Nell was confused.
What was going on?
Gideon noticed her confusion and caressed her head affectionately. He explained, “This is Joseph Garrett, the second son of the capital city’s Garrett family. Like me, you should address him as Second Uncle.”
Nell’s eyes went wide in bewilderment.
The capital’s Garrett family?
The same family as Stephanie Garrett?
She turned to regard Joseph, who smiled amiably in response. Apparently, what Gideon said was true.
At once, Nell felt uncomfortable. Sometimes, reality was stranger than fiction.
No wonder Old Madam Jones and the Morton family were so respectful towards him at Xianshui Pavilion.
Joseph grinned. “When are you going to bring her home? I would like to come over to join in the fun.”
Gideon smiled wanly. “Grandma and Grandpa have met her before. We’ll go back as soon as I finish the matters at hand.”
“Good, good!” Joseph nodded approvingly and felt relieved. “Looks like Old Madam shall have a joyful year.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he glanced at Nell once more and felt even more satisfied.
“Young lady, the Leith and Garrett families are family friends. Since Deon calls me Second Uncle, I should watch over him. If he dares to bully you, just tell me and I’ll teach him a lesson!”
Nell chuckled bashfully and nodded. “Ok, thank you, Second Uncle.”
“Sigh!”
The way she addressed him warmed the cockles of his heart. After that, he handed a black card stamped with gold letters to her.
“I’m just an ordinary man and didn’t get to prepare a gift. Take this card. Perhaps you’ll have some use of it later.”
Nell was surprised.
She had no idea what card that was, but she knew it was expensive and it was not something that anyone could get their hands on.
Thus, she waved a hand. “It’s alright, Second Uncle. It’s your thought that matters…”
“Take it!”
Gideon accepted the card immediately and stuffed it into Nell’s palm.
“Nelly, you’re in luck. Second Uncle’s in a good mood today and feels generous. He used to be known as Uncle Scrooge in the past, so you’d better accept his gift.”
Nell did not know what to say.
Joseph laughed and chided Gideon, “You naughty boy! Haven’t you gotten enough goodies from me since you were a kid? And now, once you have grown up, you say bad things about me? Looks like I’ve spoilt you for nothing!”
Gideon grinned without retorting.
Evidently, both men shared a close bond.
Nell felt a bit better and kept the card.
“Thank you, Second Uncle.”
Gideon asked, “Why are you here in Jincheng, Second Uncle?”
Joseph’s expression darkened when he heard this question.
“Don’t mention it. Last time, didn’t they say that they found the child here? I came over here personally to take a look, but… Sigh! I can’t believe that there are people who mess with the Garrett family these days!”
Gideon frowned when he heard the harshness in his remark.
“What do you mean?”
Joseph paused momentarily as if he recalled something. Then, he waved a hand impatiently.
“Forget it, it doesn’t matter. In short, the clue led us to a dead end. That family treated the Garretts like idiots and used a necklace to fool me, saying that it’s Annie’s possession. Hmph! Funny, isn’t it? Annie never owned such an item!”
“Mm, I’m a selfish person. I don’t want anyone to disrupt our life, and I don’t want any more trouble. So, I don’t care whether they manage to find that child or not.”
Nell laughed.
“How can you say that?! He’s so anxious, yet you can’t be bothered about his predicament.”
Gideon grinned and placed an arm around her slim waist.
His face came close to hers until both their noses almost touched.
“Mm, I’m that kind of man. For you, I don’t care about anything else.”
“Gideon Leith…”
Nell did not approve of her husband’s opinion, but before she could continue, Gideon kissed her on her lips. Again, it was a passionate kiss. Later, she managed to get a breath of fresh air again and placed both hands on his shoulders. She panted and spoke, “But, it’s not exactly nice, isn’t it?”
Gideon sniggered. “Nelly, do you want another woman to return and steal your husband?”
Nell rolled her eyes.
“She might not like you at all! Stop praising yourself.”
Gideon laughed quietly.
Nell added, “Seriously, if you can help him, by all means, do it. He’s so anxious and it would be unforgivable if you have a clue but refuse to help him.”
Gideon let her go and adjusted her messy hair and clothes. Then, he sat upright.
He spoke with a straight face, “I understand what you’ve said, but don’t worry. The Garretts aren’t as anxious and panicky as they seem right now.
“Second Uncle Garrett is hell-bent on looking for this child because Old Master Garrett is ill. People die and they often think about life’s regrets on their deathbeds.
“Second Uncle Garrett doesn’t want Old Master Garrett to feel regretful, so he decided to search for this child. However, the other family members don’t feel the same way. After all, once Old Master Garrett passes away, the entire family will fall apart. Conflicts and strife mar the family. For the past few years, certain factions have formed and the family has nearly been torn apart.
“Let’s say that the child returns. At first, while Old Master Garrett is still around, everyone will look out for her. Once he passes away, how do you suppose she’s going to survive amidst the conflicts within the family?”
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