Chapter 6
On the north and south sides of Cloudhaven, there were two cities whose GDP far surpassed that of many foreign countries–Southford and Northware.
It was well known that the Brown family was in Southford, and the Harrington family was from Northware. The Harrington family Colton had mentioned was the wealthiest in Northvare, powerful and influential beyond measure.
The head of the Harrington family, Stephen Harrington, had a good relationship with Mason. Years ago, they had even promised at marriage between their grandchildren.
On the Weston side, the one to fulfill the engagement was Mason’s eldest granddaughter, Veronica. On the Harrington side, the one to fulfill the engagement was Stephen’s eldest grandson, Alexander Harrington.
Mason gave a grunt. “Aren’t you on good terms with Stephen’s son, Raymond? Ask Raymond if Alexander is good enough for Ronie”
Colton nodded. “Alright. I got it. I’ll ask him when I get the chance.”
Mason gave a satisfied nod. “That’s more like it” Then he added, “By the way, go remind Dummy. If he can’t take good care of Ronie, we’ll have no choice but to bring her back to Weston Manor.”
For a moment, Colson didn’t realize what Mason meant, thinking. Dummy? Who’s that?‘
Mason raised a brow, “What?”
Colton blinked, then suddenly burst out laughing. “Dad, who gives their own son a nickname like that?” He thought, “Why is Dad calling Mason a dummy?‘ He couldn’t hide the grin spreading across his face.
Mason lified his cane as if to strike, and only then did Colton slip away with a laugh.
At Harrington Manor in Northvare, Raymond had just returned home when Stephen called him into the study.
Stephen was over seventy years old, but he was still vigorous and strong, looking much younger than his actual age. Right now, he was seated in the armchair behind his desk, his sharp gaze fixed on his youngest son standing before him.
“Did you suffer a setback in Cloudhaven?” Stephen asked.
Stephen knew his son bewer than anyone. With a single glance, Stephen saw that something was off with Raymond.
Raymond’s tone was cabin. “Nothing serious, Just a minor injury.
Stephen snorted, clearly not believing him. He shot Raymond a sharp look. When he saw the cool, detached face with almost no trace of emotion, Stephen knew there was no point trying to pry further.
“Alright. Since you’re hurt, let Sophia Brown take a look. She’s going to be your fiancée anyway. Stephen spoke.
Raymond’s expression stayed the same, though his brows shifted slightly as he looked up, his gaze sharp. I already have a fiancée.
“I
“What?” Stephen nearly choked on lus coffee. He hurriedly set down the cup, glaring at Raymond, who had made him lose his composure. “You already have a fiancée! And it’s not Sophia?”
Raymond said, “No.”
After Veronica left yesterday, Raymond had thought carefully about her request. Although he felt that offering himself was going too far and that she was still too young, a promise was a promise, and he would not go back on his word.
Raymond thought, ‘As for her age, it doesn’t matter if she’s still a little too young. I can wait!
Stephen questioned, “Who is it? Is she blind or something? She actually fell for a brat like you? Tell me. I’ll have her parents take her to get her eyes treated. If they treat her early enough, maybe they can still fix her.”
Raymond ignored Stephen’s words. He only heard one word–eyes. He suddenly thought of Veronica’s bright eyes when she smiled When she had just woken up, she was like a cat, laid–back and chill. When she was being sly, she was like a mischievous fox.
The corners of Raymond’s tightly pressed lips curved into a faint smile before he even realized it.
1/3
5:47 PM
PE
Chapter 6
Stephen choked and almost spat his coffee onto the floor. “Oh my goodness, a stiff, stubborn dude like you actually smiled? Unbelievable
Raymond was speechless. He ignored Stephen’s fussing and left Harrington Manor to return to his apartment. He felt that before he tied the knot with Veronica, he had to first investigate her background thoroughly.
In Cloudhaven, Veronica had no idea that a single joke she made had been taken seriously by Raymond. These past few days, she was busy dealing with the herbs she sull had on hand.
After selling the last piece of lunar mandrake, she clapped the dust off her hands and stood up from her stall at the herb market. She straightened her slightly wrinkled tracksuit and headed toward the biggest gemstone market in Cloudhaven.
The two markets were not far apart. After walking just a short distance, she arrived at the gemstone market.
Veronica first bought a plate of tacos from a street food stand and ate while listening to people around her gossip. Once she had heard. enough, she tossed the disposable container and walked toward her destination.
She had just overheard that today there happened to be a Cloudhaven Gem & Mineral Show hosted by Harrington Fine Jewelers, and there were dozens of raw stones being sold in the show, Veronica was not about to miss such a big event.
Harrington Fine Jewelers was packed. The spacious first–floor hall was crowded with people who had come to see the stones. At the moment, they were gathered around a table, discussing the irregularly shaped stone sitting on it
Most of the people attending the Cloudhaven Gem & Mineral Show were those with considerable assets of their own, each with their own tricks for evaluating raw stones.
Aside from a few who joined with dreams of striking it rich overnight, the others tended to be more cautious.
Just like now, the raw stone on the table had already been judged from all angles and most agreed that the emerald inside was of good quality before someone finally stepped forward to buy it.
Before entering the hall, Veronica had already pulled on a baseball cap, found a quiet corner away from the crowd, and sat down to observe silently
“Hey, man, why aren’t you joining in?” A voice that sounded a little familiar rang in her ear as someone nudged her elbow,
At the moment, Veronica’s long hair was tucked completely under her cap, and she was wearing a loose gray tracksuit that showed no curves at all. So, it was no surprise she was mistaken for a boy.
She lifted her head and cast a half–smile at the man not far from her.
“Damn. Douglas Dell was startled when Veronica suddenly looked up. He pointed at her in shock. “A–aren’t you…
Douglas thought, “Isn’t this the brat who ruined my business a few days ago? Could it be she’s here again to mess with me? I finally managed to find a job helping draw in customers here. I can’t let her ruin it again.
He turned to slip away, but Veronica said, “Wait”
Douglas was speechless. He pretended not to hear and kept walking.
Veronica’s unhurried voice rang out. Tm curious how you managed to talk up a piece of inferior stone like it was something special.”
“Mind your–Douglas started to snap back, but halfway through, he sensed something was off. He cut himself short and looked at Veronica suspiciously. “How do you know that was an inferior stone?
Veronica smiled, “You still haven’t answered my question.”
Douglas’s expression hardened, and he let out a cold snort. “What, do I have to answer your question? Who do you think you are? I haven’t even settled the score with you for wrecking my business last time.”
“Look over there.” Veronica pointed toward a pile of raw stones. “In return, I’ll give you the second–best piece in the whole place.”
Without waiting for Douglas to agree, she stood up and walked straight to where Harrington Fine Jewelers had stacked the stones. Under the staff’s watchful eyes, she picked out two pieces that, from any perspective, would never yield a top–grade gem.
Douglas muttered, “Are you kidding me?”
