The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 217

In the tea room, Judith stared intently at the black-and-white photograph. After a long silence, she lifted her eyes and carefully studied Charley's features.

"Charley, how are you related to Helena Shapiro?"

"She was my grandmother," Charley answered respectfully, his hands resting on his knees.

Judith let out a heavy sigh. "Your grandmother and I were inseparable. We went through life and death together. It's been sixty years since we last saw each other. Is she... still with us?"

"She passed away twelve years ago."

Judith sighed again.

Garnett couldn't help but interject, "Don't sigh so much today, Grandma. It's your birthday."

Internally, he had already cursed Charley a thousand times over. The man was like a ghost that refused to leave, showing up out of nowhere just to ruin his mood.

Judith kept her eyes on Charley, her voice distant and nostalgic. "Back then, during the air raids in Blossom City, my teachers and classmates from the girls' academy relocated to the school in Sycamore City. That's where I met your grandmother."

She paused. "I heard that after Helena graduated, she went to Marina Island, and then eventually moved to the States?"

"She escaped before Marina Island fell. She met my grandfather while attending university in the US," Charley explained.

The old photograph had completely transported Judith back to the past, and she shared countless stories of her youth.

As the night grew late, Maeve tried to coax Judith into going to bed. Clutching the photograph to her chest, Judith asked, "Charley, do you have a copy of this photo? Could I keep this one as a memento?"

"We have copies at home. This one is for you," Charley said gently.

Judith nodded gratefully, letting out another soft sigh. "I can't believe Helena has been gone for twelve years."

She then turned to Maeve. "I've kept Charley up so late without realizing it. Maeve, prepare a guest room for him. I want to talk to him more tomorrow morning."

Once Judith retired for the night, the younger generation remained.

"How exactly do you know Charley?" Garnett asked Julian.

"I ran into some trouble in the States a couple of years ago, and Charley stepped in and sorted it out for me," Julian smiled.

Lavinia was genuinely in awe of Charley. Not only had he traced his lineage back three generations to find a connection to Judith, but he had also gotten Julian to introduce him perfectly.

Having been on her feet all day, Lavinia was exhausted, her eyelids practically drooping.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw a text from Charley, who was sitting directly across from her: [You should go to sleep. Your eyes are red.]

The corners of Lavinia's mouth lifted in a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

The room was designed with a modern old-money aesthetic. Dark rosewood furniture, fine porcelain displayed on the tables, and detailed paintings of lychees and birds adorning the walls—all equipped with modern amenities.

Lavinia was incredibly tired; the moment she hit the bed, she didn't want to move.

Half-asleep, she heard footsteps in the hallway.

She figured it was just someone walking past. She ignored it and kept her eyes closed.

*Click.* The door actually opened.

Her eyes flew open, and she sat bolt upright.

Charley stood there, one hand still on the doorknob, quietly looking at her—completely frozen.

"You..." Before she could even ask the question, Julian's voice echoed from the hallway.

"Charley, I brought you some fresh clothes. They're mine, never been worn."

Charley turned, stepping out of the room, and shut the door swiftly and silently behind him.

Lavinia could hear him standing in the hallway, exchanging a few more words with Julian.