Chapter 72 - An Old Friend
Chapter 72 – An Old Friend
When the car came to a slow stop, Lina slipped her phone away. She soothed out her chiffon dress and gazed out the window. As expected, at the front entrance, the servants had already rushed outside to greet the third son.
Lina was quiet the entire time as her parents got out of the car first, then her, followed by Milo.
"Welcome back to the Main Mansion, Third Young Lord," the maids and butlers said in perfect unison, from practicing many times.
The servants lowered themselves into a deep bow.
"Welcome back, Young Miss and Young Master," they added, completely ignoring Evelyn, the uninvited guest.
Evelyn was dumbfounded by their behavior, but expected as much.
Evelyn was never welcomed by the Yang family, despite giving them a healthy grandson and unprecedented granddaughter. Her stain from a shot-gun marriage could never be washed away.
Though, today's attitude was much worse.
Usually, the workers here would still have the decency to greet her. Today they seemed impatient and wanted to get out of her presence as soon as possible.
Whenever the employees saw the favored people, they'd smile even politer and lower themselves even lower.
"Grandmother," Milo chirped when he saw a formidable woman standing at the doorway of the entrance.
Grandmother was being escorted by the older head maid, who had accompanied her since they were children.
"Mother," Linden instantly greeted, providing her a small nod of acknowledgement.
Lina searched for her grandfather, but didn't see him. She was disappointed.
Lina wanted to tell him the good news in person. Well, was it even good news that she was getting married to Kaden? She thought back to his tender words, rough actions, and teasing behavior.
"Don't stand there and intimidate them like that, Rina," Lawrence softly chuckled, walking out of the doors to greet his family.
Lawrence had just gotten off an important phone call when his least favorite grandchildren arrived.
"Hmph." Rina said nothing.
Rina stared at the family with a strict and straight expression, as if a single flaw would lead to a scolding.
Rina first glanced at Milo, wearing her favorite color. Then, Lina wore a modest dress. And finally, her son who was in white. The color she thought looked best on him.
Rina's rigid features softened a bit. Whenever Rina saw this family, her mouth would pucker like she ate something sour. Sometimes she liked them, sometimes she didn't.
"Come, Milo, I've prepared sweets for you," Rina finally said, her lips curling into a fond smile.
Rina beckoned her favorite grandson over. Milo was her favorite because he was the youngest of the family and meant to be doted on.
"It's made of sweetened red bean paste, your favorite," Rina added on, waving her son over as well. She ignored the mother and daughter duo, sharply casting them a frown.
Lina wondered what happened. Usually, her grandmother treated her kindly. She wondered if it was because her grandmother already knew the truth. Whilst her grandfather controlled the company, her grandmother controlled the house. It was traditional and old-fashioned, but worked for them.
Her grandmother was the one who knew all the latest gossip, trends, and fuss. Her grandfather knew competitor's secrets, the stock charts, and influxes. They were worlds apart, but like most Yang men, Lawrence adored his wife.
"My least favorite granddaughter, come and greet your grandpa," Lawrence stifled out, his mouth stuck in a permanent scowl. There were even lines on his handsome face, not from smiling, but from frowning deeply.
"If you hated me that much, you wouldn't even want to see me, much less greet you, Grandfather," Lina snorted, but nonetheless, approached him.
Lawrence rolled his eyes at her words. This granddaughter of his. She was named after Rina, his wife, and his third son. A combination of their names, concocted by Evelyn in hopes that the near-illegitimate daughter would curry their favors.
"Here, take this," Lawrence instructed her, forcing her to hold out a hand.
Lina slowly revealed her pale palms. Lawrence always frowned at the sight of her palms. Her wealth lines were strong and foresaw a wealthy future, but her marriage and family line was lackluster.
"Candy," Lawrence stated, dropping it into her hand.
Lina blinked, staring at the item. He always managed to sneak some kind of sweets into her hand. Her lips twitched.
