Asher and Sienna were both caught off guard.
Nonetheless, Gwendolyn was the head of the family, and it was her prerogative to place her friend with them for a day or two.
As the decision now lay in Annie's hands, the three of them shifted their gazes in her direction.
In response to the attention, Annie broke into an innocent smile, while her face brimmed with anticipation. “That's a wonderful idea. In that case, I hope I'm not imposing, Mr. Asher, Mrs. Harris.”
Throughout the exchange, Asher barely spoke a word. He became a lot more reserved ever since he recited the Heagurn Sutra for endless nights. The explosive temper of old was nowhere to be seen.
Sienna responded with a polite smile. “Since you're a friend of Gwen's, we'll definitely do our best to accommodate you. Which hotel are you staying in? I'll have the bodyguard pick your luggage up.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Harris.”
Annie shifted herself closer to Sienna and held the latter's hand affectionately. “I don't have an elder brother or sister, but you have treated me like family. It feels as if you're my actual sister-in-law.”
With her hand held by Annie, Sienna eked out an awkward smile. “Don't mention it. If there's anything you need during your time here, feel free to let me know.”
“Sure. Thank you, Mrs. Harris.”
Gwendolyn sipped her coffee as she quietly observed Annie trying to get into Sienna's good graces.
With her mind focused on Annie, she barely registered the taste of coffee at all.
While Annie was occupied by her conversation with Sienna, Gwendolyn used the opportunity to talk to Asher. “Over the next few days, your punishment will be brought forward to the afternoon. You can skip the whipping for the time being. Instead, just kneel at the ancestral hall and recite the scripture. It's a good form of character building anyway.”
Asher was stunned by Gwendolyn's words, for she had ordered him to stop his self-imposed punishment a long time ago.
Why is she asking me to continue with my punishment now?
Unable to comprehend what was going through Gwendolyn's mind, Asher could feel his heart break from the former's icy words and distant attitude.
“All right. I got it.”
Gwendolyn subsequently glanced at the time. “It's already the afternoon. Shouldn't you head to the ancestral hall for your punishment already?”
Asher was jolted to his feet before leaving the villa without looking back.
He headed to the Harris family's ancestral hall which was located inside Marcus' old villa.
Upon noticing that Asher was going out, Annie attempted to stand up to follow him. “Where is Mr. Asher going?”
Gwendolyn replied flatly, “To be punished. It's a family matter, there's no need for you to come along. Just stay and chat with Sienna. Anyway, I'll go and have a look.”
Then, she left the villa the moment she finished talking.
Meanwhile, Gwendolyn emerged from the villa and pulled Leif to a quiet corner to talk. All this while, the latter had been watching over Marcus' old villa.
“What can I do for you, Ms. Gwendolyn?”
With her eyes looking in the direction of the ancestral hall, she calmly instructed, “Leif, I'll have to trouble you to keep an eye on the ancestral hall for the next few days. Keep watch outside whenever Asher is reciting his scripture. If anyone other than Sienna comes over, call me immediately and report everything you see in detail.”
“Understood, Ms. Gwendolyn. Don't worry. You can count on me.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Gwendolyn reminded him, “Remember to be discreet and not let anyone notice.”
“Got it.”
Once her orders were issued, Gwendolyn turned and left. As she passed by the ancestral hall, she made it a point to stop.
Outside, she could clearly hear Asher reciting his scripture in a hoarse voice.
A complex yet inexplicable sensation subsequently welled up within her. After quietly listening to his recitation, she turned around and left.
When Gwendolyn brought Annie over, she was observing the latter's expression the entire time.
Also, why did she mention that Sienna was like her sister-in-law instead of her sister?
If she's really Evelyn, she would definitely do something now that she's here at Mount Tranquil. I hope Annie isn't going to disappoint me in the next few days.
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