Did they really think they could bully the Lancaster family's treasure and get away with it? Julian was already secretly devising a hundred different ways to set his trap.

"Was everything smooth on your end, brother?" Serena asked.

Julian knew what she was asking and nodded.

"What's with all the cryptic talk between you two?" Old Mr. Lancaster narrowed his eyes, his suspicious gaze shifting back and forth between them.

His granddaughter had suddenly gone to the restroom and been gone for half an hour. His eldest grandson had claimed he was going to console Isabella and stop her from obsessing, but then he disappeared too. When he returned, he stayed glued to the side of his wheelchair, constantly asking things like—

"Grandpa, how are you feeling?"

"Grandpa, do you feel any discomfort?"

"Grandpa, if you feel even slightly unwell, you have to tell me immediately."

Connecting this to Serena's sudden and prolonged absence, Old Mr. Lancaster had

a faint guess about what had happened.

"It's nothing, Grandpa," Serena said with a smile, meeting his questioning gaze. "I just asked my brother for a little help.”

Old Mr. Lancaster stared at Serena for a few seconds before holding out his hand. "Serena, come here."

Serena walked over and took his hand.

Old Mr. Lancaster patted the back of her hand. "You're very capable, and there are many things I can't help you with anymore. But your brother-feel free to order him around as you please."

Serena could hear the deep worry and care in her grandfather's tone. Her smile widened as she nodded. "I know, Grandpa. We're family. I won't hesitate."

Watching the Lancasters' concern

for her best friend, Black Jack's heart warmed. Her line of work made her extremely perceptive of people's emotions. She could tell this family it was clear the family treated Serena as their pride and joy. The affection in their eyes was undisguised.

Her impression of the Lancasters improved even more, and her attitude became friendlier. Her best friend's family was her family! While she was in Elyndor, anything they couldn't do conveniently, she would secretly take care of for them!

"Hazel!" Catherine suddenly called out.

Black Jack immediately turned with a smile. Catherine was still holding her hand tightly, looking at her with the same fondness she showed her own daughter. "Hazel, you must have come to Vaelion City specifically to find Serena, right? Do you have a place to stay? If not, why don't you come live with us at the Lancaster residence? You and Serena can keep each other company."

Black Jack's eyes sparkled. She clasped Catherine's hands with both of hers. “For real, ma'am? Can I really live at the Lancaster residence and be with my darling Serena every day?"

Her eagerness was adorable. The

more Catherine looked at her daughter's best friend, the more she liked her. She nodded. "Of course it's

Quand Simge youre

best

real. It's rare for Serena to introduce us to her her best friend, you're like another daughter

La

to me!"

Black Jack immediately seized the opportunity. "Mom!"

Catherine blinked, surprised by how straightforward the young woman was. A moment later, she burst out laughing. "Yes! Good girl, Hazel!"

It wasn't as if she would accept just anyone who came up to her and acted cute. If that were the case, she's have enough daughters to line the streets of Vaelion City.