novelraw Chapter 465: A Restrained Kiss
Chapter 465: A Restrained Kiss
Finnian watched as Ignatius Leclair stepped out to make a phone call, his refined and handsome face finally revealing a trace of contemplation.
Ignatius Leclair, a man whose power in Southeast Asia was unmatched, had come here today to meet Delphine, which had already thoroughly offended him. Seeing him again would certainly be as difficult as scaling the heavens. Finnian had to keep his words brief and clear.
"Delphine, the reason I came today was indeed to ask for the Yellow Jade Seal. Only by merging the two jade seals can I resolve the divisions within the family. Over the years, the family has remained closed off for too long, gradually falling behind the times. To put it nicely, we boast of being a reclusive family, relying on the glory of our ancestors. But to put it bluntly, from Imperial City to Southeast Asia, how many people today have even heard of the Wood Family? What we cling to is a glory that has long been swept away in the tides of history, not the present."
Finnian’s refined face grew somewhat solemn. As he spoke, he took out the second half of the Yellow Jade Seal from his possession, placed it on the table, pushed it toward her, and continued, "This seal is returned to you. If you have time to visit Aunt Rou’s birthplace, you’ll understand what I mean. In these years, I’ve been insistent on stepping out because I hope there won’t come a day when even the ancestral shrine where we pay our respects is reduced to rubble."
Finnian finished speaking and stood up. The man shed his previously bureaucratic demeanor, now exuding an even greater sense of stature and authority.
Delphine found his claims to be starkly different from Desmond Wood’s, leaving her with an inexplicable feeling that Finnian’s depiction was likely the truest reflection of the Wood Family’s current condition.
"Where does the Wood Family reside now?" Delphine asked Finnian.
"Thirty miles outside Brocade City. Once you go, you’ll understand. For the rest, you can ask Desmond. My visit today was presumptuous. If there’s anything, feel free to call me." Finnian handed her his personal business card, then grasped the black umbrella he had brought along and departed without waiting for Ignatius Leclair to return and escort him out.
As the man stepped out of the house, he narrowed his eyes and showed a meaningful smile.
Only by painting a bleak picture of the Wood Family’s situation could Delphine be moved to take a look herself. And once she did, could she really leave those old relics behind?
Who would have thought Aunt Rou’s daughter had such a profound connection with the most powerful heir of the Leclair Family in Southeast Asia?
The Southeast Asia Crown Prince, Ignatius Leclair, stood equal to Imperial City’s Major General Shaw in reputation and status. Behind him stood three of the most powerful families: the Leclair Family, the Howard Family, and the Shaw Family.
Whatever genuine affection Ignatius might feel for Delphine was instantly overshadowed by the enormous benefits that would come from her marrying him.
What a pity. If not for absolute necessity, Finnian would rather not face off against Ignatius.
"Delphine, I really didn’t lie to you. Our ancestors truly were glorious," Desmond said timidly.
Delphine lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment before lifting her gaze to him, speaking calmly and softly, "Desmond, I’m cold-natured and may not be fit to carry this responsibility. Even if I were to take it on, my vision aligns with Finnian’s. After you’ve traveled through many places, seen countless mountains and rivers, you’ll realize how vast the world truly is. Do you want the Wood Family to remain as frogs under the well’s lid?"
Desmond’s baby face nearly crumpled into tears as his head drooped in dejection and he trudged up to the second floor.
Delphine sighed softly. For someone, the thing they took the most pride in being shattered was no less devastating than the sky collapsing. These were realizations Desmond would have to come to on his own. She sat idly for a while, and as she rose, she almost collided with Ignatius Leclair, who had just returned.
The man was bending slightly. She stood up, their breath mingling. Ignatius extended a hand to steady her slim waist, his gaze landing on her delicate, palm-sized face. His sexy Adam’s apple bobbed slightly before he leaned in for a controlled but lingering kiss.