CHAPTER 217: CHAPTER 217: THIS FISH OF MINE WON’T FIT IN YOUR POND

The study of Old Master Kendall is a standalone building, located in a bamboo grove behind the main building, serene and unhurried, nestled against the mountain and embracing a lake.

Felix Kendall leisurely led the way ahead, and upon arriving at the door of the study, he did not enter first.

"Grandpa, Uncle Lynn and Ms. Lynn are here."

"Please invite them in!" The elder’s voice, despite its old age, was strong and penetrating, commanding respect with the sound alone. But this time, his tone was clearly filled with anticipation.

Felix Kendall made a gesture of ’please’, turning to leave.

But was preemptively intercepted by Grandpa Kendall.

"You cheeky boy, you come in too!"

"..."

Halfway through his turn, Felix Kendall raised an eyebrow in mild resignation, and could only turn back, stepping into the study.

The furnishings in the study were nowhere near luxurious, but Sean Lynn, having been involved with artifact collection for years, saw at a glance that the shelves housed unique ancient volumes, each a priceless treasure.

Old Master Kendall had already prepared the tea, sitting by the tea table waiting for them.

A thin blanket was draped over his legs, and upon closer inspection, he was seated not in a chair, but a specially made wheelchair.

Sean Lynn’s eyes paused slightly, "Mr. Kendall, your legs..."

Old Master Kendall waved his hand: "Years ago, two bullet fragments weren’t removed properly from my legs, and over the years of traveling over mountains and seas, as I grew older, my legs began to give out, hurting with every step, so now I can only sit in a wheelchair."

"Grandpa Kendall, that must be painful?" Cindy Lynn gently asked first, her eyes filled with empathy.

Felix Kendall, who had reached Old Master Kendall’s side, glanced at her discreetly upon hearing this.

Old Master Kendall’s deep-set eyes also fell upon Cindy Lynn, with a hint of excitement, his eyes slightly reddening.

"You are..."

Sean Lynn calmly said, "Old Master Kendall, in my family, I’m also the sole heir of my lineage. I only have this one daughter, and she’s to return to our ancestral roots in the Lynn family hall. Cindy, do you remember meeting Grandpa Kendall when you were little?"

Upon hearing of the surname change, Old Master Kendall was slightly displeased, but it wasn’t his place to comment on another’s family matters. He simply looked at the approaching Cindy Lynn with affection.

Cindy Lynn wore a gentle and sweet smile.

She knelt down by Old Master Kendall, "Grandpa, I do know a set of massage techniques; I can help you massage your legs frequently, maybe it will bring some relief."

She deliberately omitted the surname, and the term "Grandpa" came out naturally and affectionately.

Felix Kendall standing next to them raised an imperceptible eyebrow, glancing at Cindy Lynn, a silent trace of amusement in his eyes, but he said nothing.

Old Master Kendall was very pleased with her thoughtfulness, "A girl grows up and changes—more and more beautiful. I almost couldn’t recognize you." Here, Old Master Kendall grew somewhat sentimental, "Twenty years ago, I was ordered to Aethelgard Island. When I returned, I was entangled with affairs and illnesses, and never got around to contacting you..."

"It’s alright, Grandpa, it’s all in the past. In the future, I’ll come to see you often." Cindy Lynn sweetly replied.

"Good." Old Master Kendall smiled kindly.

With Old Master Kendall’s approval, she would now be a frequent esteemed guest at the Kendall Family!

Clearly, Old Master Kendall was very fond of her, and Cindy Lynn seized the moment, "Grandpa, today is your birthday. I’ve prepared a birthday gift for you; I hope you will like it."

Old Master Kendall laughed, "Oh? Then I must take a good look."

Cindy Lynn then brought out the meticulously prepared exquisite gift box, holding it with both hands in front of Old Master Kendall.

Old Master Kendall opened the lid, and upon seeing the gift inside the box, his expression became agitated, his previously clouded eyes sparkling with joy, as if he had seen a long-lost treasure.

"This... this is Phoenix Dance!"

Felix Kendall immediately stepped forward to hold the box for his grandfather, and only after wiping his hands carefully did Old Master Kendall gently take out the bronze artifact, holding it as if it were a fragile glass treasure rather than a sturdy metal.

Judging from Old Master Kendall’s reaction, this gift was right on target for his heart.

Cindy Lynn felt a surge of pride.

Seizing the opportunity, Sean Lynn added, "Old Master Kendall, Cindy went through a lot of trouble finding this gift for you, visiting every antique store around."

However, after Old Master Kendall examined the bronze artifact thoroughly inside and out, the smile at his mouth gradually faded.

