After a pause, Austin chuckled. “Well, Nana’s given me a mission. I have to act on it sooner or later.“I can’t be like Kevin who did nothing for six whole months and still isn’t married yet as a result.”Austin thought that it was not bad being one of the younger kids. They could at least learn from their older brothers’ mistakes and avoid making them themselves.“Nana usually picks the right person to suit your temperament.”Zachary then asked, “When are you leaving?”“Next Monday. I’ll use these two days to make the necessary arrangements for matters on hand. Please help me take care of those I don’t manage to cover in time.”“So soon?”Zachary frowned.Austin was a little embarrassed as he said, “The O’Connors are one of the most prestigious families in Satbury. They usually offer their employees a very attractive salary and excellent benefits, but the main thing is that Ms. O’Connor is a foodie. Many people would like to apply for the challenge.“It was rumored that if a
Zachary’s mother came over before his father followed suit.Then, Austin, thinking that he had caused trouble, followed after them.Zachary figured it out without asking.Austin was silent for a moment before he said, “Mom disagreed at first. She said I already have my own business and I’m running it well. And this year, I started to help out with the family business. She said that no matter how much I liked cooking, I could just tinker around at home or the hotel and that there was no need for me to become a private chef.“Dad was supportive though. He said that as long as I liked it, I could do whatever I wanted. Mom tried to argue her side with Dad but couldn’t get through to him, and in her anger, she went back to her room and locked herself in it, not allowing Dad to go in.“Dad knocked for a long time, but still wasn’t allowed entry, so, thinking that he should let Mom calm down first, he left. We didn’t expect Mom to take advantage of Dad’s departure to sneak out and come h
“Zack, it’s late and you’ve been working the whole day too. You should head to bed. I’ll head home too.”Austin prepared to leave after talking it out with Zachary.Zachary said, “It’s already so late. Why don’t you just stay the night? It’s not like I don’t have a room for you.”Austin politely declined. “It’s not far for me and you might have a room here, but I don’t have clothes to change into.“Plus, it’s hard for me to fall asleep anywhere other than on my own bed.”He needed time to adapt to new places whenever he moved.People who were used to their beds would toss and turn constantly when they were in an unfamiliar place.Zachary recalled that Austin’s private villa was not far away. Since Austin mentioned having sleeping difficulty on foreign beds and no fresh clothes, Zachary did not insist on him staying. Instead, he only reminded Austin to not drive too fast and to text him once he got home.“Good night, Zack.”Zachary did not get up to walk him out.Once Austin l
“The alcohol smell isn’t that strong and even thunder can’t wake me when I’m asleep. You don’t have to resort to spending the night in the study,” Serenity said as she took Zachary’s hand that was on her stomach.“I’ve showered and drank two glasses of water as well as chewed two pieces of gum to get rid of some of the alcohol smell.”After a pause, he added, “And Austin said that I was reeking of alcohol.”Serenity grumbled a little about her brother-in-law.If Austin could hear her, he would swear that he was telling the truth.The moment Zachary opened his mouth, he could smell the alcohol. It indeed was strong and besides, Zachary himself had said that he was worried the smell would affect Serenity.“He was waiting for you. Did he manage to catch you?” Serenity asked.Zachary hummed in confirmation. “He said he wants to go to Satbury. The O’Connors are looking for a private chef and he wants to apply for it. “Nana has chosen Isabella O’Connor, their eldest daughter, for Au
“Good night,” Serenity said before closing the door. Zachary stood by the door outside. Although he was the one who suggested himself sleeping in the study, being pushed out by Serenity and watching her close the door made him feel like he was being chased out. After scratching his nose, he had no choice but to head toward the study. The night went by peacefully. When Zachary woke up the next day, Serenity was already awake and had prepared a glass of water with honey added for him. “Good morning, babe.”Serenity had already fed Sonny breakfast. She was leading Sonny out of the dining area while holding his bag when she spotted Zachary, who had come downstairs. After greeting him, she said, “I prepared some honey water for you. Remember to drink it.”Although Zachary was not drunk last night, he mentioned downing strong alcohol. Serenity had been worried that he would get a headache when he woke up, so she prepared honey water for him. ‘Zachary is really fortunate
Serenity’s usual car was already parked outside. A bodyguard opened the door and helped Sonny to get into the car. He fastened his seatbelt as well. Once Serenity was inside the car, she changed her high heels for flats. “Have you fastened your seatbelt, Sonny?”Serenity turned her head and asked. “The mister did it for me. You can start driving, Aunt Ser.”Serenity smiled and soon started the car. Twenty minutes later, two cars stopped at the preschool’s parking lot. Serenity got out of the car. Sonny had already unfastened his seat belt and carried his bag. When she opened his door, he got down and said, “Aunt Ser, remember to tell Dunc to bring my luggage along when he picks me up this evening.”“Aren’t you coming back home first?” Serenity teased him. “Why don’t you have dinner before leaving?”After some thought, Sonny said, “Dunc won’t let me go hungry. I don’t have to worry about anything when I’m with him.”Duncan had already become a father figure to Sonny
