Chapter 199: Chapter 199: Narrow Encounter with a Nemesis
Rosalind Lynch’s face uncontrollably flushed red.
"Auntie, it’s a bit early to talk about this..."
"Not early at all. Time flies, and you’ll reach the legal age before you know it," Claudia Jennings said, winking at Mrs. Lynch as she asked, "Don’t you agree?"
Mrs. Lynch, wishing they could get married immediately, quickly chimed in, "Yes..."
But after speaking, Mrs. Lynch felt she might have been too straightforward, considering Claudia’s family had a son, while hers had a daughter.
A daughter should not seem too eager.
Mrs. Lynch cleared her throat awkwardly to change the subject, "Well, I brought you some bird’s nest soup. See if it’s the brand you’re used to."
As she spoke, Mrs. Lynch was about to place the two gift boxes on the coffee table when she heard footsteps coming from the staircase.
She initially thought Warren Prescott had finished his business and was coming down, but when she looked up, she saw only Elder Prescott.
And it was just Elder Prescott.
This meant Warren hadn’t gone upstairs to find Elder Prescott; he simply couldn’t be bothered to deal with them.
Realizing this, Mrs. Lynch’s expression changed slightly.
She had asked her eldest daughter whether things were fixed with Warren.
Rosalind Lynch always responded evasively or guiltily nodded.
Warren’s attitude now made Mrs. Lynch certain they hadn’t reconciled.
In fact... things might be even worse.
The thought sent a chill through her.
After the incident where her husband hit her, she understood that in her husband’s eyes, nothing mattered more than profits—not wives, not daughters.
As her heart sank, she was grateful her husband was too busy today to come over.
Otherwise, if he learned of this, even she might get dragged into trouble.
Claudia Jennings noticed Mrs. Lynch’s sudden inactivity and instinctively followed her gaze.
Seeing Elder Prescott coming down the stairs, Claudia Jennings quickly stood up, "Dad? Why are you down here? Dinner’s not ready yet; it’ll be another half hour..."
"Can’t I come down just because I haven’t eaten yet?"
Elder Prescott spoke bluntly, and given his world-weary expression, anyone not familiar with him would think he was in a bad mood.
But in truth, he always spoke this way, and those who knew him were used to it.
However, since they had guests today and Mrs. Lynch wasn’t familiar with Elder Prescott, Claudia Jennings felt a bit embarrassed.
She forced a smile and said, "I didn’t mean it that way, I just thought you were hungry."
"I’m not hungry, I’m just waiting for someone. Tell the kitchen to prepare a few more dishes; two more people are coming later."
After speaking, Elder Prescott sat down at his exclusive spot—at the chessboard table.
He had recently acquired a rare chess manual and his skills had improved significantly. He was eager to have a match with Ashley Shaw.
He had taught Ashley chess, but in less than two years, her skills surpassed his, and he longed to one day defeat his own pupil.
Perhaps today he could win this match!
Elder Prescott eagerly rubbed his old hands, ready to warm up by playing against himself.
However, Claudia Jennings’s voice broke the moment—
"Dad, who else is coming?"
"Didn’t the butler tell you? I invited Ashley and Ariana. Ariana is Ashley’s friend. You’ve met her, the one who stayed with her at the hospital."
Claudia Jennings’s expression subtly changed.
Why is it Ashley Shaw again?
She’s quite persistent.
But since Ashley was invited by Elder Prescott, Claudia couldn’t say much, so she gestured to Mrs. Chase to tell the kitchen to make some extra dishes.
"Make the ones Ashley likes," Elder Prescott added.
"Yes." Mrs. Chase responded and headed to the kitchen.
Rosalind Lynch had been waiting for Elder Prescott to greet her, but even after Mrs. Chase returned from the kitchen, Elder Prescott hadn’t looked her way.
She had to speak up herself, "Good evening, Grandpa Prescott."
"Hmm." Elder Prescott didn’t even lift his head, continuing to focus on his chess game.
Mrs. Lynch also greeted him, but Elder Prescott’s response remained indifferent.
The mother and daughter felt a bit awkward.
It was only when Jillian Lynch followed with "Good evening, Grandpa Prescott," that Elder Prescott finally looked up with a rare smile.
"Jillian’s here too."
"Hmm."
"How old are you this year?"
"Starting high school soon."
"Time flies, you were just a little thing the last time I saw you."
"Hehe." Jillian, being young, didn’t know what more to say and just giggled.
With nothing else to discuss, Elder Prescott quickly dropped his head again to ponder his chess game.
With Elder Prescott there, Mrs. Lynch and Claudia Jennings couldn’t continue their previous conversation and switched to discussing bird’s nest soup.
Soon, Mrs. Chase’s voice could be heard at the door.
"Ashley, you’re here! Elder Prescott is waiting for you."
"Yes, we got held up on the way."
It was Ashley Shaw’s voice.
Rosalind Lynch’s expression darkened a bit.
Why is it that every time she visits the Prescott Family, Ashley Shaw just happens to be there? Is she doing it on purpose?
If not intentional, there’s no way to explain such coincidences.
Thinking about the dream where Ashley was so high and mighty, Rosalind’s hatred seeped into her bones.
"Is Ashley here?"
Elder Prescott dropped the chess piece in his hand and quickly headed out.
In comparison, Elder Prescott’s favoritism was blatantly obvious.
Rosalind Lynch felt even more resentment.
Out at the door.
Elder Prescott warmly took hold of Ashley’s arm.
"Ashley, come on in. My chess skills have improved quite a bit lately. Let’s have a match before dinner’s ready."
While speaking, Elder Prescott didn’t forget to invite Ariana Grant.
"Ariana, come on over too, you can be a referee for us."
"Sure!" Ariana replied, "Last time I watched Ashley and Young Master Prescott play chess, it got me all excited, and I’ve been learning for a few days. If you don’t mind, I can play with you too!"
"Of course you can! I’ll play with you first and then Ashley. But don’t call Warren ’Young Master’ anymore. Next time, just call him ’Ashley’s beaten opponent’."
"Is that okay? I’m afraid he’ll hit me."
"He wouldn’t dare! If he lays a finger on you, I’ll break his legs!"
"Hahaha, okay, I’ll call him that later."
Ashley Shaw said, "Grandpa Prescott, you’re spoiling Ariana more than me. I might get jealous."
"Don’t be jealous, dear, it’s like loving all under one roof."
"Alright, with that, I won’t be jealous."
The three of them walked into the living room, chatting and laughing.
Ashley Shaw’s and Ariana Grant’s smiles froze momentarily seeing the three members of the Lynch Family.
Rosalind Lynch was actually there.
What a tight spot!
But Ashley quickly regained her smile and greeted Claudia Jennings, "Hello, Aunt Jennings."
Ariana also quickly followed with greetings.
Claudia’s expression was indifferent.
If it weren’t for Elder Prescott, she probably wouldn’t have bothered responding to Ashley and Ariana.
But since Elder Prescott was present, she had to save face for him.
"Hmm, you’ve arrived? Dinner will be ready in half an hour."