boundaries."


    Byron noticed the distance between me and Hazelyn when we finally took our seats. "Mrs. Chloe, there was a bit of a misunderstanding between you and my daughter earlier. As adults, let''s not dwell on trivial matters. I may have spoiled her a bit, and shecks I simply smiled, neither taking his lead nor being overly polite.


    He continued somewhat awkwardly, "My wife and I have always turned a blind eye to certain things. We believe in giving our daughter afortable upbringing. So, you see, she is a bit...spoiled."


    Byron chuckled sheepishly. "There''s a saying that you don''t really know someone until you''ve had a disagreement. I hope you two can be good friends. In the future, when Mr. As invests in Gerby, you muste here often. "Please don''t judge her too harshly. You''ve seen the world, Mrs. Chloe, while she''s just a spoiled child. I hope you can guide her a bit."


    Byron''s words were skillfully crafted, leaving me somewhat impressed.


    I smiled and nced at Hazelyn sitting across from me, "Mr. Byron, you''re being too humble. Ms. Hazelyn must have her own way of doing things. It''s just a difference in personalities. No need for guidance, really."


    Hazelyn remained stoic, not engaging with my response, only asionally ncing at As.


    Seeing that I wasn''t actively participating, Byron engaged in a conversation with Gabriel and As. He was particrly interested in the topic of mineral resources that As had brought up.


    Evidently, Byron''s appetite had been piqued. Gabriel also looked flushed, appearing somewhat excited.


    I, on the other hand, silently ate my food. Truth be told, I wasn''t interested in their family''s cuisine. Sitting here in what used to be Beatrice''s grandfather''s home was unsettling. It was upied by a pack of wolves pretending to be noble hosts. It made me ufortable just thinking about it, let alone having an appetite.


    If Beatrice were here, the situation would undoubtedly be different. I was confident that a coboration with the Chandler family would be a done deal. There would be nothing to discuss.


    Jocelyn looked at me, wearing a smile, and asked, "Mrs. Chloe, are you not a fan of these vors?"


    Her smile seemed insincere. I knew she was putting on a show for As. They were only entertaining me for As''s sake.


    I casually replied, "I usually eat very little and am not picky about food."


    I noticed that As also ate sparingly.


    "Where are you from, Mrs. Chloe?" Jocelyn scrutinized me.


    "I was born in Nocturnia but grew up in the northern part of the Zydan," I answered truthfully.


    "Oh, a Northern girl? No wonder you''re not used to the vors here. It''s a bit too sweet." She was good at small talk, seeming like someone who spoke sweet words to anyone and everyone.


    "There''s not much difference. I''ve lived in the South for too long, so I''ve adapted," I said, suddenly asking, "This house is truly grand. It''s a rare sight in Gerby."


    Jocelyn immediately responded withProperty ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    a beaming smile, "Yes, our ancestral home is indeed a rare sight in Gerby. This location is also the highest in Gerby, offering a panoramic@iew of the entire city!"


    "Mr. Byron has excellent taste," Iplimented.


    Jocelyn was pleased. "Yes! All men care about ancestral homes."


    "Is this the Chandler family''s ancestral home?" I followed up.


    Suddenly, Jocelyn looked like she had swallowed a fly. She smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to respond.


    Byron took the lead, "This isn''t the Chandler family''s ancestral home To make a long story short, it used to be my father-inw''s ancestral home. Unfortunately, they''re no


    longer with us."


    It was evident that Byron''s mood was somewhat heavy as he spoke these words. I silently cursed him. What a damn good actor. How did Beatrice end up with such a father?


    I stared at him, calmly saying, "Oh, I apologize. I didn''t know."


    Jocelyn forced a smile and quickly added, "It''s okay. It''s not your fault that you didn''t know."


    They were acting as if no one would know. What a bunch of nonsense. They upied something forcibly obtained and still felt righteous about it.


    I saw Hazelyn casting a dark look at me, carrying a hint of hostility. I faced her directly, "Ms. Hazelyn, did I say something wrong? It seems you''ve always had a prejudice against me."