Noelle had not expected the initially tense situation to turn so oddly. She had no idea what Charles and her grandfather had discussed, but it was clear that her grandfather's attitude toward Charles had become even better than his attitude toward herself.
Then, the two men talked about business matters that Noelle could not quite understand, effectively leaving her out of the conversation. Feeling bored, she focused on eating while Charles managed to converse with Samuel and still take care of her.
Whenever her plate was empty, Charles would refill it, and he even peeled shrimp for her, placing everything in front of her.
These actions were not something that could be easily faked. Having seen much in his life, Samuel could tell that Charles genuinely cared for Noelle. This realization completely put his mind at ease.
By the end of the meal, Noelle was thoroughly stuffed. Throughout the meal, she had been preoccupied with wondering what Charles had said to her grandfather. She ended up eating everything Charles put on her plate without refusal, only realizing she was full when it was too late.
After the meal, Charles showed impeccable manners, arranging for Ronald to drive Samuel's gifts to the Shaws. Although Samuel initially wanted to decline, he eventually accepted.
Once Samuel was on his way, Noelle turned to Charles, unable to contain her curiosity any longer. "What did you say to Grandpa? How did you…"
"I told you, leave everything to me," Charles said, gently pinching her nose. "You seem rather impatient, don't you?"
He held her hand and said, "Shall we take a walk?"
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