Female Novel
Chapter 174
Chapter 174
Estelle and Norah bumped into each other outside the greenhouse. Norah came running, her forehead
covered in sweat and panting, “Where did you go? I’ve searched the whole garden for you!”
Estelle pointed casually, “I saw a patch of peonies over there, so I stayed to look for a while.”
“I thought you went to the study. It was my uncle who told me you were here.” Norah grinned, looking
all innocent and sweet.
Feeling a bit guilty, Estelle apologized, “Sorry for making you worry!”
“No worries! Since we’re here, let me show you the greenhouse where my grandma keeps a lot of rare
and unique flowers that my uncle collected from different places. They’re so cool, I bet you’ve never
seen them before.”
“Sounds awesome!”
The two entered the greenhouse and had some fun exploring before a servant came to call them back
for lunch.
Arriving back at the villa, they found the servants already setting the table. Janice enthusiasticallynovelbin
welcomed Estelle, “I heard from Henson that you like spicy food. So, I asked the kitchen to prepare
some extra spicy dishes for you. Let me know if they’re to your taste.”
Estelle responded, “Thank you! I’m sure they will be great, besides, I can eat everything.”
As they walked toward the dining room, Estelle caught a glimpse of Jonathan descending the stairs
from the corner of her eye. She couldn’t help but look at him, their eyes meeting briefly before she
quickly averted her gaze.
Mrs. Lamont invited Estelle to sit down, with everyone taking their seats around the table. By some
amazing coincidence, Estelle ended up seated opposite Jonathan.
Soup was served to Estelle, and Mrs. Lamont smiled warmly, “Please, don’t be shy. Make yourself at
home.”
Estelle nodded and laughed, “Thank you!”
Henson chimed in, “Besides, it’s not your first time here, so what’s to be shy about?” As he spoke, he
offered her a piece of crab. “Eat
up!”
Touched by his kindness, Estelle replied, “thanks.”
The Lamonts didn’t have that air of superiority, apart from Geoffrey’s naturally icy demeanor. Everyone
else was very easygoing and polite, always taking care of Estelle’s feelings.
Feeling relaxed, Estelle treated the meal casually, as if she were a regular at the Lamont table.
Halfway through the meal, Janice looked up and asked, “So Ella, do you have a boyfriend?”
Estelle, having just taken a bite, nearly choked on her food as she quickly lowered her head and
coughed softly.
Jonathan looked at her and silently pushed his water glass toward her, his eyes filled with an unspoken
meaning. Norah complained, “Mom, why are you gossiping about someone else’s love life?”
Janice shot her a reproachful look, “I just want to get to know Estelle more, how is that gossip?”
Norah snorted, “It’s totally gossip!”
Raising her head, Estelle smiled calmly, “Thank you for your concern, but I don’t have a boyfriend.”
Mrs. Lamont chimed in, “Focusing on your studies first, It’s good.”
Estelle couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty, “Yes.”
After the meal, Estelle said goodbye to the Lamonts, and Jonathan came downstairs with his coat, “I
have to run an errand for the company, so I can give you a lift on my way.”
Alcott smiled, “Weren’t you going to Evergreen Estates this afternoon? That doesn’t seem like the
same direction to the University of J City.”
Estelle’s heart raced, and she looked at Jonathan.
Maintaining his composure, the handsome man explained, “I need to pick up something from the office
first.”
Mrs. Lamont looked at them with her gentle eyes and smiled, “Then you can drop Ella off. Be careful on
the road!”
Estelle replied politely, “Thank you, Mrs. Lamont.”
Mrs. Lamont reminded her, “Feel free to come back anytime!”