The Blackwood family business had been passed down from my grandfather’s generation, but it truly flourished under his leadership.

In his youth, he sacrificed his health for work. As the years went by, his condition worsened until he eventually needed a liver transplant and long-term immunosuppressants just to survive.

During those difficult years, Nana never left his side.

She supported him through everything—managing affairs when he was too weak, holding the family together when things were falling apart.

But in the end...

He didn’t make it.

He passed away a few years before Nana took me in after my father’s death.

Back then, Nana was drowning in grief.

She barely spoke.

Barely ate.

Barely lived.

And then I arrived.

I didn’t fix anything.

I didn’t heal her.

But somehow... I understood her silence.

Maybe it was because I was just as broken.

Two lonely people learning how to exist in the same space.

Slowly, without either of us realizing it, we became each other’s comfort.

And over time...

I became her favorite granddaughter.

After Chairman Blackwood passed, Nana inherited the position.

Even now, despite her age, she still managed the family affairs with quiet authority.

Alexander handled most of the company as CEO, but everyone knew—

Nana was still the heart of the Blackwood family.

I walked toward the kitchen.

"Grandma," I called softly as I entered.

She turned immediately.

"Alicia," she said, her voice warm but firm. "Go sit outside. Don’t worry yourself in here."

I smiled lightly. "I’m not doing anything outside anyway. I might as well help you."

She gave me a long, knowing look.

Then shook her head.

"How can you say you’re not doing anything? Go sit with Alexander and talk to him."

Her expression changed slightly.

Then, more carefully, she added,

"Is there something wrong between you two?"

My fingers paused for half a second.

"I saw the news," she continued. "Don’t worry. I’ll have a serious talk with that boy."

Her concern tightened something in my chest.

"Nana," I said gently, "you don’t need to worry about us. Alexander and I will sort things out ourselves."

Her gaze softened.

But there was still steel underneath it.

"I know him," she said quietly. "He takes advantage of your kindness."

She didn’t press further after that.

But I could feel it—

Her silent promise.

She would always choose me.

In the end, she allowed me to stay and help.

We cooked together like we always did.

For a while, it felt normal.

Almost peaceful.

And for the first time all day...

The tightness in my chest loosened slightly.

Maybe that was all I needed.

Just Nana.

Just this.

After we finished cooking, the staff carried the dishes to the dining table while we followed behind.

Only then did I notice it.

Nana was slower than usual.

Her steps were careful.

A little unsteady.

Her face paler than I remembered.

A small knot formed in my chest.

Worry.

Instinctively, I looked at Alexander.

He noticed too.

For a brief moment, our eyes met.

No words were exchanged.

But the concern was the same.

Something wasn’t right.

"Nana’s cooking is as good as always," Alexander said, trying to ease the atmosphere as he helped arrange the table.

She shot him a sideways glance.

"Why don’t you compliment Alicia too? She helped me as well."

I almost laughed.

Almost.

Alexander’s lips twitched faintly.

"It seems Alicia learned from the best," he said.

"That wasn’t a compliment," Nana replied immediately.

This time, I really did smile.

Alexander exhaled lightly through his nose, as if admitting defeat, and said nothing more.

The room settled again.

But Nana’s earlier words lingered in the air like an unspoken warning.

And for some reason...

I couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight wasn’t going to stay peaceful for long.