Chapter 2

"Come with me." Irene adjusted the shawl on her shoulder and headed upstairs. Noami lowered her gaze and followed her. The Lawson Mansion was a historical building. Every nook and cranny had its story. Edith was from a wealthy family in Willowstown back in the day, but due to unforeseen circumstances, their family fell from grace. Edith then married Theodore, who was just a lowly vendor back then. Naomi followed Irene into the study. They shut the door, completely silencing themselves from the outside world. "Have a seat," Irene said. Naomi took a seat on the couch next to her. "You and Scott have been married for three years, right?" Irene came from a family of scholars. When she married Edward, Edith already built up quite a business for her children, all thanks to her hard work and her brains. Irene marrying Edward was neither marrying up nor down. Their backgrounds were just right for each other. Edith was concerned with the family's reputation and the importance of family customs. Naomi knew clearly about that. When Irene got Maya to leave so they could talk in private, Naomi immediately knew what Irene wanted to say. Children. Continuing the family bloodline was an important matter. Naomi was married to Scott for three years. It might not be a long time, but it was enough for a woman to get pregnant and have a child. For the past three years, Naomi had nothing to show. Irene was more than considerate for waiting until that moment to bring it up. "Yes." Naomi had nothing else to say other than replying to Irene quietly. Perhaps it was her quietness that made Irene furrowed her brows. The discontent she was suppressing in her heart finally bubbled to the surface. "I never approved of your marriage. Your family and educational background, none of it is good enough for Scott. But Edith chose you. Scott agreed too, so I said nothing. "Three years have passed, but you haven't gotten pregnant at all. Do you think this is acceptable?" Irene spoke at a moderate speed. Her good upbringing made sure she never raised her voice. One could barely hear the reproach and displeasure in her tone. However, Naomi knew that her mother-in-law was extremely unhappy with her. Naomi and Irene never had any mother-daughter-in-law issues. Whether it be before or after the marriage, Irene never once made things difficult for Naomi. They only met each other a few times in a year. Irene was already a great mother-in-law. Naomi was at a loss for words. Just like what Irene said, it was not acceptable. Even she felt guilty. However, she could not force Scott. She could make sure the house was in order so that he did not need to worry, but she could not force him to have kids with her. Yes, it has been three years, yet they have not slept together. … The monthly dinner was not any casual affair. Naturally, they were to stay a night at the Lawson Mansion. After dinner was the time when everyone could catch up with each other. Scott did not inherit his parents' gracefulness, instead, he got his grandmother's brain for business. He was an influential figure in the business world at a very young age, but he always maintained a low profile. The wealthier he got, the lower he kept his profile. Even the outside world did not know that he was married. "Scott, let's talk about the Liltic Sea project." Evelyn went over to Scott and pulled him away while he was in between phone calls. The only grandsons in the family were Scott and Jasper, who was Evelyn's older brother. Only a handful of the family was in business. Scott was one of them, the other was Evelyn. Edith never forbade her children to pursue anything, which was why they were all doing different things in life. Edward liked calligraphy, so he became a calligrapher. His wife, Irene, was a painter. Chester loved research, so he was into academia, while his wife was a doctor and currently a dean of a hospital. Jasper took over his mother. He was also a doctor. Margaret was a government official. She had a strong character, just like her mother. Her daughter's wish was to become a judge. As for Scott's sisters, one was a pianist while the other was researching cultural heritage. The only person who took over Edith's knack for business was Scott. Evelyn knew how wealthy her family was, but she was a tough character. She did not want help from her family. She wanted to make it on her own, just like her cousin, Scott. Scott did not look much like his father. Instead, he looked more like his grandfather. Standing at 1.89 meters tall, he was the tallest in his family. He was blessed by the gods with a gorgeous face. He stood by the window, looking at the pitter-patter outside. "Tell me." Evelyn smiled widely. "Have you gotten Violet Bay at Liltic Sea? Can I be in charge of the landscaping?" Evelyn had a landscape design company. She started by helping to plant flowers and trees, then she slowly recruited professionals to design as well. She found some success in the past two years. Scott was in a thin grey jumper and a pair of white casual trousers. With a Patek Philippe watch on his wrist, he had one hand in his pocket. He was usually dressed up in a business suit, looking extremely powerful. Even if he was in casual wear, he still looked equally regal and domineering. He looked at the smiling Evelyn and said, "Do it the official way?" Evelyn stated a long time ago that she did not want any help from the family. Even the money to start up her business was from her pocket. Everyone merely smiled at her naivety. When she decided to do her own business, she already received help from her family. Her privileged status and her relationship with Scott were proof. It was extremely challenging for anyone to have a moment with Scott, yet she could easily just pull him aside. "Of course! I'm going to earn money with my own two hands!" "Hmm." Scott did not refute Evelyn's claim. He picked up his phone and typed on the screen. Soon, Evelyn's phone vibrated. She received a message. "Talk to Jay about this." Jay. His assistant. Evelyn immediately had a look on her phone. A phone number. She was instantly overjoyed. "Thank you, Scott!" "Uncle Scott!" Maya ran over and grabbed his hand. "Where is Aunt Naomi? I didn't see her." Scott looked toward the living area. Naomi was no longer on the couch. He looked at Maya. "What do you want to do? I'll play with you."