William wasn't someone who particularly enjoyed praising others. Therefore, he meant precisely what he said when he complimented Sophie.
“Thank you, Old Mr. Lombard.” Despite receiving praise, she remained collected.
The couple stood at the side as William continued tending to the flowers. Even though William didn't say much of anything, he did order the butler to ask the chef to prepare a few more dishes Sophie liked.
It was a clear display of his affection for her.
In the past, he didn't like her. But, he found himself adoring her more and more nowadays. However, he was a prideful man, so he found it difficult to lower himself and speak to Sophie further.
The difference between how he used to treat her and how he treated her at that moment was drastic.
That night, Sarah and Ysabelle also returned home for dinner. Felix came too, but William seemed dissatisfied with the former.
It was because William thought the age gap between Felix and Ysabelle was too significant.
Therefore, he didn't treat Felix nicely for the whole night.
Upon approaching Tristan, Felix asked, “Did I offend your dad? Why do I feel like he's upset with me today, Mr. Tristan?”
“What did you expect? Of course he'll be upset after a hog like you snatched the precious sweetheart he doted on for two decades away. You should be glad he didn't just kick you out.”
“Why am I a hog now? Don't you think I suit Ysabelle well? Besides, you're also much older than Sophie, so why didn't he complain about you? Why is he only upset at me?” Felix was speechless.
Narrowing his eyes, Tristan questioned, “What do you mean by that? Are you comparing me to you right now? Do you think we're even comparable?”
Felix was at a loss for words. The members of the Lombard family are just so mean! What's so wrong with me? I'm considered a promising young man in Jipsdale, so why doesn't Old Mr. Lombard like me?
“All right, that's enough. Once you take care of Ysabelle, you don't need to mind what others think. All that matters right now is her attitude toward you.”
“That's more like it. Now you're acting like my friend,” remarked Felix. There's no way he can't tell how I feel about Ysabelle. Besides, he never opposed my relationship with her before!
During dinner, William intentionally commented, “You're an adult now, Ysabelle. You know, I think that boy from the Lane family suits you well. You should interact with him more.”
He completely ignored Felix because he was just that dissatisfied with the latter.
Meanwhile, Ysabelle was dumbstruck. I haven't told my family about my relationship with Felix yet, but I'm certain they can tell we're a couple. In that case, why did Grandpa say that in front of Felix?
“I'm still young, Grandpa. I'm not in a hurry to get into a relationship.” She felt a little helpless when she said that while glancing at Felix. He sure seems calm.
Upon noticing Ysabelle was looking at Felix, William scoffed, “Indeed you are, which is why you shouldn't be fooled by awful old men. I'm saying this for your own good, understand?”
Old men? I'm the same age as Mr. Tristan! As much as Felix wanted to refute William, he couldn't, so he pretended not to hear anything.
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