Chapter 416

Cecilia's pov The guests began to drift out of the main house, their cars already waiting along the circular drive. The elders boarded first, while family representatives traded polite goodbyes with Cassian, who was coordinating everyone’s departure. Soon the driveway was thinning out, headlights winking into the distance. The Cole family’s cars were the first to roll out, followed by the Lawson convoy. Sebastian had arranged for his parents and siblings to leave ahead of us and made sure Helena had a private ride back to her hotel. "Grandmother," I said, leaning toward her window, "I’ll visit you in the morning." Helena smiled, her eyes soft. "Sweetheart, don’t worry about us. Have breakfast with Martha instead. She’s missed you for years." "But Grandmother—" "Hush." Her smile deepened, lines crinkling at the corners. "Spending time with the Lockes doesn’t change who you are. You’ll always be our family. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters." My eyes stung unexpectedly. "W