"But Grandma Beatrice, I have no idea what you''re talking about! I didn''t return to the country just to spend more time with Lucas. I''m doing it for my future too. I''ve been abroad for many years now, and I know that Molomia isn''t home for me.


    "Here is where I feel a sense of belonging. Are you going to deny me this too?" Thalia spoke with tears streaming down her face. She portrayed a pitiable image, but Beatrice frowned when Thalia hinted at having no family.


    "The Riveras are grateful to your sister for what happened in the past, but my stance has been clear from the beginning. You can repay our family in any way you want, but you can''t do so by marrying Lucas. "You agreed to that, so I''m wondering why you''d have a change of heart now. Lucas flew to Molomia every year, and I turned a blind eye to avoid making too big of a fuss over things. Your sister may be his benefactor, but you''re not. Don''t exploit her kindness. I don''t appreciate it, and neither would Lucas."


    Thalia''s expression faded. She did not expect Beatrice to construe her actions as an attempt to repay a favor.


    "What kind of person do you think I am, Grandma Beatrice? Lucas isn''t a kid. He knows what kind of person I am! The way I see it, if Lucas didn''t have feelings for me, he wouldn''t have willingly flown to see me. Besides, I met Lucas first. We''ve had a connection for many years. We just didn''t have the time to sit down and talk about it."N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Beatrice was fast losing patience at Thalia''s delusions.


    "I know you''ve known each other for years, but you said it yourself that Lucas isn''t a child. He can make his own choices, so why would he dy if he truly had feelings for you, why would he put off confessing to you? Why would he do it only after he married Melody? Don''t delude yourself."


    Beatrice might be old, but she exuded an aura that seemed to tower over Thalia. Despite Thalia''s ims of having a deep rtionship with Lucas, she felt a twinge of guilt because of how difficult it seemed to exin things to Beatrice.


    "With all due respect, Grandma Beatrice, I don''t think Lucas would have chosen any random woman if you and Grandpa Cedric hadn''t pressured Lucas into marriage. Melody''s background isn''t even on par with Lucas, don''t you think?" Thalia remarked with a hint of resentment and anger.


    Beatrice, however, smiled faintly and said, "I''m his grandmother, and we don''t mind Melody''s background at all. Why does it matter that much to an outsider like you, then? As long as Melody has a good character and Lucas is happy with her, then that''s enough for us. I suggest that you leave as soon as possible, or I won''t show you any more courtesy."


    Thalia, hearing the urgency in Beatrice''s tone to drive her away, felt a surge of determination.


    "Grandma Beatrice, if you truly believe Lucas has no feelings for me, why are you so keen on driving me away? Don''t you see the contradiction in your actions?"