CHAPTER 17: CHAPTER 17: GREEN TEA

June Ewing took her hand and sincerely said, "Look at you, talking like an outsider. You’re my daughter-in-law; what’s mine is yours and Caleb’s. Do you think I’d give it to someone else? If I weren’t worried about the accounts not matching, I’d give you a bit more."

Sienna Monroe knew that since she could deceive her into becoming the legal representative for the beauty salon, she wouldn’t easily take back this time bomb.

Her heart sank, and she clenched her fists tighter and tighter.

She could only hurry to find the evidence and take the initiative to reveal the true face of the beauty salon.

By the time she returned to The Sterling Family, it was almost five o’clock. June Ewing went upstairs to change clothes, and a servant came in and said, "Second Madam, the Family Head is back and wants you, the Third Young Master, and the Third Madam to have dinner at the main building."

June Ewing nodded, "Got it, we’ll be there shortly."

She deliberately rested for more than ten minutes before going over. The main building’s living room was bustling, full of people.

Caleb Sinclair’s big brother, Kian Sinclair, and his second brother, Hector Sinclair, along with their wives and the eldest brother’s twin children, were all inside, enjoying the family gathering.

When they walked in, Caleb Sinclair and Sienna Monroe greeted them one by one.

Isaac Sinclair, sitting at the head of the table, beckoned to June Ewing. With a gentle smile, she walked over and placed her hand in his palm, letting him hold her.

Rhonda Garrison, not far away, saw this while holding her granddaughter and let out a cold laugh.

So many younger people in the room, and they’re already flirting impatiently.

Shameless!

Kian Sinclair and Susan Sinclair both looked displeased, their eyes full of cold light as they stared straight at Caleb Sinclair.

Caleb Sinclair sat there calmly, ignoring their many maliciously intent glances.

"Good news, the second wife is pregnant," Isaac Sinclair said.

June Ewing was taken aback, then softly smiled, "That’s really good news. You can’t favor one over the other; when Kian’s two children were born, each of them got a house."

Isaac Sinclair laughed heartily, "Of course. Old Two, you can choose whichever you like in Eastwood."

No joy could be seen in Hector Sinclair’s eyes, yet he had to put on a smile, "Thank you, Dad."

Beside them, Sienna Monroe quietly watched the undercurrents surging, sipping her tea lightly.

She couldn’t fathom why someone as gentle and graceful as June Ewing could harbor such venom.

She glanced sidelong at Caleb Sinclair.

Both mother and son were quite the actors.

That venomous nature, though?

Did Caleb inherit this trait from his mother?

Sienna Monroe’s thoughts were in disarray, a burning sensation lingered in her heart for a long time without dissipating. When she looked up again, she met Rhonda Garrison’s unexpectedly sharp gaze.

Rhonda Garrison.

She was watching her.

Sienna met her eyes with a gentle smile.

Rhonda Garrison always maintained an air of superiority, and she casually asked, "Sienna, you and the third have been married for three or four years, right? It’s time to think about having a child. Look, your second brother and sister-in-law have only been married two years, and they are already expecting."

Sienna opened her mouth, not having spoken yet; June Ewing took over the conversation, "Oh, nowadays young people focus on their own worlds. They now have their own careers and a great relationship, so they can have children whenever they want. I’m not in a rush to become a grandmother."

Caleb Sinclair nodded with a gentle smile, "Mom’s right. We’re not ready to welcome a new life yet. It’s all about going with the flow; when the time is right, the child will come naturally. Thank you for your concern, First Madam."

The mother and son duo coordinated seamlessly, making Rhonda Garrison seem like she was meddling unnecessarily.

She sneered coldly, her eyes full of contempt, "No need for thanks; I was just asking casually."

Sienna remained quiet, unwilling to partake in their overt and covert disputes.

The butler stepped forward at this moment, breaking the brief silence, "Family Head, dinner is ready."

Isaac Sinclair nodded, holding June Ewing’s hand as he stood, speaking at an opportune moment, "Children are matters of fate in our family. We don’t have a rule that one must have a child within a year or two of joining us."

"Alright then. Since everyone is here, let’s start dinner."

This could be a slap in the face for Rhonda Garrison.

Rhonda "heh"-ed coldly, mockingly adding, "I only casually asked Sienna about having a child, and you’re so biased that your heart is in your throat. To you, even if June Ewing farts, it must smell like roses, right?"

Isaac Sinclair’s face turned dark, but Rhonda Garrison had no intention of staying to watch his expression. She elegantly stood, touched her hair at the temples, her tone calm and self-possessed, "I’m not feeling well, so I won’t join you for dinner. Saved from being suffocated by your odor."

Saying that she turned and walked away.

If it weren’t for the fact that the two families were too entangled by benefits, she would have gotten divorced long ago.

Because of the ’Garrison’ name, she had been trapped in the grave of marriage for half her life, compromising and bending, but all she got in return was retreating a step, allowing more disrespect.

She knew Isaac Sinclair wouldn’t divorce her — firstly, for The Sterling Family’s reputation, and secondly, for benefits.

June Ewing anxiously called out a few "sister" from behind, Rhonda Garrison coldly warned, "I don’t remember my mother giving birth to another sister. If you dare call me ’sister’ again, I will definitely tear your mouth apart."

June Ewing put on a pitiful face, "I didn’t mean it."

Rhonda Garrison couldn’t be bothered to watch her act, turning and disappearing from the living room.

"Isaac, sis... the First Madam misunderstood me; I really didn’t mean it..."

Though already 51 years old, her attempts at acting coy were quite adept.

Isaac Sinclair nodded, reassuringly patting her hand, "I know."

Kian Sinclair and the others watching the scene all showed expressions of disgust and disdain.

Isaac Sinclair instructed the butler, "Since the First Madam isn’t feeling well, have the kitchen save her meal, and send it over when she feels like eating."

That was considered giving her a way out and also putting an end to the matter.

He and June Ewing took the lead in heading towards the dining area.

Sienna Monroe glanced at Isaac Sinclair, then at Caleb Sinclair, and found the one similarity between father and son.

Passionate.

She couldn’t help but pull at the corners of her lips; wasn’t The Sterling Family essentially a grand stage?

The Sinclair Family, with its considerable population, seated themselves around a very large round table in the dining room. Isaac Sinclair sat at the head, with June Ewing to his left.

Kian Sinclair and his siblings harbored some resentment towards Isaac Sinclair’s favoritism but dared not express it openly.

They persevered, taking a deep breath before striding forward.

This meal was exceptionally peaceful, only becoming lively when they were cutting cake for June Ewing.

Caleb Sinclair and Sienna Monroe returned home by eight-thirty.

After showering and completing her skincare routine, Sienna lay in bed for a little while before Caleb Sinclair, having finished his own shower, appeared, wearing a set of pure black silk pajamas that perfectly concealed the marks left from the previous night with Vivian Nash.

He came over to turn off the main light, leaving the bedside atmosphere lamp’s warm glow.

"Honey, are you ready to sleep?" he asked softly, leaning closer.

His eyes held a faint layer of desire in the dark.

Sienna Monroe felt as if a thin veil covered her vision, obscuring and blurring her view.

The pair of eyes she once delighted in now filled her heart with a bittersweet fervor.

"Mm, I’m tired and a bit exhausted," she said, her voice trailing off wearily.

Caleb Sinclair affectionately touched her eyes, "Alright then, sleep early if you’re tired. I won’t keep you up. Goodnight, honey, I love you."

"Mm."

Sienna turned to the side, issuing a soft nasal sound.