novelraw Chapter 273: They say men are cold and hard as stone, but it turns out they just haven’t met the right person.
Chapter 273: They say men are cold and hard as stone, but it turns out they just haven’t met the right person.
Chapter 273: Chapter 273: They say men are cold and hard as stone, but it turns out they just haven’t met the right person.
"It’s alright. No one has lived here for a long time." The middle-aged man waved his hand and smiled at her, revealing a set of pearly white teeth.
The man then continued fastening the Dreamcatcher onto the door, a trace of nostalgia flickering in his eyes.
Delphine noticed that the Dreamcatcher had long been weathered by the elements, its feathers faded in color. Fortunately, the willow branches remained intact, and its original shape could still be faintly discerned.
"Why don’t you carry it with you?" she asked calmly.
The middle-aged man gave her a slightly surprised look, then smiled and said, "It would only add to the sorrow."
"Are you a guest here to attend today’s appreciation banquet? This place is rather secluded, and people rarely come here. Let me lead you out," the man said, pointing toward the path Delphine had taken to arrive.
Delphine nodded slightly and noticed a suave, spirited young man emerging from somewhere in the garden. It was none other than Sylvester Cloud, the eldest young master of the Cloud Family, with whom she had crossed paths once before.
"Ah, Sylvester, you’re just in time. This young lady lost her way; take her out," the middle-aged man said with a smile. With a flick of his sleeve, he turned and headed deeper into the courtyard.
Sylvester also recognized Delphine. That day, seeing her follow behind Griffith Squire with her calm and detached demeanor had left a deep impression on him. He quickly smiled and said, "Miss Carter, what a coincidence."
"Mr. Cloud," Delphine responded with a nod, her voice as tranquil as a mountain spring.
Delphine glanced at the strange middle-aged man who had disappeared and furrowed her brows slightly.
"That’s my second uncle. He’s rarely home and doesn’t like to interact with strangers. Please don’t take offense," Sylvester explained with a laugh upon noticing her expression. While guiding Delphine out, he continued, "It’s quite a coincidence that you saw him today. My second uncle just returned from a sea voyage and hasn’t even met my parents yet, but somehow you ran into him first."
"Returned from a sea voyage?" Delphine asked softly. No wonder his robe was so faded that its original color was indiscernible. This second elder of the Cloud Family must be a bachelor who embarks on voyages lasting six months to a year—the kind of life most people would never choose.
"Yes, my second uncle formed his own maritime exploration team. This time he returned from the South Seas to resupply midway. He’ll head out to sea again in a while and might be gone for several years," Sylvester said with a sigh. Seeing Delphine lost in thought, he smiled and added, "Why am I telling you all this? Most of the guests have already arrived at the front. Let me take you over."
The two walked along the path to the lakeside, where, sure enough, they found small groups of people sipping afternoon tea, enjoying snacks, and engaging in lively conversations.
The most eye-catching group was the one surrounding Ignatius Leclair. The man wore a dark overcoat tailored to perfection, his features handsome yet cold and stern. He lowered his head slightly, speaking with the woman beside him.
Delphine’s gaze landed on the woman—a vision of grace in a classic black evening gown, her skin as luminous as pearls. With just one glance, she recognized her as Melody Cloud, the most distinguished socialite of the South Seas.
Sylvester smiled devilishly, his words carrying a hidden meaning as he remarked, "Miss Carter, perhaps we might become family in the future."
Delphine smiled faintly and replied with composure, "They say Mr. Leclair is cold and unfeeling, never drawn to anyone. It seems he simply hasn’t met the right person."
Before her words had faded, the man’s sharp, handsome gaze swept over. He saw Delphine standing beside Sylvester, his phoenix-shaped eyes deep and unfathomable.
Sylvester chuckled and said, "So Ignatius Leclair has been keeping himself scandal-free all these years, waiting for Melody’s return? Speaking of which, it does remind me of something."
As they bantered, Melody elegantly approached, her every movement exuding charm. She smiled and said, "I’m Melody Cloud. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can get along well."
"I’m Delphine Carter." Delphine extended her hand and spoke steadily as she shook Melody’s hand.