"Candy again?" Lina chuckled.
Lina still remembered when she was a small kid, chasing after a grandfather who hated grandchildren.
Lawrence especially hated granddaughters, for they couldn't pass on the family name, and would be married off into another family, meant to serve her husband's side.
"Of course," Lawrence said with a slight hmph, his proud shoulders squared.
Even though Lina was younger and healthier than him, he was still taller than her. One wouldn't even think he had children as grown as William and grandchildren nearing the same age as well.
Lawrence's svelte body was brimming with youth. His wrinkled skin was tight in areas where he packed the most muscles.
Lawrence needed to stay fit, or else Rina might like another man. They had been married for far too long, but women in power could always be seduced.
"You used to dig through my pockets for candy until I finally gave some to you," Lawrence chided her. "I can't have you doing the same."
Lina laughed. She remembered it well. One day, Lawrence caught Lina being scolded by Evelyn for eating candy—something every kid did.
After the lecture, Lawrence offered her a tiny mint. Little Lina had graciously taken it, despite the bitter taste.
"Your horrible mother used to tell the maids and butlers to not give you any. They'd be punished if they did," Lawrence bitterly said, leaving his daughter-in-law standing outside while he guided his granddaughter indoors.
"I made sure to give you triple the amount you could eat," Lawrence added on.
Lawrence reminiscened of Lina when she was still adorable. She'd happily run to him, with her tiny teeth on display, cling onto his leg and hold on tightly, peering up at him for a treat. She reminded him of a puppy.
"Well, I was a chubby child," Lina admitted. "Perhaps having that much candy was for my own food."
"Children should experience their childhood while they still can," Lawrence reprimanded her, his voice cold with guilt.
The laughter left Lina's face. She frowned a bit.
"But it is the Yang family who made sure I did not have a childhood," Lina said.
Lawrence let out a small sigh at the past.
"Indeed, it is the Yang clan who have failed you," Lawrence agreed.
Lawrence took her hand and gave it a gentle pat.
"But you grew up strong and independent, never needing to rely on anyone," Lawrence said.
Lina's heart pricked. She lowered her eyes, even though she wanted to tell the truth. She was a child. She didn't need to be independent. She needed to learn how to trust others.
Lina's lips trembled. She didn't want to upset or disappoint her grandfather, thus, kept her mouth shut.
"Now, this candy might be your new favorite, crafted from the highest ceremonial grade matcha and creamy sweet milk. An old friend went abroad and brought these back for you," Lawrence added.
Lawrence nodded to the candy in her other hand, even though it was just a single one. There was more waiting for her in the living room, sitting in a bowl of her favorite sweets.
Lawrence couldn't imagine this future turning out like his. He hated children. Hated how much they hogged his wife's adoration and attention.
Lawrence wanted Rina's gaze on him and only him. Yet, he was forced to share it with three sons, one daughter, and too many grandchildren.
Only after Lina grew on him did Lawrence make efforts for the house to be grandchildren-friendly. Specifically, granddaughter-friendly.
"An old friend?" Lina echoed, following him to the living room. It was a perfect spot for her to drop the news of her marriage.
Not far off, Lina saw her grandmother scolding Milo for something, and her father absentmindedly listening in.
"Yes," Lawrence responded, dread in his voice, with a slight twinge of irritation. He flashed Lina a pointed gaze.
"An old friend," Lawrence confirmed.
"Was it delivered personally by him?" Lina skeptically asked, knowing old people usually didn't like to travel, especially if they were her grandfather's friends.
"No, it's by his grandson," Lawrence admitted, just as the living room doors opened up.
Lina turned her head to the living room. Her mood instantly worsened. Her mouth turned into a straight line. She stared blankly at the man sitting on the couch, whose back was turned. Only at the sound of the opening doors did he stand up.
And before he could introduce himself, Lina opened her mouth.
"Everett."