Page 17 of Claws and Controllers

“And this confuses you?” Elena asked gently.

“I don’t know what to think,” Ellie admitted. “Part of me wants to trust him, to believe that maybe he didn’t know about the stolen game. But another part...”

“Is afraid of being hurt again,” Elena finished for her.

Ellie nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat.

Elena squeezed her hand. “Let me tell you a story,mi amor. About your grandfather and me.”

Ellie leaned in, always eager to hear about her grandparents’ legendary romance.

“When we first met,” Elena began, her eyes twinkling with the memory, “our families were rivals. Competing businesses, old grudges. Everyone said we were doomed from the start.”

“But you fell in love anyway,” Ellie said, smiling.

“Oh yes,” Elena chuckled. “Head over heels. But it wasn’t easy. There were misunderstandings, arguments. Times when we both thought it would be easier to walk away.”

Her expression grew serious. “The point is,mi amor, that sometimes the greatest joys in life come from taking chances. From being willing to look past our preconceptions and see the person underneath.”

Ellie absorbed her grandmother’s words, feeling something shift inside her. “But how did you know it was worth the risk?”

Elena’s smile was radiant. “We didn’t. But we chose to believe in each other and the possibility of something beautiful. And look what came of it – a love that lasted over fifty years, a family and the Heritage Hotel chain that brought our rival businesses together.”

She patted Ellie’s hand. “I’m not saying this young man is your soul mate. But don’t let fear or old grudges keep you from exploring the possibility. Give him a chance to explain himself. You might be surprised.”

Ellie leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her grandmother’s forehead. “When did you get so wise, Abuela?”

Elena laughed, a sound that filled the sterile hospital room with warmth. “Ay,mi bebé. I’ve always been wise. You’re just finally old enough to notice.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. A nurse entered, pushing a cart laden with an enormous bouquet of flowers.

“Delivery for Elena Madden,” the nurse announced, setting the vibrant arrangement on the bedside table.

Ellie blinked in surprise. “Who are they from?”

The nurse checked the card. “It says... Zyan Ashford.”

Ellie’s jaw dropped. She reached for the card, reading the message with wide eyes:

“Wishing you a speedy recovery, Mrs. Madden. Your granddaughter speaks very highly of you. – Zy Ashford”

“Well,” Elena said, a mischievous glint in her eye. “It seems this young man of yours has impeccable manners.”

“He’s not my–” Ellie began to protest, but stopped short. She stared at the flowers, a warmth blooming in her chest that had nothing to do with the room’s temperature.

Without thinking, she pulled out her phone and fired off a quick text to Zy:

“Thank you for the flowers. They’ve brightened up Abuela’s whole room. Your kindness means a lot.”

His reply came moments later:

“I’m glad they arrived safely. How is she doing?”

Ellie found herself smiling as she typed back:

“Better. Thank you for asking. I think we’re still on for our meeting later this week.”

“Looking forward to it,” Zy responded. “Take care, Ellie.”

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