Chapter 117

"Mr. Jefferson Senior had another ice cream—blackberry flavored. Following that, he had two popsicles and one packet of crushed ice," Rodrigo said. Grace, considerably younger, was astonished. Even she wouldn't consume that much cold treat in one sitting. Peter was in his 70s! Surely, this would make him sick. Oliver clenched his fists upon hearing this, then slowly relaxed them. "Alright, you can go rest now," he said to Rodrigo. Rodrigo then left the study. Once alone with Grace, Oliver stood and faced her. Grace's eyes welled up. "Darling," she murmured. Oliver's response was a soft hum, his voice a magnetic question mark as he awaited her next words. Testing the waters, Grace hugged Oliver's waist, nuzzling into him. "Thank you," she whispered, those two words conveying her immense appreciation for his efforts. A hint of amusement softened Oliver's usually stoic expression. He wrapped one arm around her waist, the other gently caressing her hand. "Are you alright, now?" Gr