chapter314
The brutal kick nearly buckled Reuben’s legs. Staggering upright, he heard Blair demand, “Is that how you speak to your sister–in–law?”
Reuben kept his eyes down, muttering resentfully, “She changed. Won’t cook or clean anymore. I just wanted to teach her a lesson.”
Blair’s voice dropped dangerously low. “Since when is she yours to discipline?”
Reuben stayed silent.
Blair pressed on. “Is your sister–in–law the Avery family maid?”
Reuben shook his head. “No.”
“Then why must she cook?” Blair’s tone sharpened. “Why must she sweep?”
Reuben’s head jerked up. “But she used to do everything! Even made
me treats…”
Blair’s roar cut through his words. “She doesn’t have to now. Or ever again.”
“You spoil her rotten, Brother,” Reuben protested bitterly.
Ignoring the remark, Blair demanded, “Why are you at the manor?”
“Haven’t seen Winnie in ages. Came to visit her.”
“She’s upstairs.” Blair’s dismissal was cold. “Go see her. Stop loitering
0.00%
chapter314
288 iVouchers
where you’re not wanted.”
Reuben grunted a reluctant “Fine” and trudged upstairs.
Bianca had watched Blair the entire time. Saw him defend her by kicking Reuben. Heard him speak for her…
Yet his actions stirred not a single ripple in her heart.
A detached thought surfaced: So he was capable of standing up for her.
But where was this protectiveness earlier?
He’d never lifted a finger before.
After Reuben left, Blair Avery finally turned to face Bianca Watts. “Next time he gives you trouble, tell me. I won’t-
Before Blair could finish, Bianca cut him off. “I need to get to work. Leaving now.”
With that, she turned and walked away without hesitation.
Blair watched her retreating figure, an odd feeling lingering in his chest.
Upstairs, Reuben entered Winnie Avery’s room only to find it empty.
After searching around, he discovered her in the guest room.
Winnie lay awake on the large bed, clearly preoccupied.
Reuben approached and playfully tickled her armpit.
20.45%
chapter314
288 Vouchers
Winnie didn’t laugh, merely turning her face toward him. “Uncle.”
Reuben pulled her upright, gently pinching her cheek. “What’s wrong? You seem upset.”
Winnie buried herself in his embrace, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Nothing. Winnie just feels unwell.”
Though sensing something amiss, Reuben chose not to press further.
He suspected Winnie’s mood stemmed from Bianca Watts.
Silently, he cursed Bianca: Bitch. How dare you upset Winnie? Asking for trouble.
After staying with Winnie awhile longer, Reuben rose to leave. “Heading downstairs now.
Winnie nodded obediently. “Goodbye, Uncle.”
Reuben smiled, ruffling her hair. “Such a good girl.”
This precious niece–seeing her downcast expression confirmed she was troubled, unhappy.
If Bianca made Winnie unhappy, he’d return the favor.
So consumed was he by this thought that Reuben nearly collided with Diane Huffman on the stairs.
Diane spotted him first as he descended.
“Reuben.”
Her soft voice calling his name gave him instant goosebumps. His eyes lit up upon seeing her. “Diane.”
4120%
288 Vouchers
chapter314
Simultaneously, his ears flushed crimson.
Diane took in his scarlet face–clearly flustered.
Given her experience with men, she recognized the signs: He likes me.
Deliberately, she tapped his forehead. “Look at you, all grown up now. Quite the man.”
Her teasing sent Reuben’s heart racing wildly..
He truly admired Diane–her beauty and focus while playing piano captivated him, and her music resonated deeply.
Until today, his affection had remained secret, never imagining any development between them.
But now… Diane had touched him.
At this moment, Reuben felt light as a feather, walking on clouds.
Gazing down at Diane, his ears burning, he murmured, “You tease me, Diane.”
Younger than Diane, his shyness gave her a flicker of satisfaction.
Hearing this, Diane smiled again and said, “Reuben, you’ve grown up and become quite handsome.”
Although these compliments were very pleasing to Reuben, he still couldn’t ignore an important matter.
Diane is Blair’s woman.
So after a brief moment of delight, his expression turned serious again as he told Diane, “No matter how handsome, it still can’t compare to
63614
chapter314
288 Vouchers
Blair’s place in your heart.”
Diane chuckled and said, “Reuben and Blair are both important to me.”
Reuben paused, opening his mouth as if to ask something, but swallowed the words back down.
Seeing his hesitation, she didn’t press further, just reached out to pat his head again and said, “Reuben’s such a good boy, Diane likes him very much.”
Her words clearly carried hidden meanings, her eyes sparkling with intense amusement.
Before Reuben could even grasp her meaning, she’d already started heading upstairs.
Just watching her retreating figure was enough to fill Reuben with longing.
87 31%
