Serenvale, unlike the royal courts, didn't strictly judge guests by their social status but rather by chance.
If a guest didn't win over the lady boss's favor, no matter how wealthy they were, they wouldn't be entertained. But if someone caught her eye, they'd be welcomed even if they were penniless.
Sean Grant was precisely someone who resonated deeply with Serenvale.
Nancy Sutton, guided by an attendant, found herself seated on a long bench.
She had just seated herself when she heard the steady sound of footsteps approaching. Turning her head, she was momentarily startled.
On the stone path, a man in an expensive tailored suit, tall and elegant, was strolling in her direction. The sunlight pierced through the lush leaves, bathing him in a golden glow, making the distinguished and elegant man appear nearly divine, his aura overwhelming those around him.
It's him...
Liam Quincy!
How could he be here!?
Nancy Sutton's heart pounded fiercely as she instinctively stood up, wanting to flee!
Her abrupt movement caught Liam Quincy's eye, and his blue eyes narrowed, the almost photographic memory instantly pulling up her information.
Nancy Sutton, his good-for-nothing nephew Simon Grant's ex-girlfriend. Since breaking up with Simon six years ago, she had disappeared entirely. Unexpectedly, he was running into her here.
Yet...
The moment he saw Nancy Sutton, Liam Quincy frowned imperceptibly. She seemed familiar in a way quite distinct from the one time he saw Simon bring her to a banquet.
Perhaps they had met elsewhere!
As the thought passed, Liam Quincy withdrew his gaze indifferently. To him, Nancy Sutton was an unrelated person, whether or not she was still Simon's girlfriend.
Nancy Sutton was ready to flee, but Liam Quincy's cool gaze swept over her neutrally, then withdrew.
It was as if he was looking at an insignificant stranger, cold and indifferent enough to deter her.
Nancy stuck out her tongue quietly, hoping Liam Quincy would treat her as invisible forever, so her theft of his plants could remain concealed.
The two children were hers alone, and could only be hers.
"Little girl..."
Just then, a kind voice halted her.
Turning around, Nancy saw an elderly lady with a kindly face looking at her from a wheelchair.
"Madam, are you calling me?" Nancy bent slightly, meeting the lady's gaze as she replied.
The lady's eyes flickered with approval at Nancy's respectful posture, shielding her face from the sun. Then, she looked amused and nodded towards the direction Liam Quincy left, asking, "Little girl, doesn't that child look good?"
If the lady had just called her "little girl," Nancy would not have thought much. But hearing her refer to Liam Quincy as a "child," Nancy's mouth involuntarily formed an O.
She couldn't help but visualize what expression Liam Quincy would wear upon hearing himself called that.
"Little girl?" The lady's eyes gleamed with mirth at Nancy's shock, and if one looked closely, a hint of childlike mischief could be seen in her eyes.
"Mr. Quincy's appearance is naturally remarkable." Bless Liam Quincy's face; he was among the finest not just in the empire but likely in the whole world!
Who could speak against such looks?
"That's good." The lady nodded, then suddenly put on an expression of mock pity, "Little girl, I got separated from my family. Could you help escort me home?"
"Well..." At her words, Nancy pondered briefly and replied, "Of course I can, but let me inform my friend first. Please wait a moment, madam."
Having said that, Nancy took out her phone and messaged Sean Grant. After receiving her approval, she put away her phone and started pushing the lady's wheelchair, following her directions through several stone paths, reaching a side gate.
Seeing the side gate, Nancy had a rough idea of the lady's identity.
Only the privileged, not just wealthy, might connect such a residence with Harmony Gardens.
"Madam, why did you..." When the butler Victor Hawthorne saw the lady being pushed by an unfamiliar young woman, he was taken aback and glanced behind her.
"I got separated from Wanda, and this young...." The lady paused and looked at Nancy awkwardly, "Little girl, what's your name?"
"I'm Nancy Sutton, 26 years old."
"Nancy, what a nice name. Sounds like such a sweet child." The lady affectionately patted Nancy's hand with a smile.
"Madam, the young master has returned!"
The twinkle in the lady's eyes hinted at mischief, and she feigned disdain as she huffed, "By the time he finds me, I'd have been a ferret's dinner already. Let that rascal come over!"
Liam Quincy approached, hearing the lady's grievance, and chuckled softly, "Grandma, when did you start raising ferrets?"
The lady pursed her lips, "Besides you, what other ferret is there?"
Liam Quincy shook his head helplessly, knowing it was his grandmother who had mischievously brought the girl home and instead blamed him.
The lady glanced sideways at her grandson, "This is Miss Sutton, just call her Nancy. If Nancy hadn't brought me home, you'd be in tears."
Liam Quincy narrowed his eyes at the tall, beautiful woman before him, a hint of disdain flickering in his gaze.
Yet in his grandmother's presence, he maintained a courteous smile, "Thank you for bringing my grandmother home."
Meeting the man's deep, oceany gaze, Nancy nearly faltered in her composure.
"There's no need for thanks, Mr. Quincy." She awkwardly touched her nose, "Since the lady is fine, I'll take my leave..."
"Wait!"
Nancy tried to flee, wanting to bolt out the door, but suddenly the lady called her back, waving her over.
"Uh." Nancy reluctantly returned, "Madam, is there anything else?"
The lady motioned her closer.
Curious, Nancy bent to listen, and the lady whispered, "Your dress is stained; it's probably that time of the month. Don't move, I'll have that rascal buy you a new outfit."
Nancy's mind buzzed, instinctively covering the back of her skirt, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into.
Liam Quincy didn't know what his grandmother whispered to Nancy, but seeing her embarrassed expression, it was likely his grandmother playing matchmaker, viewing the girl as someone eager to climb the social ladder.
He felt disdainful.
The lady watched her grandson eyeing the girl with interest, her clear eyes bright with amusement.
Looked like that iron tree grandson of hers could indeed blossom.
The lady took the lead, "Shut your mouth; do what I say now."
Liam Quincy: "..."
"Go buy Nancy two sets of clothes, inside and out. Do you understand?"
Before Liam Quincy could respond, Nancy's face was already a deep crimson with embarrassment.
"No need, madam, just a jacket will do." She stood there stiffly, not daring to move a muscle.