Lily Turner had her own plans. She wanted to return to her mother, Sophia Wood, and her sister, Alice Turner, for a good family gathering. The three of them needed to have a heartfelt conversation.
Although Athena Linton wasn’t an outsider and was quite likable, having her around would certainly mean the three of them wouldn’t have a truly heartfelt talk.
"Athena! Your sister-in-law is going back to her family home to prepare for marriage, why are you going with her?" Serena Zimmerman noticed Lily Turner’s dilemma and was the first to stop Athena Linton. Her daughter might not understand everything, but as a mother, she couldn’t be so clueless.
Athena Linton thought otherwise. At her young age, she didn’t understand many of the rules and wasn’t considering other issues. She just wanted to follow her idol.
"Of course, I am there to accompany my sister-in-law. She must have a lot to do, and I can help her; I definitely won’t be a bother." To follow her idol back to her family, Athena Linton argued with her mom, "Mom! Please let me go with my sister-in-law. I promise not to make any trouble."
After saying that, she raised her right hand to make a promise to her mom.
These words gave Serena Zimmerman a headache, and Lily Turner was equally troubled. She had seen clingy people, but never someone this clingy.
Serena Zimmerman flatly refused, leaving no room for negotiation, "No, you stay right here at home and don’t go anywhere."
Though the two families were in-laws, they were still two separate families. If a mother and daughter wanted to have a private conversation, having an outsider present would be awkward.
"Goddess sister..."
"Don’t pester your sister-in-law anymore."
Not getting any support from Serena Zimmerman, Athena Linton turned to Lily Turner for help, but before she could speak, Callix Linton, who had been silent for a long time, interrupted her.
Grandpa Linton’s attitude was firm, and his tone of voice was very authoritative, leaving no room for doubt.
Hearing her grandfather suddenly speak up, Athena Linton instantly wilted. Although Grandpa Linton usually joked around like an old rascal, once he became serious, it was very intimidating.
Athena Linton had been living in the Imperial Capital with her parents for years, only returning home during holidays. She didn’t spend much time with her grandfather and felt a bit apprehensive about him.
"...Alright."
After a reluctant glance at Grandpa Linton, Athena Linton reluctantly agreed. Her gaze then shifted to Lily Turner, who was sitting beside her, "Goddess sister! I guess we’ll have to meet tomorrow."
Having said that, she pouted helplessly at her idol.
Lily Turner chuckled silently, making no further response. It was best to stay silent at this moment; otherwise, she might accidentally trigger the young girl’s nerves, leading to an awkward situation.
After learning that Lily Turner was going back to her family home after lunch without letting her follow, Athena Linton was visibly upset. She only picked at a few bites during the meal before heading gloomily to the living room to watch TV, clearly unhappy.
Seeing this, Lily Turner suddenly felt a bit soft-hearted and said to Serena Zimmerman sitting across from her, "Auntie! Why not let Athena come with me?"
Seeing the girl like that, Lily Turner really couldn’t bear it.
"You don’t need to worry about her. She’ll be fine in a little while."
Serena Zimmerman knew her daughter was throwing a tantrum. If it were any other matter, she could concede, but this was one thing where she couldn’t cater to her daughter.