A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust novel Chapter 776

She’d never realized anyone would ever care for her like this.

Mavis looked at Norton, both surprised and a little flustered. “Norton, really, it’s fine. I can peel my own shrimp.”

Norton shook his head, completely unfazed. “No way. Girls have delicate hands; you shouldn't be peeling shrimp. That’s a guy’s job.”

He was already busy, piling up peeled shrimp on her plate. “Here, have a few of these. I’ll get you some crab, too. Just sit back and eat.”

Mavis was honestly touched.

“Thanks,” she said softly. She’d always been close with Calliope, but she never really knew her brothers that well. Right now, though, they felt just like family. It was a good feeling.

She was genuinely grateful to Norton. Sure, maybe he was just playing along for appearances, but it still felt warm. No one had ever bothered to peel shrimp for her before, and the way he just did it without a second thought, it made her feel… special.

“No need to thank me,” Norton said with a shrug. “It’s what a gentleman should do.”

Mavis nodded shyly.

On the other side, Uriah was giving Norton a look that could curdle milk. He sounded more than a little annoyed when he muttered, “Give me a break.”

Everyone turned to look at him.

Julius arched an eyebrow. “What’s the matter, Mr. Stewart? Jealous nobody’s peeling shrimp for you?”

Uriah just glared.

Mavis glanced at him, hesitated, then asked, “Do you want some? I can peel a few for you, if you want.”

She couldn’t help herself. She still wanted to be nice to him.

“No, thanks. I’m good,” Uriah replied coolly.

“Hey, Mavis, let’s switch seats,” he said suddenly. “I think your spot suits me better.”

Mavis was so used to listening to Uriah that she didn’t even hesitate; she just stood up and swapped places with him.

Uriah looked supremely satisfied, then shot Norton an even more challenging glare. “Go ahead, why don’t you feed me instead?”

Portia looked at Uriah and sighed. “Mr. Stewart, seriously, this is a bit much. It’s obvious Norton likes Mavis. He’s trying to win her over. What are you doing?”

“You like her too? Trying to compete with Norton for her?”

“If so, fine. But didn’t you say you didn’t like Mavis?”

“So why won’t you let her be with someone else? Is it just because you’re her mentor, you think you can do whatever you want?”

“You’re crossing a line here. Even if you are her mentor, you can’t just keep Mavis tied to your side forever and expect her to be alone for the rest of her life.”