Yvonne opened her mouth like she wanted to say something, but in the end, all she managed was, “I’ll go talk to her.”With that, she lowered her head and headed upstairs.Mark stood up too, wearing a mild, apologetic expression. “Grandpa, Grandma—I’ll go check on her.”Marianne waved her hand wearily. “Go ahead.”Robert sat in silence for a moment, then stood. “You two—come with me.”Aria looked at Archer, unsure, but he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Without saying a word, he led her as they followed Robert into the study.Grace watched the whole scene and could only shake her head. Even in a moment like this, Archer couldn’t bear to let go of Aria’s hand. There was nothing she could do.“Close the door,” Robert ordered gruffly, and before he could finish the sentence, Aria had already shut it behind them.Before speaking, Robert reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette. He took one out, but before he could light it, Archer’s calm voice cut through the silence.
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