Chapter 500: One point for Zoren

The family meeting started off normally, with Allison hosting it perfectly. It would make one think she had done this before, but in truth, she was just being herself. Thankfully, Old Mrs. Pierson was much less strict than they had heard.

Everything proceeded smoothly until it was time for gift-giving.

"I am so glad this finally happened!" Old Mrs. Pierson tapped Allison’s hand as she moved closer. "Allison, please forgive our family — this child in particular — for being rude to you."

She then cast an apologetic look at Charles. "I deeply apologize for our family’s behavior. We should’ve reached out early, but it took us this long. Forgive me."

Unlike how Charles was often openly displeased with anyone except his wife and daughter, he actually liked Old Mrs. Pierson. Having grown up with strict parents, Old Mrs. Pierson’s easygoing nature was a breath of fresh air.

"Old Madam, there’s no need to apologize," Charles replied understandingly. "Even though this meeting is a little late, I’m still glad it’s happening now. So, you don’t have to worry. We understand."

"Ah, no wonder Penelope is such an angel!" Old Mrs. Pierson’s eyes misted as she admired the couple. "You two make such a lovely pair. How I wish Renren and Penelope would be the same!"

Allison chuckled and squeezed Old Mrs. Pierson’s hand. "Old Madam, I’m sure they will be. After all, Zoren is a good man."

"Aist! He is a good man, but also so inexperienced!" Old Mrs. Pierson didn’t spare Zoren from her teasing, hoping to gain the Bennet family’s mercy. "Allison, Charles, please be patient with him. Penelope is his first girlfriend. So, he would surely make mistakes here and there. He still needs a lot of guidance."

Charles raised his brows and glanced at Zoren. "Is this true?"

"Yes," Zoren replied proudly, looking at Penny. "Though some may think it’s shameful, I don’t mind."

"It’s not shameful at all," Atlas chimed in, sipping his tea. "It’s actually much better."

Hugo nodded in agreement. "I’m with Atlas on this."

Slater didn’t comment. He was busy munching on the chocolates Penny had given him — his favorite, which she had brought back for him after her date with Zoren. He had hidden them away for stressful situations. Who would have the stressful situation would also be caused by the person who gave them this?

"I approve," Haines added with a nod. "There’s no shame in it."

Charles nodded as well. As men, they understood how the male mind worked. They didn’t want to delve into Zoren’s past, but had he had previous lovers, they might have judged him differently. However, knowing Penny was his first girlfriend — and wife — was reassuring.

Penny had never been with a man either, so it only felt right that she would be with someone who had a similarly clean past.

One point for Zoren.

"Don’t worry, Old Madam," Allison chuckled. "I’m sure they’ll manage."

"Even so, I’d like to extend my apologies. To show my sincerity, I’ve brought gifts!" Old Mrs. Pierson clapped her hands energetically.

At her signal, Butler Hubert bowed and gestured to the other servant, who promptly left the room. Moments later, the servant returned with more staff, all carrying gifts.

They stacked the gifts off to the side while Butler Hubert handed smaller ones to each member of the Bennet family. Surprised, everyone stared at the items placed before them. Even Butler Jen, who had been standing by to offer assistance, flinched when a present was placed in his hands.

"Old Madam..." Allison furrowed her brows at the small box in front of her, then looked at Old Mrs. Pierson. "This is too much. You didn’t have to."

"No, I had to. And it’s not too much! Hah! This is nothing!" Old Mrs. Pierson exclaimed gleefully. "I would have brought more if Zoren hadn’t warned me you might find it rude. So I spent days handpicking what to give each of you. It’s my way of apologizing for my grandson’s behavior and also to thank you for letting him hold Penelope’s precious hand. It hardly feels enough, as the wonderful person you’ve raised is priceless."

Her smile brightened the room as she added, "Still, I hope these gifts can at least express how truly grateful I am to the Bennet family."

Zoren nodded in agreement with his grandmother. If not for the fear of appearing unreasonably extravagant, he would have added even more gifts. To him, these offerings were too little. But well, they could always gift them in the future once everything had settled down.

Allison glanced at the growing stack of gifts. More servants continued adding presents to the pile. ’They’re like Haines when it comes to giving gifts... but times three more,’ she thought.

"What is this?" Slater mumbled quietly to himself. ’Is this just a bribe? Hah! As if I’d be bribed. Fat chance!’

"You can open it, third child," Old Mrs. Pierson encouraged warmly. "I hope you like it."

Slater, who received gifts daily from his fans, wasn’t expecting to be surprised. He had an entire storage to store all the gifts he received. What else could someone give him that would impress him?

The small box in front of him looked like it might contain a watch. Curious, he opened it, but to his surprise, it wasn’t a watch. His brows furrowed as he saw a card inside. He picked it up, everyone’s eyes on him and his confused reaction.

"I heard from Zoren that you like a particular kind of chocolate," Old Mrs. Pierson explained with a smile. "So I arranged for an access card that will let you buy it anytime you like. They’ll give you priority with that card, so feel free to use it anytime. There’s no limit, so you can buy as many as you’d like."

Slater stared at the card in disbelief. Slowly, his eyes gleamed, then twinkled as he turned to Old Mrs. Pierson. "Grandma~! You’re the best~! I’m so glad we’re family now!"

Everyone: "..."

Old Mrs. Pierson: "Hahaha!"