Chapter 301: Very Calculative
“Even if you lack Hayden’s skills, you absolutely cannot afford to fall short when it comes to spirit! Understand? Or else, I’ll just have to teach you a lesson myself!” Madelyn declared vigorously, punching the air with a mock-threatening expression.
Startled, Josiah instinctively shrank back, his voice tinged with a helpless plea. “Come on, can’t you go easy just this once? You’re supposed to be recovering from that injury, yet here you are, stirring things up. Are you trying to aggravate your condition even further?”
Undeterred, and puffing with determination, Madelyn raised her fist again, defiantly retorting, “What does it matter if my hand isn’t fully healed yet? Even with this injured hand, I’m more than capable of taking you down if I have to.”
Josiah flinched, his fear evident. On the sidelines, Tristan and Jillian chuckled at the unfolding drama, finding the exchange comical.
At that moment, a distinguished-looking young man, guiding another in a wheelchair with a sun-kissed, bronze complexion, approached. They were Josiah’s two elder brothers.
Without missing a beat, Josiah excitedly began introductions. “Let me introduce you. This is my oldest brother, Mason, and this is my second brother, Xander. And to my brothers, these are my classmates, Madelyn and Jillian.”
No lengthy introductions were needed for Tristan; the Blumes already knew him.
“Hello, Mason and Xander! Josiah’s always speaking so highly of you—praising your success and good looks. Meeting you today, I see he wasn’t exaggerating,” Jillian remarked with a smile.
Madelyn greeted the brothers with a cordial smile, her natural innocence and charm immediately endearing her to Mason and Xander.
“I understand Ms. Thornton has been keeping an eye on Josiah recently? That must have been quite the challenge, as handling him is like dealing with a monkey. We’ll be counting on your patience moving forward,” Mason commented serenely.
“Well, every troublemaker has their own jinx. No one in our family could manage him before, but it looks like he’s finally met his match,” Xander added, laughing.
This comment irked Josiah. “Are you guys even my real brothers? Show some respect, will you?”
Madelyn couldn’t suppress her laughter. She had expected the brothers to be more serious, but their banter was surprisingly lighthearted and amusing. The lively conversation continued, filled with joviality.
After some time, Madelyn checked the time, chuckling. “Looks like it’s about time. We should probably head over to greet Old Mr. Blume,” she suggested, leading the way as others nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, Hayden observed from a distance, disdain crossing his face. Over the past few days, he had been gathering information on Madelyn. Other than her role as the lady of the Lockhart family, her companions seemed inconsequential. Yet, here they were, all together. Birds of a feather flock together. Rats like them should stick together.
In another corner, Janessa observed Hayden closely. Surrounded by flatterers, she felt a pang of regret. Back in school, she had befriended Josiah to broaden her network. But now, she realized Josiah, considered inconsequential by both outsiders and his family, was the wrong connection. Her focus should have been on Hayden from the start.
Before long, Madelyn and the group reached Felix. Josiah’s parents, Benedict and Mary, were already there, conversing with Sebastian, whose distinguished appearance and graceful manner were notable.
Madelyn’s warm voice called out, “Old Mr. Blume!”
Felix turned, greeted by Madelyn’s radiant presence. “Oh, where did this little fairy come from?” he exclaimed joyfully.
“Then where do you hail from, birthday star?” Madelyn playfully retorted, sparking laughter.
Regaining her poise, Madelyn offered a heartfelt greeting. “Old Mr. Blume, on this auspicious day of your birthday, I extend my wishes for joyous days in every year and splendid moments in every season. May you be blessed with happiness and good fortune!”
Delighted, Felix chuckled. “Thank you, my dear. Just by gracing this old man’s birthday celebration with your presence, you’ve already brought me immense joy.”
“Old Mr. Blume, you flatter me too much. In fact, I regret not visiting you sooner. I still owe you thanks for your help last time,” Madelyn responded sincerely.
The old man waved off her thanks. “Oh, think nothing of it. But you’re quite an astute young woman for your age. You’ve shown more initiative than our little Josiah here. And now, having married such a promising young man like Mr. Lockhart, it seems your life is on a very fulfilling path. Ah, if only our Josiah could possess half of your wisdom, I’d be ecstatic.”
This remark sent ripples of laughter through the crowd.
From the sidelines, Josiah listened, feeling indignant and misunderstood. What’s happening tonight? It seems wherever I go, I become the subject of a cautionary tale! It’s heartbreaking… And to make matters worse, Sebastian’s standing right there!
Sebastian’s formidable presence beside Madelyn only highlighted Josiah’s feelings of inadequacy. Sebastian’s capabilities seemed superhuman; Josiah knew he could never compete.
The atmosphere grew more somber when Xander, instead of offering consolation, gave unsolicited advice in a low voice. “Josiah, heed my honest advice—give up. Sebastian is simply too exceptional; you stand no chance against him. Stop pining for that girl. Look, I can easily find someone more suitable for you.”
“Get lost!” Josiah’s frustration boiled over, nearly lashing out at his brother.
Just then, a young man in a military uniform approached. Hayden, holding a meticulously wrapped box, approached Felix reverently. “Grandpa, I have brought you a gift. I hope you like it.”
Felix’s face lit up as he accepted the gift. Inside was an ancient chess strategy book.
“Grandpa, this is the sole surviving chess strategy book penned by King Cassio—an extraordinary antique painstakingly recovered by archaeologists. I invested a substantial sum to secure it, and I sincerely hope it meets your expectations,” Hayden explained respectfully.
The gift was thoughtful, especially given Felix’s appreciation for chess. As Felix examined the gift, applause broke out, and Hayden received widespread commendation.