Jethro smiled and clapped his cousin on the shoulder. "Jasper. It's been a long time." Jasper lowered his head with a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Hey, you! And where's my greeting?" Cindy pouted, hands on her hips, feigning annoyance. Jasper turned to her, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "Cindy." "Aw, good boy. Too bad I don't have candy," Cindy teased, pulling a funny face. Both Arthur and Clara were amused. "Silly girl, he's a grown man now. He doesn't need candy." The lighthearted moment seemed to thaw the ice a little. Jasper visibly relaxed. At the dinner table, Arthur doted on his younger grandson, asking endless questions about his life abroad. Jasper answered everything smoothly and politely, until his grandfather asked— "Seeing anyone special?" Jasper choked, an awkward flush spreading across his face, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. "N-not yet." Cindy raised an eyebrow. "Really? I thought you had a girlfriend a few years back." She vaguely remembered a video call where a young woman had briefly walked past in the background of Jasper's apartment. She hadn't mentioned it then, figuring a young man living with his girlfriend was perfectly normal. Jasper glanced at Jethro, then quickly looked down at his plate. "No, not yet. What about you two?" The awkwardness successfully transferred from one person to two. Arthur grunted, "Don't get me started on those two! Especially Jethro. Pushing 30, and every time his mom arranges a suitable match, he finds an excuse to dodge it."Jasper's face paled slightly. He seemed to be remembering something, his hands clenching under the table. Could it be... he hasn't gotten over her? He exhaled, slow and thin, then said, with meaning, "Anyone who doesn't know might think he's waiting for someone." The words landed in a sudden silence. Jethro's brows drew together as he looked at Jasper but said nothing. "Alright, alright, let's eat," Arthur said, steering the conversation. "Jasper, tell me more about your life over there." Dinner lasted until nine. Arthur was still in high spirits when the housekeeper gently reminded him it was time to retire. He was pushing 90. His health had been shaky for a while, plus that illness early this year, so the family watched his routines like hawks. "Arthur, you should go upstairs and rest. I'll take care of things here," Clara said. Arthur looked at his younger grandson. "Jasper, stay here. If you need anything, talk to your aunt." Jasper nodded. "Of course, Grandpa." After Arthur went upstairs, Clara turned a kind gaze to Jasper. "The master bedroom on the second floor is ready. I've had the staff prepare it with fresh linens and toiletries." Jasper nodded. "Thank you, Aunt Clara." With everything settled, Clara and her two kids prepared to leave. While there were rooms for them, they preferred their own home. Jasper saw them to the door. Just as they reached the entrance, his phone buzzed with an international call. His expression tightened, and he hastily declined it. Cindy shot him a curious look. "That was your mom, wasn't it? Why didn't you answer? She must be worried about you." Jasper pressed his lips together. "I'll call her back later."Two hours later, back at their own villa, free from the manor's formal atmosphere, Cindy spoke more bluntly. "Mom, why did Jasper come back all of a sudden? Did Grandpa ask him to, or did he decide on his own?" Clara sighed, "He decided on his own." Cindy immediately grew wary. "What for?" Clara looked from her daughter to her son, who was seated on the opposite sofa. "Your grandfather didn't specify. But he mentioned Jasper will be attending the upcoming board meeting." A sense of foreboding washed over Cindy. She was about to say something when Jethro cut her off. He stood up, his suit jacket slung over his arm, his voice gentle but firm. "Jasper is a board member. It's normal for him to attend. Don't overthink it. Go on up and get some rest." "Okay." Cindy studied her brother's face, wanting to say more but holding back.Once she heard the bedroom door close upstairs, Cindy's face scrunched up. "I just don't buy it. Jasper's up to something. He didn't come back for no reason." Clara patted her head. "Company matters are your brother's concern. Don't you worry about it." Cindy pouted. "I want to help you and Jethro share the burden." Clara gave her a look. "What you need to do is find yourself a nice boyfriend." "Why don't you nag Jethro about that?" "He has someone he likes. He just needs to win her over." "Well, I—" "You what?" Clara pressed. Cindy's gaze darted away. "Nothing." She tossed a pillow aside and hurried upstairs. It was only then that Clara remembered something. "Oh! Doris called. She wants to meet you tomorrow evening. Don't forget." Cindy paused on the stairs, her heart skipping a beat. Doris? Why? Could it be about... me and Zephyr?