CHAPTER 78: CHAPTER 78: SERENE GARDEN

Jean Ellison looked at Justin Holden, eyes filled with confusion, slightly tilting her head as she sized him up.

How did he know Jesse’s preferences? Did Jesse tell him?

Justin Holden lowered his head and smiled, looking at Jesse tenderly, his thin lips slightly parted.

"Last night, I saw the snacks in the locker. You bought them according to Jesse’s preferences."

"Mostly cookies, then small cakes, but no potato chips."

"The amount of jelly and candy you bought is about the same. I just wrote it down casually."

He raised his head and met Jean Ellison’s eyes, his gaze lingering.

Jean Ellison avoided his gaze, swallowed her saliva, her pink lips moved twice, but she did not respond to him.

His memory was too good. Just a casual glance and he remembered everything she bought.

She tightened her grip on Jesse’s hand slightly, a hint of nervous sweat appearing in her palm.

"It’s getting late. We should have lunch. Mommy will take you to eat."

She said this to her daughter, but the man next to her responded.

"There’s a Chinese restaurant nearby. I’ve already reserved a table."

Jesse’s stomach growled twice. She looked eagerly at her mother; she wanted to have lunch with Uncle Holden.

"Thank you, we’ll split the bill."

Jean readily agreed and walked with Jesse towards the door.

Justin Holden said nothing, following them with steady steps.

A tall shadow fell over them, enveloping their figures.

A wealthy lady stood at the door talking with the teacher, mentioning Jesse.

"Professor Lewis, you must take care of my family’s son, don’t let him play with children with bad tempers, like that kid just now named Jesse Ellison, I’ve heard she hits people."

"A little girl, with such a bad temper and no manners at all."

"Mrs. Ford, every child is well cared for by the teachers at our kindergarten, rest assured."

Jean led Jesse by the hand, passing behind the two people. She frowned slightly, looking down at her daughter.

Jesse seemed not to notice what the people beside them were saying, smiling happily, with dimples at the corners of her mouth.

Looking forward to having lunch with Uncle Holden and Mommy soon, she was full of anticipation.

"Mommy, let’s hurry."

Jesse tugged at her hand, her voice soft and sweet.

"Alright."

As soon as she responded, a deep, cold male voice came from behind her.

"Mrs. Ford, your husband consulted me last week about the inheritance of an illegitimate child. Are you sure your son will still be attending this kindergarten next semester?"

Mrs. Ford became ashamed and angry, turning around to see Justin Holden, her face turning from red to white.

The founder of Keystone Law, she had met this handsome young man at a cocktail party.

Her husband’s illegitimate child was something only a few people knew about. She had spent a fortune buying up all the photos taken by the media.

"You... you’re talking nonsense."

She was infuriated, stomping away in her heels, feeling the scorching eyes of parents and teachers on her.

"How can you be like this, bringing up such matters in public? What business is it of yours, who do you think you are?"

A young woman with stylish attire, wavy auburn hair, wearing a fur coat and a large pearl necklace around her neck.

She was the child’s stepmother, had been a mistress for several years, and had just pushed out the original wife a few days ago, still not acquainted with everyone in high society.

Justin Holden gave her a cool glance, his tone indifferent.

"Your husband, Quentin Vance, owes Keystone Law three million in legal fees. When does he plan to pay?"

The young woman widened her eyes. They had just received court summons last week; it was indeed true.

"I... I..."

She bit her lip, tugged at her coat, and walked out without looking back.

Being humiliated in public, she’d lost face completely, and her business was declining day by day; outside, she was just putting on a brave front.

Jean stood sideways, watching Justin Holden stride over. His face showed no change of expression, as if the person who had just been speaking hurtful words wasn’t him.

"You..."

"Aren’t you afraid of offending them? Aren’t they your target clients too?"

Justin Holden frowned slightly, looking down at her.

He was pondering what was on her mind; how could she think he needed to appease clients, when it was clearly those people who feared offending him more.

"Uncle Holden, I’m hungry."

Jesse suddenly let go of Jean’s hand, running over to grab Justin Holden’s suit sleeve.

