“Aunt Audrey.”Serenity greeted Audrey with a smile.Audrey nodded and asked, “Did you pick Sonny up today?”“Duncan’s busy this afternoon, and since I’m not working full time right now anyway, I’m free to pick Sonny up.”As she said this, Serenity reached out to carry the little guy, “Sonny, you should come down and walk by yourself. Don’t make Grandaunt Audrey carry you.”Audrey hurriedly said, “It’s fine, I can carry him in. Sonny is a little bigger now, but he’s still a little kid and isn’t that heavy. Just carrying him for a bit won’t tire me out.”However, Sonny still obediently slid out of Audrey’s arms and onto the floor before looking up to say, “I don’t want to make Grandaunt Audrey tired.”Mom and Aunt Ser had told him before that Grandaunt Audrey was getting on in years and was considered an elderly person, so he should be more considerate of her and not make her carry him all the time.Audrey ruffled Sonny’s hair and laughed. “Sonny has such a sweet little mouth.”
Despite what she said, Audrey brought them upstairs. Alice and her son were asleep. Upon seeing that, Serenity pulled Sonny back and stopped Audrey from entering. She whispered, “Let Alice sleep, Aunt Audrey. Let’s not disturb her.”Audrey nodded and closed the door lightly. Sonny was slightly disappointed. He had wished to play with the little brother. Back on the first floor, he sat on the sofa and had some snacks. Then, he played in the living area by himself. There were some toys left in the Stone family’s house from Sonny’s previous visits. Elisa had bought them for him. The number of toys had increased since then, and most were new. They were probably for the baby. Sonny decided to try the new toys out first. “I want to ask you about somebody, Aunt Audrey.”Audrey looked at her niece with curiosity. “Who is it? Do you even need my help?”Serenity could have obtained any information she wanted just by asking Zachary. Serenity smiled. “It’s a woman. Zachary doe
After some thinking, Audrey replied, “I’ve lived in Wiltspoon for decades and joined the circle of elites when I married your uncle. Although I recognize most of the women, I’ve never heard of someone called Mrs. Longbottom.”Serenity said, “She said her husband isn’t a local but simply a permanent resident in Wiltspoon. Most of their family businesses are overseas. She also mentioned that her husband’s family keeps a low profile, so they probably rarely attend banquets.”Audrey replied, “No matter how low profile they are, businessmen are bound to interact with each other. Although they’re just permanent residents, they must’ve socialized with others at some point. I really don’t recall hearing the name Longbottom.“Maybe they aren’t qualified enough to be in our circle yet.“Why are you asking about this person? Is there something off with her?”Serenity explained how she got to know Mrs. Longbottom. She added, “I have a sense of familiarity whenever I see her. I think her figur
“Wait. There’s one, but he’s a child. It’s Jane’s adopted son, Laurence. He’s a Longbottom, but he’s still young… Which reminds me, when Ben and Jane brought Laurence over last time, Josh told Zachary that he noticed a tycoon had shown up in Wiltspoon. However, that person left quickly, so they could not find out his name or where he came from.”Just then, Serenity thought of Laurence’s background and unleashed her imagination. “Do you think that person came to Wiltspoon to look for someone to be his pawn, Aunt Audrey? Perhaps he was trying to set up a trap.“That doesn’t sound right either. If he wanted to do something, he should’ve gone to Annenburg instead of Wiltspoon.”If that man’s aim was Laurence, Wiltspoon was not the best location. Moreover, he would have done something long ago if his sole target was Laurence. Laurence’s enemies feared almost no one, not even the Johnsons. They were only slightly wary of the legendary doctor and company, who had ties with Dr. Carden.
Audrey smiled. “That she is.”While they were talking, they suddenly heard Elisa’s and Remy’s voices. “Elisa’s back,” said Serenity. When Sonny heard that, he immediately hugged his toy and dashed out. Worried that he would fall, Serenity quickly got up to follow him. Audrey remained in her seat. She turned and watched Serenity from the sofa with a grin. However, the corners of her mouth gradually went down as she thought of her deceased sister.It would have been great if Lisa was alive. Audrey wished her parents were still around as well. Their family would have been so lively. She and Lisa would never have separated, and Lisa would not have died. She wondered if her mother’s assistant, Patrick, was still alive. He was a key figure. They had utilized all resources to look for him, but there was no news. After all, most people had little memories of that elderly assistant. Audrey had a vague impression but did not know if the portrait she drew based on her memori
Remy asked Sonny. “Dunc isn’t free. Aunt Ser picked me up to see the baby. The baby is sleeping. I couldn’t see him.”Sonny was eloquent and clear in his speech. Remy thought Sonny was similar to Laurence. When Jane found Laurence, he had only been over a year old. His speech was incoherent at that time. However, once he could speak fluently, he became good with words and sounded very mature sometimes. Despite being three years old, he was like a small version of an adult. He was taller and smarter than kids his age too. Laurence also had a surprisingly good memory. Remy had met Sonny when Sonny was very young. He realized that the babbling child had turned into a clever one. He hoped he and Elisa’s children could be as clever as Sonny and Laurence. “The baby is still young, so he sleeps more. He can play with you when he gets older.”Sonny agreed. “Aunt Ser said that too. Are you never busy, Uncle Remy? I always see you when I come to Grandaunt Audrey’s house.”To Son
Remy laughed.“Of course, of course, tons of people like Sonny.“Then, you have to reserve a space for me in the long line of people who like you.”Sonny nodded graciously and responded, “I’ll reserve a space for you, for sure.”This made everyone laugh.Just as Serenity entered, Zachary called her.The couple was just checking in on each other. Zachary knew that his beloved wife was visiting the Stones.Usually, Zachary would come over too when Serenity paid visits, but tonight, he was busy and told Serenity he could not make it for dinner.Serenity said thoughtfully, “I’ll have dinner here. Once we’re done, I’ll probably sit and chat for a while before heading back. You go talk business and don’t drink so much. Make sure to keep warm—the weather forecast says the temperature will drop further.”Rain was going to fall, and so did the temperature.When it rained during the winter, it was indeed cold.“I won’t drink. It’s not like I’ll be outdoors either. It won’t affect me n
An “old kid” was a perfect descriptor for Grandma May.She was an old mischievous spirit.The car stopped at the door to the house.Serenity was going to help Sonny put on his schoolbag, but Sonny wanted to do it on his own.He said, “The teacher said I should do what I can on my own by myself.“You and Mom taught me that too.”Serenity smiled, “Yes, yes. I forgot that I did teach you that before. Alright, you should do what you can on your own by yourself.”Sonny had too many people who pampered him.The sisters were afraid that Sonny would be spoiled and kept a tight rein on his discipline.They taught him the right outlook on life to prevent him from being spoiled. Sonny carried his little school bag and once the car door opened, he got out first before turning to offer a hand to Serenity.Serenity reached out to hold his hand, making him believe he had helped her out of the car.“You’re so amazing, Sonny!”“Uncle Zak says me and him are boys, so we have to protect and