Spoiled by the President novel Chapter 330

The situation may not be looking good over at Janet’s side but it was not all that bad.

After all, Ethan might be still angry but he would not shut out his own flesh and blood.

Moreover, with Ulric acting as a bridge-builder, the father and daughter could at least sit down at the same table to eat.

As for the contract, Ethan refused to budge. It was obvious he was trying to push her to a wall.

Janet sighed in the call. Unable to find the right words, Nell only advised her to not rush things and take it slowly.

This was a relationship between father and daughter, and she was an outsider after all. There was nothing she could do about the situation.

Janet was not in the conversation for long and hung up a few minutes later.

Nell and Gideon strolled around a bit before returning.

The night of dumpling feats was rather festive and harmonious.

Even the tactless Jean knew to rein herself in at a day like this and not get on the old madam’s nerves. The air was pleasant the entire night.

As they stayed up too late for the New Year, Nell and Gideon stayed in the Leith Residence.

They were awoken by sounds of firecrackers the morning of the next day.

The Leith Residence was located downtown and firecrackers were forbidden in the city. However, the old master insisted on letting off two strings of firecrackers to keep up with the custom and tradition.

The older generation believed that letting off firecrackers on Lunar New Year’s day meant that they would get off to a good start. It was considered auspicious during this festivity.

Lizzy was up early. She might be young but the girl had guts. Showing no signs of fear toward the cracklings red-papered firecracker, she covered her ears and clapped her hands, laughing in the yard.

Having just got up, Nell leaned against the window to stare for a bit and basked in the joyous atmosphere. She then turned to nudge the man who was not fully awake and said, “Gideon, it’s time to get up. Look, Lizzy and the rest are already up.”

Gideon frowned in annoyance, unhappy that his sleep was disturbed this early. He reached out and pulled Nell into his arms.

“Let them play since they’re awake. Sleep with me for a while.”

Locked in his embrace, Nell helplessly smiled. With today a special day and outside noisy, the old madam must be out of bed by now. As the younger generation, they should pay a New Year's call to the two elders. It was not proper if they got up too late.

Hence, she extended her arm to tickle the man’s waist and persuaded him. “Grandma and the rest must be up now. You’ll be laughed at if you go back to sleep. Come on, get up.”

Instead of responding, Gideon wrapped her tight in his arms.

He usually exercised self-restraint and was disciplined. Rarely did he ever sleep in.

Nell tried to talk some sense for a while but to no avail. She did not have the heart to pester him since he slept late last night. Nell gave him some time to fall back to sleep before creeping out of his arm. She then put on some clothes and went out.

There was indeed a bustle in the yard.

It was not just the old master taking Lizzy along for the ride, there were people from the Garretts and Fosters here as well.

There was a custom to pay New Year’s calls with various families during New Year’s day. Although only the younger generations came, it came from a good place and contributed to a cheerful mood.

Upon arrival, Joel first paid his respect to the old madam and old master, and received a red envelope before entering the house. He bumped into Nell who was coming out. He shouted with a smile, “Sister-in-law, Happy New Year! Where’s my brother?”

Nell grinned. “He’s still sleeping. Why are you here this early?”

“I usually come around this time every year. I’m used to it.”

Joel grinned wickedly at the mention.

“Of course, they do. The things about the Jennings family was a sensation on the Internet. It can’t be covered up as long as an investigation and enquiry were made.”

Nell frowned.

“Yet they still make Youngest Graham marry her?

Joel sneered.

“What can he do about it? Personal interest bears no weight among children of the rich and powerful, especially for giants like the Leiths, Garretts, Grahams, and Fosters. Family interest came first. No matter how unwilling Youngest Graham may be, he won’t be able to withstand the pressure from his old man for long. Even if he puts up a fight, he’d relent later on. Among our peers excluding brother, who doesn’t live under the halo and shadows of our family interest?”

For once, Joel’s tone was serious with a hint of sorrow.

It was somewhat like feeling sad for the loss of one of their kind.

Nell thought about it and patted him on the shoulder.

“Don’t be down. I can’t speak for others but none of the rich and the powerful would dare give their daughters to you by how you carry yourself. Marriage is a double-edged sword. When things are great, it’s a union of the strong but if relationships break down, you might have a fallout and become enemies. You basically dug yourself a hole by having so many women out there. Any woman in their right mind won’t jump in that rabbit hole so you have nothing to worry about!”

Furious, Joel was ridiculed to the point of rolling his eyes.

“I was being nice and told you gossip. Why are you mocking me? Hmph! I probably won’t tell you anything the next time you see me!”

With that, he folded his arms and walked away in a huff.

Nell burst out laughing but the elation soon took a downturn.