Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 308

Chaphapte8308 A Test of Power

65

Fin

HearticahngXhai Xavier was at Ravenshade Villa, Scarlett felt her heart clench involuntarily. Aft brief hesitatusitation, she replied with a touch of resignation, “I understand.”

She then bohlboked up at Nolan, who was still standing by the taxi. “Nolan, you should head ba I’ll treat youngounoddinner next time to make up for tonight.”

Nolan’s lips clipecived into a faint smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He nodded. “Alri I’ll hold you to hao that.”

Returning his smilesgaile gently, Scarlett turned and got into Vincent’s car.

By the time they andyedived back at Ravenshade Villa, it was already past eight in the evening.

Xavier was seated orthoptheplush living room sofa, leaning on a handsomely carved cane. Eve casual attire, he exudechadednie undeniablefair of authority.

Seeing Scarlett enter with VitheVincent, a slight smile finally touched Xavier’s stern features. But the two approached, his despisessiession grew serious once more.

“Where have you been at such aucted late hour?” he asked, his tone conveying clear disapproval.

“I went to visit my parents, Grandfandfather Scarlett replied calmly.

Xavier’s gaze held a note of expectationation.“Vanessa still looks quite peaky. You should make a effort to spend more time with herhlesethese days.”

“Of course,” Scarlett answered simplymply.

Vanessa had been discharged from the hospitalspitals that same afternoon. Scarlett felt no need to explain the day’s earlier conflict, nor did slipshe particularly care how Xavier perceived her acti

ylcare

In less than twenty days, she would have hofunch further ties to the Stewart family. For now, it wa easier to simply acquiesce to his requests.uests.

Seeing her compliant demeanor, Xavier finally alllwallowed a look of satisfaction to settle on his face.

Across the room, near the coffee table, Maria was sittingiting comfortably, snacking on fruit whil watching a drama on the large television. She had been happinapping in her room when Xavier fi arrived and had only come downstairs a short whitevague ago.

Unfamiliar with Xavier and engrossed in hershow, she hadn’hadn’t paid much attention to the conversation nearby. Her relaxed posture, however, had and stopestaped Xavier’s notice.

20:06 Wed, Jan 14

Chapter 308 A Test of Power

:

Taking in her simple housedress, Xavier assumed she was one of the villa’s staff.

(65)

Finished

His voice, laced with undisguised disdain, cut through the room. “What is this? Do the help at Ravenshade Villa now presume to sit as equals with the family?”

The direct address made Maria jump. She turned and saw the elegantly dressed old man whose very presence commanded respect. A wave of instinctive apprehension washed over her.

Noticing how Scarlett and Vincent stood attentively nearby, she quickly deduced this must be a senior member of the Stewart family–Vincent’s grandfather, most likely.

Once she guessed his identity, a thread of genuine fear wound through her irritation.

But before she could muster an apology, Scarlett spoke up, her voice cool and clear, “Maria, have you forgotten the household rules?”

Hearing Scarlett use her name so pointedly sent a fresh spike of anger through Maria. Yet, with Xavier’s critical eyes upon her, she couldn’t afford to lose her temper.

Swallowing her pride, Maria stood up from the sofa. She walked over to Scarlett’s side, adopting a deferential tone. “My apologies, Mrs. Stewart. Is there something you’d like? You only had to ask.”

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Scarlett’s lips as she regarded Maria. After a deliberate pause, she said, “Now that you mention it, Maria, I have a bit of a craving. I’d like some agneau aux haricots verts farcis.”

As she named the dish–an exceedingly labor–intensive one requiring the meticulous stuffing of a fine lamb mousse into individual hollowed–out green beans–her eyes held a deceptively gentle, harmless look.

Maria knew full well Scarlett was creating a difficulty for her. But she simply nodded. “Of course, Mrs. Stewart. I’ll prepare it for you right away.”

With that, she turned and hurried toward the kitchen. Scarlett was seizing the opportunity presented by Xavier’s presence to subtly assert her position, if only for the moment.

Once Maria had left the room, Xavier turned to Scarlett, his brow slightly furrowed. “Scarlett, isn’t it rather excessive to demand such an elaborate dish from the staff at this hour?”

“Is it?” Scarlett replied evenly. “Maria often takes great pride in preparing gourmet meals, no matter the time. She seems to genuinely enjoy the craft.”

Xavier didn’t pursue the matter further. But Scarlett, as if struck by a sudden thought, turned to Vincent. “You know, I just remembered Grandfather is particularly fond of Consommé Royale, isn’t he? Since Maria is already in the kitchen, perhaps she could prepare a portion for him as well?”

2/3

20:06 Wed, Jan 14

Chapter 308 A Test of Power

、, (65)‘

Finished

She directed the remark pointedly at Vincent, watching as his expression subtly darkened.

Xavier himself waved a hand in refusal. “It’s far too late for such a rich soup. Not good for the digestion at my age.”

Vincent seized on this, offering Scarlett a thin smile. “Grandfather is right. Perhaps you should take his advice. Late–night meals should be light.”

Scarlett knew he was intervening on Maria’s behalf, but she held her ground, her tone light yet insistent. “But I’m still feeling a bit peckish. And besides, didn’t you always tell me not to skip meals?”

1.1K

3/3