Chapter 36
<Chapter>Chapter 36: A Grin Through Gritted Teeth </Chapter>
Today, he was dressed casually, a far cry from his usual sharp suits, yet still exuding an aura that kept people at bay.
Gianna caught his eye briefly, then calmly looked away.
Grandma, the housekeeper of Harmony Garden and a longtime caretaker of Natalie Clinton, greeted Gianna with a warm, affectionate smile. "The young mistress is here. The madam has been waiting a long time for you."
Grandma had served Natalie Clinton faithfully over the years, and their relationship had grown to be more like sisters than that of an employer and her servant.
Gianna chuckled, handing over the pastry in her hand.
"Grandma, I brought your favorite osmanthus cake from the shop you love, and here’s the almond jelly cake you like too."
Grandma took the osmanthus cake with a beaming smile. "Thank you, dear. I'll plate these up for Mrs. Patterson right away. She's been craving a bite for the longest time."
"All right, I'm going to see Grandma now."
As she stepped into the living room, Natalie Clinton was directing the housekeeper to arrange Gianna's favorite snacks on the table.
"Gianna loves those watermelon candies. Put them in front, and don't forget those little cookies right at the front, too..."
Gianna couldn't help but smile. Grandma still treated her like a little girl.
"Grandma, you've prepared so much. How can I finish all this by myself?"
Natalie Clinton turned around with surprise, "Gianna, you're here! If you can't finish, Grandma will have them packed up for you to take home and enjoy later."
Gianna walked over and took Natalie Clinton's hand with a smile. "Stop fussing around. Let's sit down and have a chat instead."
"Of course, my dear!"
No sooner had they sat down than Natalie Clinton quickly assessed Gianna, noticing her chin seemed sharper than the last visit. A twinge of concern flashed in her eyes.
"You've gotten thinner. I heard from Felix that you took a job; if it's too tiring, don't push yourself. Felix earns enough to take care of you, and if that’s not enough, Grandma has some savings tucked away — it’s all yours!"
Gianna shook her head, "It's not tiresome, and I've got nothing else to do at home."
Seeing her determination, Natalie Clinton didn't press further. "All right, but if it gets too much, quit. Don't wear yourself out."
"Got it, Grandma!"
As they continued talking, Felix walked into the living room and took a seat across from them.
Though he didn't interrupt, simply having him nearby was a presence that couldn't be ignored.
Natalie Clinton noticed that when Felix entered, Gianna’s smile seemed to fade a touch.
She had seen enough in her lifetime to recognize that there had been an argument.
"Felix, I asked the housekeeper to prepare some juice in the kitchen; why haven't they served it yet?"
After Felix left, Natalie Clinton turned to Gianna. "What's going on with you two? Did Felix upset you?"
Caught by Natalie Clinton's perceptiveness, Gianna responded with a laugh. "No, everything's fine, Grandma. Don't worry about us."
"If Felix ever gives you trouble, you come to me—I'll make sure he doesn't get away with it!"
"Mmm, I always knew you were the best, Grandma."
Soon after, Felix returned with a glass of juice, placing it on the table before looking to Natalie Clinton, “I'm heading to the study to handle some paperwork.”
Natalie Clinton glanced at him disapprovingly and said with slight irritation, "Why are you telling me this? Go talk to your wife!"
No wonder Gianna gets into arguments with him if he's this clueless.
Feeling Felix's gaze on her, Gianna spoke softly without looking up, “Mr. Clinton, Grandma is just joking. Go on with your work; don’t mind me.”
Noticing her indifference, a flicker of coldness passed through Felix’s eyes, but he said nothing more and turned to leave.
It wasn’t until Felix was out of sight that Natalie Clinton turned to Gianna, “Gianna, when do you and Felix plan on having kids?”
Mid-sip of her juice, Gianna almost choked upon hearing this.
After struggling to swallow the juice, she set down her glass and whispered, “Grandma, we don't have such plans at the moment.”
Natalie Clinton sighed with a mix of pity and affection, “Bella went back home, and I worry about you getting mistreated here. If you had a child, maybe Felix would settle down a bit.”
Gianna offered a small smile, “Grandma if I need a child to tie him down, that would be quite sad. I won't let myself fall into that sort of situation.”
“Felix owes his life to you, and it was you who healed his leg. I'll only ever acknowledge you as my granddaughter-in-law!
And as for Bella entering the Clinton family, that’ll happen over my dead body!”
After a moment of hesitation, Gianna looked at Natalie Clinton seriously, “Grandma, I’ve been doing much thinking, and if the day comes when Mr. Clinton and I divorce, I hope that you'll support me.”
Shock flashed in Natalie's eyes; she hadn’t realized their relationship had deteriorated to such an extent.
“Did Felix do something unforgivable to you?!”
“No, it's just a heads-up. Just in case it really comes to that, I want you to be prepared.”
Natalie Clinton stayed silent for a long while; when she spoke again, her voice was tinged with sorrow.
“I understand.”
The atmosphere remained dampened through dinner, with Natalie Clinton visibly out of sorts and casting disapproving looks at Felix.
After dinner, Natalie wanted Gianna and Felix to stay the night at Harmony Garden, but both had to work the next day, so they had to decline.
As they were preparing to depart, Natalie pulled Felix aside, her voice firm and determined, "If you ever hurt Gianna, forget about laying a finger on Sirius Trading Syndicate's shares!"
Felix was the head honcho at Sirius, but the lion's share of the syndicate's stocks were clenched tightly in Natalie's grasp.
Three years ago, Felix had agreed to marry Gianna, lured by the promise that Natalie would transfer 80% of her shares to him in five years.
However, Gianna was blissfully unaware of their little arrangement.
A chill seemed to gather in Felix’s eyes as he responded with a steely voice, "Understood."
Gianna didn't catch what Natalie said to Felix, but she felt the iciness that now enveloped him as he returned.
She glanced briefly at him, then looked away, bidding Natalie farewell with a smile.
"Grandma, I'll come to visit you next time!"
Natalie looked visibly reluctant to see her go, "Hmm, and if Felix ever makes you unhappy, you tell me—I won’t let him off the hook!"
Hearing Natalie's unconditional support, Gianna felt a surge of warmth and nodded, "All right, it's chilly out—better head inside."
"I'll watch you leave first," Natalie insisted.
Without any more delay, Gianna waved her hand, got into the car, and drove off, leaving Felix feeling completely ignored during the interaction, his expression darkening into a scowl reminiscent of a burnt pan.
Natalie cast a disdainful glance at him, "All right, off you go now!"
With that, she turned around and walked into the living room, leaving Felix staring after her.
‘Great,’ thought Felix sarcastically, ‘Disliked by both.’
As they arrived at the base of the hill, Felix intercepted Gianna, his car blocking her path. Stepping out of the car, he approached her with deliberate steps.
Sensing the oppressive atmosphere around him, Gianna furrowed her brow, rolled down her window, and asked coldly, "What is it?"
After a brief silence, Felix said with serious resolve, "Gianna, we need to talk."