However, Serenity was still suspicious because she had not seen Mrs. Longbottom and Carrie appear at the same time. Her suspicions of Carrie pretending to be Mrs. Longbottom would not be cleared unless she saw the two women together. Carrie did not wait for Serenity to return. Since they met by coincidence, it would look intentional if she were to wait for Serenity. It would be suspicious as well. Mr. Longbottom had told Carrie that Serenity was investigating her. Of course, nothing useful was found. Serenity suspected that she was Carrie. Carrie thought of Camryn, whom she hated the most. Camryn was familiar with her voice. Serenity most likely only investigated her because Camryn had told Serenity something. Luckily, Mr. Longbottom was capable. Serenity could not discover anything. Everything she found was fake information that Mr. Longbottom had created for Carrie. They knew that Serenity and Jasmine were best friends; Jasmine being the missus of the Buchams,
Therefore, Sonny wanted to pass his luggage to Duncan beforehand. Serenity replied with a smile, “Okay.”She only walked toward her car once Sonny and the teacher were out of sight. When she arrived at the parking lot, she saw Mrs. Longbottom, who had just gotten into her car. As usual, there were two bodyguards with her. One of them closed her door with a solemn expression. Mrs. Longbottom spotted Serenity when she turned to look outside the window. She waved at her with a grin. Serenity waved back out of courtesy. Soon, Carrie’s luxury car left. Serenity quickly sent a message to Camryn: [I saw Mrs. Longbottom again, Camryn. Did Carrie look for you?]Camryn had not left her home yet. She would not be going to the flower store as she had an online meeting in the morning. Some company matters still required her attention. Anyway, she was busy. Later in the evening, she would be returning to Wildridge Manor with Callum. It was the weekend again. She usually did
“I just need your confirmation, Nana. Just one word. Is Imogen the Chameleon Fox?”“You should ask her. I’m not Imogen.”“Nana.”Dylan almost kneeled. “I regret my decision, Nana, okay? Can you tell me?”Grandma May poked his forehead. She said, “There’s nothing you can do to reverse time.“I might’ve been too bossy, Dylan. I chose you and your brothers’ wives without getting permission and forced you all to pursue them. I was in the wrong, not you.”Although she did it for the sake of her grandsons, it was considered overstepping. “Don’t say that, Nana. My brothers and I are willing to accept the choices you made for us. We’re blessed to have you to choose our future partners. Our parents are delighted as well.”His parents and uncles were glad and relaxed that they did not have to worry about the boys’ marriages. Grandma May had a good eye for people. The girls she chose were definitely outstanding. “Since you’re willing to accept my choice, why didn’t you do as I said
“I wasn’t this old when I chose Callum’s and Kevin’s wives. I still had energy, so I spent lots of time investigating the girls’ backgrounds. When it came to you, Peter, and Austin, I didn’t spend as much effort on background checks because I didn’t have the energy.“If Imogen is Silver’s student, it’ll only be more difficult to investigate her. It’s ‘the’ Silver we’re talking about. He’s in charge of the intelligence in the Imperial Force. He has the largest information network. Investigating his student is basically having a death wish.“Although he has retired, he has many successors. All of them have even surpassed him.“I’m bold, but I’m not gutsy enough to offend just anyone. How could I possibly offend the Imperial Force when I know just how formidable they are?“Now, we’re on good terms with the Imperial Force thanks to Zachary and Serenity’s close relationship with the Johnsons. Mr. Patrick is also the assistant of Serenity’s maternal grandmother. Those two connections gra
Dylan supported Grandma May as they walked back. He consoled her, “You have to look at it from another perspective, Nana. It’s only one day in the entire year that you’re unhappy, while you’re generally happy in the rest. Although you don’t have daughters or granddaughters, your sons and grandsons have married other families’ lovely daughters. “Don’t you feel great that other families’ daughters are accompanying you and treating you well?”Grandma May burst out laughing. “Now that you mention it, I do feel great. Your maternal grandmother must be the one who’s upset.”“Of course. Many people are envious of you, Nana.“For having such filial grandsons. The nine of us have never embarrassed you.”Grandma May smiled and said, “I feel like your lips are coated with honey, Dylan. Look at those sweet words coming out of them.”“I’m usually like this.”“Your words aren’t this sweet usually. Come. What do you want to tell me?”Grandma May knew everything, yet she pretended to be cluel
