She c.o.c.ked her head slightly to her left when she noticed a fair-skinned hand gently pus.h.i.+ng a plate filled with various fruits to her side. A lady who was about her age was oddly serving her across the table despite the indifferent att.i.tude she carries. It was too simple a gesture and barely noticeable but Laurice could not miss it. She knew exactly who the person was anyway.

The lady was a distinguised and highly esteemed n.o.ble and shrew in the industry of business and commerce. Despite her quite young age, she was very well-known in the field already and has been recognized by some reputable bodies and organizations here and abroad. Her accomplishments so far is currently unrivaled and not to mention, she was a rare beauty herself, too.

Laurice sheepishly nod in grat.i.tude and acknowledgment as she glanced at the woman near her without saying a word.

Laurice caught her own breath.

Beautiful.

Julia Miller Ledesma was simply, beyond beautiful in the flesh.

If that could ever suffice her description of her. But she was simply in awe. Seeing the lady herself in person, Laurice can finally attest that her cousin whom she was related to by blood, was indeed a stunner as the rumours claimed. She failed to notice her presence at first as she wasn't paying too much attention around her but looking at the woman now, felt more like she was looking at a model strutting runways and shootings ads instead.

Her facial features were all well-defined. She had such a prominent jawline and cheekbones, pointed nose and has the most exotic clear dark unfathomable eyes that she have ever seen in a long time. Laurice could also tell with great confidence that Julia possessed a statesque figure even with her only seating rather leisurely on her seat. Her cousin's native roots were apparent enough for anyone to recognize that she was of mixed race. But not only was Julia born Half-Filipino and Half-American, she was also a quarter British which only made her looked even more prettier and just way too attractive in person, especially in Laurice's eyes. And she could not help but be drawn by her enigmatic presence and demeanor, as if a magnetic force was pulling her attention towards her.

Laurice was in a trance as she gawked at her cousin with stars in her eyes.

Ah.

If only she was half as impressive as her cousin was then maybe, just maybe ...

Laurice's bright eyes dimmed as she retrieved her gaze, suppressing a bitter smile. She bit her lip in disappointment forcing herself to quit daydreaming.

...

At that moment, Julia glanced back at Laurice with a blank stare plastered on her face. No one could ever guess what she was thinking of. Her gaze was that impenetrable as if nothing can alarm her. She was always poised, well-mannered, had a dignified aura around her and was ever as calm as the sea. Completely different from Laurice's personality who is likely a ticking time bomb that may explode when provoked anytime. They were simply poles apart but will their differences in their att.i.tude stand in their way of becoming closer in the future? This matter was something even a good fortune-teller can never predict.

...

There was no exchange of courtesies between the cousins but their interaction surprisingly didn't feel awkward at all. There was just an indescribable s.p.a.ce that hinders the both of them from showing their emotions and putting them into words which the other guys noticed. Eduard in particular, paid close attention at them the most. He was actually quite baffled by the ladies' small gestures towards each other and he took note of them one by one thinking it may be of use in the future. He glimpsed at both his sister and his cousin meaningfully one more time before finis.h.i.+ng off his meal.

As Eduard wiped his mouth with a napkin, his grandmother suddenly rose from her seat freaking everyone out ever so slightly with the sound of her cane.

Thud. Thud.

The old madam left a word to her daughter Camilla before leaving the dining hall followed by her husband as usual.

"The room next to yours is vacant." Adelina spoke sluggishly before exiting the hall.

Camilla was momentarily dazed by her mother's decision. Does she mean...? Camilla's face cracked an expression in disbelief. Odd. Her mother was never that hospitable. The old residence was a home that never welcomes strangers. Not that Laurice was a complete stranger but still.

Did the old madam accepted her granddaughter just like that? Was her allowing Laurice to stay for the night meant that or was there something else? Knowing her own mother, it wouldn't be that simple. Realizing something was definitely amiss but not letting go of the chance card, Camilla have made a decision herself but fought the urge to let out a sneer. She could not help a little sigh instead.

"You heard your grandmother. You'll be occupying the room next to mine. Don't worry, i'll take care of your needs."

Laurice tilted her head to the side and met her mother's rea.s.suring eyes deliberately staring at her in a rather firm and absolute manner but a bit ... tensed? Why was there a present stiffness in them that was making Laurice feel worried for some inexplicable reason?

Her heart started to pound against her chest.

Stay for the night?

Why? For what purpose?

With furrowed brows, Laurice faced her mother and spoke in an outspoken defiance.

"I'm leaving tonight. I still have matters to attend to."

She might not have promised Sid her return but she definitely would rather choose to go back wherever, be it the W Residences or her own home at City B than stay here at the old residence.

Sleep here? No way.

She nearly suffered a lockjaw for keeping the exact same stiff expression the whole duration of the dinner that she couldn't even complain about a little bit so asking for her to stay for the night would mean she'll have to wake up the next morning and face the same people again and treat them with caution as well.

No freaking way.

It was exhausting.

Laurice felt she had enough by faking her responses just to appease her own family. Unfortunately however, she clearly had no say regarding the matter.

"This is to prepare yourself before finally moving in. Follow after me if you're done eating."

Camilla alighted from seat abruptly after speaking her mind thoughtlessly. Her tone was inconsiderately final and dismissive. Her footsteps were heavy but slow as if waiting for her to catch up to her.

But Laurice remained fastened in her seat as realization dawned on her. Clutching her fist to the side, she pursed her lips tightly before letting out a chuckle. It was a bone-chilling one.

Who ever said she could not leave?

She's leaving alright. No one could stop her.

Moving in? Dream on.

No one can tie her down to submission.

Jerking the thought at the back of her head for a moment, Laurice stood up languidly in her seat, as if taking all of her precious time and right before she sped off towards where her mother was, she halted.

...

Laurice who was enraged by the chain of events turned to the people sharing the grand table and did not forget to bid her thanks and farewell.

"Thank you for a delightful evening."

Her solemn voice was deep and shallow and meaningful as if displaying how completely displeased she was instead of being grateful. Her politeness carry such suggestive remark that rendered the others utterly speechless and almost unable to respond. Only her first uncle was first to recover from the sudden disturbance and replied to her wittingly instead.

"Go on ahead." He said without thinking too much.

Laurice then left without glancing at them once. Her back view before she was out of there sight appears to be distant and domineering. So distinct. So very familiar. It seems they've underestimated her to some degree.

Some of them even thought how interesting she was.

Interesting but frightening at some point.

Given the situation, they doubt themselves if she ever stays for the night.