How did Madam Susan seize control of the conversation!

Realizing this, Marinda was about to take control again, but before she could open her mouth, Madam Susan had already pulled her towards the study.

Marinda was given no chance at all.

Marinda found this lady to be more troublesome than she had imagined.

Since the beginning, although the lady occasionally sighed and snorted, upon closer reflection, she always maintained an elegant smile.

That sighing and snorting seemed more like a verbal accessory to her speech.

Yet, it captivated her.

Marinda admitted that the love stories of the older generation were indeed pleasing to hear.

But she reminded herself, she could not be captivated again later.

However, the next scene was something Marinda could never have anticipated—

"Why is there an ashtray here?"

"Why are tobacco leaves soaking in this barrel?"

"Why are there stimulants in the little bottle on this bookshelf?"

"And—

Why are there tulips here?"

As soon as she entered the study, Madam Susan's expression darkened after a brief survey.

Then the lady took several deep breaths, and when she looked at Marinda again, her expression was grave.

"Marinda, perhaps you do not understand the significance of this child.

But for most of us, the first fourth-generation of the Kledos Family holds an extraordinary significance.

He or she will be our legacy.

Therefore, we must be extremely careful with him or her."

Madam Susan's gravity... no.

More precisely, Madam Susan's 'we' really made Marinda's scalp tingle.

With the previous context, Marinda roughly understood what this 'we' specifically referred to.

The woman who left early due to family matters.

That pair of twins.

And Madam Susan.

I wonder if Ms. Camille is included?

She probably is, isn't she?

Could there be other ladies involved?

Most likely, yes.

So...

Have I already been surreptitiously observed by many?

The feeling of being stealthily watched is definitely not a pleasant thing.

At least, Marinda was already finding it hard to breathe at this moment.

She unconsciously pulled out her pipe, planning to smoke and calm herself down.

But before she could light it, Madam Susan snatched the pipe away.

Marinda did not notice Madam Susan's movement, and the pipe was gone from her hand.

Huh?!!

Marinda looked at Madam Susan with great surprise.

And Madam Susan merely smiled faintly.

"Marinda, you don't think that I became the chief steward of the South Los House just because I'm good at managing things, do you?

Rest assured, I know you chose 'Smoke.'"

"But there is always an alternative at any time."

With that, Madam Susan pulled out a packet of tobacco from her bosom.

"I got this tobacco from someone; rest assured, the taste is nearly the same, but it has no side effects, and it will definitely not affect the fetus.

Moreover, it will enhance your power a little."

Even through the bag, Marinda could feel the spirituality on the tobacco.

Clearly, this was the work of a Potion Master.

Using a Potion Master to make tobacco...

Isn't that too extravagant?

As a seasoned pipe enthusiast, Marinda had not thought of inviting a Potion Master to make some specially functioned tobacco for her.

But without exception, they had all refused.

It wasn't a matter of money, it was a matter of dignity.

Those Potion Masters thought Marinda was challenging their dignity.

Thus, the matter was dropped.

But now...

This matter just happened?

Looking at the tobacco in her hands, Marinda felt even more acutely the power of the older generation.

Of course, it wasn't the end.

After Madam Susan had walked around the study, she looked toward several secret sentries within the manor—

"Their placement is good, but their strength isn't up to par.

Somebody is adept at training people. I will have her send someone over.

Also, there must be spies from other powers here, right?

I know you want to fish, but there are still dangers. I will have someone clean them up for you. I can explain everything about their backing forces, except for the one from the Inner Bay.

Whether you want their properties or direct cash compensation, either is possible."

Madam Susan's words carried a tone of negotiation.

But they inexplicably pressured Marinda.

The invisible pressure made Marinda feel breathless.

Then, after having a lunch that Marinda found difficult, the lady, seeing that Madam Susan had no plans to leave, said straightforwardly—

"Madam Susan, I want to find Arthur.

I miss him."

Marinda's face turned slightly red as she said this.

It wasn't a facade.

It was genuinely red.

Because Marinda felt ashamed of her own desire to flee from the battlefield.

At the moment, she did not want to face Madam Susan.

It wasn't that Madam Susan was bad.

On the contrary, Madam Susan had been too kind to her.

So kind that she almost felt as if she was under an illusion technique.

This extreme kindness, unreal to her experience, was something Marinda had never encountered before, even though she was exceptionally skilled and extraordinarily talented.

At this moment, she didn't know how to face it.

So, she could only retreat temporarily.

"Yes, go ahead.

Arthur surely misses you, too."

Madam Susan smiled and nodded.

Without any hesitation, Marinda had Edwin prepare the carriage.

As for a more convenient method?

Just now, Madam Susan had taken away all the tobacco leaves except for that one special packet.

And that packet specially treated by the Potion Master?

Without confirming it was absolutely safe, Marinda wouldn't try it.

Madam Susan also left.

However, she did not enter Cork Street.

The two parted ways on West Mok Avenue.

Marinda watched the plain carriage leave, unconsciously letting out a sigh of relief.

Afterward, she looked towards No. 2 Cork Street, immediately gritting her teeth.

"Hiss!"

Arthur was awoken from a dream.

He had just dreamed that he stood inside a two-story building, holding a cup of hot tea, leaning against a window, watching the storm outside, when suddenly, a figure appeared in his view.

The figure held up a white umbrella, dressed in a dazzling wedding dress,

More importantly, even though her face was covered, Arthur could recognize that it was Marinda.

Marinda also recognized him, then, she revealed a charming smile and softly said to someone behind her—

'Look, that's your father.

Go, call him dad.'

Upon hearing this voice, Arthur subconsciously looked behind Marinda.

Then, he saw two children rushing towards him.

And then, he awoke.

"What kind of crap dream is this?"

Arthur murmured, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.

His relationship with Marinda was purely a business partnership.

Anything more?

It was merely brotherly love.

How could there be children?

Joking!

As he thought thus, Arthur picked up a cup of hot tea.

But for some reason, his hand holding the teacup wouldn't stop trembling.

Ms. Anna, seeing Arthur's constantly trembling teacup, sighed helplessly and asked—

"Do you need me to answer the door?"

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com