How the Ice King Became my Doting Billionaire Husband

Chapter 219

Morwenna casually strolled over and took a seat next to Norbert, making herself at home as she picked up a cup of tea for a sip.

She figured, if there was anything off about the tea, she'd be the first to know.

Norbert seemed to take a particular shine to Morwenna, a fact that did not escape Rose, whose eyes flickered with a hint of jealousy. Yet, she kept her composure, continuing to serve the tea with a light-hearted question to Stuart, “Stuart, care to join us for a cup?”

It was a mere formality; no one in the Hetfield family was particularly keen on sharing a tea moment with Stuart.

To everyone's surprise, Stuart nodded in agreement.

Norbert was visibly pleased, making room for him, “Come on, join us. It's good for you youngsters to sit together.”

Finding herself seated next to Stuart threw Morwenna off her guard. She shot him a puzzled look, wondering what he was up to.

Leaning in, Stuart whispered, “Rose is fine, no need to be on edge.”

Hearing this, Morwenna relaxed a bit. If Stuart said it was okay, then it must be. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

She nodded, whispering back, “If there's no issue, why come sit here?”

His breath was warm on her ear as he responded, “To keep you company while you enjoy your tea.”

Morwenna felt her ears burn and promptly straightened up, putting some distance between them.

This man, once known for his aloof demeanor, was now surprisingly approachable, always finding ways to tease her.

Norbert watched them with a benevolent smile.

A cup crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.

“Sorry, sorry, that was my fault,” Rose hurriedly apologized.

Norbert frowned, his disappointment evident, “What did I teach you about manners? A few years away and you've forgotten the basics?”

Norbert was strict about such matters.

Over the years, he had been too caught up in Hetfield Group affairs, neglecting his children's upbringing and leaving it to others. By the time he realized, it was too late; the Hetfield family was rife with scheming and bitterness.

Rose, being the first grandchild he had taken under his wing, received a rare bit of his time for guidance.

His stern questioning now was quite serious.

Rose's eyes welled up, her voice filled with hurt, “Grandpa, it was an accident. I've been practicing the piano for a competition, and my fingers are a bit sore. I just couldn't hold the cup steady.”

Norbert’s expression softened slightly upon hearing this.

Stuart, however, couldn't help but mock, “Can't even hold a teacup steady, and you're trying to serve tea?”

Rose's eyes reddened further, her head bowed, embodying the picture of gentle grievance, “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Grandpa, and with his health not being great, I just wanted to come and spend some time with him.”

Stuart’s sarcasm was merciless as he said, “Oh? So you do know about his health? Here I thought you were clueless.”

Stuart was known for his sharp tongue and sparing no feelings.

Rose's expression shifted between hurt and anger, “Stuart, I know my mother has caused you upset, but I've kept to myself over the years, never causing harm to the Hetfield family. My absence was due to my studies, you can't deny us the chance to fulfill our filial duties.”

Her plea was heartfelt, enough to sway Morwenna.

It seemed Rose might truly have good intentions; after all, they were family.

But Stuart was unmoved, his reply icy, “Done with your filial duties? Then make yourself scarce. Your presence here annoys me.”

A Hetfield can’t possibly fool another Hetfield.

All this talk of filial piety was nothing but a pretense, she was just eyeing Norbert's fortune.

Rose usually wouldn’t dare to oppose Stuart, but with their grandfather present, Stuart was somewhat restrained.

Remembering her purpose, Rose stood her ground, “Stuart, I'm not leaving. I want to stay at the family home for a while, to spend time with Grandpa before school starts again. You promised not to interfere with our visits.”