As Shane looked at her, he wore a gentle, scholarly expression.
Before Charlotte could react, the Rayburn patriarch, accompanied by Caleb, walked out into the living room and went straight to the long dining table. "Is everyone here?"
Susy stood up. "Everyone's here, except for... Quincy."
At the mention of Quincy, the Rayburn patriarch's expression visibly darkened for a moment before returning to normal. After taking his seat, he said, "Let's all be seated."
He then turned to the maid and instructed, "You can start serving the food."
The family members took their seats along the long table according to seniority, with Charlotte finding herself directly opposite Shane.
"How long are you staying this time?" The Rayburn patriarch asked.
The question was naturally for Shane.
He smiled, his eyes crinkling. "Dad, I don't plan on leaving again for now."
The Rayburn patriarch tapped his fingers lightly on the table, signaling the maid to pour the wine. "Good. There's a lot to handle with the family business. You can help out by staying."
Loretta was the most pleased to hear that Shane was staying. While the others showed little reaction, Charlotte could feel a subtle shift in the atmosphere.
Shane's gaze drifted over her, a probing look in his eyes. She tensed slightly, but maintained a calm and proper expression, lowering her gaze to avoid his sharp stare.
Soon, several maids brought out a series of exquisite dishes. The Rayburn patriarch picked up the serving utensils and placed a piece of fish on his plate first, signaling that the others could begin eating.
"Caleb, thank you for all your hard work on family matters recently."
Caleb replied, "It's my duty, Dad."
The Rayburn patriarch grunted in acknowledgment. "How is the overseas project coming along?"
"The initial preparatory work is mostly complete, and we expect to launch officially next month. The partners are very satisfied with our proposal, and we are now negotiating the finer details."
"Very good," the Rayburn patriarch nodded slightly, his gaze once again sweeping over everyone at the table. "It's rare for us to have a reunion dinner like this, and it's been a while since I've caught up with all of you. Sean, why don't you share what's new?"
Sean looked up when his name was called. "Nothing much on our end. Wesley is managing the company."
"What's your specialty? I have some connections in the medical field."
"Neurosurgery."
Susy paused. "It's quite rare for a woman to become a surgeon. Even as a nurse, surgery must be very demanding, right?"
Before Charlotte could answer, Sean corrected her, a hint of displeasure in his voice, "My daughter, a nurse? She's Old Mr. Carstairs's own protégé. Having her work as a nurse would be a colossal waste of talent, don't you think?"
Susy, having connections in the medical world, would undoubtedly know of Old Mr. Carstairs.
Upon learning that Charlotte was his student, Susy seemed to finally take her seriously. "Oh, you're his student. In that case, you won't be needing my connections."
Charlotte simply offered a polite smile.
Just then, the Rayburn patriarch suddenly spoke up. "I hear you've been spending quite a bit of time with Mr. Evander lately. It seems you two are getting along well."
At these words, Sean froze, his expression suddenly complex.

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