novelraw Chapter 297: Mr. Li Guards Miss Delphine as if He’s Guarding His Own Eyes
Chapter 297: Mr. Li Guards Miss Delphine as if He’s Guarding His Own Eyes
"Miss Delphine, are you still staying at the Leclair Residence?"
Maximilian found himself unable to understand Stone Leclair’s recent actions. Initially, he thought Stone simply had a passing fondness for Miss Delphine. But last night, he wagered so many chips and even allowed Beatrice Carter to take the place of Stone’s mother from years ago—just to secure a severance document.
The more Maximilian thought about it, the more convinced he became that his second brother was absolutely right: Stone Leclair was deeply entangled in this.
With this severance document, not only did Stone lose any grounds to control Miss Delphine, but it would also be much easier for Ignatius Leclair to marry her in the future.
"Yes." The man nodded lightly. The Leclair Residence was currently experiencing a chaotic period; Miss Delphine, truthfully, was ill-suited to stay there. However, in her present state, Ignatius Leclair could not rest easy letting her leave.
"The old patriarch is returning this afternoon. When he finds out, will he take his anger out on Miss Delphine?" Maximilian couldn’t help but warn. Ignatius guarded Miss Delphine as closely as he would his own eyes. If the old patriarch’s temper flared, it would surely spell trouble.
Ignatius narrowed his sharp phoenix eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips, utterly unperturbed. Though the old patriarch seemed fierce on the surface, he was fiercely protective of his own. For now, he might not accept Miss Delphine, but Ignatius had plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
If Miss Delphine were to bear his child, he imagined the old patriarch would be so overjoyed he might even dance. Where would there be time for objections then? First a grandchild, and only then would any arguments arise.
"Go find a chef skilled in herbal cuisine," Ignatius ordered coolly. Delphine had shown no signs of recovery for such a long time; it seemed that her previous miscarriage had left her physically weakened. She would need slow and careful nurturing to regain her health.
The old patriarch of the Leclair Family arrived in Nanyang at 5:00 p.m., personally welcomed by Ignatius Leclair at the airport.
In his younger years, the old patriarch had been renowned throughout Nanyang for his formidable presence. Even in his twilight years, his vitality showed no signs of waning. Leaning on a dragon-head cane crafted from red sandalwood, dressed in traditional Tang attire, he returned to Nanyang to celebrate the New Year.
The news quickly spread across Nanyang’s elite circles, prompting every household to stay tense and prudent. Having one near-demonic genius in the Leclair Family was daunting enough; now that the old fox was back as well, many people decided it was best to lay low for a while.
The old patriarch entered the Leclair Residence, his cane in hand, his eyes lingering on the two pomegranate trees in the courtyard. Tears welled up uncontrollably in his eyes. Earlier, when the pomegranates ripened, Ignatius had gone to great lengths to have a basket flown to Switzerland for the old patriarch, who was homesick. Having eaten too many, he’d ended up hospitalized. Now, as he returned to the familiar estate, unchanged yet filled with poignant memories, he was overcome with emotion.
Ignatius stood off to the side, tall and imposing like a mountain, making no effort to interrupt. Only after the old patriarch had finished reminiscing did he lazily remark, "Next year, when the pomegranates ripen, you’ll still be able to enjoy them."
The old patriarch was so provoked that he chuckled and raised his cane as if to strike, mockingly scolding, "You rascal! Stirring up such chaos in Nanyang and still daring to speak up?"
Ignatius’s handsome face broke into a faint smile. He did not dodge and replied, "Isn’t it because I have you backing me up that I dare to stir things up?"
"I’ll deal with you later," the old patriarch retorted, his mood secretly uplifted but showing no sign of it on his face. With spirited steps, he strode toward the side hall.
Stone Leclair had taken special leave to be at home. Bessie Leclair, Mrs. Carter, the old steward, and the household staff lined up to greet him, each person silent and somber.
The old patriarch entered the side hall, noticing that the furnishings remained identical to the day he’d left. Pleased, he nodded approvingly and instructed the steward to distribute the gifts he had brought back.
Once the staff, delighted, scurried away with the gifts, the old patriarch finally settled into the principal seat. The glossy-ebony dragon cane struck the floor with a sharp sound as he authoritatively commanded Stone Leclair, "Kneel before me!"