Out of politeness, Miranda lightly shook his hand but quickly pulled hers back. Kai thought for a moment and extended his hand toward Madison.Madison had just eaten a tart and hadn't brushed off the crumbs on her hands. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she apologized, "Uh… I'll skip the handshake. Sorry
Miranda calmly withdrew her gaze and focused on her meal. The dishes prepared by the Landons for their guests were, of course, exceptional.Word had it that they had even invited a national banquet chef for the occasion; the food was exquisite, pleasing in both taste and presentation. Even a simple
Scott wondered why did it suddenly feel so chilly?Paul's presence was entirely unexpected. His grandfather, Bradley Jefferson, and Samuel had been close friends in their youth. They had built their fortunes side by side before ultimately choosing separate paths—one in business, the other in politic
"That's not quite right, is it? If I remember correctly, the Coopers and the Landons are distantly related. By that logic, Seb should be calling you… 'Uncle Sam,' right?" Paul remarked with a subtle smirk.This was precisely why Sam, despite being a businessman, had been invited to the Landons' gath
Scott winced slightly from the pinch Heidi had given him but quickly composed himself.After clearing his throat, he said, "What I mean is, our son is old enough now, and it's only natural he'd start feeling things. After all, which young woman doesn't yearn for romance, and which young man doesn't
Before Sam could finish his sentence, Paul interjected, "Scott, you've had too much to drink. They're all still students; studies come first. Spreading talk like this could affect everyone involved."Scott paused, realizing his slip-up before nodding. "You're right. I've had a few too many… Academic
Then there was a photo from when Sebastian was ten."He's so chubby!" Miranda blurted out.In the picture, Sebastian had lost the cute baby look and now resembled a small, plump bear. He was not only chubby but also tanned. His eyes were barely visible, squished by his cheeks.It was summertime, so
"Alright." Miranda nodded with a smile. "I'll head out first. Goodbye, Mr. and Mrs. Landon!""Wait! Take me with you! I'm heading the same way!" Madison called out.Sebastian pulled her back, saying, "Why are you trying to join them? I'll drive you home in a bit.""Uh, isn't that a bit… inconvenient
Under Susan's gaze, Jenny felt a chill run down her spine. "You… Why are you acting so weird? Are you mute? You don't look like it from how you're dressed."She shot Susan a glare and muttered, "Crazy woman," before heading back into her apartment building. Susan stayed rooted to the spot. Her face
They made it back from the school to Harold's place just in time for dinner. After dinner, Lionel and his family said their goodbyes. Upon seeing this, Leonard's family made their exit right after. Jenny walked them to the door before collapsing onto the couch, clutching her lower back. "What a ti
Paul's genes ensured both good looks and a decent figure. On top of that, judging by how generous he was with his gifts, he clearly wasn't just an ordinary college professor. He probably came from an affluent family. Elite families like his often went back several generations, which meant his rela
Since it was the end of the year, the students were all on holiday. The vast school grounds felt a little deserted. Dallas Urban, the school's security guard, noticed Lionel coming from a distance. He stepped out of the guard booth and greeted him cheerfully, "Mr. Sutton!" Then his gaze landed on
"There's still a pile of pots and pans in the kitchen waiting to be cleaned," Jenny complained."I'm just like a maid that's born to toil endlessly, unlike you who can enjoy such an easy life. "You should really learn from Lionel. He cooks every time they host a gathering. You two are brothers, but
"I'm cooking something," Paul said. "Why are you cooking this late at night?" Susan asked. "I wanted a midnight snack."Susan knew her son didn't normally eat late. Clearly, he was cooking for someone else. The thought worsened her mood. "When are you planning to come back to Elgerson?" she asked
Suddenly, Miranda stopped walking. She turned to face Paul and said seriously, "Thank you, Paul, for coming to Lumberville to spend Christmas with me. And… thank you for being in my life."Paul was slightly taken aback. Then, he gently squeezed her hand. "You dummy. I should be the one thanking you.
Yale wasn't too pleased. "But… I was just trying to clear the way for you. Am I wrong for doing that?"He couldn't help but feel a little wronged. Paul softened his tone and explained, "That's not what I meant. First off, Mom had already agreed to me coming to Lumberville. There was no need for lie
"Oh, you're back? What were you guys doing?" Lionel came out of the kitchen, still wearing his apron. He looked a little puzzled when he saw everyone gathered around Paul and Miranda. "Dad…" Miranda was about to go over with the shopping bags, but Paul had already taken them from her before she cou