Chapter 346

"Mom!" Alexander Laurent cut her off. "I've said I'm not considering that right now."

Sylvia Laurent stared at him. "Are you seeing someone?"

Alexander froze.

Sophia Sullivan's face flashed through his mind.

He shook his head. "No."

Sylvia didn't believe him. "Then what about the suit? You bought it alone?"

Alexander glanced down at the paper bag. "How did you know it was a suit?"

Sylvia's eyes flickered.

"The logo is obvious. They only make suits. Don't change the subject. Answer me."

His tone was flat. "A friend helped me choose it."

"A friend? Male or female? What friend?" Sylvia pressed.

"Mom, is this why you called me back today?" Alexander frowned. "If there's nothing else, I need to return to the lab."

Sylvia studied him for a long moment.

His expression was neutral, giving nothing away.

She was about to speak when Frederick Laurent set down his teacup.

"Enough. Our son is busy. He came back specifically for you. Know when to stop."

Sylvia suppressed her anxiety.

She couldn't let that tea master keep stringing her son along.

It was utterly maddening!

...

The Valdemar residence.

Irene Valdemar had also summoned her son home.

She was more composed than Sylvia.

She got straight to the point. "Changed your companion recently?"

The word "companion" was uttered lightly.

Sebastian Evans raised an eyebrow. "Suddenly interested in my love life?"

Irene devoted most of her energy to her husband and social engagements.

This unusual concern surprised him.

Irene laughed without humor. "Can't I care about my own son?"

"Of course you can," Sebastian nodded. "Whatever makes you happy."

"So it's true?"

"She's not a companion."

Irene paused. "...What does that mean?"

"Exactly what it sounds like. Not a companion. A woman I'm seriously pursuing."

"And she hasn't agreed yet?"

Sebastian shook his head. "Not yet."

Irene was surprised. "There's someone you can't win over?"

"Correction: 'hasn't agreed yet,' not 'can't win over.' Don't jinx me."

Irene's heart sank, but her expression remained light. "You're serious?"

Sebastian: "I'm always serious."

Irene couldn't smile.

Most second-generation heirs in their circle were disappointments. Her son was the exception.

Brilliant and strong-willed since childhood, with a daring streak.

He ventured into investments, finance, and started his own company as an adult.

Though not entirely self-made, he was exceptionally capable.

His only fault was his frequent change of female companions.

Approaching thirty and still not settled.

But it didn't hinder his outstanding career.

Irene never interfered with Sebastian's relationships.

She knew they were just for fun, posing no threat.

Which young heir wasn't a bit wild?

Play was play, but he mustn't get trapped.

Some things were hard for Irene to say directly.

She could only hint vaguely. "Be careful with matters between men and women. Don't take it lightly just because you're experienced. Be careful not to get hurt."

Sebastian was puzzled. "Mom, what are you trying to say?"

Irene didn't elaborate further. Instead, she brought up another matter. "I contacted Dr. Chang a few days ago. He said Grandma's eyes and health have improved significantly. Arrange a time. I want to see them."

Dr. Chang was the head of ophthalmology at the Valdemar hospital, Florence Atlante's primary physician.

Irene had long informed the hospital to notify her when the old lady improved.

"Before, you said Grandma was unwell and couldn't be upset, so I shouldn't visit. Now the doctor says she's better. What reason do you have to stop me now?"

Irene looked at Sebastian, having anticipated this.

Sebastian hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Grandma's health has improved, but her spirits are still low. Stress could cause a setback. It's best not to disturb her..."

"What stimulation could seeing her own daughter cause?" Irene's agitation flared instantly. "I am her daughter! Her only daughter! Decades have passed. Why can't she understand?!"

"Mom—"

"I think she's not just blind in the eyes, but in her heart too! All these years, who has cared for her? Who has worked tirelessly for her? And her?" Irene spoke through gritted teeth, filled with anger and resentment. "She only remembers Emilia!"

"Dead! That person has been dead for years! Turned to ashes! Why can't the old lady understand?!"

That person, a lingering ghost!

"Mom! You're going too far!" Sebastian's face turned cold.

Whenever Emilia was mentioned, his mother's rationality and elegance vanished.

Her loss of composure was rather unseemly.

"Sebastian, I really don't understand. Help me think? They wanted for nothing. Holidays, calls, gifts—I never missed a thing. I was careful in everything, cautious everywhere, afraid of failing in my duty as a daughter. And the result? Calls ignored, gifts returned, treated like an enemy when we meet! They never truly considered me their daughter! And now you say I'm going too far?!"

Irene grew more agitated as she spoke. She stood up abruptly and paced back and forth in the living room.

She muttered to herself, "Haven't I done enough? Why won't they forgive me after all these years? Was Emilia that perfect? She was willful and spoiled. Where did I fall short? Is it just because of blood?"

"Is an adopted daughter not as dear as a biological one? Then why adopt me in the first place? Why give me a home if the love wasn't equal?"

Sebastian watched calmly as she complained, grew angry, raged, and became anxious.

He remained silent.

Only when she showed pain, nearing collapse, did he speak quietly. "Two went out together. Only one came back. How do you expect Grandfather and Grandmother to accept that? How can they forgive?"

Irene froze completely.