C8 Intentionally Looking for Trouble!

"Ilyana, since you've already arrived at the birthday banquet, why didn't you let your auntie know?" Ondine inquired with feigned concern.

Watching Old Madame Munro cling to Ilyana's hand, unwilling to let go, Ondine felt a surge of envy. She didn't want to leave this young woman alone with the elderly lady for too long. If Ilyana were to speak out of turn and say something inappropriate, the repercussions could be dire. Hence, Ondine directed all the blame toward Ilyana.

Inwardly, Ilyana scoffed, though her face was the picture of distress.

"Mrs. Slater, I didn't intentionally keep it from you! After tumbling down the stairs, I woke to find everyone gone. Worried that Grandma might be anxious, I..." Ilyana trailed off, her demeanor suggesting she was still shaken, her complexion ghostly pale. Her forlorn expression would tug at anyone's heartstrings.

Ondine was momentarily taken aback, not expecting Ilyana to mention the fall. She was about to respond when she was abruptly cut off by someone nearby.

"What? You fell down the stairs? What exactly happened? Are you hurt anywhere? Are you in pain? Let me have a look!" Old Madame Munro spun around, her face etched with concern as she carefully examined Ilyana, treating her with the delicacy of a precious artifact. She then commanded those around her, "What are you waiting for? Go fetch Doctor Shen immediately!"

The crowd's expressions shifted subtly, a wave of surprise washing over them. Clearly, they grasped the significance of her words. It was well-known that Shen Haotian was the Munro family's most esteemed family doctor, young and accomplished, with Old Madame Munro's complete trust. Typically, only Old Madame Munro and the Munro family's young master were afforded such a privilege.

Why then, upon her arrival, was Ilyana receiving such preferential treatment?

Ilyana smiled reassuringly, "Grandma, there's no need for any fuss. I've already been seen by a doctor, and they've assured me everything is fine! Please, don't worry about me."

The envy, jealousy, and bewilderment in the eyes of the onlookers didn't go unnoticed by Ilyana.

Ilyana's eyes flickered subtly, but she pretended not to notice, consoling Old Madame Munro. Her beautiful, lively black eyes sparkled with a mischievous gleam. She couldn't help but let her lips curve into a slight, knowing smile.

"Is everything really okay?" Old Madame Munro asked, her concern evident.

Ilyana nodded sweetly. "I'm really fine! If something were wrong, do you think I'd keep it from Grandma?"

Her words seemed trustworthy, yet Old Madame Munro remained tense.

It was only after a thorough check, confirming there were no injuries on Ilyana, that Old Madame Munro allowed herself to relax.

With a furrowed brow, she pressed, "What exactly happened? How could she have fallen down the stairs like that?"

Her question was aimed at Ilyana, but her piercing gaze fell on Daxton, who stood to the side, clearly holding him responsible for the oversight.

Daxton's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly plastered on a smile. "Mom, maybe Ilyana just had a little accident. Since the doctor has given her the all-clear, surely there's nothing to worry about."

"No problem?" Old Madame Munro's expression darkened further. "You're being far too cavalier for a father. The Munro family's stairs have always been treated for slip resistance. I've never had an accident in all my years. And now you're telling me it was just an accident?"

"Do you still think Ilyana is a child?"