Chapter 11
Rachel sat in Michael's car, dead silent the whole ride. Before long, they pulled up to the Smith Family's place.
Catherine lived out in the burbs, loving the peace and quiet, always hitting up Christian prayers, and had a few servants looking after her.
Rachel could hear Catherine coughing from not too far away.
"Stay by the door," Catherine told Michael, looking pale and sickly. She then led Rachel inside.
Catherine let out a heavy sigh, "I didn't think something this big would go down right after I left. Rachel, you were too rash."
Rachel knew Catherine was talking about her splitting up with Michael. She stepped forward slowly, took Catherine's hand like always, and said softly, "Mrs. Smith, you should be happy for me. I can finally be myself, right?"
Catherine shot a reproachful glance at Michael standing outside the door, then turned back to Rachel. "Michael's a fool, letting a good wife like you go. And now you don't even call me Grandma."
Rachel felt touched and murmured, "Grandma."
Catherine gently patted her hand. She spoke seriously, "Rachel, I've seen how you feel about Michael all these years. Can you really let go?"
"I have no choice but to let go," Rachel muttered, her heart heavy with sadness.
Catherine hugged her and gently patted her back to comfort her, "I don't blame you for divorcing Michael. I knew this day would come sooner or later. It's Michael's loss."
Rachel quietly leaned into Catherine's arms. During her years with the Smith Family, Catherine was the only one who showed her kindness.
With Catherine's care, Emily and James didn't dare to act recklessly and had to be somewhat cautious. Rachel had long regarded Catherine as family. She didn't regret the divorce, but she felt a bit of regret that she couldn't stay by Catherine's side to take care of her.
"Rachel, I've known Michael since he was a kid and understand his nature. If one day he tries to win you back, would you return?" Catherine asked hopefully. She couldn't bear to lose such a good granddaughter-in-law and naturally hoped they would be together again in the future.
However, Rachel knew that Mandy, not her, was the only person who was Michael's soft spot. She replied calmly, "But Grandma, he doesn't like me. I should have understood that six years ago."
Catherine also realized something, her face darkening in silence.
"Grandma, whether or not I'm your granddaughter-in-law, I will always respect you." Rachel spoke as she reached out to help Catherine tidy her hair. "You should be happy and take care of your health. Don't worry about anything else."
Michael stood quietly outside. He was aware of the bond between Rachel and Catherine. Over the years, although he didn't like Rachel, he couldn't deny that Rachel treated Catherine very well, as if she were her own grandmother.
Even though Emily and James didn't treat her well, she always took care of them. After learning that Mandy's car accident was caused by Rachel, Michael felt disgusted, but seeing her genuine care for Catherine, he chose to let her go. It was his final act of leniency toward her.
After a long time, the two inside finally came out.
Catherine sighed, "Rachel, if you have time in the future, come visit me often. I fear I don't have many years left."
Rachel frowned. "Grandma, don't say that. You will live a long life. I will visit you often."
At this moment, Michael stepped forward and offered, "I'll drive you."
Rachel distantly refused. "No need, someone is picking me up." She turned and walked toward the black Maybach that had already arrived.
Michael's eyes were filled with coldness. It was John and Robert.
The warm scene of the three of them chatting and laughing together irritated him.
Catherine coughed a few times, a bit breathless. She mumbled, "I'm old, and I can't manage your affairs anymore. I just hope you won't regret it one day."
Catherine, who had always been very loving toward Michael, was now extremely disappointed and didn't want to look at him any longer. She went back inside with the help of a servant.
Michael stood alone at the door. He thought, 'Regret? It's impossible.'