Chapter 336: Stay or Leave
Hearing Finn Foster’s question, Granny Foster calmly explained.
"She was passing through Avenia yesterday and wasn’t feeling well. It was getting dark, and I didn’t feel right about a young woman like her traveling alone at night, so I brought her home."
The old woman’s simple explanation answered Finn’s question without revealing any of Isla Griffith’s private affairs. It was the perfect way to get her out of a tight spot, saving her from any potential embarrassment or discomfort.
Isla Griffith sat silently at the table, her fingers clenched around the porcelain spoon. She looked calm on the surface, but inside, her emotions were in turmoil.
She was now one hundred percent certain: Granny Foster’s neighbors were none other than her best friend Wren Sutton’s maternal grandparents.
And the brother-in-law Granny Foster’s grandson mentioned was none other than Adrian Lancaster.
’...’ Isla Griffith never thought the world could be so small. ’What a coincidence.’
After hearing his grandmother’s explanation, Finn Foster’s gaze toward Isla Griffith softened instantly, losing all traces of scrutiny and suspicion.
He took a closer look and saw that her face was pale and her eyes were filled with exhaustion. Even the way she sat radiated weakness.
He didn’t dwell on it. Instead, with sincere kindness, he offered some reassuring words.
"Oh, I see. In that case, please, feel free to stay here as long as you need. I usually work in the city and rarely come back to Avenia. It’s usually just my grandmother here alone. Don’t feel like you’re imposing—make yourself at home."
With that, Finn Foster wasted no more time. Remembering he had a major meeting at work, he hurried into the back room and quickly found his laptop.
He reminded his grandmother to take care of herself and to call him if she needed anything.
Then, he rushed off, leaving Avenia behind.
The courtyard returned to the unique tranquility of early morning, with only the scent of porridge lingering in the air.
Granny Foster picked up her bowl and chopsticks again. She smiled at the ever-silent Isla Griffith, suddenly recalling how she had looked like she wanted to say something earlier.
"Oh, that’s right, dear. What were you about to ask me? My grandson came back and cut you off before you could finish."
Isla Griffith snapped back to reality. Suppressing the storm of emotions inside her, she gently shook her head, a faint smile touching her lips.
"It’s nothing, Granny Foster. I was just going to say that your millet porridge is delicious. It reminds me of my grandmother. Hers tasted just like this."
"If you like it, have some more." Hearing this, Granny Foster’s eyes crinkled into a smile, every line on her face radiating kindness.
"I’ll get you another bowl in a minute and add some brown sugar. The sweetness will be good for you. It helps replenish your strength."
"Thank you, Granny Foster. I’d appreciate that." Warmth flooded Isla Griffith’s heart.
Soon, both bowls of millet porridge were empty. Isla Griffith felt warmth spread through her body, and some of her strength returned.
She set down her utensils. The warmth from the porcelain spoon still lingered on her fingertips, but her heart felt as heavy as a stone.
She suddenly stood up, straightened her clothes, and turned to Granny Foster, who was clearing the dishes.
"Granny Foster, I’m finished. Thank you so much for taking me in last night and for making me breakfast. I’m sorry to have been such a bother."
"I have some things to attend to, so I have to go now. Please take care of yourself. I’ll come back to visit if I get the chance."
With that, Isla Griffith gave Granny Foster a sincere bow, her eyes filled with gratitude.
Granny Foster immediately stopped what she was doing and hurried over to Isla Griffith, gently taking her by the wrist.
The old woman’s hands were a little rough but exceptionally warm, carrying a strength that was deeply reassuring.
"Oh, what are you talking about, dear? It’s no trouble at all, just setting out an extra bowl and chopsticks. Everyone runs into hardship when they’re away from home. Listen to me, you absolutely cannot leave now."
"A woman’s body is fragile. Whether you’re recovering from childbirth or a miscarriage, you have to rest properly. If you don’t, you’ll suffer from chronic headaches, uterine coldness, and leg pain for the rest of your life. No amount of money can fix it. It’s a lifelong issue, and you’ll regret it when it’s too late."
Granny Foster patted the back of Isla Griffith’s hand, her gaze both firm and compassionate.
"Dear, you just stay here and rest. I live alone. My children and grandchildren are all out of town and only come back for the holidays. You don’t have to feel awkward."
