CHAPTER 36: CHAPTER 36: YOUR HUSBAND CARES ABOUT YOU

The first ray of sunshine in the morning pierced into the Grant family’s old residence.

Eleanor Winslow was awakened by the servant commonly used by Old Madam Grant: "Third Young Madam, it’s time to get up, guests are starting to arrive."

Eleanor snapped wide awake when she heard the word ’guest’.

As she moved, she felt sore all over her body. Her arms, thighs, collarbone, and waist all had noticeable red kiss marks, glaring against her fair skin.

The servant, a middle-aged woman in her forties, could tell at a glance what had happened last night. She couldn’t help but let a teasing smile appear on her face, but remembering Eleanor was Adrian Grant’s wife, she forcibly held back.

Eleanor recalled last night’s events, sighing at how people indeed tend to act impulsively at night.

Still, she had no regrets, nor was there anything to fuss about. It’s normal for adults to have something happen between them; it’s merely a matter of intention and doesn’t change anything.

Eleanor was going to wear a lake-blue Su embroidery qipao today. Her arms could be covered, but she needed to use some foundation to cover the collarbone.

As soon as Eleanor stepped out of the bedroom, her phone rang.

"Eleanor, where are you? Why haven’t I seen you?" Eugene Winslow’s tone wasn’t good, carrying a hint of reproach.

The noise around the phone was a bit chaotic, clearly indicating people had arrived.

Eleanor explained she had something to take care of and would soon head to the banquet hall.

As members of the Grant family’s in-laws, the Winslow family attracted a lot of attention upon arrival.

"Dad." Eleanor spotted the Winslow family in the crowd.

Eugene Winslow was dressed impeccably in a suit, while Yvonne Vance and Mia Winslow were all dressed to impress. Jude Winslow stood nearby, looking slovenly, scratching and lounging around without a serious demeanor.

Eleanor personally led the Winslow family to offer birthday wishes to Old Madam Grant.

"Eleanor, did you bring the birthday gift?" Yvonne asked smilingly from the side.

"What gift?" Eleanor questioned in confusion.

Mia Winslow added with a smile: "Naturally, the birthday gift our family is giving to Old Madam Grant. Didn’t you say the pearl-green emerald bead strand is a birthday gift from our Winslow family to Old Madam Grant?"

So this was the trap they had set for her!

The Winslow family certainly was unwilling to spare a penny and only thought of bleeding her and her mother dry!

Eleanor gave a mocking smile: "Sister, weren’t you at the auction that day and most aware of the whole story? You were unwilling to spend money to reclaim my mother’s gift, and as a result, it was auctioned off to someone else."

Old Madam Grant frowned upon hearing this.

The surrounding ladies had heard rumors about this event, and now that the main characters were present, they never expected to hear the real story firsthand and eagerly pricked up their ears.

Mia Winslow was prepared in advance, glanced meaningfully at Old Madam Grant, and said: "But I’ve heard that the mysterious buyer has already given the emerald bead strand to you. Who knows who such a generous person is, spending lavishly just to see you smile."

Practically implying that Eleanor might have someone outside!

Everyone knew Eleanor’s support in the Grant family was Old Madam Grant, and Mia Winslow said this hoping Old Madam Grant would dislike Eleanor.

The crowd’s gaze shifted between Old Madam Grant and Eleanor.

Eleanor stood quietly to the side, as if the words had no impact on her.

Old Madam Grant’s smile wasn’t as bright as before, looking at Mia Winslow and then Eleanor, obviously scrutinizing.

"Tsk, Eleanor’s done for!"

Someone murmured softly in the crowd.

Satisfaction flickered in Mia Winslow’s eyes.

But the emotion lasted no more than two seconds before Old Madam Grant said: "Wasn’t it my grandson who bought it?"

Old Madam Grant was utterly shocked, feeling both angry and embarrassed: "Does the Grant family lack money? He actually let his mother-in-law’s possession be auctioned off! Simply outrageous, I must educate him properly later!"

Everyone: "..." Old Madam, is that the main point?

Yvonne Vance’s face turned particularly unpleasant.

She was Eleanor’s stepmother, and she could also be considered Adrian Grant’s mother-in-law. Old Madam Grant kept calling it a possession; was she cursing her to death?

Moreover, who has proof that it was Melody Nash’s? The words made it sound like they were really encroaching Eleanor’s property; how would others view them in the future?

"Winslow girl, you’re already 24 this year, right? Have you found a partner?" Old Madam Grant suddenly asked, sipping her tea.

Mia Winslow was delighted, thinking Old Madam Grant was pleased with her, and cleverly replied: "Grandma Grant, I don’t have a boyfriend yet."

Old Madam Grant looked at Mia Winslow kindly, yet upon close inspection, there was a sharper edge in her eyes, sending a chill to one’s heart.

"That’s just fine. There are many aunts and mothers here today; there are plenty of outstanding and single young men from various families. You can tell everyone what kind you like and settle your engagement sooner; then your mind will be at peace."

The ladies present almost exclusively followed Old Madam Grant’s lead, and they enthusiastically began introducing suitable single males they knew.

Mia Winslow turned pale, nearly stammering: "I, I..."

The one she likes is Adrian Grant; how could she be introduced to someone else?

Settle your engagement sooner, and your mind will be at peace... Was she hinting at her?

"Mia, you haven’t given your birthday congratulations to Old Madam yet, hurry!" Yvonne Vance was the first to react, discreetly tugging Mia Winslow’s hand.

Mia Winslow forced a smile and said her birthday wishes, during which Old Madam Grant’s body subtly angled away, clearly showing indifference to her.

When Eleanor stepped forward to speak, Old Madam Grant’s face beamed with joy, warmly holding Eleanor’s hand, treating her dearly.

The Winslow family left disheartened, feeling snubbed.

"Grandma, I’m sorry I overslept." Eleanor quietly apologized, remembering she had set an alarm the previous night, yet it didn’t go off.

Old Madam Grant not only did not blame her but was very pleased, chuckling: "Grandma knows! How could Grandma blame you? You worked hard last night!"

Saying this, she even winked.

Eleanor was shocked, her eyes widened, those beautiful eyes seeming to say: How do you know?

Old Madam Grant’s smile was profound and mysterious.

"Couldn’t be that he told you, right?" Eleanor wore a face that said ’he has no shame’.

"He said you slept late last night, so you needed to get up later, telling us not to disturb you!" Old Madam Grant laughed, speaking well of her grandson, "See, he does care about you!"

Eleanor: "..."

How is this any different from saying it outright?

Eleanor uncomfortably touched her neck, suddenly feeling that wearing the qipao today was somewhat of a cover-up, as if telling others it’s meant to hide something.

Eleanor averted her eyes and unexpectedly found herself catching eyes with a man across the crowd.

Adrian Grant was conversing with an elder, watching Eleanor for a few seconds before excusing himself and heading her way.

Eleanor instinctively stood up, intending to walk away.

The idea hadn’t yet been put into action when Adrian Grant blocked her path.

"Not feeling well?" Adrian Grant asked.

Eleanor: "..."

Adrian Grant touched Eleanor’s forehead.

Eleanor immediately backed off, maintaining a meter’s distance from Adrian: "What are you doing?"

Adrian Grant smirked: "Mrs. Grant, what are you feeling guilty about?"

"You’re the one who’s guilty!" Eleanor snorted, denying flatly.

Adrian Grant didn’t let Eleanor off, lowering his head to look at her, eyes holding a trace of amusement: "Last night, it wasn’t me being proactive; I’m not guilty."