The living room of the Bishop Manor felt warmer than it had in days, the air finally clear of Xavier’s freezing presence. Madam Bishop (Jane) accepted the gift from Liam Jr. with a gracious smile, turning to the boy.
"Liam, this is my mother. She’s Chloe’s grandmother."
The boy paused, his small brow furrowing as he processed the complex web of adult relationships. Chloe’s grandmother? My 'Auntie's' mother's mother? Once the math clicked, he turned to Old Mrs. Bishop and offered a stiff, slightly awkward, yet perfectly executed gentleman’s bow.
"So this is the little Liam you told me about, Jane?" the grandmother said, her eyes twinkling with genuine affection. "He’s a handsome one. No wonder Chloe is always praising how clever and well-behaved you are."
Liam Jr.’s eyes practically spa
