Chapter 468

The airport terminal bustled with activity as the arrival announcement echoed through the speakers.

Evelyn Laurent stood by the arrival gate, absently tracing patterns on her phone screen. Isabella Valentine paced nearby, glancing up anxiously every few moments.

"Do you think she's changed?" Isabella suddenly asked.

Evelyn chuckled lightly. "Three years is a long time. People change."

Just then, a tall figure emerged from the corridor pushing a luggage cart. She wore aviators, her wavy hair cascading over her shoulders with effortless confidence.

"Rachel!" Isabella was the first to rush forward.

Rachel Clemenson removed her sunglasses, revealing a radiant smile. She opened her arms and pulled both friends into a tight embrace.

"I've missed you so much," she murmured, voice thick with emotion.

Ethan Sullivan stood a short distance away, politely taking charge of her luggage. Rachel's eyes flickered with surprise when she noticed him, then softened with understanding.

"Seems I've missed quite a lot."

Evelyn's ears turned pink as she cleared her throat. "Let's talk in the car."

During the drive back, Rachel gazed at the familiar cityscape through the window. "How's Grandma been?"

An uneasy silence filled the vehicle.

Evelyn and Isabella exchanged glances before Evelyn answered. "Not well. She was hospitalized again last week."

Rachel's fingers tightened around her seatbelt. "I'm staying for good this time."

As they passed through downtown, a massive digital billboard displayed financial news. The Quincy Group logo flashed across the screen.

Rachel's body went rigid.

The report mentioned the conglomerate's incoming CEO. When the camera panned across the board members, a familiar face appeared for a split second.

"Is that—" Isabella clapped a hand over her mouth.

Rachel's expression turned eerily calm. "Xander Quincy."

Evelyn watched her with concern. "Rachel..."

"I'm fine." Rachel turned with a faint smile. "That's all in the past."

Ethan's eyes met hers in the rearview mirror. "Xander's been overseas these past three years. He only recently returned to take over the family business."

Silence descended again.

When the car stopped at the hospital entrance, Rachel spoke softly. "Thank you for picking me up. I'd like to see Grandma alone first. We'll catch up later."

She stepped out, her posture perfectly composed. Evelyn moved to follow, but Ethan held her back.

"Give her space."

Isabella sighed. "I hope she's truly moved on."

Evelyn frowned at the hospital entrance. "Something tells me it's not that simple."

Her phone chimed abruptly with a text from an unknown number:

"Evelyn, long time no see. Heard Rachel's back? —Xander Quincy"