le would be Might, Madeline called her grandparents. It was noisy on the other end, which felt odd to her. Usually, after eight, the elderly couple getting ready for bed. Why is it so noisy there today? Madeline wondered. Curious, she asked, “Grandpa, Grandma, do you have guests over
embarrassed to say it outright.
Helena paused for a moment, “Madeline, in.” Helena hesitated, feeling
Frank sighed. “Let’s not talk about it. We don’t want Madeline to worry!
Helena felt the same way.
The more Madeline listened, the stranger it felt, until she heard a familiar voice from the other end of the line. It was Layla
Madeline froze.“Grandpa, Grandma, are the Larsons with you?”
The elderly couple fell silent. After a moment, Helena said, “Madeline, don’t worry. They’re much better now, they’ve changed.
“They really didn’t come with any particular motive, I swear.
“I didn’t tell you because I was afraid you’d get upset the moment you heard about it.”
Frank also chimed in. “Yes, don’t worry about it. It’s nothing”
But how could Madeline not be worried! She still remembered vividly how the Larson family used to bully and mistreat her grandparents. She wasn’t the kind to forget puin once the wounds had healed.
Madeline’s tone grew heavier. Grandpa Grandma, if they dare to cause trouble, don’t tolerate them.
“The Lanions aren’t what they used to be. They’re struggling and not as powerful as they once were.
“If they dare to bully you, just let me know right away”
Her grandparents agreed verbally, but deep down, they fel helpless. Madeline was studying far from home, all on her own with no one to lean on. Since they couldn’t be of much help, they definitely didn’t want her to worry about them either. Besides, the sudden arrival of the Larson family didn’t really bother them
Helena comforted Madeline, “Madeline, it’s getting cold now. You should go to bed early.
In the city, you keep the air conditioning on at night, right Make sure to ventilate the room and be careful with electrical appliances catching fire. I won the news that….
Frank couldn’t help but cut in, “Christmas is just around the corner. Let’s try to keep things upbeat.
“Madeline, go to bed early and make sure to dress warmly”
After hanging up, Madeline felt a heavy weight in her heart. She looked at her phone, wondering what the Larson family was up to. Why weren’t they staying in their own home during Christmas and instead going to someone else’s place to bother others? She rarely encountered people who were so bothersome. Feeling cold and frustrated, Madeline went to bed early that night.
Early the next morning, she took the high–speed train back to the countryside with Eugene
Bobby had just returned from a busy trip. Seeing the empty villa, a hint of resignation crossed his face. Normally, he wore a distant and aloof expression, so this fleeting emotion was unusual for a lone sage like him. “Alas,” he sighed.
Looks like I’m late again.” Bobby shook his head. He had just visited Ethan, spending a few days in Fasting at the chapel. As a result, he had missed the chance to see Madeline again.
Bobby worked at the National Painting Academy, respected by many for his gerale, reserved nature. The only person in Phantom Organization with a similar temperament to his was Ethan.
Years ago, Ethan left the Phantom Organization, and during his travels, he passed by the largest chapel in aprium. There, he caught the attention of a parish priest and almost became a Christian disciple. Erhan had great spiritual potential and could have become a devoted follower of Christianity. However, he felt that, given his past with violence, merely setting aside the butcher’s knife wouldn’t make him a true Christian Instead, he traveled extensively, scullying in various places and embodying the spirit of an ancient port, acquiring a bit of knowledge in many felds. This is why Bobby would visit him during the holidays,
The name Ethan was geen to him by his family. He was born into the Xuereb family, one of the Top Ten Families, However, he got lost as a chuki wod was taken into the Phantnis Organization. Laser, when the Xuereb family found him, he chose not to return to inherit thar family business but instead devoted himself to Christian ideal like a saint detached from the mundane world, extremely pure and serene
Zor saw Bobby and greeted bom, “Mr. Dalian, you’re here.”
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Chapter 211
Bobby smiled lightly, took out a Bible, and said, “I heard you’ve been reading the Bible recently, so I happened to come back from the chapel and got you a new one from Ethan.”
Zoe was flattered. Looking at Bobby’s smooth and slender hands, she bowed sincerely. “Thank you, Mr. Dalton.”
Is Mr. Xuereb not coming down the mountain for Christmas this year?” she asked.
Bobby shook his head. “He said that time is meaningless in the mountains, and he doesn’t care about holidays.
He might just spend his whole life up there.”
Bobby didn’t see this as a bad thing. After all, a life free of worries and attachments was a good one. He smiled softly. Is Caleb not around?
Ethan asked me to check if his rosary beads are damaged. He’s made a new set from the rosary pea seeds in his courtyard, which would be perfect or Caleb.
Coe sighed. “As servants, we don’t usually ask about the masters‘ whereabouts.”
Do you know where Madeline is?” Bobby asked.
Zoe nodded. “Yes, Ms. Larson said she was going back to the countryside to visit her grandparents. She asked me to prepare some special gifts from
prium to bring with her.
She’s probably already on the high–speed train by now.”
Bobby checked his phone for train tickets. Traveling from Japrium to Orchid Valley by high–speed train would take him to the nearest town, but it required a transfer, and after arriving at the station, there was still a drive into the village. It would take nearly nine hours. So, Bobby decided to book himself a flight instead. This time, he wasn’t going to wait around. Besides, he also wanted to take this opportunity to meet Madeline’s grandparents.
Bobby asked with a hint of a smile, “What gifts did Madeline bring? I’d like to bring some too, but I don’t want to bring the same ones as her.” Zoe smiled back. It’s a good idea for you to join her there. You can have a nice reunion
With your easygoing personality. I’m sure Ms. Larson’s grandparents will absolutely love you.”
Feeling a bit embarrassed by her words, Bobby looked down. “Well, thanks for your kind words.”
After Bobby left, Zoe couldn’t help but praise him to others. “Mr. Dalton is the kind of young man every elder would like. He’s handsome, well- mannered, calm, and never arrogant. He’s truly a nice man.”
The others agreed, “Yes, Mr. Dalton is different from everyone else. He never treats us like mere servants, and Ms. Larson is the same.”
Although Zoe worked for Caleb in Japrium, she felt quite different from Caleb’s other servants, Hazel and Yulissa, who served him in Frosthaven. Hobby was well–mannered, good–looking, and held a high social status. In her opinion, compared to Caleb, Bobby was the better husband for any
woman.
Zoe couldn’t help but sigh. “If Ms. Larson ended up marrying Mr. Dalton, she’d surely live a happy life.”
Others laughed. “But Mr. Newton and Mr. Sharp would never agree. They’d fight over it.”
Zoe shook her head helplessly. “Being the only girl among so many admirers, it’s tough for her to make a choice.
Madeline had no idea that she would have to make choices again. After all, this time, she calls T Little did she knew seal.
