The next morning.
Julian Rathborne knew he was in trouble because after Seraphina Linden ca out of the bathroom last night, she ignored him and didn’t speak to him.
Julian Rathborne went downstairs, and from a distance, he heard the laughter of Seraphina Linden and Old Mrs. Rathborne. He didn’t know what they were talking about, but Seraphina had Old Mrs. Rathborne laughing heartily, unable to stop.
Seraphina was beautiful, sweet-talking, lively, and cheerful, exactly the kind of daughter-in-law that elders adored.
At this mont, Old Mrs. Rathborne noticed him, "Marcus, you’re up?"
Julian Rathborne’s eyes fell on Seraphina Linden. Seraphina also saw him, and as their eyes t, Seraphina quickly looked away, "Old Mrs., I’ll go check if breakfast is ready in the kitchen."
After saying that, Seraphina turned and left.
She was still angry, angry that he lacked a sense of commitnt.
Julian Rathborne slightly furrowed his brows and then walked down the steps, "Mom, morning."
Old Mrs. Rathborne moved closer and quietly asked, "Marcus, did you make Seraphina angry?"
"...No."
"I don’t care, it’s definitely your fault. Seraphina’s so good-tempered, and you managed to make her angry. No excuses, hurry up and make it up to Seraphina. If you drive this daughter-in-law away, you won’t be my son anymore, handle it yourself!" Saying that, Old Mrs. Rathborne also went into the kitchen.
"..." Julian Rathborne stood there awkwardly, wondering who was Old Mrs. Rathborne’s biological child anyway?
He must be adopted!
...
Feeling unappreciated at ho, Julian Rathborne went to the office, returning only in the evening.
But he couldn’t find Old Mrs. Rathborne and Seraphina Linden in the living room. They seed to be absent, so Julian Rathborne asked the maid, "Where are Old Mrs. and Miss Linden?"
The maid respectfully replied, "Sir, Old Mrs. and Miss Linden are at ho, they’re upstairs in the ga room playing mahjong."
"Playing mahjong?"
"Yes, Old Mrs. has invited a few old friends over today."
Old Mrs. Rathborne had this one hobby—she enjoyed playing mahjong, though she wasn’t very lucky, never winning and constantly losing.
Those elderly friends loved playing with her, viewing Old Mrs. as a kind of generous benefactor.
These friends also loved gossiping. Given Julian Rathborne’s many years of marital misfortune and lack of a woman by his side, they always found it a funny topic to tease Old Mrs. Rathborne about.
"Got it." Julian Rathborne headed upstairs.
Approaching the ga room, he instantly heard laughter from inside. It wasn’t unusual, as he’d always hear laughter whenever he walked by the ga room.
However, this ti it wasn’t the laughter of those elderly friends, but the laughter of Old Mrs. Rathborne.
Inside, Old Mrs. Rathborne was laughing uncontrollably and joyfully.
Julian Rathborne paused, looking inside, and saw four people gathered around a mahjong table. Old Mrs. Rathborne and the other two elderly won were playing mahjong, and the other was... Seraphina Linden.
Seraphina was also playing mahjong and announced a "Six of Bamboo."
"Hold on!" Old Mrs. Rathborne called out, "Sorry, I’ve won this round!"
Old Mrs. Rathborne declared victory, pushing her tiles forward and pulling in the chips from the two elderly ladies in front of her, "Ah yes, how does the saying go, the wheel of fortune turns, I’ve won again and won’t be polite, all your money is mine now."
The chips in front of Old Mrs. Rathborne had already piled up like a mountain. It seed she was making up for all her previous losses with multiple wins today.
The two elderly ladies weren’t happy, "Old Man Rathborne, did you call us here today to count your money? Your daughter-in-law’s playing gives you the wins, you’ve won dozens of hands."
"Old Madam Alden," Seraphina quickly spoke up, blinking innocently and raising her hand to prove her innocence, "I didn’t cheat at all, the sun and moon bear witness, it’s just that my mom’s luck is good today!"
Seraphina gave a playful wink to Old Mrs. Rathborne.
Old Mrs. Rathborne bead with excitent, "What are you two grumbling about, don’t scare my daughter-in-law! What’s this, just because I used to lose to you and now you’ve lost once, you’re upset?"
The two elderly ladies just clicked their tongues, "Old Man Rathborne, now that you have a daughter-in-law, even your tone has hardened!"
"We thought your son would beco a monk for life, but suddenly he brings back such a beautiful wife!"
Feeling flattered, Old Mrs. Rathborne was elated. She had taken a lot of jibes in front of these friends over the years, but now, finally, she was having her mont.
At this mont, one of the elderly ladies noticed Julian Rathborne at the door and teased, "Oh, isn’t that Mr. Rathborne back? Mr. Rathborne, when will you and Seraphina have your wedding, we’re all eager to see you as a groom and toast at your wedding."
Julian Rathborne stood there unmoving, his gaze on Seraphina Linden. She had integrated into this circle of elderly ladies more successfully and quickly than he imagined, gaining everyone’s affection.
Just then, Seraphina’s charming eyes landed on his handso face, a mix of shyness and sweetness as she called out to him, "Marcus, you’re back?"
Looking at her bright and cheerful expression, it seed as though it wasn’t her who had been giving him the cold shoulder earlier that morning.
This woman’s character was just like that, always giving him the respect and admiration he needed in front of others, making everyone else envious of him.
Julian Rathborne extended his long legs to walk in and ca to her side, keeping one hand in his pocket, lowering his tall fra to get closer to her, "So, you know how to play mahjong?"
"Yes, just a little." Seraphina smiled broadly, a hint of wit in her eyes.
Julian Rathborne understood. She knew more than just a little, she was... particularly skilled!
The reason Old Mrs. Rathborne won so much money today was definitely intentional on her part.
Julian Rathborne nodded and didn’t leave; instead, he sat next to her, seemingly interested in watching her play mahjong.
Seraphina Linden was puzzled, wondering why he was sitting there.
She was still upset and didn’t want to talk to him.
Last night, this man... borrowed her service more than once, and now her hand was still sore today!
He did it on purpose, knowing there were so many people around.
Julian Rathborne naturally did it on purpose, clearly signaling that in front of so many people, she should be nice to him!
Beside Seraphina was a plate of exquisite fruits. Julian Rathborne parted his lips and casually asked, "The grapes are sweet today, aren’t they?"
Seraphina, being sharp, imdiately caught his hint, cursing him in her heart, but she promptly picked up a large grape with her delicate fingers, peeled it and fed the flesh to his lips, "Ah, open your mouth."
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