Chapter 3884
“That’s something to consider when we have a daughter,” Zachary said with a slight smile. “For now, we don’t even know where she’ll come from.”
As he spoke, his mind began to wander. He mentally noted that he should keep an eye on the younger generation from Wiltspoon’s most prominent families. If an exceptional boy caught his attention, he would remember him. When the time came for Zachary to have a daughter, he would ensure that boy was there to watch her grow up.
Zachary envisioned cultivating childhood sweethearts so that his daughter wouldn’t marry far from home.
Of course, the thought of his daughter marrying at all tugged at his heartstrings. If it were up to him, she wouldn’t marry until she was at least 30.
As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Zry drove Serenity to the Stone family mansion. At the Stone residence, Audrey was outside with Mr. Jimenez, enjoying the crisp weather. The temperature had risen a few degrees, finally allowing Mr. Jimenez, who had been kept indoors at Audrey’s insistence, to take a walk outdoors.
Elisa had traveled with Remy to Annenburg for the New Year, while Leland, dreading his family’s relentless matchmaking efforts, had booked an international flight as soon as the Stone Group began its holiday break. He planned to celebrate abroad, far from his parents’ urging.
With only Audrey and Mr. Jimenez at home, the house felt quieter than usual. Clive had taken his wife and young child to visit his mother-in-law for the day, but they were expected back by evening.
Audrey had already reminded Clive that today was a special day—Liberty and Duncan were getting their marriage certificate. As Liberty’s maternal relatives, the Stones needed to mark the occasion properly. They couldn’t allow the Lewis family to overshadow them.
the Lewis family and couldn’t allow them to look down on Liberty for not having support. Clive, however, often felt frustrated by his mother’s unwavering concern for her nieces, Serenity and Liberty. He had repeatedly told her that they were strong, capable women who didn’t require anyone’s intervention. Moreover, Zachary and Duncan were devoted and loving partners, with Zachary’s dedication to Serenity being practically legendary in Wiltspoon.
When Zachary’s car pulled into the driveway, Audrey noticed it from across the yard and smiled warmly. “Zack and Seren are here,” she said to Mr. Jimenez. “Uncle Jimenez, please sit here while I go open the gate.”
Audrey assisted Mr. Jimenez in settling onto a stone bench before heading to the gate herself. The remaining household staff, engaged in various tasks, paused to observe her taking on this responsibility. With most of the servants away for the holidays, only a few had stayed behind, resulting in an increased workload. The yard, scattered with fallen leaves, might have troubled other homeowners, but not Audrey.
“It’s just nature,” she had remarked earlier. “Stepping on fallen leaves while walking allows you to appreciate the beauty of autumn and winter.” Wiltspoon rarely experienced a true winter; the lengthy summers made the cooler seasons feel all too brief.
As the gate swung open, Zachary and Serenity greeted her with cheerful smiles. “Aunt.” “Aunt,” they both called out in unison. “Drive in,” Audrey responded, returning their smiles.
Once Zachary parked the car in the open lot, he stepped out and asked, “Is Clive home?”
“He took his family to visit his in-laws,” Audrey explained. “I sent along some New Year gifts for them.” In her opinion, holiday gifts were a matter of respect, even for families as affluent as Clive’s in-laws. Audrey cherished the Lewis family.
Alice treated her in-laws warmly, along with her daughter-in-law. The families frequently gathered, particularly after the birth of Audrey’s grandson.
“Elisa went to FC Manor with Remy for the holidays,” Audrey continued. “She won’t return until after New Year’s. And as for Leland…” She sighed and shook her head. “That boy bought a plane ticket and left the country the moment the office closed. I don’t even know where he is right now. He’s so afraid that we’ll keep asking about marriage. At his age, he should be settling down, but instead, he just runs away.”
Audrey’s frustration was evident. Of her three children, Leland was the one who caused her the most concern.