Grandma Blanche took a sip of tea, her gaze drifting to the armchair in the corner.

Ethan Roscente had been sitting there since he arrived, silently scrolling through his phone with an icy aura that warned others to keep their distance.

She sighed and turned to Milo Roland beside Grandpa Harrison, her eyes softening. "What grade are you in now, dear?"

"Eleventh grade," Milo answered politely.

Grandpa Harrison's eyes lit up. "That means you'll be applying to colleges next year! Have you decided where to go?"

Milo's fingers twisted together unconsciously. He had already resolved to find a job after graduation to help ease his sister's burdens.

Grandma Blanche saw right through him. "Education is your golden ticket. Without a degree, life will be much harder."

"But..." Milo's voice dropped. "College is expensive..."

"Silly boy." She patted his hand. "Your sister's greatest wish is for you to succeed. Would you really disappoint her?"

Grandpa Harrison nodded. "She's right. A good education will help you protect those you care about."

Milo's eyes grew warm. These elders treated him like their own grandson, filling his heart with gratitude.

In stark contrast, Ethan remained as cold as a statue, his expression unreadable since his arrival.

The kitchen door suddenly swung open, revealing Jenna Roland. "Grandma, Grandpa, Mr. Roscente—dinner's ready."

"Coming!" Grandma Blanche immediately rose to help.

But Grandpa Harrison frowned. "Why does she call you 'Mr. Roscente'?"

Ethan didn't even glance up. "Let her call me what she wants."

The blunt reply left the old man speechless. Before he could react, Ethan had already stood and headed to the restroom.

The dining table was set with five dishes and a soup, all vibrant and appetizing. The braised pork knuckle glistened, its rich aroma filling the air.

Grandpa Harrison's eyes widened. "Did you cook all this, Jenna?"

"Please try it." She smiled, handing him chopsticks.

He eagerly picked up a piece of pork. "This is even better than our chef's—"

Before he could finish, Grandma Blanche stomped on his foot under the table.