novelraw Chapter 287: Aren’t They Siblings in Name Only?
Chapter 287: Aren’t They Siblings in Name Only?
When Delphine came downstairs, Sylvester Cloud was chatting with the old butler. The man was dressed in a dark green sweater, his figure slender, his features handsome and refined. His words were witty and charming, making the room full of servants flush with spring-like excitement.
In an instant, the oppressive atmosphere that once hung over the Leclair estate had dissipated.
Sylvester’s sharp eyes quickly spotted Delphine descending. Rising to his full height of six foot three, his presence was commanding as he smiled with a charming elegance and said, "The other day, my sister fell into the lake and accidentally bumped into Miss Gu. Today, I’m here to offer my apologies."
Two days had passed since the Cloud Family’s banquet of gratitude, and this matter had already been long forgotten. Why would Sylvester think to visit the Leclair estate now?
Delphine maintained a polite smile and softly replied, "Mr. Cloud, you’re too kind."
Sylvester noted her pallid complexion, her small and delicate face devoid of any trace of vitality. She wore a creamy white sweater, her entire demeanor soft and frail, reminiscent of a snow-white rabbit. His smile deepened as he laughed in a gentlemanly, easygoing manner, "Alright, to be honest, I just wanted an excuse to come and see Miss Gu. My sister’s matter is merely a pretext."
Sylvester chuckled, "My second uncle was very impressed with you the other day. Knowing I was coming here, he asked me to bring you an ocarina." Sylvester retrieved a purple clay ocarina from the pocket of his coat and handed it to her, his expression warm and genuine.
Delphine thought of the man she had glimpsed that day—the Cloud Family’s second uncle, even his robes faded with washing. She nodded slightly and accepted the gift.
The purple clay ocarina felt antique yet elegant in her hands, its craftsmanship unpretentiously harmonious. It was undoubtedly a rare treasure. Her heart was subtly moved as she softly offered her thanks, "Such a fine ocarina—if left in my hands, I fear it would only be wasted."
"Don’t say that. My second uncle crafted it himself. He often sails the seas and has plenty of fine pieces like this." Sylvester smiled. "This time, he brought me back a pair of snow-white fish bones and even some exotic plants."
"Second Uncle Cloud’s lifestyle is truly enviable," Delphine replied with a faint smile upon hearing this. She had heard that the Cloud Family’s second uncle was in his forties, unmarried and childless, unconcerned with power or wealth, living solely the life he desired.
Such independence was exceedingly rare within aristocratic families.
"His supply stop this time is estimated to last three to four months. If Miss Gu has the time, I could bring you to see his ship and hear some of his tales of the sea?" Sylvester proposed with a bright gaze, seemingly drawn to this aloof woman who had crossed his path only twice.
Delphine’s expression faltered for a moment. Due to Melody Cloud’s involvement, her relations with the Cloud Family were destined to remain strained. Just as she was about to politely decline, Ignatius Leclair descended the stairs, his tone cold and detached as he remarked, "That may not be convenient. The Leclair estate is in troubled times, and Delphine should not go out."
The smile on Sylvester’s lips stiffened slightly. He recalled the rumors he’d heard upon returning to Southeast Asia over the past days—tense gossip that he’d initially dismissed. Yet seeing Ignatius’s demeanor, could those rumors be true? Did Ignatius Leclair harbor feelings for the adopted daughter living under the Leclair roof?
Were they not, in name, siblings?
The two men, both strikingly handsome yet sharply different—one cold and distant, the other playful and refined—shared a brief, tacit look, each harboring unspoken thoughts.
Delphine, noticing Ignatius descending, instinctively felt her body tense. She glanced around the room but did not see Mrs. Gu. She turned to the butler and asked, "Butler, where’s my aunt?"
"Mrs. Gu left in quite a hurry just moments ago. I assumed Miss Delphine was aware," the old butler replied, his tone tinged with surprise.
Delphine’s face shifted. She knew her aunt’s temperament well; at such a critical juncture, there would be no reason for her to leave unless something serious had happened.