Once dinner was over, Eli drove Belle and Neon back to their new home. It was only after stepping across the threshold that Belle realized her original mission—to confront Eli about his lavish extravagance—had been completely derailed. Reflecting on her spectacular failure to address it, she could only let out a heavy sigh, wondering how on earth she was ever going to repay their overwhelming kindness.
"Eli, thank you for bringing us to your family's place," Neon said politely as he stepped inside. "I really enjoyed your grandmother's company. Andrei is incredibly lucky to have a great-grandma like her."
"You're welcome to visit her whenever you want, Neon," Eli replied warmly. "She'd be thrilled to have you over again. It looks like she absolutely loves your stories."
"Hn. I'll head inside first," Neon murmured.
