Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 1086

Mira wasn't used to physical affection, but she gently patted Celine's back. "Don't cry. You have to pull yourself together before you can help them.

Give me a second to wash up and change, and then we'll talk."

Mira never let other people's crises derail her own routine. She had been working all day and was completely exhausted and starving. At the very least, she needed to eat first.

By the time Mira came downstairs, Owen had also returned.

With their Wall Street departure looming, they had endless arrangements to finalize. They specifically needed their security teams to keep a tight watch on the Lance family, who were always waiting for an opportunity to cause chaos.

Because of this, Owen was just as buried in work as she was.

"Come on, Celine. Let's eat. Everyone's starving. We'll discuss everything after dinner."

Mira guided Celine toward the dining table.

Given the setting, Celine swallowed her words and sat down.

"I know you're hurting, Celine, but you have to prioritize your own health. We still have to work and live our lives.

If you collapse, won't that just make things worse for your family?"

Mira scooped a bowl of soup for her, offering practical comfort.

"I know, Mira, I know. I'm just struggling to keep my emotions in check."

Rachel chimed in right on cue. "It's been a while since you've visited. Come, taste my cooking."

Grandma Eleanor added gently, "Child, life is full of hardships, and most of them won't go your way.

You have to learn how to find your own peace amidst the chaos."

The old lady had a kind heart and couldn't bear to see the girl suffer.

"I understand, Grandma. I really do."

"Good. Since you understand, eat up. When you're feeling down, try to focus on the positives,"

Eleanor said between bites.

"For instance, your aunt and Sienna were rescued. At least they aren't suffering over there anymore. It's far better than being tortured by strangers, isn't it?

Doesn't that make sense?"

At the neighboring table, Daisy Cross laughed and glanced at Mason. "See that? You might be a chef, but you still can't beat mom's cooking."

"Who says I can't beat her cooking? You guys are just used to her style. My food appeals to the masses,"

Mason fired back playfully.

Mira finally let Celine in on the secret. "Mason is running the kitchen now. Rachel has officially retired from chef duties."

"I knew it! I knew the flavor profile was different today."

Because Celine was a guest, Owen and the mentor opted to eat at a separate table with the security detail, knowing their presence might make her feel stifled.

This left Mira's table entirely to the women, allowing Celine to fully relax.

After dinner, Owen headed upstairs to review documents, the mentor went to organize his medicinal herbs, Mason and Daisy went for a walk outside, and Martha cleared the dishes.

With a platter of fresh fruit and drinks set on the coffee table, Eleanor, Mira, and Rachel sat on the sofas, giving Celine their full attention as she detailed her family's nightmare.

"We initially thought my aunt and Sienna were just suffering from minor trauma, and that coming home to a safe environment would heal them.

But when we finally saw them, we realized their minds were completely shattered.