Chapter 255: Preston, How Old Are You?

"Grandma, I have money," Chloe Reed said. "You should keep yours for now."

"Once you’re divorced, you’ll need money for everything. Having more gives you a bit more security. Now, no refusing." The old woman deliberately put on a stern expression. "If you don’t take it, and I’m all alone in another city... well, if something were to happen to me, there’s no telling who might get their hands on it."

"Hey, hey, hey!"

Chloe Reed quickly stomped her foot. "You shouldn’t say things like that."

The old woman laughed. "I was always going to give it to you, Chloe. Don’t refuse anymore. I’ll be more at ease knowing it’s safe with you."

In the end, Chloe Reed had no choice but to agree, a warm feeling washing over her.

’Her own parents had cut off her credit cards for the sake of their adopted daughter. She had to use every trick in the book just to get some money from them.’

’And yet, her grandmother didn’t care about any of it. Seeing Chloe’s current predicament was enough for her to decide to give her everything she had.’

The warmth enveloped her heart, gradually washing away the bitter sadness.

Once she agreed, her grandmother seemed to let out a sigh of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted. That night, she ate more than usual, a rare sight.

After dinner, the two of them went for a walk downstairs.

There, they unexpectedly ran into Preston Vance.

He was walking a white Samoyed in the park.

He was dressed casually in a simple short-sleeved shirt and pants.

"Chloe, and this is?"

Chloe Reed introduced them with a smile. "This is my grandmother. Grandma, this is my friend, Preston Vance."

"Hello, Grandma."

Preston Vance straightened up, his demeanor becoming a little more formal.

The old woman gave a kindly smile. "And how old are you, young man?"

Preston Vance paused. Ever since he’d returned to the country, whenever an elder asked his age, it was usually because they wanted to set him up with a girlfriend...

His gaze flickered to Chloe Reed, who was petting the dog off to the side. "I’m twenty-nine," he said.

The old woman nodded. "Not bad, not bad at all. You’re a handsome young man, with a good air about you. And you’re not that much older than my Chloe."

Hearing this, Chloe Reed quickly interjected, "Grandma, don’t say things like that."

"I’m not!" the old woman said, playing dumb. "There’s not much of an age gap between you two, is there? You’re practically the same age."

Chloe Reed shot an embarrassed look at Preston Vance. "Mr. Vance, please don’t get the wrong idea."

Preston Vance broke into a smile. "Don’t worry, I won’t."

The old woman then proceeded to ask him about his job, his family, his income...

’This is not okay!’

"Grandma!"

Chloe Reed discreetly pinched her grandmother’s arm. ’Stop asking questions!’

’It’s impossible not to read too much into this!’

But Preston Vance just smiled and said, "Your grandma is just showing she cares. I’m actually very happy about it."

The old woman immediately said, "See how well-spoken Preston is? What are you being so awkward for?"

Chloe Reed: "..."

The three of them continued their leisurely walk together. Only when the sky had grown completely dark did they part ways.

"Grandma, you asked him so many questions. He’s going to get the wrong idea." Once they were in the elevator, Chloe Reed couldn’t hold it in any longer.

But her grandmother replied, "Wouldn’t it be perfect if he did? You’re about to be divorced. You can start looking for a new boyfriend."

Chloe Reed was shocked. "I haven’t even thought about that!"

Her grandmother said, "Well, you can start thinking about it now. You don’t have to think about marriage just yet, but you should definitely consider getting a boyfriend. A new relationship is the best way to heal from the pain of an old one."

Chloe Reed was silent for a long moment before saying, "But wouldn’t that be unfair to the other person in the new relationship?"

"Oh... you have a point," the old woman said, genuinely considering it for a moment. Then she added, "Alright, then just take it slow and get to know him first. Wait until you really feel something for him before you get together."