Estelle realized that Victor was determined to attend the memorial service, confirming her suspicions. However, Victor was crafty and committed to his malicious deeds. To safeguard Cristofer’s reputation, she reluctantly agreed to Victor’s unreasonable demand.
She sighed and said, “You can attend the memorial service if you insist. Just don’t cause any trouble. If you have any issues, discuss them privately with us. Let Grandpa Gary rest in peace.”
Victor, having achieved his goal, grinned and replied, “No problem.”
“You may leave now,” Estelle said with a cold tone.
Victor, noticing that Estelle had no intention of further conversation, departed immediately.
Two minutes later, Estelle, standing by the French window, watched as Victor walked away. She then instructed Eva, “Arrange for trustworthy bodyguards to keep a close watch on him. Ensure he doesn’t disrupt the memorial service.”
****
Time passed quickly, and soon, the weekend came.
“Hope the weather can be so good all day,” Estelle uttered, looking out of the window at the cloudless blue sky.
‘It is inconvenient for Cristofer to attend today’s memorial service, and he can only mourn Grandpa Gary in another room. He has been in a bad mood. If the weather turns bad, he will be unhappier.’
The three kids sat with Estelle, wondering why she seemed concerned about the weather. But when they heard her worries, they reassured her, saying, “Don’t worry, the weather will be good all day.”
Yohan added, “Great-grandpa will bless us and give us good weather.”
Estelle smiled, patted Yohan on the head, and turned to her two daughters. “You can rest in your room for now. I’ll go check on your Dad and pick you up later.”
Next, she went to Cristofer’s bedroom, right next door, and softly knocked on the door. After a moment, she heard Cristofer’s voice say, “Please come in.”
Estelle entered the room to find Cristofer in a wheelchair, facing away from her, gazing outside. The curtains were drawn, allowing a gentle breeze and bright sunlight to fill the room.
Before Estelle could say anything, Cristofer said, “The arrangements have been made. Victor expressed his desire to attend, but I declined it. There’s not much I can do about the memorial service. You and Luke will have a busy day ahead.”
Hearing his words, Estelle was a little surprised. ‘Did Victor contact Cristofer? It looks like he wants to come to the memorial service so much,’ she thought. “Don’t worry. I’ve hired bodyguards to stop Victor from coming here. He can’t even get out of his house today, let alone make trouble at the memorial service.”
“Thank you,” Cristofer responded coldly, clearly in a bad mood.
Seeing him like this, Estelle felt sorry for him. Trying to lift his spirits, she spoke softly, “We’ll head to the cemetery soon. The confirmed guest list includes many prominent people from the city’s upper class. Uncle Luke has arranged for you to stay in the staff’s office, where you can watch the memorial service.”
Cristofer expressed his gratitude, acknowledging that this arrangement was Estelle’s doing, and then lapsed into silence.
Just as Estelle was about to say more, there was a knock at the door, and Luke entered the room. He had come to discuss something important with Cristofer. Seeing Estelle there as well, he wasn’t surprised.
“Estelle, your friend is here. I couldn’t find you earlier, so I took her to the children’s room. She’s waiting for you,” Luke informed her.
“Got it! I’ll go see her now. Thanks, Uncle Luke,” Estelle replied, rushing back to the children’s room. She knew the only person who would visit her at this time was Rebecca.
“Rebecca…” As she entered the children’s room, Rebecca warmly embraced her.
“Estelle, you’ve had so much on your plate. Why didn’t you reach out for help? You’re not Wonder Woman, you know?” Rebecca expressed her concern.
Feeling comforted by the embrace, Estelle’s heart warmed. Her voice choked with emotion as she said, “I was overwhelmed with everything, and I forgot to ask for your help. Rebecca, it means a lot that you’re here. Thank you for attending Grandpa Gary’s memorial service.”
Estelle’s nose and eyes turned red, making her look delicate and emotional. Seeing her like this, Rebecca felt sorry for her and said, “How could you forget to ask for help when you needed it? You’re taking care of three children and preparing for Grandpa Gary’s memorial service. You must be exhausted every day. Let me help you with the children today.”
Hearing Rebecca’s offer, Yvonne sweetly said, “Mom, we’ll be good and listen to Aunt Rebecca.”
“Mom, I’ll take good care of my sisters,” Yohan quickly added.
Christina didn’t say anything but grabbed her little bag, standing beside Yvonne to show she could take care of herself.
Estelle was touched by her well-behaved children and Rebecca’s thoughtfulness. She smiled and said softly, “Thank you, my dears.”
“Don’t mention it. You should go and change your clothes now. As for Cristofer… well, never mind,” Rebecca had wanted to ask if the misunderstanding between Estelle and Cristofer had been resolved, but seeing Estelle’s somber expression, she held back her words and gave Estelle another comforting hug.
Estelle nodded in response and retreated to her room. She changed into a simple black dress. She hadn’t planned to wear any jewelry, but as she considered that she would be hosting the Hans family’s memorial service on behalf of Cristofer, she decided to wear a star-shaped brooch beneath the white corsage on her chest.
As she returned to the children’s room, she walked past Cristofer’s bedroom. Curiosity got the better of her, and she peeked inside but found it empty, with the curtains drawn.
Wondering where Cristofer had gone, she was suddenly startled by his voice from behind. “I’m right here.”
Estelle gasped and turned around in surprise. “Oh! I was just checking on you.”
“I see. It’s time to set off,” Cristofer nodded, dressed in a smart black suit with a white corsage pinned on his chest. Although he wouldn’t be attending the memorial service in person, he still dressed respectfully.
Estelle, seeing his composed demeanor, found it hard to find words to comfort him. She simply nodded in response and walked past him, heading to the children’s room.
Rebecca had been incredibly helpful and had already helped the three children change into their black attire by the time Estelle returned to the children’s room. Yvonne and Christina were wearing black dresses, while Yohan followed a mini version of Cristofer’s black suit.
Estelle couldn’t help but smile as she looked at Yohan, who resembled a younger Cristofer. “Let’s go,” she said, leading the children out.