The Blackwood family business had been passed down from Grandpa's generation, but it had truly flourished under his leadership. In his youth, Grandpa had sacrificed his health for the sake of work, and as he grew older, his condition worsened. A few years ago, he underwent a liver transplant and had to rely on long-term immunosuppressants.
During those difficult times, Nana was always by his side. She supported him in every way possible and even helped manage the business when his health declined.
But sadly… 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 to anyone. Yet somehow, when I arrived, things slowly began to change. Perhaps it was because of our similar experiences and shared loneliness—we understood each other without needing many words.
Over time, I became Nana's favorite granddaughter.
After Chairman Blackwood's death, the position passed to Nana. Despite her age, she still did everything she could to handle family affairs, although Alexander managed most of the company matters as the CEO.
I headed toward the kitchen to help her.
"Alicia," Nana called when she saw me. "Go sit outside and rest. Don't worry about me—I've got everything under control."
Reluctantly, I stopped and smiled. "Nana, I'm not doing anything outside anyway. I might as well help you."
Nana gave me a knowing look and shook her head.
"How can you say you're not doing anything? Go sit with Alexander and talk."
She paused for a moment, as if thinking carefully, before adding,
"Is there trouble between you and Alexander? I saw the news. Don't worry—I'll make sure he gets a proper talking-to."
I could hear the concern in her voice, and it made my chest tighten.
"Nana, you don't need to worry about us," I said gently. "Alexander and I will figure things out on our own."
Nana's gaze softened, though a hint of determination still flickered in her eyes.
"I know that boy," she said quietly. "He takes advantage of your kind heart."
She didn't push the matter any further, but the look in her eyes carried a silent promise—she would always stand on my side.
In the end, she reluctantly allowed me to help her.
We chatted while preparing the meal together, moving around the kitchen like we always did.
For the first time that day, I felt the tension in my chest slowly fade.
At that moment, I realized something simple.
Sometimes, all I needed… was to spend a little time with Nana to feel alright again.
After Nana and I finished cooking, we walked out of the kitchen while the staff brought the dishes to the dining table.
It was only when we began setting the table that I noticed how weak Nana looked. Her movements were slower than usual, and her complexion seemed paler.
Instinctively, I glanced at Alexander.
He seemed to have noticed it too.
For a brief moment, our eyes met, and we shared a silent look.
Nana looked unwell, and I suddenly felt a knot of worry in my chest. I was afraid there was something she wasn't telling us.
"Nana's cooking is as good as always," Alexander said, trying to lighten the mood while helping us arrange the dishes on the table.
She shot him a sideways glance.
"Why don't you compliment Alicia? She helped me prepare all these dishes too."
I couldn't help but smile.
I noticed Alexander's lips twitch slightly before he replied, "It seems Alicia learned from the best."
"That wasn't a compliment," Nana retorted.
I had to fight back a laugh.
Alexander smiled sheepishly and fell silent.
Everyone remained quiet. Nana didn't seem particularly pleased with him, and I suspected it was because of what she had mentioned earlier in the kitchen about Lilian.