CHAPTER 81: CHAPTER 81: BETROTHAL GIFT

"What are you two talking about, why are you laughing so happily?"

"Grandma says you’re unfilial, heartless, even when you’re successful you don’t care about her, and you’ve never had a girlfriend."

As soon as this was mentioned, Seraphina Sinclair couldn’t stop laughing.

After hearing Seraphina’s words, Desmond Fairchild’s face darkened instantly, displeased, he looked to the side at Old Mrs. Fairchild and said in a deep voice, "Grandma, you’re being too heartless by saying this, aren’t you? When have I ever been unfilial to you? I wish I could worship you."

"Alright, President Fairchild, don’t bother explaining yourself, I already know about you being unfilial. But are you sure you’ve never had a girlfriend? What about five years ago then..."

Seraphina tried to control her emotions, staring seriously at the man in front of her.

"How could it be? Don’t think too much about it. I’ve had plenty of ex-girlfriends, just never brought them home." Desmond’s face darkened a bit, men care about face, how could he admit to being clueless in this aspect?

Seraphina faked a jealous sigh, her expression looking somewhat sad, "Really? I said you were a playboy, Grandma even defended you, now you’re exposed?"

"No, I..."

Before Desmond could explain, Seraphina couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Their interaction made everyone else smile broadly.

"Mommy, Great Grandma, don’t worry, even though Daddy isn’t filial, I’ll take good care of Great Grandma and Mommy for him!"

Jude Sinclair is a clever little rascal, knowing Seraphina was joking, he couldn’t help but chime in, making Old Mrs. Fairchild laugh until she couldn’t close her mouth.

She immediately half-squatted and opened her arms, calling out to Jude, "Come here, Jude, let Great Grandma hug you."

Upon hearing Old Mrs. Fairchild call him, Jude ran to her without hesitation and hugged her tightly.

"Great Grandma, Jude isn’t teasing you, when I grow up, I’ll definitely be filial to you, buy you a big house and jewelry, and dress you beautifully."

At Old Mrs. Fairchild’s age, money and fame are already unimportant. But Jude’s sweet words really delighted her.

She held Jude’s face and kissed him on the right cheek, then said, "Our Jude is so sweet, Great Grandma likes you best."

In Old Mrs. Fairchild’s heart, this moment is probably the happiest of her life.

These past two years, she’s been urging Desmond to get married, just hoping to see him happy in her lifetime.

But Old Mrs. Fairchild never expected that what she thought would take five years to happen has suddenly come true — a grandchild-in-law appeared, and a great-grandson was gifted, it’s just like a dream.

Initially, she also felt that a woman who had given birth to a man’s illegitimate child likely wasn’t a good choice, especially considering a family like the Fairchild Family, where so many people wanted to curry favor.

It wasn’t until Old Mrs. Fairchild saw Seraphina in person, felt her kindness and gentleness, that her perception completely changed.

Compared to her, the woman who only gained attention by exposing others’ secrets was really inferior. She wondered how she ever thought of bringing Shirley Lynch in as a granddaughter-in-law.

"I have an unreasonable request, I wonder if you two young couples would agree?"

Suddenly, as she held Jude tightly, Old Mrs. Fairchild asked the two of them, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Seraphina and Desmond first exchanged glances for a second, then said, "Grandma, no need to be so polite with us, go ahead and speak your mind."

After getting permission from the young couple, Old Mrs. Fairchild continued, "Actually, it’s no big deal, I just want Jude to stay with me for a few more days, I wonder if you’d agree?"

Having unexpectedly gained a great-grandson, Old Mrs. Fairchild naturally cherished the idea of spending more time with Jude.

Yet she didn’t know whether Seraphina would agree to her wish.

Faced with Old Mrs. Fairchild’s question, Desmond looked at Seraphina, not responding to the old lady’s request.

Even though he is Jude’s father, Desmond knows that in matters concerning Jude, Seraphina should have the decision-making power.

After all, for these years, she’s been the one to raise Jude alone, he is a spiritual support for her.

Despite Seraphina liking Old Mrs. Fairchild very much and believing she would never harm Jude, the thought of being separated from her son for a time made her reluctant.

Since the child’s birth, Seraphina has cared for him carefully, never once letting go, she truly doesn’t know if she or the child could adjust to being apart.

"Mommy, I also want to stay and keep Great Grandma company for a few days, is that okay?"

Just as Seraphina was pondering how to respond to Old Mrs. Fairchild, Jude suddenly spoke up, expressing his willingness to accompany her.

Although deep down he prefers going home with Mommy, Jude doesn’t want to disappoint Great Grandma, and besides, without him at home, fewer distractions could maybe help Mommy and Daddy develop their relationship.

Seeing her son say this, Seraphina didn’t have the heart to object, so she sighed softly and replied, "Since you agreed, Mommy has nothing to say. Whenever you’re ready to come home, just call and I’ll pick you up."

Old Mrs. Fairchild, hearing this mother-son conversation, smiled even wider, immediately saying, "Seraphina, I’m so glad you agreed."

Then Old Mrs. Fairchild paused, continuing to say to Aunt Lynch not far away, "Rhea, since it’s lively at home today, could I trouble you to make a few of your specialty dishes for my granddaughter-in-law to taste?"

Aunt Lynch saw Old Mrs. Fairchild so happy, she was delighted too, and responded promptly, saying she’d start preparing ingredients right away.

"Grandma, you don’t need to be so formal, Jude is my child no doubt, but he’s a Fairchild Family child too, your great-grandson, having more people love him is a good thing." Seraphina smiled.

Upon hearing this, Old Mrs. Fairchild was even happier, taking Jude to the back garden to play in the water, leaving space for the young couple, and only Seraphina and Desmond remained in the living room, both grew silent.

Seraphina understood the situation with Jude staying behind, but nevertheless couldn’t help the emptiness inside.

Until Desmond noticed her expression, unable to hold back, he initiated the conversation, "There’s something I’ve wanted to tell you."

Hearing this, Seraphina couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding, quickly asking, "What else are you hiding from me?"

She really feared being deceived again by Desmond. If he were to drop another bombshell on her, Seraphina would be unable to bear it.

Seeing her tense appearance, Desmond couldn’t help but chuckle, "Don’t misunderstand, it’s just a minor thing that might be helpful to you."

After pausing, he continued, "A few years ago, I acquired the Sinclair Corporation. Of course, at the time, I didn’t know it was your family’s business. But rest assured, the old staff from the Sinclair Corporation are still there, and if you wish, I can return the company to you anytime. Consider it your bride price for marrying me."