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After all these years in the Crawford family, Susan had become quite skilled at wearing
such a mask. She added, "Didn't something unpleasant happen today? I thought I'd come
back to keep you company."
Old Master Crawford could not be bothered to expose her. Her hurried return clearly
indicated that she had learned about Luke's return from someone's lips.
Otherwise, it would not have been such a coincidence.
"What's there to chat about? Let's eat first." The old master's tone was not good. He
initially planned to discuss the company's development with Luke again but did not expect
her to return. Her arrival had interrupted their conversation.
Old Master Crawford hated being disturbed by unrelated people and matters when he was
in a business discussion—unless it was an extremely urgent matter.
Otherwise, no matter who disrupted him, the result would be the same.
Susan opened her mouth, but Mr. Griffin's voice sounded. "Old Master Crawford, Madam,
Master Luke, dinner is ready."
Susan's face immediately darkened, annoyed that her words were interrupted before she
could speak. She glared at Mr. Griffin.
Mr. Griffin had long grown accustomed to Susan's habit of giving him stern looks. He kept
his smile on his face, unaffected by her warning gaze.
"Let's have dinner first," said Old Master Crawford, understanding that Susan did not have
a proper reason for her return.
Luke remained silent and followed Old Master Crawford to the dining room.
Susan watched the two of them as they walked away. She stopped Mr. Griffin. "There's
something I'd like to ask."
Mr. Griffin halted and watched the two of them for several seconds from behind before
turning to Susan. His head was slightly lowered. "Madam, how can I help you?"
"Were the old master and Luke in the study just now?" asked Susan. Even though she had
already inquired with the maid, she wanted to confirm with the butler.
Mr. Griffin nodded. "Yes, Old Master Crawford and Master Luke were in the study
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtdiscussing matters."
"What did they talk about?" Susan blurted out without thinking.
Mr. Griffin smiled apologetically and reminded Susan, “Old Master Crawford always closes
the door when he's talking to someone.”
Susan knew it perfectly well, but her impatience to find out what Old Master Crawford and
Luke had talked about compelled her to ask a question the butler could not possibly
answer.
She paused for a moment, then asked, "Did you hear Old Master Crawford scolding
anyone?"
Although the study had excellent sound insulation, if Old Master Crawford was scolding
someone, Mr. Griffin, who was standing outside, would certainly have heard it.
Susan had read the gossip news about Luke. Hence, she wanted to add fuel to the fire in
the hope that Old Master Crawford would be thoroughly disappointed in him.
That was why she rushed back to the manor as soon as she found out Luke had returned.
Mr. Griffin shook his head. "I didn't hear any loud noises from inside the study."
In other words, Old Master Crawford did not scold Luke.
Susan furrowed her brows in suspicion. "Really? Don't try to fool me. Even though I've
moved out, I'm still the lady of the Crawford family. I still oversee you!"
Mr. Griffin felt helpless as he listened to her threats. He could not help but think that even
though she had moved out, she still wanted to hold onto the things in Crawford Manor.
"Madam, I was standing outside the study. I really didn't hear any loud noises inside,"
replied Mr. Griffin helplessly.
Susan had no choice but to give up.
"Hmph, such rumors are being spread, yet Old Master doesn't care. He's really..."
She did not finish the sentence as she was about to say the old master was showing
favoritism. Although Mr. Griffin would not tattle on her on Old Master Crawford, she did not
want to take that risk either.
"Madam, let's have dinner first," Mr. Griffin, aware of her thoughts, advised her in a
hushed tone.
Susan let out a cold snort and walked toward the dining room.
Old Master Crawford and Luke were already seated at the dining table, while the cook was
serving the dishes one by one.
Old Master Crawford expressed his displeasure for Susan's late arrival. "If you don't want
to eat, then don't sit down. You showed up late for dinner. Do you need an invitation from
everyone in this house to get you to come?"
Susan knew the old master was unhappy that she came in late. Crawford Manor had many
rules, especially for someone in her position as a daughter-in-law...
She explained, "Father, I had a brief chat with Mr. Griffin, which made me come in late.
Besides, all the dishes haven't even been served yet."
Ignoring her explanation, Old Master Crawford picked up his cup and took a sip of warm
water to cleanse his palate. "What's there to talk about? If it's about me, wouldn't it be
better to ask me?" Susan's face darkened. Old Master Crawford seemed to know
everything.
However, there was a saying that went, 'It would be wise to keep cards close to one's
chest.'
Yet, Old Master Crawford seemed determined to expose all her thoughts, making her lose
face in front of Luke.
Old Master Crawford could both grant and take away dignity from everyone in Crawford
Manor. His words held significant authority in this house. Susan was well aware of this, but
she also felt a sense of resistance.
She thought that Old Master Crawford was the one who showed her least respect here.
The cook brought all the dishes to the table and said, "Old Master Crawford, Madam,
Master Luke, all the dishes are ready. Please enjoy your meal."
Susan waited for Old Master Crawford to pick up his cutlery before doing the same. She
dug in.
During dinner, she remained silent, fearing that anything she said might displease Old
Master Crawford.
At the same time, Old Master Crawford and Luke remained silent as they finished their
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmmeal. The dining table was relatively quiet.
After the meal, Mr. Griffin brought a cup of tea that aided in digestion to Old Master
Crawford.
Susan cast a glance at Luke's cold expression, then at Old Master Crawford. Her eyes
darted around as she contemplated her words for a while. She said slowly, "Luke, I saw the
news today."
Luke's expression remained calm as water. He did not seem particularly surprised by her
sudden remark and merely responded noncommittally, "Okay."
Susan saw his calm reaction. It was as though he was not the subject of the gossip news.
She could not help but turn to look at Old Master Crawford.
Then, she continued speaking in the manner of an elder, "Now that your mother isn't here,
as your other mother, there are some things I must address. I understand that since
Bianca has been abroad for so long, you must need a woman to accompany and take care
of you.
"But, as the CEO of T Corporation, shouldn't you consider the company's image in your
actions?
"Father entrusted the company to you so that you would manage it diligently, not so that
it would be tarnished by a woman. The way the news is being reported is quite
embarrassing. How do you intend to handle it?"
Luke lifted his head and glanced at her. Then, he turned to look at Old Master Crawford.
"Grandpa, I shall head back first."
"Off you go. It's late. Be careful on the road," replied Old Master Crawford, seemingly
ignoring Susan's words.
Susan was exasperated by the reactions of the two of them. "Father, I know you dote on
Luke, but can't you take this gossip news seriously? Otherwise, it's the Crawford family
that'll get into trouble!"
Before either of them could respond, she continued, "Being unfaithful to their wives seems
to be in the genes of the men in the Crawford family. Look at what happened to Zach. He's
a prime example. Father, you really need to keep an eye on Luke!"
Mentioning Zachary's name made Old Master Crawford's face turn gloomy.
Zachary's unfaithfulness had played a role in his demise.
Even so, Susan had no right to say something like that. Old Master Crawford's eyes were
filled with anger as he glared at her. "That's enough. Mind your own business."
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