"You''ll one day find a husband who genuinely loves you, so don''t worry. These things can''t be rushed," Beatrice added.


    Thalia hugged Beatrice''s arm affectionately and said, "Gee, I wonder if I''d be able to experience the same care on concern from you that Melody receives? I''ve always felt a sense of kindness and warmth from you ever since the day I first met you. It makes me feel homely, and it has only deepened during my stay here. You and Grandpa Cedric are such a joy to be with. I feel close to you in my heart, but I''m worried that you won''t feel the same way with me..."


    Beatrice did not wish to engage in such small talk when she was eagerly awaiting her granddaughter-inw''s return. She gently patted Thalia''s hand and removed it from her arm. "Your future husband''s grandparents will adore you, too."


    Cedric ignored the entire conversation. Thalia was trying to overstep her boundaries. She could never measure up to Melody regardless of how much Thalia tried. Unsure of how to respond, he decided maintaining his silence would be better.


    Thalia appeared oblivious to the awkwardness between them. She grasped Beatrice''s arm again, but from behind to deliberately create an appearance of closeness.


    Lucas'' car had arrived at the door by then. Unfazed by what Thalia was up to, Beatrice immediately approached them.


    Melody quickly stepped out of the car and said, "Wait there, Grandma! I just need to take some things out of the car first."


    As she tried to turn around, Lucas insisted that she go over and greet Beatrice. "I''ll bring your stuff down."


    Lucas had been helping her a lot anyway, and the belongings were not that heavy either.


    Melody therefore went directly to Beatrice, whose smile warmed up considerably morepared to earlier with Thalia. Beatrice immediately held her hands and said, "Why are your hands so cold? Were you freezing in the car? Why didn''t you turn on the heater?"N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    She greeted Beatrice first, then turned and greeted Thalia too.


    "Hello, Miss Thalia."


    "You''re back! I take it that means you''re fully recovered now."


    Melody nodded in response and turned to Beatrice. "Lucas offered to turn on the heater, but I said no because I didn''t want it to be so stuffy inside the car. My hands are cold to the touch, but I''m not feeling cold at all right now."


    Beatrice knew that a person''s hands and feet would get cold easily during autumn and winter and suggested they find a way to help Melody with that. "Alright, let''s go inside. We shouldn''t be lingering here at the door. We could get an herbalist to prescribe some herbs that could help you with this, but I think we should let Melody head in and rest."


    The two elderly folks ushered Melody in and showed little interest in Lucas. Only Thalia lingered there, gazing at the doorway. The longer she stayed with the Riveras, the more impressed Thalia became with Melody''s capabilities.


    Although the old couple were technically Lucas'' grandparents, the affection they showed toward an outsider like Melody was simply remarkable. Thalia could not wrap her head around what methods Melody had used. If they were not on opposing sides, she might have wanted to seek advice from her.


    Beatrice''s concern for Melody appeared genuine, much like the affection one had for one''s own granddaughter. It even surpassed the love some biological rtives might offer.