Chapter 25 Meeting Madam Langford
A flicker of panic crossed Serena’s eyes. She stole a glance at Richard, clenched her hands tightly, and said softly, “Mrs. Donovan, let’s not bring up unpleasant things today. When you’re just trying to survive, what hardship can’t you endure? I’ve done all kinds of jobs–whatever it takes to put food on the table.”
“I see.” Linda reached out and gently touched Serena’s cheek. “It was our oversight. I thought since you were an adult, you’d be fine venturing out on your own. Your mother must’ve been something to have such a pretty daughter like you. And so good with words too, always able to charm others.”
Serena’s face flushed red, then pale, blotched with emotion. After a brief hesitation, she whispered, “I was still young when my mom left. I barely remember her.”
“Oh, I’ve heard about that,” Eleanor chimed in. “Mr. Farrell told me once–his wife couldn’t bear the hardship and ran off with a rich man. Later she got sick and passed away. Oh right, Dad, Mr. Farrell wanted to thank you. Said it was all thanks to you that he and Serena had a place to stay. You’ve always been kind–after he left, you even adopted his daughter.”
Linda’s expression changed. Now she remembered–it was her husband who’d proposed taking Serena in, to repay her father for saving Eleanor’s life during a fire. And after that… their once–harmonious family had quietly started to crack. Her relationship with Eleanor had worsened ever since.
The thought made Linda sway slightly. She steadied herself against the table.
“Ah, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Eleanor suddenly laughed. “Serena, if I had a mother like yours, I’d be too ashamed to bring her up too. Though honestly, you’re quite alike. Trading love for money, being a mistress knowingly…
“That’s enough!” Richard cut in sharply. “Must you ruin today with all this?”
“It’s okay, Mr. Donovan,” Serena said quietly. “I know I’m not as well–born as Eleanor. I’m Just an adopted daughter–I’m aware of my place. Mrs. Donovan, please don’t be too
harsh on Eleanor.”
Normally, Linda would’ve scolded Eleanor right away. But today, her complexion was pale, and hearing Serena’s words, she simply responded mildly, “As long as you know. your place.”
Serena was stunned. She looked at Linda suspiciously, then glanced at Eleanor. A faint unease crept into her chest.
“What are your plans after the we successfully unlocked! Serena, changing the subject.” You can’t let work interfere with starting
Serena’s face turned even paler. “Women should focus on the family,” she said softly. Success at work doesn’t compare to a good marriage. I wasn’t born with privilege like
1/3
Chapter 25 Meeting Madam Langford
Eleanor, so I can only rely on marriage to change my life.”
Eleanor snorted a laugh. “Then why don’t you just marry him?” she pointed at Tyler with a teasing look. “He’s way better than Chris.”
Tyler frowned and gently lowered Eleanor’s hand, holding it briefly before letting go. Stop messing around.”
Eleanor shot him a look, then suddenly “realized” something. “Ah, I get it now. Serena, you do know your place. Chris is easy to fool. Tyler, though? He’s got a brain.”
cerena looked like she was about to cry. “That’s not true, Eleanor. Please don’t say that
about me.”
“Alright, I’ve decided!” Eleanor clapped her hands, grinning. “Tyler, remember how your promised to grant me three wishes? There’s still one left. I want you to marry me.” Everyone–except Eleanor and Tyler–froze at her words. Linda was so shocked she forgot her frustration. She rushed forward, grabbing Eleanor’s hand and snapped.” Have you lost your mind?”
“Mom, wasn’t it your wish for me to marry into the Langford family and secure the Donovan family’s standing?” Eleanor said calmly. “Well, I’m making that wish come true.”
“No,” Linda snapped. “Marriage is for life!”
“Alright,” Tyler said, looking at Eleanor. “I’ll grant your wish.”
“Mr. Langford, she’s just joking. Don’t take it seriously,” Linda said anxiously. “If she gets involved with both you and your nephew, what will people say?”
“Mrs. Donovan, let’s discuss the details after the wedding. We shouldn’t steal the spotlight now,” Tyler said, taking Eleanor’s hand and turned to her. “My mother didn’t even want to come today because she was angry at Chris. She’s upstairs. I’ll take you to see her.”
“Alright,” Eleanor replied.
As they passed Serena, Eleanor added, “Serena, once you’re married, remember your loyalty lies with the Langford family. Don’t get sentimental or too attached to the past, okay?”
Serena clenched her fists, but her usual weak, delicate persona left her no room to
lash out.
After Eleanor left, Serena asked quietly, “Mrs. Donovan, is Eleanor still upset with me?” Linda, already annoyed, became even more irritated. “She takes after me–we can’t stand mistresses. Some things, you just inherit. It’s hard to change.”
“Dear, don’t say that. You’ll make Serena cry,” Richard said quickly. “Let’s talk about this after the wedding. Serena, go greet the guests. Honey, let’s not air our dirty laundry in public.”
2/3
العا
Chapter 25 Meeting Madam Langford
Linda glared at him. “Fine.”
Eleanor followed Tyler upstairs. When he opened the door to a private room, Madam Langford was sitting inside, dressed in a dark purple blouse, holding a string of white crystal amulet, eyes closed in meditation.
Wisps of sandalwood smoke curled from the candle, filling the room with a calming
scent.
“Mom, Eleanor’s here,” Tyler said,
Madam Langford opened her eyes and beckoned. “Come, sit with me. When the heart is troubled, meditation helps clear the mind.”
“Eleanor hasn’t reached the point of renouncing the world just yet, Tyler said, pulling. Eleanor into the room. “Actually, I have something to discuss with you.”
“Let’s take our time,” Madam Langford replied. “Eleanor, I haven’t had your tea in so long. I love watching you brew it–it’s such an elegant sight.”
Eleanor smiled and walked over. Sure enough, a full tea set was laid out. Opening the tea canister, she took a whiff–rich and fragrant. “S
love black tea, huh, Grandma?”
she asked.
Tyler frowned slightly when he heard Eleanor call her Grandma, but Madam Langford smiled at her. “Always. It’s the only thing that helps with my appetite.”
Eleanor began brewing: warming the cups, adding leaves, rinsing, and steeping. Once ready, she poured the tea into a fair cup, then into three small cups, setting them on a
tray.
“Here you go, Grandma.” She handed a cup to Madam Langford, then turned to Tyler. ” Mr. Langford, here’s yours.”
“You’re still calling me ‘Mr. Langford“?” Tyler didn’t take the cup. His gaze was
unreadable. “Who just proposed to me downstairs?”
Eleanor froze. What the heck? She screamed to herself. She hadn’t even begun her chase the man” plan yet!
“What?” Madam Langford’s hand trembled, spilling tea. “Tyler, what did you just say?”
Subscribed
