Convincing Old Mrs. Fuller
“That’s right,” Rose admitted with resignation. “I was so mad back then. I trusted your mother so much. I
thought even if she didn’t love your father, she still wouldn’t divorce him immediately because she
wanted to be a responsible mother to you. I thought she’d treat you well because of it. Yes, she had
indeed treated you well, but who’d have thought she selfishly raised you to be a man’s double? You’re
my grandson and the Fuller Family’s third successor. How can you become some person’s double? I’m
sure you wouldn’t want to even if you’re from an ordinary household.”
“You’re right. I don’t.” Toby nodded in agreement.
This was his pride.
In fact, it was anyone’s pride.
Everyone came into this world as a unique individual. No one would be willing to be anyone’s double, be
it the rich or the poor.
“See what I mean? How am I supposed to tolerate your mother’s behavior?” Rose tapped her cane. “So,
I came up with an excuse to take you away from Fuller Residence, saying that you need to come and
learn here. I couldn’t continue letting you stay by your mother’s side, for you’ll eventually become a
second Connor. I couldn’t watch my own grandson become someone else, so I tried to turn your
character around. Yet, who’d have thought I was still one step too late? Your character had basically fully
formed by then and I couldn’t shape it anymore.”
She shook her head woefully at that. “I had no choice but to let you be, but six years ago—I don’t know
what happened—your personality did a complete one-eighty, leading you to finally behave as you do
now. I’m not going to lie. I was genuinely happy.”
“I know.” Toby walked up to his grandmother and held her hand. “Sorry for making you worry all these
years, Grandma.”
At that, Rose patted the back of his hand with gratification. “I’m your grandmother. It’s only natural that I’d
be worried about my own grandson. Fortunately, everything I’ve done wasn’t for nothing. You’ve finally
abandoned the personality your mother shaped you and lived like yourself.”
Though he was aloof and somewhat exasperated, as long as he was himself and not forcibly shaped by
others, she would be pleased no matter how.
“Alright, I’ve said all that I should and even told you your parents’ history. Is there anything else you want
to know?” Rose took a sip of her tea as she looked at Toby, who shook his head in response.
“Not at the moment––no. My main purpose for coming over today is to find all this out. Thank you for
clarifying, Grandma.”
“This is nothing. You’re my grandson. I’ll tell you anything you want to know, or do you expect me to treat
these things as secrets and take them with me to my grave?” Rose joked.
However, Toby wasn’t amused. He frowned as he replied, “Grandma, you have to stop saying things like
that. You’re still young and will live a long life.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” She gave in upon seeing him becoming upset and promising that she wouldn’t say
such doleful words anymore.
Only then did his tense face relaxed.
Meanwhile, Rose looked toward the sky. “My, would you look at time? It’s already getting dark.”
At that, Toby checked his watch only to end up locking his brow into a tight furrow––it was already six.
On the other hand, Mary, who had been quiet all this while, suggested, “Old Mrs. Fuller, it’s almost time
for dinner. Since Young Master Toby is here, shall I ask the kitchen to make a couple more dishes?”
Rose, however, didn’t answer right away but looked toward her grandson. “What do you say, Toby? Do
you want to have dinner with me, or go to Sonny’s and be with her? That reminds me, you’ve moved into
her place, haven’t you?”
“Yeah, I’ve been staying with her for a while now.” Toby didn’t hide the truth from her.
Rose and Mary exchanged a glance and smiled when they saw his smile and hints of triumph in his tone.
And Rose, even more so, nodded as she smiled. “So?”
“I can’t stay for dinner. I’ve promised Little Leaf that I’d go to Lane Residence with her tonight. Mrs. Lane
wants to see me,” Toby explained as he took another glance at his watch.
A surprised Rose asked, “Mrs. Lane? Do you mean Gracie, your mother’s friend here in Seafield?”
Mrs. Lane’s name was Grace, so Toby knew immediately that his grandmother was referring to her. With
that, he nodded. “Yeah, she was also Mother’s classmate in college, but Mrs. Lane was closer with
Sonia’s mother compared to my mother. Hence, Sonia sees Mrs. Lane as her second mother, and the
reason why Mrs. Lane wants to see me today and also to test me since she’s Sonia’s second mother.”
“This means you’re meeting Miss Reed’s family, aren’t you, Young Master?” Mary teased.
Toby cleared his throat in response as he felt a little embarrassed. “Something like that.”
Rose giggled upon seeing his reaction like she had discovered something interesting. “Have you
prepared any gifts then? I have a lot of supplements and tonics here that you can take.”
Toby refused her offer by shaking his head. “You should keep them for yourself, Grandma. They’re all for
you. It won’t be right to gift them. No need to worry, Grandma. I know what to do. I’ve already made the
arrangements.”
Knowing that he never talked through his hat, she nodded as she was never in doubt of his words.
“Alright, you should get going then. It’s getting late. Bring Sonny over for dinner another day.”
“Sure. I’ll be leaving then, Grandma.” Toby bid his grandmother farewell before glancing over at Mary,
who instantly received the message and smiled at Rose. “Old Mrs. Fuller, why don’t I go and see Young
Master Toby off?”
Of course, Rose understood the glance her grandson gave Mary. She wanted to stop them but knowing
that they were worried for her, she sighed in the end and merely waved her hand. “Go on then.”
“Alright,” Mary answered with a smile as she was relieved that Rose didn’t refuse the suggestion, for she
knew Rose surely would’ve understood Toby’s gaze.
“This way please, Young Master.” Mary gestured as she looked toward Toby.
Toby dipped his head in response and headed out.
Neither of them spoke until they were out the main door and standing in front of Toby’s car. At that, he
turned to Mary. “Mary, please convince my grandmother to move to the nursing home. I’m sure you know
why I can’t forcibly send her there.”
“I do.” Worry crept up Mary’s face. “Sending Old Mrs. Fuller there by force might upset her, and the rehab
won’t work, or worse, might even accelerate the deterioration of her condition. I understand where you’re
coming from, Young Master Toby.”
“That’s good.” Toby nodded.
“Don’t worry, Young Master. I’d try to persuade Old Mrs. Fuller even if you didn’t ask me to.”
“Alright, I’ll have to trouble you, Mary.”
At that, he bowed to her.
“What are you doing, Young Master Toby? You can’t possibly do this.” Mary hurriedly straightened his
body. “I’ve known Old Mrs. Fuller for decades. How can I bear to see her continue like this? Old Mrs.
Fuller and I have long become family, not just master and servant. So as family, I should do what’s best
for her and see that she continues to live for a few more years. Anyhow, you can leave the convincing to
me. Alright, Young Master, you should go to Miss Reed now. I’ll keep you updated on Old Mrs. Fuller.”
“Alright, thanks.” Toby nodded and went into the car.
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