"I’ll make you chicken soup and brew some brown sugar water. You just rest up and don’t go anywhere. Get your health back before you continue your journey. When that time comes, I won’t stop you."
Looking into Granny Foster’s concerned eyes, Isla Griffith’s own eyes instantly reddened, and a sharp sting pricked her nose.
She understood the old woman’s kindness. Every word was spoken for her sake, out of concern for her health.
But if she stayed, not only would she be a bother to Granny Foster, but she also risked being found.
After all, her best friend Wren Sutton’s grandmother lived just over the wall. What if Wren’s family suddenly came back for a visit? They would definitely find her.
Then it would be much harder to leave without a word.
Isla Griffith was torn. Stay or leave?
Granny Foster could see that something was weighing on Isla’s mind. She didn’t press for details, but instead continued to persuade her patiently and earnestly.
"I know you have secrets you can’t tell. If you don’t want to talk about them, I won’t ask."
"But your body is your own. Look at you—your face is as white as a sheet, and you’re unsteady on your feet. If you leave now and collapse on the road with no one around to help, what will you do?"
"Avenia is a small, quiet town. All the neighbors are very kind; no one will pry into your business. Just think of this as your own home and focus on getting better."
"I live all alone in this big house, and it gets pretty lonely. If you stay, you can keep me company. In a way, you’d be doing me a favor."
Granny Foster’s heartfelt words slowly melted Isla Griffith’s heart.
She looked up at the old woman’s wrinkled but kind face. There was no ulterior motive in her eyes—only pure, heartfelt concern.
She had been so tired lately, physically and mentally exhausted. The pain inflicted by the Sterling Family was suffocating her.
She desperately needed a quiet, warm corner where she could just breathe for a moment.
Besides, Granny Foster was right. The chronic health problems from an improper recovery after a miscarriage could last a lifetime. If her body broke down, she’d have no hope of ever escaping her troubles.
’As for the risk of being discovered...’
Just then, a saying popped into Isla Griffith’s head: the most dangerous place is often the safest.
’When Sean Sterling realizes I’m gone, he’ll definitely search Aston first. When he can’t find me, he’ll expand the search, assuming I’ve gone somewhere far away.’
’He would never imagine I’d be hiding in Avenia, so close to Aston.’
’My best friend, Wren Sutton, would never guess I’m at Granny Foster’s house either.’
’As long as I don’t leave the house or wander around, no one will know I’m here.’
Thinking all this, Isla Griffith sniffled and gave Granny Foster a small nod, her choked voice holding a hint of relief.
"Okay, Granny Foster. I’ll stay. Thank you for everything."
Granny Foster immediately broke into a smile, letting out a sigh of relief.
"That’s the spirit. It’s no trouble, no trouble at all. Quick, go back inside and lie down. Don’t stand out here in the cold. I’ll make you some chicken soup for lunch to build up your strength."
Isla Griffith went back to the room, took ten thousand yuan in cash from her bag, and pressed it into Granny Foster’s hand.
"Granny Foster, please take this. It’s for my room and board while I’m here, and for the trouble of taking care of me. You have to accept it."
Granny Foster frowned and waved her hands dismissively, looking a little upset.
"What are you talking about, child! We’re both women. I’m letting you stay because my heart goes out to you, not for money. Now, put that away. I won’t take it."
Isla Griffith quickly explained, "Granny Foster, you’ve misunderstood. I know you’re a kind person and that you didn’t take me in for money. I’m incredibly grateful to you."
"But groceries don’t just appear out of thin air. I won’t be able to rest easy if I’m living here for free."
But Granny Foster was still adamant. "Food doesn’t cost that much, silly girl. Don’t you worry about it."
Isla looked troubled. "Granny Foster, if you don’t take the money, then I can’t possibly stay. I’ll leave right now."
She said it as she turned to leave, her expression so serious it was clear she wasn’t joking.
Seeing how stubborn Isla was, Granny Foster knew she meant what she said. If she refused the money again, the girl really would leave.
At this, Granny Foster sighed in resignation. She couldn’t win against Isla’s stubbornness. Shaking her head lightly, she accepted the money.
"Oh, you’re such a stubborn child. All right, all right. I’ll hold onto it, but only so you’ll stay here and rest with a clear conscience."
The weight on Isla Griffith’s heart finally lifted. The tension in her expression eased, and a flicker of warmth appeared in her eyes.
"Thank you, Granny Foster."