Transmigrated as the Villain Boss's Precious Darling-Chapter 114: Not a Good Match

"They’re nothing like the rumors. Before dinner, everyone in the Thorne family washed their hands with soap, and they didn’t start eating until Uncle Felix picked up his chopsticks. They have excellent manners. Plus, Aunt Aurelia was so warm and hospitable. I ate my fill."

Clayton Xavier shared his impressions. What surprised him most was the Thorne family’s table etiquette. You’d be hard-pressed to find that kind of decorum even among city folk, let alone in a rural village.

A flicker of surprise crossed the old madam’s otherwise calm face. A dinner table is a microcosm of the world. If they could maintain such etiquette at meals, it meant the Thorne family’s character was absolutely sound. The rumors truly were baseless.

"Your mother was right. The Thornes are good people to associate with. As long as you understand that, it’s fine."

Clayton Xavier nodded. He, too, felt the Thorne family was worth getting to know. This also proved his mother’s judgment of people was accurate. His heart skipped a beat as he thought of Phoenix Golding.

"Grandma, what do you think of Phoenix Golding’s character?"

The old madam’s brow furrowed. She instantly understood why her grandson was asking. Her daughter-in-law had mentioned that he had been getting close to Phoenix Golding’s daughter. She’d met the young lady, Jacqueline Spann—smart, capable, and quite pretty. ’A shame her mother is Phoenix Golding.’

"You’re good friends with her daughter?" the old madam countered, her gaze sharp.

Clayton Xavier blushed. At fourteen, he was old enough to understand a thing or two about boys and girls. Of course, he had feelings for Jacqueline Spann that were... different. But for now, it was just a budding crush, a fondness that went slightly beyond simple friendship.

Though he appeared gentle and approachable on the surface, he was not an easy person to get close to, nor did he open up to others easily. In the book, Jacqueline Spann and Clayton Xavier only got together after more than a decade as childhood sweethearts. Right now, the foundation of their relationship wasn’t nearly that strong.

"We get along pretty well."

Clayton Xavier neither confirmed nor denied it.

The old madam carefully studied her grandson, now a young man in his own right. You couldn’t find a more outstanding young man in all of Vessaria. Clayton Xavier was her greatest pride, and so—

"Since you’ve asked, I’ll make my stance clear. That girl from the Spann family is not a suitable match for you. Let it fade."

Clayton Xavier’s expression shifted. He blurted out, "Why?"

"Because she’s Phoenix Golding’s daughter."

Having said her piece, the old madam closed her eyes and began to slowly run her prayer beads through her fingers. Clayton Xavier knew she wouldn’t say another word, so he had no choice but to take his leave.

His heart was heavy. His beloved grandmother and his own mother were both against him associating with Jacqueline Spann. He would have to seriously reconsider their friendship.

***

For the first time ever, Tang Xiaonan woke up before breakfast at the Thorne residence. She had been woken by hunger. After falling asleep on the mountain the previous evening, she had missed dinner entirely and slept straight through till morning. Her stomach was growling.

The atmosphere at the dining table was a bit heavy. Felix Thorne’s expression was darker than usual, but he still smiled lovingly at his daughter and peeled an egg for her.

Tang Xiaonan soon found out why. Before breakfast was even finished, Goldie Thorne came over, shouting, "Big Brother, Dad says we’re leaving tomorrow morning."

"Okay. Have you notified Second Brother?"

"I called him. Second Brother is coming back tonight. Son of a bitch, how dare they bully my sister! I’ll beat the shit out of them!"

Goldie Thorne continued to curse up a storm. Tang Xiaonan finally understood. ’They’re gathering the troops to go pick a fight with the Chapmans!’

’A good fight would feel great, but it wouldn’t actually solve anything. It would just make the conflict worse. After all, there’s no way Phoebe Thorne can get a divorce; she still has to live with the Chapman family. That means they have to intimidate the Chapman family, not crush them completely.’