Chapter 55
Serena opened her eyes, their clear depths now sharp and focused after a period of intense mental calculation.
She unbuckled her seatbelt, got out of the car, and stood in front of it. Her expression was distant, but polite enough. “Thank you, Mr. Blackwood p>
Nicholas rested his arm lazily on the open window, a slight curve on his thin lips as he corrected her, “Nicholas p>
Under the warm yellow lights outside the main house, his refined, handsome face looked almost otherworldly, flawlessly perfect.
Nicholas lifted his fingers and slipped a minimalist black card into Serena’s hand. “Don’t forget, you owe me a favor for the ride p>
Without waiting for her reply, he gave a casual wave, his well-defined hand catching the light. “I won’t keep you any longer p>
She glanced down at the black card. There was only a single string of gold-foil numbers on it.
“Right p>
She gave a short reply, tucked the card into her pocket, and turned to walk back to the house.
Nicholas leaned on the car window, watching her back disappear from sight, a meaningful smile slowly spreading across his lips.
When Serena got home, she found Old Mr. Lancaster and her parents all sitting on the sofa in the main hall, waiting anxiously.
As soon as Catherine saw Serena, she immediately stood up and walked over. “Serena, you’re back p>
Edward and Old Mr. Lancaster both turned to look at Serena.
Serena nodded, her gaze falling on an extra person on the sofa.
It was a man in his early thirties, dressed in a gray suit and wearing a pair of gold- rimmed glasses. He had a gentle demeanor and a polite smile on his face.
“This is your older brother,” Catherine said, taking Serena’s hand and quickly making the introduction. “He just finished up with work at the company today and rushed back to meet you p>
Serena obediently greeted him. “Brother p>
Julian Lancaster stood up, his smile warm. He produced a gift box with understated luxury packaging from behind him. “Serena, welcome back. This is a welcome gift from me p>
His eyes rested on Serena’s face, studying this sister who had just been brought home.
She had inherited the very best of their parents’ features. Hers was undoubtedly the most striking face in the Lancaster family.
His gaze toward Serena grew even gentler. “Are you settling in alright p>
Serena accepted the gift box and met her brother’s warm gaze.
He looked at her with genuine concern.
A warmth spread through Serena’s heart, but she couldn’t help but feel a pang of apology toward her brother.
“Thank you, brother. I’m settling in just fine,” Serena said earnestly. “And I love the gift. But… I’m sorry, I have some extremely urgent work I need to take care of right now. As soon as I’m done I’ll spend some proper tim with you.”
Her brow was furrowed with a seriousness that couldn’t be disguised, and her expression held a hint of urgency.
“Go on, go on!” Old Mr. Lancaster didn’t even ask what work could be so urgent. He just waved his hand. “It’s already so late. Go finish what you need to do p>
“Yes, Serena, you should go. Don’t let your work be delayed,” Catherine added with concern. “Work is important, but you need to take care of yourself too p>
Edward added, “If you need anything, just let the staff know p>
Serena acknowledged them all, then looked at Julian apologetically.
“Go on. I understand. I’ll wait for you,” Julian said, patting her shoulder in a natural, affectionate gesture.
Serena smiled faintly, then quickly went upstairs to her room with the gift box. Isabella sat to the side, holding a research paper, and watched Serena’s retreating figure with a cold expression.
She bit her lower lip.
What kind of urgent, important business could a country bumpkin who never even finished high school possibly have? Important enough to overshadow the Lancaster family?
She was just putting on a show, even being dismissive of the thoughtful gift her brother had carefully prepared for her!
She was just trying to build this independent image of hers to make the family feel sorry for her.
So manipulative!
Isabella clenched her fists, then looked at her brother, quickly adjusting her expression as she moved closer to the newly seated Julian.
She spoke in a casual, yet perfectly wheedling tone. “Julian, don’t mind her too much. She just got back maybe… she doesn’t understand our family’s ways yet. She’ll be fine once she’s done with her ‘work p>