He cast a peculiar glance at Sean Lynn, then turned back to Cindy Lynn, "You found this after searching everywhere?"

"..." Cindy Lynn felt uncertain about the deeper meaning behind Old Master Kendall’s words, only thinking he might perceive her attempts to please him as disingenuous.

Cindy Lynn, leaving nothing to chance, responded, "These antiquities are all about making a connection. I have an interest in such things, so it wasn’t a dedicated search, but when I came across it, I thought you would like it, Grandpa."

Upon hearing this, Old Master Kendall didn’t say much more; he just gave a faintly meaningful smile.

"You two are very thoughtful."

He placed the bronze artifact back in the box and let Felix handle it.

"Just put it on the shelf."

This casual manner of handling left the Lynn father and daughter a bit at a loss.

What is going on?

Wasn’t it very much liked at first sight just now?

Cindy was a bit at a loss, "Grandpa..."

"Call him Grandpa Kendall." Old Master Kendall interrupted her, "Today there are many guests, outsiders might misunderstand if they hear."

Although Old Master Kendall’s tone was relatively gentle, his expression had obviously cooled considerably.

"In my family, I do have two unworthy children. One is Felix, the other is his sister Holly who is about your age, but she is a war correspondent abroad and couldn’t come back today."

Cindy still wanted to say something, "Grandpa Kendall, I..."

Old Master Kendall wheeled himself away, as if he was tired.

"The banquet is about to start; I need to prepare a bit. Forgive me for not staying." Old Master Kendall instructed, "Felix, escort Mr. Lynn and his daughter back to the banquet hall."

"Yes, Grandpa."

Felix nodded slightly, and then turned to the Lynn father and daughter, politely but distantly, "This way, please."

Sean and Cindy exchanged glances and could only take their leave.

After walking out of the bamboo grove, Sean found an excuse to go make a call, leaving Cindy to return with Felix.

Once he was alone, Sean immediately pulled out his phone to call Shelly Sullivan.

Wearing a gloomy expression, he pressed, "That ’Phoenix Dance’ bronze artifact, are you sure it’s the real thing? You’ve sold quite a few of our family’s antique relics to subsidize your family, then put a fake one there to fool me!"

While he usually turned a blind eye to most things—after all, these things were obtained at no cost to him—on such an important day, if Shelly dared to switch it...

"How could it be fake!" Shelly naturally denied it flatly, "I had it authenticated by three experts, it’s definitely genuine! Do you think I would be foolish enough to jeopardize our beloved daughter’s future?"

Hearing her so confidently, Sean momentarily wasn’t sure.

He said suspiciously, "But Old Master Kendall was so happy when he first met us, how did he become so cold after seeing that bronze artifact? Never mind, I’m coming over now."

Sean put away his phone and walked away hurriedly.

Just after he left, Tanya emerged slowly from behind a large tree on one side, gazing coldly at Sean’s retreating figure...

On the other side.

Cindy walked half a step behind Felix, watching the man’s handsome profile, she felt a little guilty and softly said, "Mr. Kendall, did I perhaps say something wrong just now, making Grandpa Kendall unhappy?"

Felix casually plucked a bamboo leaf, "My grandpa is just that way."

Cindy found herself unable to get any information from him, a bit impatient, especially since Felix had been rather indifferent every time they met, the only time he showed interest was towards that little tramp Tanya!

Cindy bit her lip gently, catching sight of a stone ahead out of the corner of her eye, she deliberately stepped on it hard.

"Ah!" Cindy let out a light cry, and fell forward, grabbing both of Felix’s arms, through his clothes she could feel the man’s firm and powerful muscles.

"It hurts..." Cindy looked up pitifully at Felix.

Felix glanced at her foot.

Cindy had heard in advance that Felix had a thing for feet, every woman linked with him had beautiful feet.

And she was confident that every inch of her was perfect, her feet naturally qualifying as beautiful feet.

"Mr. Kendall, would you mind helping me find a place to sit down?" Cindy gently pleaded.

No man would refuse...

She didn’t like Felix, but she disliked even more that a man didn’t revolve around her, instead showing favor to Tanya!

Felix’s gaze slid to her face, and as their eyes met, a hint of almost tender smile appeared in Felix’s eyes, just when Cindy thought she had succeeded, Felix suddenly came out with a sharp statement.

"Ms. Lynn, are you fishing for a rich husband and caught me?"

Cindy’s smile froze on her lips.

Felix had already pried her fingers off one by one.

He gave a mocking smile, "Liking to maintain options isn’t a problem, but you can’t accommodate me in your pool. A word of advice, seeing as you have a fiancé, don’t wander around too much."