C5 The Child of the Munro Family

"Mom, Ivar is still asleep. Once he wakes up, we'll definitely bring him over for you to see. Don't worry!"

Old Madame Munro nodded with a smile playing at the corners of her eyes. She waved her hand as Halden dutifully handed the items to the butler before stepping back to his place. His gaze then shifted to his brother, Daxton, filled with challenge.

Daxton's expression darkened as he quickly presented the Jade Goddess of Mercy he had prepared for months. Old Madame Munro offered a few casual words of praise before her eyes swept across the room. A frown creased her brow, and she suddenly asked in a tone much colder than before, "Hasn't Ilyana arrived yet?"

Despite not having much affection for Ilyana, who hadn't been raised by her side, Old Madame Munro preferred her company to facing Ondine and her daughter, who were of dubious origins. She was well aware that of her two sons, Daxton was the most devoted.

Yet, since Daxton's encounter with Ondine, he had been bewitched, ignoring the Munro family elders' disapproval to be with her at all costs. It was because of this woman that the Munro family's stocks had taken a nosedive. Had it not been for her steely resolve, the Munro family might have lost their standing in Vethrin long ago.

Every time she saw Ondine, Old Madame Munro was reminded of those dark days, feeling as if a thorn was lodged in her heart. She couldn't help but view Daxton with disdain.

Daxton mopped the sweat from his brow. Ondine had told him that Ilyana was injured and recuperating at home, which he hadn't taken seriously. He hadn't anticipated his mother would suddenly inquire about the girl from the countryside.

"What's the matter? Am I not allowed to see her?"

Old Madame Munro's gaze hardened as she glanced at Daxton, waiting silently for his response. When her eyes landed on Ondine, her look of disdain was unmistakable.

"Well, Ilyana..." Daxton's voice trailed off as he gulped nervously, panic rising within him at the sight of his mother's impassive face. His heart raced, and the sweat on his forehead seemed unstoppable.

Feeling guilty, he couldn't bring himself to meet the old lady's gaze and could only offer a forced smile.

"Ilyana woke up this morning feeling unwell, so I let her stay home to rest," Ondine hinted with a glance, prompting Daxton to catch on. "Mom, Ines did come along. Perhaps you'd like to meet with her first?"

While speaking, he ushered Ines forward to Old Madame Munro.

"This child has been longing to see you for such a long time!"

"Ines, come wish your grandmother a happy birthday!"

Under pressure, Ines hung her head and begrudgingly called out, "Grandma."

Halden burst into laughter. "Brother, Mom was hoping to see Ilyana, not Ines. How can you be confused about that?"

Daxton's expression turned stern. "What are you implying, brother? What's wrong with Ines meeting Old Madame?"

"Big brother, some things are obvious without being said. You know as well as I do. Ilyana has the Munro blood in her veins; she's the true child of our family. Don't you agree?"

Halden's mocking tone left Daxton's face ashen.

Each of Halden's words was a piercing blow, his smirk filled with contempt.

Halden's remarks detonated like a depth charge, sending shockwaves through those present.

Ondine felt a stinging heat flush her cheeks, but nothing prepared her for the chilling words that Old Madame Munro was about to utter.