Since Serenity was also an owner of the villa, she assigned rooms to Hayden and Camryn before returning to the master bedroom. She kept feeling that something was missing as Zachary was not around.Carrying the baby bump around was tiring.Although Serenity was used to having Zachary by her side, she fell asleep quickly as she was exhausted. The night passed peacefully. New Year’s Eve had arrived. It was a busy day. After a family dinner in the evening, people who were close acquaintances of the Yorks went to Wildridge Manor to watch the fireworks. The atmosphere was lively. However, fun times would always go by quickly. Soon, it was the second day of the new year. It was the day when the York family’s daughters-in-law would visit their families. The fact that their families resided in Wiltspoon made the trip convenient. Zachary, Serenity, Liberty, and Duncan went to the Stones’ residence. Since Audrey was Serenity and Liberty’s aunt, they would visit the Stone
While Grandma May and her granddaughters-in-law had settled down, Zachary and his two brothers were still waiting for their wives. As the sky was getting darker, Zachary could not help but give Serenity a call. “Why are you and Nana not back yet, Seren?”“We won’t be going back tonight, babe. Nana said we’ll return after breakfast tomorrow. We’re staying in your villa in the high-end neighborhood now.”Zachary replied, “I already had a bad feeling when Nana brought you guys out.”As expected, Nana had “kidnapped” their wives.Serenity laughed. “Go to bed early. We’re singing now. Hayden is a pretty good singer.”“You should rest earlier. Don’t stay up too late. You’re still pregnant.”Zachary reminded her.“Mm. I will. I’ll hang up now. Let’s talk again tomorrow.”“Okay. Sonny came over this evening and asked where you were. I said you went shopping, and he said why you didn’t wait till he came and if you didn’t miss him.”Serenity smiled. “He called me afterward and told
Grandma May brought her daughters-in-law to Zachary's villa. The butler did not go home to celebrate the new year. Instead, he had brought his family over upon obtaining Zachary’s permission. Sam was a disciplined person. Although he had brought his family over, he would still watch over the house properly and not let his family enter the main house.He was Zachary’s butler and had his own quarters. He did not live in the main house. Sam was surprised to see Grandma May and her granddaughters-in-law coming over late at night.“Have you all come by yourself, missus?”Sam opened the gates for them and asked Serenity, who had lowered her window. He was worried that Mr. York might have made Mrs. York angry and that she had come over to escape him. It would be New Year’s Eve tomorrow. Logically speaking, Serenity should have been at Wildridge Manor. However, upon seeing Grandma May, Camryn, and the rest, Sam finally figured it out. Grandma May must have been feeling mischievo
“Dylan didn’t really disobey you, Nana. It’s simply because his partner is Imogen.“If it weren’t for Zachary telling me, I wouldn’t have thought Imogen would have that many identities. She hid all of them well. Dylan couldn’t find a thing even after investigating it for a long time.”Serenity smiled and added, “As expected of Silver’s best student. She’s definitely different.”Grandma May was being extremely nice to Dylan.She had chosen Silver’s student for him. The legendary masters and their students were the true big bosses. Any one of them could rival Julian. “Dylan was trapped by his dream. He couldn’t escape it.”Grandma May sighed. “I don’t know what happened. He never met Sugar before. I can’t believe he dreamt of her before I gave him a picture of her. He even had the same dream several times.“Maybe they were just fated to be together.”Camryn smiled. “It must be fate. Maybe they were husband and wife in their past lives.”“You’re amazing, Nana. How did you know
Once Dylan arrived home, he went looking for his nana first. Grandma May was not in the manor. She was in one of the houses at the foot of the hill. Dylan did not search the houses one by one. He simply gave her a call. Grandma May picked up the call after some time. “You’re back, Dylan? I thought you weren’t planning to come back.”She chuckled. “How are things going? Have you found your little fox? Your elder brothers have already succeeded in getting their women. The three of you are the only ones left.“Peter is quicker than you. He said he could bring his fiancée back in a few months. Austin is probably doing better than you too. They aren’t you.”“When are you coming back, Nana? I have something to tell you.”Dylan requested Grandma May politely as he did not want other people to be present.Grandma May could roughly guess what Dylan wanted to do. She said, “I’m not in the manor. I’m out shopping with Serenity and won’t be back so soon. If you have something to say,
“The wind is strong, Mr. and Mrs. Brown. Please return home. We’ll be heading back as well.”After Liberty took everything her ex-in-laws had prepared for Sonny, she said goodbye to them, and under their gazes, she walked toward Duncan and Sonny, who were waiting for her.Sonny had already gotten off Duncan’s shoulders.Duncan had also returned to his wheelchair and held Sonny in his arms. They waited for Liberty to return. When Duncan saw the bags in Liberty’s hand, he told Sonny, “Help Mom hold some of the stuff, Sonny.”“Okay.”Sonny slid down and went to grab his luggage. He could pull the luggage along since it had wheels.Liberty let him.On the other hand, Duncan took some bags from Liberty’s hands and placed them on his thighs. He said, “Why are there so many things? I remember there wasn’t this much when we sent Sonny over.”“Dad bought me new clothes and toys. I really can’t take all the toys, so some of them were left in Dad’s house. I can play with them the next t