Chapter 323
Spoiled by the President
Quite a number of people present had recognized both Nell and Celine due to their celebrity status and the matter surrounding the Jennings blowing up on the internet.
Everyone was surprised to find out that the person sought by the Garrett family was Celine Jennings.
Nevertheless, they were not in the position to ask in paying respect to the hosts and with the matter being a personal affair.
At present, Nellâs words had the crowd exchanging glances and buckling up for a ride.
Old Master Garrett had never ventured online and rarely engaged with the young generations. Hence, he was in the dark about what was said online.
He was puzzled by their conversation.
âMrs. Deon, did you know our Celine?â
Nell turned and smiled at the old man. She nodded.
âYes, I donât only know her, we go way back.â
The old man was in a daze.
Only, it was not a suitable time or place to speak. Joseph frowned and tipped Harriet the wink, prompting the latter to smooth things over.
âHehe, itâs dinner time. Letâs all move to the dining hall. Dad, the kitchen made your favorite steamed cod today. You better eat a whole lot later.â
The old man rebuked, âTodayâs the day Celine returns, how can you focus on me when there are many guests around? You should tend to them as well.â
Harriet replied, âYes, yes, yes, Iâll tend to all but youâre still the priority. Youâre our familyâs lucky star after all!â
While talking, she motioned the brothers â Joseph and Jim to help the old man onto the wheelchair.
The old man was wheelchair-bound the past two years and rarely took to his feet because of his old age, poor health condition, and problem with his legs.
He glared at Harriet in displeasure. âYou sure know how to please me. Why put your attention on a poor old man like me?â
Harriet interjected surprise and smiled. âYouâre a venerable old man with many happy returns. What poor old man are you talking about? Look at you, at your prime and goodness, that presence of yours. Iâm not trying to butter you up but even the young hunks out there canât compare to you.â
Dumbstruck by the bluff, the old man asked out of curiosity, âYoung hunks? Why are you comparing me to hunks of meat? Iâm not great but Iâm better than that!â
Harriet was unable to hold back and burst out laughing. âOld Master, itâs not that Iâm not on your side but youâre falling behind the times.â
Someone nearby explained in chuckles, âOld Master, young hunks are not hunks of flesh. Young hunks refer to youngsters who are good-looking.â
The old man finally came to a realization. Thinking back, he found it amusing and laughed to himself.
With the subject of conversation changed beyond suspicion, Joseph invited everyone to the dining hall.
Although everyone was still into the gossip, they did not have the nerve to enquire further. Thus, they made a move toward the dining hall.
It was not a very pleasant and warm atmosphere during the meal but overall, it still ran smoothly.
Everyone seemed to have a load on their minds at the dinner table but they chose to keep their mouths shut in front of the old man. Of course, they were not that senseless to ruin the evening.
After dinner, Celine wanted to push the old man for a stroll in the backyard but was refused by him.
Old Master Garrett patted on her hand and said with a gentle voice, âItâs very lively with a lot of people around today. There are a few young people your age. Donât let an old man like me take up your time. Go have fun with them! Enjoy yourself.â
Celineâs expression was with a hint of concern, âBut you...â
âSigh, Iâm all right. Old Collins will push me around for a stroll.â
With that, he waved his arm to summon Mr. Collins over.
Celine let go of the wheelchair and let him take the reins.
She then politely told Mr. Collins, âIâll leave him to you, Uncle Collins. Grandfather, Iâll come over later to keep you company.â
Old Master Garrettâs eyes were squinting from the bright smile. âOkay, thereâs no rush. You donât have to look for me if youâre having a lot of fun. Iâm going back to rest after a stroll.â
Celine nodded and left.
A short distance away, Nell stood there, deep in thought as the entire scene unfolded.
Gideon came from behind and stood behind her. He followed her line of vision and asked, âWhat are you thinking?â
With a finger against her chin, Nell muttered, âIâm thinking, whose idea was it to have Celine come forth to the Garretts and pretend to be Julietteâs lost daughter?â
Gideon smiled. âSecond Uncle Garrett is in charge of this matter. Whose bright idea can it be other than his?â
Nell shook her head.
âThis is just way too important. If only Second Uncle Garrett is involved in this, Old Master Garrett might be kept in the dark but the others, Uncle Garrett in particular, wouldâve noticed something amiss.
âEveryone knows that the Garrett brothers are friendly on the surface but estranged at heart. By right, should Old Master Garrett pass on, the next head of the family would be Uncle Garrett, the eldest son.
âHowever, heâs of limited ability and doesn't have a way with people like Second Uncle Garrett. Hence, he saw Second Uncle Garrett as his biggest competitor and an eyesore.
âIf this was indeed Second Uncle Garrettâs own doing, Uncle Garrett wouldnât possibly join in on the act and play it well too. This would not do him any good.â
Gideon raised his brow.
âWhat are you thinking?â
âI have a feeling that the entire Garrett family, except Old Master Garrett, is putting on a show.â
While Gideon was in his thoughts, Nell turned back and took a glance at him. Just then, her gaze swept past his shoulder and fell onto an approaching familiar figure.
âEldest Young Miss, youâre back!â
Mr. Collins was pushing Old Master Garrett into the garden when they ran into Stephanie who had just returned, at the door. He smiled and greeted her.
Spoiled by the President ï¤Chapter 322 Unintended Mistake Wrong Ride, Right Lover ï¤Chapter 1980 Atrophy of Love: Mr. Harris, Stop Fooling Around!
ï¤Chapter 487 The End Pt. 5 Stephanie forced a smile and addressed him. âGrandfather.â
Compared to the pleasant countenance toward Celine, Old Master Garrett looked rather upset in the face of Stephanie.
âWhy are you back so late? Donât you know todayâs the day your sister returns? Did you do it intentionally to put her on the spot?â
Stephanie froze.
Having heard voices, Celine dashed over.
âGrandfather, donât blame sister.â
Coming in between Stephanie and the old man, she explained, âThe kind of work sister engages in is special. In fact, she wasnât able to come home today so it must be hard for her to rush back at a time like this. I wasnât put on the spot. Donât be angry.â
The tense facial lines on Old Master Garrettâs face eased a little. He darted an impatient stare at Stephanie before rasping. âWhat are you standing there for? Why arenât you greeting the guests inside?â
Stephanie paused and lowered her head. She answered, âGot it, grandfather. Iâll head in then.â
With her head hung low, she scurried inside.