Overprotected By My Tsundere CEO

Chapter 277 - 186: Stirring Up Trouble at the Scott Family

Beside her stood a tall man holding an umbrella, his thick eyebrows furrowed, and his chiseled face showing hints of worry.

Nora Scott had been occupied with the funeral for three days, and Pedro Langley was by her side the whole time, never leaving her for a moment.

"Nora."

Ernesto Scott approached quickly, holding an umbrella.

He only found out about Antonio Easton’s death yesterday afternoon.

Yesterday, he was supposed to go with Nora to the Scott family residence, but just before leaving, he discovered that Nora’s phone was off and unreachable. After contacting Antonio Easton’s caregiver, he learned about the situation and rushed over.

He was still wearing his suit from the company, the tie missing somewhere, and his previously neat clothes were now creased. His polished leather shoes were splattered with mud, making him appear rather disheveled.

"You’ve been exhausted for days without much rest, you should go back and get some sleep," Ernesto Scott said worriedly, glancing at Pedro Langley standing nearby and cautiously suggesting, "How about letting Pedro take you home?"

Pedro Langley, he knew well.

The third son of the Langley family, quite famous in Fenton City, young and capable, with several companies under his name leading various industries. Even when they talked about him occasionally, they couldn’t help but admire him.

He just never expected their first meeting would be at Antonio Easton’s funeral. And, this young CEO coveted by over thirty percent of the socialites in Fenton City seemed to have an extraordinary relationship with Nora Scott.

"Okay."

Seeing Ernesto Scott’s worried and tense expression, Nora finally nodded, her expression rather stiff.

She glanced at Pedro Langley to one side.

Turned around.

Pedro Langley’s umbrella followed closely.

Meanwhile—

Ernesto Scott’s phone rang suddenly, the sound particularly loud and piercing amidst the drizzling rain.

When Ernesto Scott answered the call, he no longer maintained the caution he showed in front of Nora.

"...Why come? Not coming! ...If he doesn’t acknowledge, who cares! Even if he doesn’t acknowledge, does that mean my daughter isn’t my daughter? At worst, I’ll hold a press conference and announce to the entire nation..."

Ernesto Scott spoke grumpily to Ouyang Qiu over the phone.

Meanwhile, having walked a few steps away, Nora suddenly stopped, hesitated for a moment, and turned around.

Pedro Langley halted as well.

He lowered his eyes and saw the chill in Nora’s eyes, a flash of ruthlessness passing through, his voice cold and harsh, "Is today that dog Aaron Scott’s birthday?"

The abrupt remark left Ernesto Scott’s grand declaration momentarily suspended.

Ernesto Scott looked up in shock, the words "dog" that Nora uttered echoed in his ears all-encompassingly, leaving him momentarily stunned.

"...Yes."

After a while, Ernesto Scott nodded, feeling as if he had accepted Nora’s "dog" label.

Nora raised her eyes, her gaze icy, and glanced at Pedro Langley, saying, "Let’s go to the Scott family."

She had orchestrated a play and was holding her breath, needing to witness its conclusion.

"Okay."

Pedro Langley didn’t hesitate for a moment.

In a few short seconds, as Nora suddenly made her decision, Ernesto Scott reacted a beat late, and by the time he wanted to call out to Nora, the two under the umbrella had already walked a considerable distance.

*

The Scott family mansion.

This was a replica of an ancient residence that Ernesto Scott bought at a high price. Although not located in the city center, it occupied a vast area and was grand and imposing. The mansion was adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, winding corridors, artificial mountains and flowing water, and winding paths; stepping inside felt like traveling back in time, isolated from the world.

As noon approached, guests began visiting in succession.

"Son, does my hair look messy? Do I need to touch up my makeup?"

As they neared the Scott residence, the experienced Mrs. Chapman began to grow restless, chattering non-stop to her silent and reserved son.

She was doing this not for Aaron Scott, but for Nora Scott.

Mrs. Chapman was determined to maintain the perfect aunty image in front of Nora to improve Henry Chapman’s impression score.

Beside her, Henry Chapman lifted his eyes lazily, "Nora probably won’t come."

