chapter1018

"Married into the royal family? You mean Uncle Damien's granddaughter?" Kylie asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"Yeah, his oldest granddaughter married Prince Theo from Country Y," Mabel

replied.

Kylie looked shocked. "Wait, Prince Theo got married? How come I haven't heard anything?"

"The wedding was a secret. They haven't made it public yet."

"Oh, alright, Kylie nodded, understanding now.

Nathaniel rolled his eyes. "So what if she married into royalty? She still has to watch everyone's moods every day. What's there to brag about?"

Nathaniel! That's enough. It wasn't easy for your great-uncle to bring his whole family back to visit us," Mabel scolded.

Nathaniel clicked his tongue. "Yeah, yeah, I know."

He wasted no time sliding over to Lydia, putting on his best puppy-dog grin. "Lydia, when do you have time to take us out for a spin?

Ever since Lydia had shared her racing secrets, Nathaniel's team had improved like crazy. They'd beaten everyone except Chris' crew. Nathaniel was hoping Lydia would teach them a few more tricks so when he finally raced Chris, he could get him to call him 'boss.'

Before Lydia could answer, Connor cut in with zero warmth. "She's busy."

Nathaniel shot Connor a look but didn't dare talk back. Connor wasn't someone you argued with lightly.

He gave Lydia a hopeful smile and asked in a lower voice, "Maybe sometime later, Lydia? When you're not busy?"

Connor answered again, flat as ever. "She won't be free."

Nathaniel's face twitched in annoyance as he glared at Connor.

Lydia said gently, "Maybe later. We'll see."

Nathaniel brightened immediately. "Lydia, you're the best!"

Connor looked like he might roll his eyes right out of his head.

Lydia just stared at Nathaniel, speechless. Why was he suddenly acting so clingy?

A little while later, William came home.

His usual serious face softened into a smile when he saw everyone gathered, but when his eyes landed on Connor, his expression froze for a split second.

Connor met William's gaze and greeted him with a little extra meaning. Hi, Uncle William."

William's lips twitched like he was trying not to react.

Uncle? He said that way too naturally.

"Uncle William, you're back," Caspian chimed in before William could recover.

William paused, studying Caspian's unfamiliar face. "And you are...?

Uncle, this is Caspian. He's... my boyfriend," Lucinda spoke up, stepping forward so she wouldn't be left out.

William's eyes cleared with understanding. He smiled kindly.

"Handsome young man. You

Lucinda fook great together.

Caspian's face lit up, surprised and thrilled by William's praise. "Thank you so much."

After all, William had never paid Connor and Lydia such a compliment.

Connor just sighed quietly to himself. It was no secret the Robinsons didn't really like the Jeffersons.

He glanced at Lydia, who gave him the same helpless look right back.

The Robinsons' attitude toward the Jefferson family had been around forever. No point rushing it.

Just then, the butler Ford hurried in. "Sir, Madam, Mr. Damien Robinsons and his family have arrived!"

Mr. and Mrs. Robinson jumped up from their armchairs. Come on, let's go!" Everyone else followed them out to the main entrance to greet Damien's family.

Outside, a long line of cars was parked by the gate.

As the cars stopped, several

body in black suits got

the stepet.

first and rolled out a

the way to

red carpet al

.net>

The crowd waiting to greet them watched, faces a mix of surprise and amusement.

Next, some elegantly dressed people were helped out of the luxury cars.

The first to step out was a woman in a long violet gown, with a matching wide-brimmed hat. She held herself tall, adjusted her dress, and lightly touched the brim of her hat while she took in the house before her.

"Oh, what an old house!" she said, sounding both amazed and slightly judgmental.