Chapter 79
“Serena, you’re finally back!” Catherine grabbed her hand, her face full of concern. “Why were you so late? You must be exhausted p>
Serena’s eyes softened, a warmth spreading through her chest. She felt a mix of touched and helpless. “Didn’t I call and tell you I’d be late and that you should all go to bed p>
“It’s fine, we weren’t tired anyway.” Edward looked her up and down, and only when he confirmed she was unharmed did his tense expression relax.
Julian pushed up his glasses, his expression gentle as he spoke kindly, “Welcome back, little sister. We’re just glad you’re home safe p>
Serena’s tone became even more exasperated. “If you guys keep this up, I’ll have to improve my work efficiency just to get home earlier p>
Her gaze drifted past her family to Old Mr. Lancaster, who was sitting in his wheelchair. He was clearly exhausted but forcing himself to stay awake.
Her expression turned serious. “Especially you, Grandpa. Staying up so late… haven’t all those medicinal baths been for nothing? You won’t be in the right condition for massage tomorrow p>
Old Mr. Lancaster’s weary eyes instantly lit up, and he looked at Serena with anticipation. “Serena, tomorrow… I can have the acupuncture treatment tomorrow p>
Ever since she had decided to treat him, Serena had written out a special herbal formula for him to use in a series of medicinal baths.
After about three sessions, they could begin the massage.
“If you don’t go to sleep right now, we’ll have to postpone it another day,” Serena said, giving him a stern look.
“I’m going! I’m going right now!” Old Mr. Lancaster immediately gripped the arms of his wheelchair and turned his head, yelling, “Alfred, quick! Push me back to my room, I’m going to sleep this instant p>
Alfred suppressed a laugh and stepped forward to wheel Old Mr. Lancaster to his room.
Catherine led Serena to the sofa, then went to the kitchen and brought out a bowl of homemade soup she had kept simmering for her ere, have something to eat. dark
You look so tired you’ve
circles under your eyes p>
Serena didn’t refuse her mother’s kindness, taking the bowl and slowly sipping the soup.
The family gathered around her, fussing over her, but they all tactfully avoided asking what she had been busy with.
After a while.
Catherine glanced at the time and frowned slightly. “It’s so late… why isn’t Isabella back yet? And she’s not answering her phone p>
“Don’t worry, Mom. She went to meet with Mr. Harrison today, right? From what she said, it sounded like he really liked her and thought highly of her Julian said in a soothing voice. “Maybe she got his approval and officially became his student, so she’s out celebrating with friends p>
“Even so, she should call or at least answer her phone to let us know,” Catherine sighed. But her tone was clearly less worried, and there was even a hint of pride that Isabella might become Mr. Harrison’s student.
Serena quietly drank her soup, taking in her mother’s expressions and reactions.
Her mother was a sentimental person. Twenty years of raising a child had forged a deep bond.
She thought for a moment, then put down her spoon and asked, “Mom, do you really want Isabella to become Mr. Harrison’s student? Is it that important to the family p>
Catherine paused, then shook her head. “That’s Isabella’s own dream and ambition. Whether she succeeds, whether she becomes his student, that’s her own path in life. It’s the result of her own effort and fortune, and it has nothing to do with the Lancaster family p>
“The foundation of the Lancaster family doesn’t need to be propped up by one of the
children becoming someone’s protégé p>
As she spoke, Catherine patted Serena’s hand. “All I want is for both of you girls to follow the path you love and live happily. That’s enough p>