"Why not?"

The smile on Mrs. Chapman’s face disappeared abruptly.

Frowning lightly, Henry Chapman vaguely said, "There’s something going on."

A few days ago, when Antonio Easton passed away, Henry Chapman knew about it. He even attended the funeral yesterday.

But this wasn’t something easily shared with Mrs. Chapman. Moreover, Nora hadn’t explicitly stated she wouldn’t visit the Scott family.

Mrs. Chapman was displeased, "Son, why didn’t you mention this earlier?"

Henry Chapman admitted, "I only realized midway that you were aiming for Nora."

Not fond of Aaron Scott, Mrs. Chapman had long since declared she would not attend the birthday banquet. Unexpectedly, she changed her mind this morning, got up early to groom herself, dressed exquisitely, and decided to attend Aaron Scott’s birthday celebration with her son.

Henry Chapman didn’t understand and thought she was just idle, until mid-way, when he realized her continuous mentions of "Nora," which clued him into her true intention.

"..."

Mrs. Chapman’s enthusiasm significantly dampened.

She no longer checked her hair, touched up her makeup, or even cared about the small purse she brought, tossing it aside to avoid seeing it.

With a furrowed brow, Henry Chapman resigned, "Probably."

"So, there’s a chance she might come?" Mrs. Chapman’s eyes lit up, unable to resist blaming him, "How could you be so unreliable?"

"..."

Henry Chapman wisely chose to stay silent.

As they chatted, the vehicle came to a stop outside the Scott family mansion. Once parked, a servant approached with an umbrella.

Mrs. Chapman rolled her eyes, "Corrupt, extravagant, pretentious."

One moment, Mrs. Chapman was complaining in the car, the next, she got out wearing the perfect smile of a noblewoman.

Henry Chapman was indifferent, familiar with the routine as he got out of the car.

The Scott family’s snobbery was evident in the way they treated others.

Families reliant on the Scotts, and individuals insignificant in the societal hierarchy, were greeted by servants, with a junior coming out to say hello; families that stood equal with the Scotts, and individuals somewhat renowned in their respective fields, were hosted by the younger generation of the Scott family; prominent aristocratic families were led into the inner courtyard, personally greeted by Aaron Scott.

The Chapman family was clearly in the final category, directly led into the inner courtyard by a servant.

Despite having a silent, introverted son who didn’t like socializing, Mrs. Chapman was eloquent and proficient in socializing, once famed as a socialite of note.

Even though she didn’t particularly appreciate Aaron Scott, she maintained a warm and cordial demeanor, delivering the usual pleasantries with ease.

"This is my son, Henry Chapman."

Somehow, the topic shifted to Henry Chapman.

Although Aaron Scott didn’t follow the entertainment industry, Henry Chapman appeared on screens frequently enough, with his fame widespread, recognized by everyone from elderly folks in their eighties to young children.

Having heard about him, Aaron Scott was now full of compliments when he saw Henry Chapman, "Truly a remarkably handsome and talented young man."

"..."

Henry Chapman, with his eyes lowered, didn’t even spare a glance.

Aaron Scott: "..."

What was up with this kid?

Did he think he could snub him?

Mrs. Chapman was accustomed to her son’s willful behavior, not intending to reprimand or scold him. Instead, she smiled and swiftly changed the subject.

Henry Chapman stood aside, having long since grown numb to the conversation. Taking advantage of his mother’s chat with Aaron Scott, he handed the birthday gift he brought to a nearby servant.

A day and night of rain had left the ground soaked and slippery with the comings and goings of people.

The servant receiving the gift turned to leave, but lost footing, slipping forward. The ornate box he held naturally fell, slipping out.

With a loud "clang," the box landed on the ground, and unbound, its lid burst open, spilling its contents, which rolled across the floor.

The commotion attracted everyone’s attention.

Mrs. Chapman and Aaron Scott’s conversation stopped abruptly.

A pair of shiny black leather shoes halted next to the box.

The person bent down, reaching out to pick up both the box and its contents.

Once standing, the person looked at the gift in surprise, exclaiming, "This—"