blogombal Chapter 293: Good News
Chapter 293: Good News
Fiona Rowe handed over the candy in her hand: "So you like this."
Maya Monroe took it, her eyes showing a hint of a smile: "Thanks."
Fiona blushed inexplicably, stammering: "No, no worries."
Quentin Rowe arrived late, greeted Woody Moss, Yolanda Sawyer, and others, then found a seat.
Her gaze lingered on Maya for a moment before she fiercely withdrew it, showing no particular emotion.
The family gathering was regular, its timing depending on Yolanda Sawyer’s mood and health; every family member was required to be punctual. Of course, there were exceptions, like Tristan Rowe.
Tristan was often abroad, with his visits home countable on one hand, not to mention family gatherings.
There wasn’t any special activity during the gatherings; it was generally just family talking together.
Yolanda Sawyer seemed to be in a good mood, seated in her place with a gentle smile on her face.
Woody couldn’t stay long beside Quentin; shortly thereafter, he struggled to get off the chair.
The chair was in a style Yolanda liked—rustic and grand—but rather high.
Quentin was startled, quickly grabbing Woody and holding him in her arms.
Since Yolanda was still chatting in front, Quentin quietly scolded, "What are you doing? What if you fall?"
Woody shook his chubby head and slipped from Quentin’s embrace: "I... I want to find sister-in-law."
"You..." Quentin hadn’t managed to stop Woody before he toddled over, taking a few steps.
Seeing Woody instantly dive into Maya’s arms, Quentin clenched her teeth.
What kind of spell did Maya cast on her son? Why did Woody always seek her embrace when around her?!
Quentin was increasingly agitated and was about to speak when Ian Rowe’s gaze swept over, with a hint of pressure despite its indifference.
Quentin wasn’t much older than Ian and respected and relied on this nephew, who, despite his youth, had accomplished so much—admiring him was only natural.
Ultimately, Quentin remained in her seat in silence. Yolanda had privately advised her many times, essentially to get along well with Maya and take care of the juniors...
Maya assessed Woody’s weight, feeling he had gained some pounds.
"You’ve plumped up a bit," she said.
Woody’s eyes widened: "Grandma says boys should eat a lot to grow strong!"
Maya chuckled, gently ruffling his fluffy hair: "Grandma’s right."
"I’m a bit sleepy, sister-in-law..." Woody rubbed his eyes with his chubby little hand.
"Let Aunt Ying take you for a nap."
"I don’t want to." Woody clung tightly to Maya’s neck, "Mom didn’t bring me here, I want to stay a bit longer."
Maya felt something poking at her neck, looking down to see it was Woody’s tie.
Quentin was always particular about Woody’s appearance; today she dressed him in a child’s suit with small leather shoes and a tie.
Fiona handed Woody a candy: "Here, Tiana, eat this."
Woody took it with a sweet voice, "Thank you, sister."
Holding the last piece of candy, Fiona handed it to Maya: "I don’t like this kind of candy, it’s for you."
Maya didn’t hold back: "Thanks."
Yolanda watched the interactions below with interest and suddenly said, "Woody, you haven’t seen brother Ian for a while, let him hold you too."
Ian’s reasons for not wanting kids were twofold: his busy work schedule and lack of interest in kids. Yolanda intended for him to spend more time with young Woody, hoping that the more he interacted, the more he’d grow fond of children, sparing her from having to persuade him repeatedly.
On hearing Yolanda’s suggestion, Ian showed no reaction, but Woody had quite a big one.
"Noo, Tiana doesn’t want to..."
With Yolanda’s signal, Quentin immediately chimed in, "Tiana, listen to grandma. Don’t you often talk about your brother at home?"
"Tiana... Tiana never said that..."
Quentin felt a bit embarrassed, yet didn’t let it show much. She stood up, heading towards Maya, intending to pick up Woody.
Woody buried his head in Maya’s shoulder, sobbing softly.
Feeling the wetness on her shoulder, Maya marveled at how this child could cry so well, feeling somewhat tenderhearted despite herself.
"Forget it, let him stay here."
Yolanda’s voice joined in: "Let it be, let it be."
That’s when Quentin finally retreated.
Seeing Ian unmoved throughout, Yolanda felt slightly regretful. Looking at Maya again, she felt a surge of tenderness—only Maya, deeply loving Ian, could tolerate so many of his bad habits.
Yolanda increasingly felt that matching Maya with Ian had been her wisest decision.
Aunt Ying took a call, her expression instantly changing. She approached Yolanda, but before she could speak, someone had already entered through the door.
He was handsome, dressed in a navy-blue suit, exuding charisma, his eyes partly obscured by his hair showed a hint of a smile, albeit with a touch of intrigue.
"Is it too abrupt to show up uninvited?"
This was none other than Tristan Rowe.
After a brief moment of astonishment, Yolanda regained her composure: "Tristan, what are you talking about? This is a family gathering, we’re all family, there’s no such thing as ’uninvited.’ Come, have a seat."
Jessica Young made room so Quentin could sit beside Yolanda.
Tristan glanced at her and sat down: "Thank you, sister-in-law."
"We’re family, no need to be so polite." Jessica forced a smile, her words awkwardly delivered.
Tristan pretended not to notice: "Sister-in-law is right."
His gaze swept around; when his eyes met Ian’s, it seemed as if the air around them froze. They had long been at odds and clearly couldn’t see eye to eye in the same space.
Ultimately, it was Tristan who broke eye contact first, his gaze then landing on Maya briefly before withdrawing, a complex look flashing in his eyes.
Maya followed his gaze, instinctively sensing the hostility in Tristan’s eyes, and her gaze met his with equal sharpness.
Tristan noticed this and couldn’t help but smile, nodding slightly as a greeting.
Yolanda’s attitude towards Tristan was warm; she first instructed Aunt Ying to prepare tea, then asked with concern: "When did you return to the country? How long have you been back? Why didn’t you inform me in advance?"
"This time, I came back for something important; you might even call it a joyous occasion."
"A joyous occasion? What is it?"