Spoiled by Eight Uncles (Lily)

A sense of foreboding filled Bettany's heart as she gazed out at the swirling snow. Memories came rushing back—of the first heavy snowfall when Lilly almost lost her life in the Hatcher Mansion, the second time Lilly disappeared during a snowstorm, and the third time when Cloud couldn't return.

Bettany couldn't shake the thought and muttered, Is it Anthony this time? Panic surged within her, and she involuntarily stood up.

The sound of the car engine outside ceased. Wrapped in a thick mink shawl, she pushed open the door and fixed her gaze on the car.

Lilly was the first to step out, extending her hand to help Anthony out of the car.

Bettany sighed in relief, but her heart quickly tightened again. She wondered where Lisa was. If Lisa had also returned, Anthony would have been the first person to exit the car. He would have assisted Lilly and then Lisa. However, the current situation seemed different.

While observing Lilly guide a dejected Anthony inside, Bettany came to a realization. Her legs gave way, and she had to lean on the door frame for support.

"Mom," Quinnie softly called, supporting Bettany's arm.

Bettany held onto Quinnie's hand tightly, tears welling up in her eyes. "Quinnie..." Once, she had many daughters-in-law, but now only one remained. She knew that Lisa would leave; it was only a matter of time.

She just didn't expect it to be on such a snowy day, with Christmas just around the corner.

Bettany looked forward to it year after year, anticipating a big family reunion on this day. She welcomed and accepted everyone, whether they were supposed to come or not, but she could never accept parting.

She watched Anthony enter, observed the disheveled state of his beard, and gently reached out to touch his chin. "Anthony, you must be tired. What would you like to eat? I'll cook it for you..." His lips twitched as he surveyed his family members. When the car had just stopped at the door, he had heard the warmth and liveliness inside the mansion. But now, all eyes were on him.

At that moment, Matthan pretended to play with Riley, but he kept glancing over.

"I'm fine," Anthony forced a smile. "Mom, Lisa got delayed and won't be back for Christmas this year..." Before Bettany could say anything, he quickly added, "I'm going to take a shower first. I've been in the mountains for several days, and | smell." He laughed, ruffled Matthan's hair as he passed by, and silently went upstairs.

Edward came down from upstairs and said, "Anthony..." Josh also stuttered and said, "Dad..." Anthony didn't respond, and he just went straight to his room.

Lilly whispered, "Grandma, is dinner ready? It smells so good..." The festive aroma of Christmas dishes—chicken, duck, fish, and meat—filled the air, blending seamlessly with the sounds of fireworks and prayers. This deep yearning, engraved in thousands of years of civilization, carried a sense of longing. Yet, despite the sorrow, returning to the harbor always provided the strength to embark anew.

Lilly went upstairs and gently pushed open Anthony's door. The sound of running water came from the bathroom, and steam filled the air. She sat on the couch and waited quietly.

After what felt like an eternity, perhaps knowing that everyone was waiting for him, he finally emerged.

She stood up and said, "Uncle Anthony, Grandma asked me to call you for dinner.” He hummed in response, seemingly regaining his usual calm and composed demeanor. He smiled and replied, "Lilly, you go down first. | will be right there.” Then, he wiped the water droplets from his hair.

Lilly pursed her lips before saying, "Uncle Anthony, Aunt Lisa has likely gone to the Nether. It's the deepest part of hell, completely separate from the mortal world or the netherworld. It's a place where no human or ghost can reach...” Anthony paused, then said softly, "Okay, | understand." She continued, "If you go there in the future, you will become a ghost and won't be able to reach the Nether either. Uncle Anthony, please take care of yourself..." He remained silent. Putting aside the towel he was using to dry his hair, he put on a thicker robe and buttoned it up.

She took hold of his hand and pleaded, "Uncle Anthony..." She didn't want to see him forcing a smile, nor did she want to witness him hiding everything in his heart, as it would drive him insane.

Suddenly, he embraced her, burying his head on her shoulder. His whole body trembled, but she only felt her shoulder getting wet.

His voice choked with sobs as he said, "Lilly... I... I just miss Lisa a little. Will she be alright there? Will she be alone? Will she feel lonely..." He wondered what she would do when she missed him. Who would massage her legs and shoulders when she was tired from traveling the world? Who would cheer her up when she was sulking alone? Why couldn't one of the countless reunion lights be shared with her? The muffled sobs of Anthony could be heard. They were not very distinct, and it even made one question whether he was crying or simply speaking.

Lilly felt a deep sorrow in her heart when she saw him like this. Since she was a little girl, he had been a strong, towering figure, supporting the entire Crawford family.

He was incredibly wealthy, and anything she desired, he would provide with a mere wave of his hand. Decisive and swift, he treated the business world like a battlefield, never allowing anyone to force their family into doing something they disliked.

Whenever her other uncles encountered difficulties, they would call out "Anthony." He would sternly lecture his brothers while simultaneously solving their problems efficiently and effectively.

Still, she had never imagined that Anthony could cry, could feel pain, could appear so lost and distraught.

Lilly had initially decided against returning to the Nether. However, she secretly made up her mind to visit there after Christmas.

She said, "Uncle Anthony, I'm planning to visit the Nether again after Christmas. Would you like me to convey any messages to Aunt Lisa?" He was taken aback by this and raised his head.