My Child and I Married a Billionaire novel Chapter 94

Chapter 94: Chapter 94: Both Substance and Face

They could pull long faces out of displeasure, but that was about it. They didn’t dare say anything substantive. After all, who could they blame when their own husbands were so disappointing?

Before the Old Master retired, he let the second son run the company for a while. Unexpectedly, he proved utterly incompetent. In less than a quarter, the stock fell by 0.3%, and he got caught up in a sex scandal with his assistant. He was ignominiously removed from his position before he could even make it through the first shareholders’ meeting.

Adhering to the principle of fairness, the Old Master then let the third son take over. The third son wasn’t as outrageous, but he just plodded along for about half a year without making any waves. The pressure became too much, and he ended up falling seriously ill.

With no other option, the Old Master had to shoulder the burden himself. He continued to do so into his seventies, until Damien Vaughn returned from his studies abroad and finally took over.

The second and third aunts had originally thought the conglomerate was too large and difficult to manage. With the Old Master getting on in years, they figured it would be best to just split it up. Each branch would be responsible for its own profits and losses, and no one would get in anyone else’s way. A perfect arrangement.

Who would have known that despite his youth, Damien Vaughn would be so capable? Since his return, the conglomerate’s business had soared, reaching new heights in just a few short years.

Those with ability have the right to speak. So, even though he was of a younger generation, everyone in the family had to defer to him.

"You’re so fortunate, marrying a wonderful husband like Damien and now having Grandpa dote on you. You must have done something incredible in a past life. Speaking of which, Grandpa is so good to you, yet you haven’t served him tea, have you? One must know their place and show gratitude. Your third aunt and I have behaved respectfully before Grandpa our entire lives; we can’t have you disrupting the order of things."

This meal was becoming impossible to eat. Saddled with such a heavy accusation, Cecelia Archer quickly stood up.

"I’m not familiar with the customs, thank you for the reminder, Aunts. Grandpa, what kind of tea do you like? I can prepare a cup for you after we finish eating."

"There’s no rush. And no need to be so bound by formalities. Just eat."

The Old Master had her sit back down.

Damien Vaughn put more food on her plate, and everyone continued eating. Cecelia Archer could only manage a few more bites.

The second and third aunts pouted and went off to clean up the scene they had decorated yesterday. The others finished their breakfast at a leisurely pace. Cecelia Archer consulted Ms. King about the etiquette and procedure for the tea ceremony, then moved over to the sofa.

Once the tea was ready, the Old Master called the second and third aunts over as well.

"You two, come here and sit next to me. Weren’t you complaining that she has no manners? Today, we’ll get all the formalities out of the way. She can serve you a cup, too."

It was, after all, what they were owed as elders. The two of them sat down on either side of the Old Master.

Cecelia Archer served tea to each of the three in turn. The Old Master took a couple of sips.

"She has served me tea, and I, as the elder, have given the appropriate return gift. You two aren’t planning to leave her empty-handed, are you?"

’This... They didn’t even have a wedding. We have to give a red envelope just for being served tea?’

The two exchanged a look. They were reluctant, but since the Old Master had spoken, they didn’t dare refuse.

"We came in such a hurry, we didn’t prepare any red envelopes."

The Old Master said, "Can’t you send it through your phones? All that matters is that the gesture is made. We don’t need to be rigid about the method."

Damien Vaughn, perched on the arm of a nearby sofa, watched the expressions on his second and third aunts’ faces and was secretly amused.

Speechless for a couple of seconds, the two had no choice but to take out their phones.

"We’re all family from now on. Let’s add each other on WeChat. Cecelia, if there’s anything you don’t understand, you can always send us a message to ask for advice."

Cecelia Archer added the two of them on WeChat and received two money transfers. The amounts weren’t huge, but they were by no means small—8,888.8 each.

She knew this was a matter of etiquette and that she couldn’t refuse, so she accepted the transfers.

"Thank you, Second Aunt. Thank you, Third Aunt."

"Don’t think it’s too little, now. This is just a small welcome gift for formally acknowledging us as family. Later, when you and Damien have your wedding and you officially become a member of the Vaughn Family, we’ll give you a much bigger one."

Having made a small fortune so early in the morning, and looking at the kind-hearted Old Master, Cecelia Archer simply didn’t have the heart to bring up leaving.

The second and third aunts stayed for a little while longer before making an excuse about having other things to do and leaving. Candy was interested in the garden outside, so the Old Master took her out to the yard to play. Only then did Cecelia Archer have a chance to speak with Damien Vaughn.

"Are you going to the office today?"

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