No Remarriage for us Stay Away by Livia Storm

Chapter 525 She Is Heartless

Meredith studied her, noticing the pure, unafraid innocence in Harrietta's gaze as she was in an unfamiliar place. A tender smile curved her lips. "I am your granny."

"Granny, hello, I'm Carol," Harrietta said, then turned to tug gently at Zachary's hand. "This is my dad."

Meredith glanced up at Zachary, who stood quietly behind her, and gave him a subtle nod.

Though they had never interacted directly, Meredith felt a sense of familiarity. Perhaps she had seen him at a banquet in Jacaster, or maybe her brother, Matthew, had mentioned him in passing. Meredith had known of Zachary for quite some time. A young man who had taken the helm as CEO of Fuller Group, and, as she recalled, was now the chairman of the board.

In her mind, Zachary had always been a symbol of youthful success. Now, he was the father of her granddaughter, though not her son-in-law.

Meredith had heard the details of those years. Isla had mistakenly entered the wrong room, only to be forced onto bed by a disoriented Zachary. Later, under Tamara's manipulative influence, Isla had chosen not to call the police and ended up having a child. Though Zachary may have been manipulated and had expressed his sincerity to Matthew, and despite Isla's own share of responsibility, Meredith, as a mother, naturally leaned in defense of her child. It was difficult for her to feel positively toward Zachary, given the circumstances.

Zachary gave Meredith a nod, fully aware that the Bjorn couple didn't hold him in high regard. He had no intention of trying to win their approval the way he might with his in-laws. "All right, I've brought Hattie here. I have some matters to attend to back home, so I'll be heading out now. The suitcase has Hattie's clothes and toys, and I've made note of her preferences and habits. Please take good care of her. I'll come to pick her up in two weeks."

Bjorn was pleased with Zachary's self-awareness.

He simply replied, "Then, I won't see you out."

"Goodbye, Daddy," Harrietta said, looking up at him with a trace of reluctance in her eyes.

Zachary gently stroked Harrietta's head, his voice soft and reassuring. "Listen to your grandparents while you're here. And if you're ever uncomfortable, just call me. I'll come and take you home."

Harrietta nodded obediently.

"I'm leaving now," Zachary added.

"Okay," she replied.

With that, Zachary turned and left. Meredith observed Harrietta, who stood watching his retreating figure without so much as a flinch.

Though they were her maternal grandparents, they were strangers to her. Despite being only five years old and surrounded by unfamiliar faces, Harrietta didn't cry or make a fuss. To Meredith, the child seemed unnervingly composed for her age, as if this new place didn't faze her in the slightest. Meredith couldn't help but pat Harrietta's head gently.

As soon as Zachary left, Bjorn motioned for Harrietta to follow him. "Come on, Carol. I'll show you the room I've prepared for you, and then we can take a tour of the manor."

"All right," Harrietta replied, nodding enthusiastically.

They ascended to the second floor, where Harrietta's room awaited. It was spacious and bathed in natural light, the atmosphere warm and welcoming. The bed was dressed in soft blush-toned linens, and a large rabbit plushie rested at its center. On the desk, there were new toys neatly arranged.

smile tugging at his lips.

face lit up as she

that Harrietta would only be staying for half a month, the room's layout

see her content. "I'm glad you like it. There's someone to help with your luggage, and after that, I'll take you out for

"All right," Harrietta agreed.

Harrietta settled into the

was drawn to a car

walked over, opened the passenger door, and

was it? You've been busy all day, are you tired?" Zachary asked

stretched her neck.

"Yes."

thought you had

tomorrow," Zachary replied, noticing Lenora's

have dinner with a

that she had arrived in Fairlake, warmly invited her out for a

It was clear that he wasn't part of

I'll take you there," Zachary said, pursing

name of the restaurant, then

to the hotel... I'll grab something

stole a quick glance at Zachary, ready to say something when her phone chimed twice. Bella

had expected

after

from her. When the light turned red,

only to find her

absorbed in replying to Bella's

no

his

waited.

him. "Make sure you rest when

her, at a loss for words.

for the rest of the ride. Lenora, seemingly oblivious, continued chatting with Bella on the phone. Zachary fought the urge to sigh in

Lenora looked up from her phone, glancing out the

"Mm," Zachary replied quietly.

car and shut the door softly. Just as she was about to head inside,

raised an eyebrow, waiting for