Chapter 703

Three days later.

Before Benjamin Wright's tombstone.

Grace Lorenz stood in black, a white flower pinned in her hair, quietly before the grave.

She stared at the black-and-white photo, her eyes hollow.

Evelyn Ross stood by her side.

No one had expected that Benjamin Wright would hold on until Professor Nathaniel Wright returned home, only to breathe his last.

He had waited for the person he wanted to see, settled his affairs, and passed away peacefully.

Grace's eyes were already swollen from crying.

The person she admired most was gone, just like that.

Professor Nathaniel Wright, Marcus Wright, Leo Wright, and many other important figures came one after another to lay flowers.

On the tombstone, Benjamin Wright's smile remained hearty and bright.

Evelyn spoke softly, "It was a good passing. Don't be too sad."

Grace's voice was hoarse. "I know... I just didn't realize Grandpa's health had deteriorated to this point. If I had known earlier..."

Her words trailed off.

Evelyn continued for her, "Even if you had known, you would have supported his decision, right? The Wright family has served the country with loyalty for generations. It's your family creed."

Grace was taken aback for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"Grandpa never did a single dishonorable thing in his life. Being able to do one last thing for Professor Wright was his greatest comfort. He left in the way he most wanted... But..."

Tears welled up again.

"But I can't bear to let Grandpa go..."

She cried like a child, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Evelyn felt at a loss, unsure how to comfort her.

"Crunch."

The sound of cracking sunflower seeds came from behind.

Natalie Castillo walked over, spat the shells into a bag, and cleared her throat.

She looked at Grace. "Everyone has to go eventually. From the moment we're born, we're learning to say goodbye."

Then she turned to Evelyn. "Benjamin Wright lived a life where he achieved his wishes and had no regrets. At least, he saw Professor Wright return home with his own eyes."

According to the original plan, Nathaniel Wright would have returned in two years.

Benjamin Wright wouldn't have lived to see that day.

He would have left bearing infamy.

Now, he passed away with honor.

Grace wiped her tears. "I understand all that... But my heart still aches..."

Evelyn gently patted her back. "Take your time."

A tissue was offered in front of her.

Evelyn looked up to see Leo Wright standing nearby.

He looked at Grace somewhat awkwardly. "Dry your tears. The old man is someone I'll respect for the rest of my life."

After a pause, he added, "Don't worry, no one in the Special Operations Division will dare bully you from now on. I... I've got your back!"

Grace's face flushed, and she turned away. "Who needs you to have my back! I have Evelyn!"

Leo scratched his head and looked at Evelyn. "Right, I can't beat the First Senior Sister."

Evelyn: "..."

Natalie: "..."

Grace: "..."

The three fell silent for a moment.

Leo looked confused. "What's wrong?"

Evelyn coughed lightly. "Nothing. I just suddenly remembered I won't be staying in the Special Operations Division forever. When I'm not around, I'll have to ask you to look after Grace."

Leo immediately nodded. "Don't worry, I won't bully her!"

Evelyn: "..."

A straight man really doesn't know how to flirt.

She twitched the corner of her mouth. "I have things to do. You talk with Grace for a while."

Leo: "Okay."

Evelyn and Natalie turned and walked away.

Leo's voice came from behind. "Stop crying. Your eyes will get puffy and you won't look good."

Evelyn paused in her step.

Natalie chuckled. "He's really something."

The two exchanged a look and shook their heads, walking into the distance.

Alexander Vance stood not far away, quietly gazing toward the tombstone.

A faint sorrow surrounded him, his gaze fixed on the grave.

Evelyn approached. "What are you thinking?"

Alexander's jaw was tight, his voice low. "I'm wondering if Grandma will leave us like this too."