"Alright, let’s eat."

Justin Holden picked up Jesse, holding him with one arm, and strode outside.

Jean Ellison watched the backs of the father and daughter, her gaze filled with concern, and her heart even more uneasy.

Jesse was getting more attached to him, not only wanting to hear him tell stories but also wanting to eat with him, behaving as obediently as a little rabbit in his arms.

The Mercedes drove slowly and stopped at the entrance of a narrow alley, where there was an inconspicuous wooden door.

Hanging beside the door was a wooden sign engraved with the words Serene Garden.

Jean’s eyes widened with recognition; she knew this place.

During her last semester of senior year, just before graduation.

She had mentioned to Justin that she really wanted to dine here, but unfortunately, it required a reservation, hosting only one table a day, and she had to wait a long time to get a booking.

Before she could make a reservation, an incident occurred with the Caldwell family.

Justin stood at the door, raised his hand, and knocked three times, the rhythm familiar.

The wooden door opened in response, revealing an old lady with silver hair and simple attire.

Seeing the man, her face filled with a kind smile.

"It’s Mr. Holden."

Her eyes naturally fell on the tall and small figures beside him, her smile suddenly filled with surprise and inquiry, and she stepped aside.

"Please come in, please come in."

Inside was a small room neatly and elegantly arranged, with only room for a pear wood square table.

The air was filled with a mild and rich aroma of food.

Justin slightly leaned over and softly said to Jean and Jesse beside him, "Come in."

He stepped in first, naturally holding the door for them.

Jean walked in holding Jesse’s hand.

She calmly glanced around the furnishings without leaving a trace and quietly stood aside, slightly nodding to greet the old lady.

Jesse clung close to his mother, curiously opening his big round eyes, his little face fair and tender, looking very well-behaved, and softly said, "Hello, Grandma."

The old lady’s smile deepened, nodding repeatedly.

"Ah, good, good child."

She turned to the man taking off his suit jacket, her tone familiar with a hint of teasing.

"Sir, today is a rarity, this old lady is seeing you bringing someone for the first time."

At this moment, the curtain of cotton fabric inside was lifted, and an elderly gentleman with an elegant demeanor came out, wearing silver-framed glasses and holding a long-handled ladle.

He was dressed in a traditional Chinese buttoned shirt, his hair impeccably neat.

Seeing the man, he nodded with a smile, then also noticed the woman and child, a gentle trace of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Old Sir."

The man spoke, his tone unusually respectful and familiar.

"Brought people to taste your craft."

"Welcome."

The old gentleman’s voice was warm and peaceful, nodding and smiling at both the woman and little girl, his gaze lingering kindly on the child for a moment.

"Young lady, what kind of flavors do you like?"

Jesse looked up at her mother, and Jean gently patted her head, softly speaking to the old gentleman.

"She doesn’t eat very spicy food, I’m sorry for the trouble."

"Lighter flavors are better for health."

The old gentleman knowingly nodded, then turned to the man.

"The usual dishes, plus a steamed egg with shrimp and sweet and sour ribs, the child should like them."

"As you arrange."

Justin Holden replied.

The old lady deftly poured them warm tea while watching them, especially the cool and beautiful woman and the obedient, cute little girl, her crow’s feet deepening with her smile.

She couldn’t help but say to the man again, "Sir, today is a good day, really."

The man heard this and did not refute, simply lifted the teacup, rubbing the warm rim with his fingers, and lightly said, "Mm."

His deep gaze fell on the woman quietly sitting beside him.

Jean was whispering something to Jesse, her smooth, straight hair tucked behind her ear, the lines of her profile gentle.

Jesse nodded obediently, her small hands properly placed on her knees.

The old gentleman shook his head with a smile, softly speaking to the old lady, "Alright, let them quietly enjoy the tea, let’s go prepare the dishes."

He turned and returned to the kitchen as he spoke.

The old lady also smiled without saying more, going into the back kitchen with the old gentleman, looking back at them, her eyes filled with contentment and joy, almost overflowing.