After dinner, Alaina and Beatrice took Caitlin for a stroll through the back gardens to help digest their meal.
The Sylvester estate's rear gardens stretched for acres, filled with rare and unusual plants—some so exotic they wouldn't be found even in a botanic garden.
At this hour, the gardeners were busy trimming the hedges and watering the flowerbeds.
Wherever they went, Beatrice would introduce Caitlin to everyone. "This is Miss Kensington, a very special guest of Sylvester Gardens."
"Lovely to meet you, Miss Kensington," the staff would reply with a polite nod.
Skyler and Gordon brought up the rear. Keeping his voice low, Skyler nudged his uncle. "Come on, just admit it—honesty is the best policy. Are you into Boss Caitlin or not?"
"Oh, give it a rest, will you? I've told you, I don't believe in marriage."
Skyler pressed on. "Then explain why you peeled shrimp for her. And crab, too!"
"Because she saved my life. It's the least I can do for someone who's done that."
Serving his rescuer felt like a simple obligation to him.
But Skyler narrowed his eyes. Was it really as simple as Gordon claimed? He didn't buy it.
He switched tactics. "By the way, Boss Caitlin's birthday is on the 8th next month. Don't forget to get her a present, Uncle."
Back at the hospital, when Caitlin had given Gordon an acupuncture treatment, she'd had to show her ID. That's when Skyler had sneakily noted her birthday.
"I don't spend money on people I'm not related to," Gordon said flatly.
Skyler heaved a sigh. Typical Gordon—tight with money as always. Whenever cash was involved, he instantly morphed into a miser. "But she's Boss Caitlin! And she's your lifesaver, remember?"
"I already paid her for the treatment," Gordon replied calmly.
Skyler rolled his eyes so hard it was almost audible. "Uncle, thank God you never plan to get married. With that attitude, you'll never get a girlfriend in this lifetime."
As dusk settled, Caitlin suggested it was time for her to head home.
Beatrice was reluctant to see her go, but she couldn't exactly hold her hostage. "Gordon, you drive Catie back, alright?"
"Sure, Mom."
Beatrice, Alaina, and Skyler walked Caitlin to the door.
Alaina gave Gordon a gentle reminder. "Drive safe, Gordon. No rushing."
"Of course," Gordon replied with a small nod.
Beatrice stood by the passenger door. "Catie, come visit us again soon, all right?"
"Thank you, Mrs. Sylvester. I'd love to."
After Gordon and Caitlin left, Skyler turned to his grandmother and mother. "Grandma, Mom, I'd better get back too. There's still work to do at the office."


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