Chapter 5171

Noelle Longbottom was an orphan, found in the medicine field during the first snowfall. She was given the name because of the season, and her last name came from Laurence. Laurence had no blood relatives left, but he was a sibling to Connor and Chloe in name. Still, he was effectively an orphan. Since he and Noelle were orphans, his teacher’s teacher thought they could have each other as company. Noelle did not say much when she first came to the medicine field, but she was a natural at everything. She took up medicine, poison, and combat tactics with ease. The legendary Doc often said that Laurence would not be his only successor if Noelle entered the picture sooner. Since then, Noelle, despite being four years younger than Laurence, took the role of his protector and caretaker. Laurence kept drumming in that they were equals. Yet, Noelle kept things formal with him anyway. The only words that mattered to her were those of their teacher’s teacher. Doc demanded lifelong l

Chapter 5172

Ring, ring…Callia’s phone rang. The ringing interrupted the group’s laughter. Callia pulled her phone and checked her screen. Chase said, “Your mother must be calling.” “I’ve updated the family in the group chat that I’ve arrived safely. Madden’s calling.”Callia took her cousin’s call. The moment the call connected, Koben’s sobs cut through. “You abandoned me, Callie! You sneaked out when I wasn’t home. I want you!”Callia replied, “Aren’t you supposed to be in school, Koben?” “My summer break starts this afternoon. Why couldn’t you wait a few more hours? I want to go along with you!” Despite all the wailing, Koben got his message through. Callia tried to calm him down over the phone. Koben refused to listen to reason. He kept crying for Callia and threatened to shed tears until she was back. “Put your brother on the phone.” Callia asked to speak to Madden York because Koben’s sobbing was giving her a headache. Every time she came home for the holidays, Kob

Chapter 5173

“I’m hanging up, Callie.” “Alright. Just get Koben to stop crying.” “Got it.” After the call, Madden turned to his tearful brother and said, “Callie said that we can go enjoy a few days at Uncle Austin’s when our cousins start their break.“You must promise not to throw a fuss before they come back, or I won’t take you to Callie.” Koben dried his tears right away and replied, “I won’t cry. I promise. When are the others coming back?” Since many of his older cousins were still in school, there was no telling when they would return to the family home. Koben was worried about the long wait. After much thought, Madden uttered, “I’m in high school, and the term has ended. The rest should be out too. Their schools are not in Wiltspoon, so they can’t head back here right away. They would need to wait for their parents to be available to return together.” Only the children of Callum, Alex, and Rowan stayed in Wiltspoon for education. Everyone else had either graduated and s

Chapter 5174

After putting Koben down for a nap, Madden returned to his room and unpacked his things from school. He took every item out and put it in its own place. He took his bedding and dumped it in the washing machine for a wash cycle. Though Madden was an heir of the Yorks, his parents insisted that he would do things himself. The rule was not extended just to him. Koben, the youngest, was raised the same way. After waking up each morning, Koben would get dressed, put his shoes and socks on, wash up, and head downstairs with his backpack. The housekeeper would take him to preschool. Rowan and Eden took a hands-off approach, not spoiling their kids like other parents would. It would be time to show Koben around the kitchen once he was older. Rowan said the boys of the York family were expected to master a wide range of skills. By beginning at an early age, they could learn more and practice until those skills became instinctive.These skills were bound to come in handy. Rowan emphasiz

Chapter 5175

Laurence smiled and said, “Someone has to do the job.” Heath was in a better position than Laurence because he had cousins to share the burden. Meanwhile, Laurence was on his own. He did not have any family. “Laurence, are you going down for a nap? Chase, take Laurence to the guest room,” Austin muttered.Before Laurence could reply, Austin sent Chase to escort him to a room. Rising to his feet, Austin uttered, “I’ll close my eyes for a bit. I didn’t sleep well last night.” “My dad hasn't slept a wink ever since he found out Callia was coming.” Laurence burst out laughing. That sounded about right. Callia was the center of the universe in the York family. She was adored and spoiled by everyone alike. They just could not help but dote on Callia. The way Laurence saw it, Callia and Chloe were like sisters to him. Austin said, “I was too excited to sleep. If you had been a girl, your mom and I wouldn’t be in this situation.” “No way Mom is like you. It’s not like I

Chapter 5176

After giving the instructions to the housekeeper, Chase took quick paces ahead. Laurence told Noelle, “I told you not to follow me.” “I want to keep my master safe.” Noelle answered in a rigid, no-nonsense manner.“Noelle, can we drop the formal title, please?” “Sir.” Laurence stopped and cocked his head back to snap an angry look at Noelle. Noelle halted her footsteps, staying six feet away from Laurence. Though her expression was a picture of respect, her eyes flickered with determination. Even if looks could kill, Noelle would not back down. Her late mentor wanted her to stay by Laurence’s side and keep him safe from harm. Noelle gave her word that no harm would come to Laurence so long as she lived. However, when she was gone, she would ensure he lived on. In the face of danger, she would jump in and give everything to secure a chance of survival for Laurence. Noelle was determined to keep her promise to the very end, even if it meant giving up her life. “Lau