At the Zane Family, in front of the dining table.
Julian Zane sat at the head of the table, with Ariana Evans to his left, and the empty space to his right fit Olivia Zane’s wheelchair just right.
The three family members sat in front of the dining table, presenting a picture of warmth.
Julian Zane finished the last bit of his breakfast, picked up the napkin to wipe the corner of his lips, and turned to look at his daughter on the right, "Lily, next time don’t always have your mom carry you around. Your mom is getting older, ask the maid for help if you need anything. If you don’t want to ask the maid, just call dad. I’m strong enough to carry you."
Subconsciously, mother and daughter exchanged glances. Olivia Zane turned her face to her father and promised with a smile, "Got it, I won’t let mom carry me anymore."
Ariana Evans picked up a slice of cucumber, eyes downturned, with the corners of her lips slightly curved.
"Dad!" Julian Zane stood up but was stopped by Olivia Zane, "Mom helped me get in touch with a rehabilitation center, and I want to go there for rehabilitation training."
Julian Zane’s brows furrowed slightly, seemingly in a dilemma, but after a moment he nodded in agreement, "Okay, I’ll arrange for a driver to take you there and back. Don’t tire yourself out, rehabilitation isn’t a matter of just a day or two."
"I know," Olivia Zane nodded obediently, then Ariana Evans looked up, "Don’t worry, the doctors there will tailor a program to Lily’s condition."
Julian Zane didn’t say more, just nodded his head and stood up to leave. Suddenly remembering something, he stopped and turned around.
"In the future, let’s call that unfilial daughter home less often; seeing her is irritating."
"Julian!" Ariana Evans called out in disapproval, slamming her chopsticks on the table, "No matter what, she is your daughter and Lily’s sister. Do you really want them to become strangers and be the laughing stock of the outside world?!"
Julian Zane snorted coldly, "Haven’t we been laughed at enough in the past!"
In the past, Titus Zane married off her sister, which already became a joke among outsiders. Later, when the sisters both served the same husband, it became gossip fodder for leisure time.
Julian Zane had always restrained his anger because Nathan Moore was involved. Now that his daughter had been sent back to her parents’ home, there was no need for him to hold back anymore.
Ariana Evans sighed, a look of helplessness on her face.
"Julian, no matter what, Titus is still our daughter. She’s been missing for so many years; as a mother, how can I not worry?"
"You’re too soft-hearted, you were then, and you are now!" He left those words behind, Julian turned and walked away, frustrated.
Mother and daughter exchanged glances once more, a knowing smile developing on their faces.
"Mom, do you think she will stay in T City?"
Olivia Zane grabbed a piece of ham and shoved it into her mouth. Ariana Evans gave her a disapproving look, "Child," then, as if deep in thought, "It doesn’t seem like she will."
"What should we do?" Olivia Zane slid her wheelchair forward a bit anxiously, and due to her eagerness, failed to notice that the wheelchair was already in front of the table; by sliding forward, her abdomen hit the edge of the table, she winced and let out a hiss, then slapped the armrest of her wheelchair, "Damn thing! One day I’ll smash you!"
"This child!" Ariana Evans frowned in disapproval, "You’re always so impatient. Do you think she can escape?"
"What if she flies abroad again? Where will we find her when we need her?"
"Don’t worry, Dr. Steven British’s vacation will end soon, and as long as we get her to stay in T City for a month, we won’t be afraid of anything afterward." Ariana Evans picked up her coffee and brought it to her lips, her eyes slightly narrowed with calculation.
"What about explaining this to Dad? Will he agree?"
Clasping her coffee cup, Ariana Evans let out a cold laugh, "By then, he won’t have a say in it. Worst case, we can deceive him; after all, my profession makes it convenient for me to do things."