Jacob also returned with some items. He had gone out to buy new quilts for the elders, as the old ones were heavy and uncomfortable cotton quilts. After parking the car, he noticed Henry staring blankly in the yard. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
Jacob glanced at the harmonious scene inside the house and frowned. “Who is that man!”
“Madeline’s brother from the orphanage,” Henry sighed. “Jacob, I really..
“I might be starting to understand how Madeline fell back then, Henry said bitterly. Now, it was just Grandpa and Grandma showing affection for outders, and he was already feeling unsettled. If Madeline were here, would I feel completely abandoned and hurt? he wondered.
Back when Madeline was at home, she was always treated like an outsider. The difference in treatment between her and Winslet was stark.
Bobby came out and glanced at Henry and Jacob. “You must be the Larson family, right!
“Actually, you don’t have so take care of Madeline’s grandparents during the holidays. But since you’ve done it out of kindness, I thank you or Madeline’s behalf.
“However, you shouldn’t stay here. After all, the house isn’t big enough for so many people.”
Bobby maintained his gende demeanor. “What do you think?”
Jacob pressed his lips, displeasure flashing across his cold face. “We are Madeline’s biological brothers
“It’s our duty to take care of Grandpa and Grandma,” Jacob replied, wondering why Bobby, an outsider, acted like he was part of Madeline’s family.
“You staying here is pointless,” Bobby said with a faint smile, though a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes. I think Madeline probably doesn’t want to see you.
Jacob felt a sharp pain in his heart. He gritted his teeth and said. “Whether she wants to see us or not is up to her. As an outsider, you are not in a position to sow discord between us.
“Unless she says it herself, don’t think you can affect our relationship, Jacob id before turning around and going back into the house. Hearing the elders praise Bobby he felt even more uncomfortable. However, hearing the elders praise Bobby still left him feeling deeply uncomfortable
Henry remained standing in the yard, glancing at Bobby. He had to admit that all of Madeline’s brothers from the orphanage were outstanding in their own fields. Hur still, he wasn’t about to simply hand over his sister. He looked up, defiance in his gaze, and spoke firmly. “When she comes, you’ll see what her attitude towards us is”
“When we were close, you were nowhere to be found, Henry emphasized. “We are bound by blood, the closest and most intimate relationship in the world, and no one can change that fart”
Bobby remained calm and unbothered by their words. Deep down, he knew the truth of the situation. Shaking his head with a faint, amused smile, he said. “You’re living in the past, unable to accept the reality”
“That’s just your wishful thinking. Henry retorted, his expression turning our as he smirked. He felt irritated. In the past, he had driven around without worrying about money, racing freely and living a carefree life. But now, standing in front of Bobby, who seemed so perfectly composed and dignified, Henry felt unsettled. He didn’t like this feeling at all.
At dinner, it was still the Larson family and the elders, but this time,
Bobby joined them.
Frank had specifically slaughtered a home–raised chicken and grilled it with some homemade seasonings, filling the air with a wonderful aroma
At the table, Frank picked up a grilled chicken and placed it on Bobby’s plate. “Ben, eat more. Not like the city, many things aren’t available here in the countryside
“Grandpa, don’t say that, Bobby responded, unfazed. “When we were in the orphanage, we lived through tough times, so I’ve already experienced hardship.
The countride has its charms–beautiful scenery, fresh air, and especially kind–hearted people like you and Grandina
I’ve never had any family, so please don’t blame me for treating Madeline’s grandparents as my own.
Feeling sympathetic towards Bobby’s life, Helens responded, “Why would we blame you! You and Madeline are like siblings, and you are just like my own grandson
I’m just riding on Madeline’s coat, Bobby said with a calm, gentle smile. His words were unhurried and measured, carrying the retineil air of an arris His eyes shone with sincerity, making everything he said seem genuine rather than contrived.
Harley, who used to be a university professor himself, felt a bit of awkward as he looked at Bobby. “Are you also a teacher?”
I/2
Chapter 228
Bobby nodded. “Yes, I teach at a university and mainly work at the National Painting Academy
Helena laughed. “A stable job, that’s great”
Bobby coughed awkwardly. “Tr’s just a laid–back job, nothing much”
“I’m not sure if any woman would want to marry someone like me in the future, he continued, “After all, I’m st overly meticulous in everything I do. Sometimes, it just makes me seem boring.
I’m someone who loves stability, and I’m.
“When I’m not painting. I’m in my villa in Japrium, tending to my small vegetable garden. I hardly ever buy vegetables all year”
Helena clearly didn’t agree with his self–assessment. He had a stable job, was thoughtful, and had a good temperament. He was clearly the perfect man for any woman, especially considering that he could even grow his own vegetables. He was surely a sought–after catch “If Madeline can marry someone like you in the future, even partly as good, we’d all feel relieved!” she said.
Bobby remained extremely humble “Grandma, you’re giving me far too much credit”
Layla, however, was fuming inside. She couldn’t understand why the old couple was so warm to an outsider while were Madeline’s real family. Have they lost their minds? Couldn’t they tell who are closer to Madeline? They may end up being betrayed by an outsider and still aren’t aware, she thought
ing the coldly. Clearly, they
Layla placed some food on Harley’s plate. “You need to work hard too, being Madelin
Madeline’s eldest brother. You should support her more in the future. Harley felt a sting of embarrassment. Support Madeline? It was almost impossible. Just thinking about it made him deeply embarrassed. In the past, all he’d ever done was isolate and bully Madeline. He had never helped her And now, having lost everything, it’s even less likely for him to support her.
Joel remained silent.
Among the five Larson brothers, four were now overwhelmed with guth and almost wanted to beg Madeline for forgiveness
Joel’s guilt towards Madeline was mild. He was more resentful of Winslet’s betrayal. As for Madeline, even if he felt a little guilty, he didn’t have much affection for her.
Lucas flashed a cheeky grin. “Mom, don’t worry. On the set. I always bring Madeline coffee, order takeout, and fan away mosquitoes for her. “I can take good care of her
“Her next project is a period drama, and I’ll be there too
When the time comes. I’ll make sure she’s well taken care of and doesn’t miss a single meal”
Lucas similed earnestly. “If she loses a single pound, that’s on the
Thomas fell silent. When Bobby talked about gardening, he was subtly hinting at owning a villa and land in Japrium–an obvious sign of wealth and stability. In contrast, when his sons talked about caregiving, it sounded more like the role of a servant. The difference was glaring. No wonder Madeline left without a second thought. Thomas sighed deeply. “Alas”
