CHAPTER 403: CHAPTER 403: MASTER VALERIUS VISITS

Seth nodded, watching his dad and little sister slide down from the high place, he couldn’t help but ask, "If I secretly wish for you guys to be together, will mom think I’m not loyal?"

The word ’loyal’ was one Seth had never used before, as if his life hadn’t encountered the term, but Ruby quite liked that he applied this word to their relationship.

She reached out and placed her hand on her son’s shoulder, smiling openly, "Of course not. All kids want their mom and dad to be together; it’s natural. The reason you and Honey have been able to easily accept the separate lives of your mom and dad is because since childhood you were with dad, and she was with me. We didn’t spend much time as a complete family, so you are more mature than most kids in this regard. But it’s right to hope for me and dad to be together. If I were to stop you from hoping for that, I would be an unkind mom."

Seth smiled, "Actually things are quite good now. Honey and I are happy, and you and dad seem happy, too."

"Yes, even though dad is single again now, he might start dating someone else. That’s his life, and you must be prepared for it, don’t dislike him just because of this; he’s still a good dad."

The little crease on Seth’s forehead appeared again; every time he needed to think, this expression would show. Then he pretended to be mature and said, "Actually, he’s quite a good dad... in many ways."

"Of course." Ruby ruffled his hair, and seeing Honey calling them over to play, she got up and led her son over.

It wasn’t until the fifth day of the new year when Rhonda came back that Ruby got the two kids from The Sterling Family and took them out. Brandon was sent back by both Ethan and Ruby. When they arrived, the servants were busy cleaning. Rhonda greeted them politely, truly like an elder sister, and regretfully noted that they didn’t bring the kids with them.

Ruby quickly turned around and left her sight before she could voice what she was feeling, not wanting to hear Rhonda’s voice anymore.

Once in the car, Ruby let out a deep breath, as if the air outside had become stale because of Rhonda’s presence.

"How does she manage it?" Ruby wondered.

"There are more people like her in the world. There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. Besides, in all previous interactions, it’s been Ruby who suffered, so of course she can have a high posture and be emboldened."

Ethan felt the fundamental way to solve this situation was to buy out The Sullivan Group, let Rhonda lose her last support, become utterly alone, and then... watch her grow old in solitude.

Ruby certainly thought the same, but now, she’s just glad if Nirvana can avoid being acquired. She really doesn’t have the energy to worry about so much.

"I know." Ruby replied with distaste, wondering if Ethan saw her as naive, childish, and laughable.

After that, neither of them said anything, and when Ethan dropped Ruby off at her home, he didn’t take the initiative to ask to go up for tea or coffee.

Once Owen and Mama Bennett’s vacation ended and they returned, Ruby immediately planned a trip abroad. This time to Southern Gallia, around Veridia, where the sweetness of the Centifolia rose is profound and has always been a favorite resource for big luxury brands.

The little ones were already used to their mom traveling for work, so didn’t mind much. They only asked if they could visit Vivian while she was away, since previously Ruby had worried Ethan might take the kids away, she had agreed with the children that without her permission, they couldn’t visit Vivian.

However, after interacting for a few days, she believed Ethan wouldn’t do such a thing, realizing it was her own overthinking. So she clarified things with the kids.

"Of course, you can. Vivian is your grandma; you can visit her anytime you want."

The little ones were thrilled because recently Uncle Grand has also been staying at the old house, where they could play various games with Vivian and hear stories from their granduncle about business encounters and battles in The Crimson Delta, things they couldn’t hear from books or TV.

Honey immediately called Vivian to arrange a meeting time. Vivian had taught her; tea parties with the sisters had to be scheduled in advance.

Seth sat beside his mom asking about her specific departure time.

"Mom is flying at night, probably after dinner." Ruby answered while organizing files on her laptop.

After hearing that, Seth toddled away.

The next morning, as Ruby was packing, she suddenly heard the doorbell ring and then Mama Bennett called her.

When she hurried out to see, it was Master Valerius standing at the door.

He wore casual attire, a long brown wool coat with a white turtleneck underneath, jeans, black shoes, and a dark brown beret on his head. He looked wise and graceful.

Ruby got a clear look, thinking such a handsome man becoming a monk was truly a loss for women everywhere.

"Patron Sullivan," Valerius greeted softly, bowing slightly, very politely.

Ruby nervously returned the greeting, "Master, are you here for a reason?" She then remembered to invite him in.

"Please, come in and sit."

Valerius smiled, "I was entrusted by someone, so I won’t come in and disturb you." He said, pulling out a red silk pouch from his pocket. "This is for you, and although it might seem rushed, it’s a sacred object, illuminated by Buddha’s light. Not wearing it is fine; keeping it at home is also okay."

A freshly washed Seth emerged from the restroom and when noticed Master Valerius, he was delighted and rushed over to greet him, "Master, thank you." He ran over, stood firmly, sincerely raised his palm and saluted, "Namo Amitabha."

"Namo Amitabha. This humble monk won’t intrude then."

At this moment, Honey also emerged from the room, seeing a handsome brother standing at the door, she thought she was dreaming and hurriedly rushed over to hug Valerius’s leg, "Big brother, are you here as a guest?"

Originally intending to leave, Valerius became a bit embarrassed, "Well... Little Patron Honey, long time no see."

Honey blinked her big eyes, "Oh my gosh, it’s Master Valerius!"

Ruby patted her daughter’s head, pulling her to her side, offering an apologetic smile to Valerius, "Let you laugh."

"Little Patron is very cheerful and easily happy," Valerius said, then unexpectedly waved to Honey, "goodbye." He hadn’t done this gesture in years but found it quite joyful to offer it to a happy little girl.

After Valerius left, Honey looked at her mom with slight regret, "Mom, will you find a handsome boyfriend like Master Valerius?"

Ruby was shocked, thinking Ethan might have said something to her. Deeply inhaling, she decided to trust Ethan, so didn’t say more but answered along, "Maybe."

Honey hugged her mom’s leg, blinking up at her, "Mom, you can do it!"

"Uh... uh." Ruby replied somewhat guiltily, uncertain when her daughter would understand the concept of marriage, or if she’d blame her mother’s current choice.

But she knew she should focus all her thoughts on this trip to France, nothing else for now.