CHAPTER 156: CHAPTER 156: BLOCKING THE WINE

"Of course, that’s no problem," Seraphina Sinclair nodded.

Today, Jude Sinclair went to Rosalie Quinn’s house for New Year’s greetings, which made Zoe Yates somewhat disappointed. So, she reminded Seraphina Sinclair to make sure to bring Jude Sinclair when visiting her.

The two chatted for a while in the study before Zoe Yates received a phone call from her family and left. Desmond Fairchild and Seraphina Sinclair escorted her to the door, watching her get into the car and leave.

Seraphina Sinclair felt she was getting closer to the truth of what happened back then, but the more she knew, the more unsettled she became, fearing that the incident might really have nothing to do with Ethan Lloyd, and that it was her own stubbornness that harmed her father.

"What’s wrong with you? Since coming out of the study, your mood has been off," Desmond Fairchild noticed Seraphina Sinclair standing at the door and walked over to gently hold her, asking.

"Desmond, I... I’m a bit scared," Seraphina Sinclair buried her face in Desmond Fairchild’s chest, her fingers tightly clutching his clothes.

"I’ve always been by your side, so there is no need to be afraid, I will always be with you," Desmond Fairchild did not press Seraphina Sinclair about why she was scared, just softly comforted her, patting her back gently.

Recalling the meaningful glance Zoe Yates gave when she left, Desmond Fairchild’s eyes slowly darkened, having investigated Zoe Yates’ background, which was spotless without any issues. Yet, that cleanliness was precisely the biggest problem.

Seraphina Sinclair greedily inhaled Desmond Fairchild’s scent, slowly calming her heart.

Old Mrs. Fairchild happily watched the couple embrace at the door alongside the housekeeper, not wanting to interrupt them. It was their business as a young couple, she as an elder would not interfere.

Not long after the others had left, Anna arrived with Mr. Anna to pay a New Year’s visit. Old Mrs. Fairchild received them with an unnoticeable expression.

Inside a group of elders swapped pleasantries, while Anna and Seraphina Sinclair stepped out.

"Anna, I don’t care whatever childhood connection you have with Desmond Fairchild, but your lowly tricks are best not used," Seraphina Sinclair said, unfazed, as she led Anna towards the banquet hall.

Anna straightened her back with pride and said, "President Sinclair, I don’t find these tactics lowbrow, you pursue your happiness, I pursue mine; there’s no conflict."

Seraphina Sinclair was almost amused by her words, stopping in her tracks completely, "Anna, it’s fine to be one-sided, but self-deception is not worth it."

After speaking, she resumed her steps.

Anna watched Seraphina Sinclair’s retreating figure, remembering the gossip she faced at the company recently and Desmond Fairchild moving her away from his side, her eyes grew colder, hands clenching tightly.

Desmond Fairchild can only be mine, Seraphina Sinclair, don’t even think about it.

After entering the reception hall, Seraphina Sinclair mingled with others, while Anna, seeing the cheerful gathering, turned to stand in a corner.

"Oh, Anna’s back huh? Why didn’t you let us know?" A coquettish and capricious voice called out from behind her.

Anna frowned and turned around. Not far away stood a girl in a pink fluffy coat with a few traces of ridicule on her face.

"Josephine Warren, I don’t think our relationship is close enough that I need to inform you of my return?" Anna said offhandedly.

Josephine Warren scoffed and came over; even back when she was in the country, her relationship with Anna was poor. She disliked her for putting on airs of elegance despite not coming from a high background.

"Of course, Miss Anna has always been too proud to associate with me," she remarked, sizing Anna up.

"Since you’re aware, why come to me to be snubbed?" Anna lowered her eyes, glanced at her, and spoke coldly.

"Anna, I’ve always thought you’re quite thick-skinned. You’re just a housekeeper’s daughter; what nerve do you have to pay respects to Grandma Fairchild?" Josephine Warren gritted her teeth, her voice loud and unrestrained.

Seraphina Sinclair heard the sudden noise and frowned, seeing Anna standing with Josephine Warren. After hesitating for a moment, she remained where she was.

"What does it have to do with you? I earn my keep, unlike some who take pride in living off others," Anna felt the gaze of nearby people, her expression becoming increasingly indifferent.

Josephine Warren was hit where it hurt; she aspired to start her own business and earn independently but each venture ended in complete failure, making her a laughing stock in social circles. She hated when anyone brought it up.

"You!" Josephine Warren fumed, her eyes turned red, grabbing a wine glass nearby and thoughtlessly throwing it toward her.

Anna’s face changed slightly, but before she could dodge, someone suddenly shielded her, blocking the wine intended for her.

"Desmond!" Anna exclaimed, looking at Desmond Fairchild’s stained clothes, a complex expression emerged on her face.

"What’s going on here?" Desmond Fairchild coldly glanced at Josephine Warren.

Seraphina Sinclair saw Desmond shielding Anna from the wine, her expression darkening momentarily before calmly walking over.

"It’s just a quarrel, after all, today is New Year’s, let’s not make a scene," Seraphina Sinclair said flatly.

Desmond Fairchild looked at Seraphina Sinclair’s impassive face, opening his mouth to explain but was interrupted by her, "Go change your clothes; it’s cold, you might catch a chill."

Seeing her demeanor, Desmond Fairchild could only nod helplessly and then turned to leave.

Seraphina Sinclair took a deep breath, trying hard to suppress the emotions surging within.

She knew Desmond Fairchild’s actions just now were not unreasonable in any way for her to blame.

She understood the reasoning but still couldn’t accept it.

Josephine Warren’s actions were impulsive, and she became sober immediately upon receiving Desmond Fairchild’s gaze, standing bewildered and flustered.

"I’m sorry, Anna. I was too impulsive," Josephine Warren said hurriedly, her voice tinged with a bit of sobbing.

"It’s nothing," Anna said flatly, shaking her head, after a deep glance at Seraphina Sinclair, she turned and left.

Although the matter was thus neither big nor small, Seraphina Sinclair still felt uncomfortable, knowing she was being unreasonable and forced herself to ignore it.