Chapter 135 New Year
At the Whitmore Family Estate in Kingston
Festive cheer filled every corner of the sprawling manor.
In the living room, Mr. Robert sat at the head of the table. Jared and Ruby were seated nearby, with Felix and Elsa flanking Mr. Greg. The family laughed and chatted joyfully as the Spring Festival Gala played on the television.
Mr. Greg glanced toward the door every now and then and muttered, “Didn’t Sebastian say he’d be back in time for New Year’s Eve dinner? What’s taking him so long?”
Felix cracked sunflower seeds and said lazily, “Grandpa, if Big Brother said he’d be here, then he’ll definitely come. What’s the rush? He just got back from Murica–probably needs some rest.”
Ruby smiled. “That’s right, Dad. Sebastian has always been dependable. If he said he’d come home, he will.”
Mr. Greg sighed. “It’s not like he comes home for New Year’s often. This year, he finally promised he would. How can I not be anxious?”
Jared placed a hand on the old man’s shoulder. “Dad, if Sebastian made the promise, then it means he’s let go of the past. You can count on him.”
Just then, the butler entered. “Sir, someone from the Lindt family is here.”
Mr. Greg exchanged a puzzled look with Jared. “The Lindt family? On New Year’s Eve? What are they doing here?”
The history between the Whitmores and the Lindts went back to Mr. Greg’s generation. Back then, both families lived in the same compound and had a fairly good relationship. The Lindt family’s daughter had fallen in love with Sebastian’s father. Unfortunately, while she had affection, he had none.
One night at a banquet, the two were discovered lying on the same bed. At the time, such a scandal was no small matter. Mr. Greg, outraged, ordered his son to marry the Lindt girl.
But Sebastian’s father had chosen a different path. Rather than comply, he left the Whitmore family entirely and moved abroad, never returning.
The fallout had been significant. Eventually, the Lindt girl, Renee, married far away, and the two families gradually drifted apart. After moving out of the compound, their contact dwindled to nearly nothing–until Mr. Greg’s recent birthday banquet.
Now, Leon Lindt stepped into the room with a polite smile. “Mr. Greg, Brother Fu–happy New Year. I hope we’re not intruding.”
Jared stood up with a laugh. “Don’t be so formal. What’s there to intrude on?”
Elsa pulled Triny aside to sit down with her.
After they settled in, Leon offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry for the sudden visit. My father’s gone overseas, and it’s just me and Triny this year. I didn’t want her spending New Year’s all alone, so I brought her along.”
Mr. Greg’s expression softened as he looked at the girl. “You’re welcome here anytime. I know Triny’s spent most of her years abroad and probably hasn’t had a proper Dracovian New Year. Stay tonight and experience it.”
Triny nodded sweetly. “Thank you, Mr. Greg. Sorry to bother you. My dad just didn’t want me spending the holiday alone.”
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Ruby’s tone turned gentle. “Nonsense. You’re always welcome here. Stay the night, and tomorrow, let Elsa show you around. Our New Year’s celebration is especially lively.”
Triny smiled again. “Thank you, Mr. Greg. Thank you, Auntie Liu.”
Mr. Greg beamed. “Triny’s what–twenty–three, twenty–four now? With your accomplishments, I imagine plenty of families would love to have you as a daughter–in–law.”
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