Chapter 1237
Elliot put his hand on her belly gently. “Did the baby kick you today? Is she playing nice?”
“Not bad. I’d be worried if she’s toonice.” Anastasia held his hand. “Let’s go. We’re going to the hospital after we have dinner with Dad and Jared.”
“Sure.” Elliot kissed her forehead and led her into the living room. Francis heaved a sigh. “Yep, I’m getting old. Even a six-year-old kid is beating me.”
Anastasia heard everything, and she came in, smiling. “Did you lose again, Dad?”
“Yeah. Jared’s really smart. I can’t win no matter what I do,” Francis admitted defeat. The boy encouraged his grandfather, “Do your best, Grandpa.”
“I’ll get back to you after dinner.” Francis smiled. The child started picking up the chess pieces and tucking them away. The child was young, but he was smart, and Francis felt grateful. Unlike other kids, he would clean up after himself instead of making a mess.
It was nine when they finished dinner. Four black cars escorted Anastasia as she went to the Presgraves’ personal hospital. Everyone was prepared for Anastasia’s labor.
It was a merry day at Scarlet’s house as well. Three families were celebrating Christmas there. It was rowdy to say the least.
Charlotte was looking at Ruka happily. She couldn’t take her eyes off the girl ever since she showed up. Ruka was helping her mother and Scarlet make Christmas dinner.
Harold, Walter, and Robert were enjoying their tea as they talked about current issues. “Come, Ruka.” Charlotte beckoned to Ruka when she was serving a dish.
Ruka approached her shyly. Charlotte held her hand. She was just delighted to see the girl. Ruka was a likable lady to begin with, and her looks just checked every box Charlotte had on the list.
“Come, talk with me. We have a lot to talk about.” Charlotte took Ruka away stubbornly.
Ruka supported Charlotte, and they went into a quiet side chamber. After taking a seat, Charlotte said, “If Ren tries to do anything stupid to you, you come to me. I’ll wallop him.”
Ruka chuckled. He might be a VP, but he’s still a son at home. His mother will whip him into shape. “It’s alright, Charlotte. He’s nice to me. Never said anything bad to me either,” she said seriously.
“Good. But well, he’s older, so I guess he knows how to love a lady.” Charlotte defended her son. It would be frustrating if Ruka complained about his age. “He loves me.” She nodded.
Charlotte remembered something. She left for the living room and came back holding a wooden box. Then, she opened it, revealing a jade bracelet in it. The bracelet was gleaming gorgeously under the light.
“This is a family heirloom that’s been passed down for two centuries. It’s invaluable, and now it’s yours.” She gently placed the box in Ruka’s hand.
Ruka was petrified. This is much too valuable! I can’t take it. “Charlotte-” “Don’t say no. I got it appraised, and it’s worth about this much.” She raised a single finger.
Ten million. It’s worth ten million. Not ten thousand or a hundred thousand. Her heart skipped a beat. It’s far too valuable for me to accept. “I… I can’t take this.” She handed it back to Charlotte. “You should keep it, Charlotte.”
“You silly girl. What’s ours is yours. If you won’t take it, nobody will.” She patted the girl’s head happily. “I’ll make sure Ren marries you. I’m not going to accept any other woman as his wife.”
