"Where are you?" A hint of laughter was in Aiden Jiang’s voice.
Mia Ginger turned around and leaned on the railing at hand, asking, "Do you need something?"
"Your Uncle Jackson wants to meet you," Aiden said with a smile, "I have some free time now, if you’re available, we can go together and visit Old Master Jackson too."
Mia hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
She called Camilia Davis, but there was no answer. Two minutes later, a text came saying she had something to deal with and wasn’t at the hospital.
Mia said goodbye to Aunt Miller, the special nurse, and left the hospital.
After a few bus stops, she arrived at the agreed place and waited for Aiden.
About ten minutes later, a black Audi stopped in front of her, the window rolled down slowly, revealing Aiden Jiang’s stern and handsome face.
Mia opened the car door and got into the back seat.
Charlotte Chester was there too.
"Mom." Mia forced a smile.
"Are you hot?" Charlotte asked, looking at her, and handed her a bottle of mineral water, softly saying, "Your face is all red from the sun, have some water."
"Okay." Mia responded, holding the bottle and leaning back in her seat.
Having been apart for a few days, all three seemed a bit awkward. Aiden’s assistant was driving in the front, so Charlotte and Aiden refrained from speaking tenderly.
Over half an hour later, they arrived at the Jackson Family home.
Mia was still thinking about Camilia’s issue, seemingly distracted, and only snapped back from her thoughts when she heard voices, fully realizing the sight of everyone gathered in the hall.
Old Master Jackson sat in the main place on the couch, with Zane Jackson and Lydia Williams seated beside him, while Camilia sat on another single-seater sofa with two people standing beside her.
One was Zoey Leaf, her best friend.
The other was Little Patten, Louis Cox’s sidekick.
As soon as she entered, Old Master Jackson spoke gently with a smile, "Mia is here," his expression still kind and loving, yet not as warm as the last time, appearing somewhat cautious and puzzled.
Zane Jackson glanced her over up and down, his expression unreadable.
Lydia Williams smiled and greeted the three, her eyes, however, lacked warmth.
Camilia looked at her, as if having countless words to say. Zoey and Little Patten were the same, looking at her, wanting to speak but holding back.
Aiden’s gentle smile faded a bit.
Originally, Charlotte held her arm but was stunned upon seeing Camilia, and let her go immediately.
Mia stood there, her mind blank for a second.
It felt like a courtroom trial, and she was the accused, enduring the scrutiny, inquiries, and diverse gazes from everyone present.
She recalled the day she first entered the Ginger Family home.
Charlotte, Zuri Ginger, and Bob Ginger were seated in a row on the couch, much like now, silently observing and evaluating her from head to toe.
Mia tightened the hand resting at her side, yet wore an obedient smile, greeting, "Grandpa Jackson," and with a slight nod, added, "Uncle and Aunt."
Finally, her gaze landed on Camilia, showing a reassuring smile and calling out, "Mom."
Camilia looked slightly startled.
Charlotte was taken aback, her face turning somewhat grim.
"Please have a seat," Old Master Jackson said, looking at Aiden.
Aiden nodded and sat down on the chair at his side with Charlotte.
Mia remained standing, not taking a seat.
"Girl Mia, have a seat too." Old Master Jackson glanced at Lydia, who quickly understood and retrieved a soft stool from under the coffee table to hand over.
"I’ll stand, thank you." Mia tightly clenched the straps of her backpack, her clear, dark eyes looking at Old Master Jackson, still smiling. "Is there something you need to discuss with me? I can listen while standing."