chapter297
The patriarch sat on the sofa, leaning on his walking stick in casual clothes that accentuated his authority.
Only when he saw Bianca and Blair returning together did a faint smile appear on his face.
But as they approached, he asked displeasedly, “Where have you been? It’s so late.”
Bianca responded calmly, “Grandfather, I visited my parents‘ home.”
“Winnie still looks unwell,” the patriarch said with concern. “You should spend more time with her recently.”
Bianca: “Okay.”
That afternoon when Bianca was discharged from the hospital, Winnie was discharged too.
Bianca didn’t want to explain much, nor did she care how her grandfather viewed her.
After all, in twenty days she’d have no ties to the Avery family.
So now she simply agreed to whatever the patriarch requested.
Seeing Bianca’s obedient demeanor, the patriarch smiled with satisfaction.
In the living room by the coffee table, Maxine sat eating fruit while watching TV.
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When the patriarch entered the hall, Maxine had been napping in her
room.
She’d just woken up moments before.
Maxine hadn’t seen the patriarch before and wasn’t paying attention to the conversation.
But her movements were clearly noticed by him.
Seeing Maxine’s plain clothing, the patriarch mistook her for a Harmony Residence servant.
So he sneered openly, “What?
Do servants here now think they’re equals to the Averys?”
He addressed Maxine directly without restraint.
Maxine turned at the voice, instantly intimidated by his luxurious attire and imposing presence.
Then she noticed Bianca and Blair standing obediently nearby–only an Avery elder could command such respect.
Judging by his age, Maxine guessed he was Blair’s grandfather.
Realizing his identity, she felt a flicker of fear.
Before she could apologize, Bianca suddenly spoke, “Aunt Maxine, forgotten Harmony Residence’s rules?”
Hearing Bianca address her that way, Maxine felt inexplicable anger.
But with the patriarch present, she couldn’t lash out.
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So Maxine swallowed her resentment.
She rose from the sofa, approached Bianca respectfully, and asked softly, “Madam, would you like something to eat?”
“You could have just told me.”
Hearing this. Bianca Watts turned to Maxine with a knowing half- smile. After a thoughtful pause, she said, “Aunt Maxine, I’d like some Gold Inlays.”
Her eyes held harmless warmth as she named the dish.
Maxine recognized the deliberate challenge but agreed nonetheless. “Of course, I’ll prepare it for you now.
Gold Inlays demanded painstaking effort – stuffing minced meat into hollowed bean sprouts without leaving visible damage.
As Maxine headed toward the kitchen, Bianca’s calculated move became clear. With Hollis present, she intended to borrow his authority.
Unexpectedly, Hollis chided Bianca after Maxine’s departure: “Bianca, it’s late. Must you trouble the staff?”
“Must I?” Bianca countered mildly. “But Aunt Maxine genuinely enjoys creating culinary delights, regardless of the hour.
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Hollis fell silent, but Bianca suddenly brightened. Turning to Blair Avery, she suggested, “Doesn’t Grandfather adore Luxury Seafood Pot? Since Aunt Maxine’s already cooking, perhaps she could prepare that too?”
Her words were deliberately aimed at Blair, whose expression darkened instantly.
Simultaneously, Hollis declined, “It’s far too late for heavy meals. Nighttime eating strains digestion.”
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Blair’s smile didn’t reach his eyes as he told Bianca, “Grandfather’s right. Perhaps follow his example? Avoid rich foods at midnight.”
Recognizing Blair’s defense of Maxine, Bianca persisted, “But I’m still hungry. Besides, didn’t you insist I stop dieting?”
Blair’s patience thinned. “Have something else then. Not Gold Inlays.”
“I want Gold Inlays,” Bianca maintained firmly.
As tension crackled between them, Hollis intervened: “Enough! If Bianca wants it, let her have it. Hardly worth quarreling over.”
With Hollis‘ verdict, Blair reluctantly yielded.
Suddenly, a soft call came from the doorway: “Blair.”
