to talk about the factory."

Lillian smiled. "Let's not stand on ceremony, Beatrice.

You're a veteran in the business world, so I won't beat around the bush.

Tonight is a welcome dinner for you, Tristan, and Miles, but it's also a perfect opportunity to discuss the factory."

The Winthrops were thrilled by her directness.

What Lillian didn't realize was that just outside their private room, the three Mercer men were already seated at a table in the main dining area, perfectly positioned to intercept her.