Chapter 118: HELLO GRANDMA
But then I wouldn’t have been able to hear you bragging in such a good mood, would I?"
Hearing Senior Sterling say that, Dante froze for a moment. His shoulders stiffened slightly before a shy smile crept onto his face. He pursed his lips, trying to suppress the wide grin threatening to form, and rubbed the back of his neck. His gaze shifted to Senior Sterling as he muttered, "So, you heard that, Grandpa?"
At that moment, Dante felt a tinge of embarrassment. He had been boasting to Calix with so much pride, and now, knowing that his grandfather had overheard everything, a warm but awkward feeling settled in his chest.
Senior Sterling, noticing Dante’s reaction, let out a hearty chuckle. He nodded his head in confirmation, his aged yet sharp eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yes, yes, I did," he replied, his voice laced with warmth.
Then, Senior Sterling looked ahead. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he gave a slow nod. "And I am happy."
Turning back to Dante, his gaze softened, holding a quiet kind of pride. "Dante, you remember what you promised me, don’t you? That you would always protect Dove and Gavriel from harm?"
Dante’s expression turned serious. He met his grandfather’s gaze, nodding firmly. "Yes, Grandpa. And even if I hadn’t promised you, I would have done it anyway. After all, my life now belongs to them."
Hearing those words, Senior Sterling finally nodded in satisfaction. A weight seemed to lift off his shoulders. If there was only one thing he wished for before he left this world, it was to know that his granddaughter would have someone to stand by her side.
Dove was strong—stronger than most gave her credit for. Fierce, independent, and capable of showing the world she could handle everything on her own.
But deep down, Senior Sterling knew that strength could sometimes be a mask. And Dove, she herself was also still child. Forced to grow quickly under different circumstances. She, too, needed someone to lean on, someone to love and cherish her.
And knowing that Dante had vowed to be that person reassured him in a way nothing else could.