After divorce I am a billionaire

Chapter 1097 The Method of Everyone's Happiness

Although she didn't want to bring up these things in front of Paloma, she had indeed returned for the sake of divorce and custody of Alistair.

Now that it had been brought up by Paloma herself, there was no avoiding it.

"Yes, I'm sorry. There were some unavoidable reasons back then. The fact is that I had to give up Alistair and go abroad alone. These years, I have been thinking about him all the time. Grandma, you have also been a mother and should be able to understand my feelings..."

She lowered her head and dared not look at the expression on Paloma's face. Her tone became even more respectful, "Anthony has already agreed. I hope you can help me."

Since returning home from abroad, Paloma had been meticulous towards her without any airs of an elder relative; playing with her like an older child with a youthful heart.

Even regarding their long-standing divorce issue, she was very supportive of Mavis' choice; comforting her and understanding her.

Mavis always felt that Paloma was different from those elders with traditional thoughts but did not expect that when it came to Alistair's custody issue, the kind-hearted expression on her face would change into one of seriousness.

"Mavis, I know you love Alistair very much. I also know as a mother, you must have suffered greatly being separated from him all these years."

Paloma sighed before continuing, "But we all love Alistair. We've watched him grow bit by bit until he turned five. Now that he's grown bigger, it's easier to take care of him. But you want to take him away, and this makes me really sad."

Mavis hung her head lower, "I'm sorry."

Paloma sighed again, "I can stay out your marriage issues with Anthony. In terms of your future path, you'll need make your own choices. No one else can do it for you. However, Alistair cannot be taken away. He is listed in the Callaghan family genealogy as a grandson, and barring any unforeseen circumstances will be the Callaghan family heir. So, this matter cannot be negotiated." Mavis' face stiffened, and she remained silent.

Half an hour later, Mavis walked out from study looking dejected. Her mind seemed elsewhere.

"Mommy-"

Suddenly, Alistair hugged onto Mavis' leg. Looking up at Mavis, the little one asked curiously, "What were you and Grandma talking about? You took so long! I waited so long!" She smiled, rubbing his fluffy little head in palm.

As Mavis was about to answer, Paloma pushed her wheelchair out of the study and explained before Alistair could even ask, "It's been a while since I've seen your mother, so I just wanted to catch up with her for a bit. Alistair, you can't wait that long?"

Alistair lazily replied, "Okay, I understand."

The little one was very well-behaved and every time Mavis saw him, it felt like her heart received a brief moment of healing.

She crouched down and opened her arms to hug her son when Paloma calmly interrupted them saying, "Alright now Mavis, aren't you supposed to be taking food over to Anthony? If you don't hurry, he'll starve! The kitchen should have the box ready by now; just take it with you when you leave."

Mavis hadn't said anything yet but Alistair's small hand had already taken hers in excitement. "Let's go Mommy! I will go with you!"

Paloma immediately said, "Alistair, you shouldn't come along this time. My head is starting to hurt again and I'm not sure if my condition is acting up again or not. Why don't we let him stay home and keep me company instead?"

As she spoke, she rubbed at the center of her forehead.

Mavis stared at Paloma for a moment; although she looked as kind as ever today, there was something in the way she spoke that made it clear that she wanted Mavis gone quickly without leaving Alistair alone with her.

Still respectful as always, Mavis replied, "Then let Alistair keep his great-grandmother company for now. I'll take care of Anthony."

Although he really wanted to accompany his mother, Alistair was also an extremely filial child who said obediently, "Okay then, I will stay here with great-grandma so that she won't feel any more pain." The sound of his childish voice was incredibly pleasant, and Paloma giggled while beckoning him over towards herself.

A few moments later, Alistair released his grip on Mavis' hand, and ran towards Paloma's side. Mavis' mind went blank for an instant. She didn't know how they got into the luxurious car nor did she know how they entered Anthony's hospital room. She looked dazed, and felt complicated inside.

--"Mavis, our family can't be without Alistair. You can't be without Alistair, either. There's only one solution: you should continue living happily together by staying married."

--"I hope you will consider my proposal carefully. The choice is still yours, but I feel it's necessary to remind you that we will never give up custody of Alistair. Even if Anthony agrees, all the elders in the Callahan family, including myself, will not agree. The only possible outcome is a court battle to determine custody," said Paloma with a serious tone in her study.

--"Mavis, you're a good girl and I believe you can understand," her words echoed in Mavis' mind as she felt her heart sink.

She had consulted with lawyers multiple times about the custody battle for Alistair and knew that if Paloma refused to back down and they went to court, her chances of winning were slim.

And now she was stuck in this predicament again...

"What's wrong?"

A magnetic voice brought Mavis back from her thoughts as she turned to see Anthony sitting at the bedside table with a meal tray full of delicious food that he hadn't touched yet. His blue eyes were fixed on her face.

"In the past when you could see our son, your smile was always so bright but today why are you unhappy?" he asked.

Mavis didn't want to hide anything from him and told him straight up, "Grandma talked to me alone today."

"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow slightly as if there was some hidden meaning behind it but quickly lowered his eyelashes and continued eating elegantly without any change in expression. "What did she say?" "She doesn't agree with giving me custody of Alistair; she's very firm about it."

Anthony continued eating calmly without changing his expression, "If you can't persuade Grandma, then there's nothing I can do."

"But you're the head of the Callahan family! You have enough power to override anyone who disagrees with your decision! Who else could be above your authority?" Mavis retorted anxiously.

"In theory yes," he paused before chuckling softly, "But filial piety comes first. Grandma's health is deteriorating rapidly so I have no choice but to prioritize her opinion over mine, even though I'm technically able to make decisions on my own accord."

Mavis had nothing left say after hearing this reasoning from Anthony because indeed Grandma's health was important which also explained why during their conversation earlier on when Paloma spoke those words, Mavis didn't argue or object against them.

However, without Alistair by her side, it seemed as if she had lost the whole world and even the meaning of living.

There was always a slight feeling of unwillingness.

"Do you remember a few nights ago when you were drunk and came to me? You promised to give me our son if I just..." slept with you again.

She bit her lip, finding it difficult to speak. "Is that still valid?"

Anthony appeared much calmer. "Of course it is, but I am who I am and my grandmother is my grandmother."

Mavis deflated once again.

"However," he smirked with mischief in his eyes. "This matter can be resolved quickly and happily for everyone involved."