Chapter 871: 433: Can I Sway You?

She turned her head and said to Richard Stetford with a beaming smile, "Grandpa, am I still your most cherished granddaughter?""Of course you are, I only have you as my granddaughter. Who else would I cherish?" Richard Stetford said with a gentle smile. "Betty, are you feeling a bit threatened?"

"A little bit, not much." Ruby Sheldon gestured with her hand, "Miss Winters just made my head spin, I want to go back and rest."

She then looked at Lawrence Winters and said with a smile, "I can’t see Miss Winters off, I hope she doesn’t take it the wrong way."

This was indeed a hint for her to leave.

Richard Stetford’s smile slightly faded as he said calmly, "Betty, Miss Winters is your uncle’s esteemed guest, and also mine. She is a professional, you need to show her respect."

Ruby Sheldon was so taken aback by Richard Stetford’s words that her face flushed purple and her eyes welled up with tears.

She tugged on Aiden Sheldon’s arm, seeking support, "Daddy... Did I say something wrong? Why did Grandpa say that to me?"

Aiden Sheldon initially intended to point out her mistake, but softened immediately upon seeing her teary eyes.

He gently patted her hand and assured her, "Betty didn’t say anything wrong, but Miss Winters has business to attend to and won’t be leaving just yet."

"Oh? Really?" Ruby Sheldon’s face fell, "But, where is she going to stay?"

Lawrence Winters hadn’t actually planned to stay here, especially with Ruby Sheldon and Autumn Stetford around; she was avoiding them.

However, with Evan Stetford and Richard Stetford here, who seemed to keep Ruby Sheldon and Autumn Stetford in check, Lawrence felt it wasn’t too bad to stay.

She enjoyed watching them dislike her yet being unable to do anything about it.

Evan Stetford spoke up then, "There are plenty of guest rooms at the house; Betty is also a guest, so no need to worry. I’ll take care of it."

Ruby Sheldon widened her light-colored eyes, "How can I be a guest? Uncle, what do you mean by that?"

Evan Stetford chuckled, "It’s fine if Betty thinks this is her own home; it’s all about feeling at home."

Lawrence Winters was stifling laughter so hard her shoulders shook.

Aiden Sheldon and Autumn Stetford exchanged glances and then looked away simultaneously.

Aiden Sheldon honestly didn’t want to stay here.

He wasn’t without a house in New York, so why stay at the Stetford Family’s place?

But Autumn Stetford used to be in charge of the Stetford Family’s affairs, so she lived here for half the year every year, and he just went along with it.

Things are different now; with Evan Stetford taking over the Stetford Family, Autumn Stetford, being married off, is clearly a "guest."

Her daughter naturally is even more of a guest.

There’s no flaw in that logic.

Aiden Sheldon stood up and said, "Betty, do you want to stay at our own house for a few days? It might get pretty busy here."

The Stetford Family was starting final preparations for the major competition, and a lot of people would probably come by in the next few days.

Ruby Sheldon wriggled uncomfortably and mumbled, "I want to watch the competition; staying at our house would be much better."

Curious, Lawrence Winters asked Evan Stetford quietly, "Is this competition being held at your place?"

Evan Stetford smiled, "Right on that stretch of beach."

He pointed to the horizon where sky and sea meet, "During the finals, we’ll light bonfires and compete under the moonlight."

"Wow, that’s really romantic!" Lawrence Winters clapped in admiration.

Ruby Sheldon scoffed and tugged on Aiden Sheldon’s sleeve, unwilling to leave.

Richard Stetford then spoke gently, "If Betty doesn’t want to leave, Aiden, you can stay a bit longer. This house is big enough for everyone. If you want peace and don’t want to stay in the main building, there are several small villas a few hundred meters away that no one lives in—you can stay there."

Aiden Sheldon nodded, "Then let’s stay in one of the villas. You’re going to get busy soon."

"Alright, I’ll have the butler help you settle in." Evan Stetford didn’t hesitate, quickly calling over the butler to take Aiden Sheldon’s family’s luggage to one of the two-story villas a few hundred meters away from the main house.

Along with them, Ava Harlow and Spring Spencer’s luggage was also sent to another villa close to where Aiden Sheldon’s family was staying.

These scattered villas were separated from the main house by lawns and gardens.

Lawrence Winters, however, was assigned a guest room in the main house by Evan Stetford.

Lawrence Winters said, "My luggage is still at the hotel."

"I’ve already sent someone to fetch it for you," Evan Stetford led her to the room he had arranged, "From now on, this will be your place. When you come to New York, there will always be a place reserved for you here."

He pulled back the curtains, revealing a stunning ocean view.

Lawrence Winters took a deep breath and said with a smile, "Evan, you’re going to spoil me beyond return."

"Then don’t return," Evan Stetford said subtly, "As long as you’re willing, you can stay here forever."

"Stay in the guest room forever?" Lawrence Winters said, half-smiling, "There’s no need for that. As nice as the Liang Garden is, it’s not a place to stay long. I’m here for the competition, Evan, don’t sway my determination!"

"Can I sway you then?" Evan Stetford slowly approached her, stopping just a step away.

Standing by the window, the blue of the ocean almost seeped into the room, blending sky and sea, a solitary sunset painting the scene outside.

Lawrence Winters looked at her once idolized celebrity, now a good friend, feeling incredibly calm.

She placed one hand on her chest and shook her head honestly, "Not for now."

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This is the second update, 300 monthly tickets for early release.

The third update is at half past seven in the evening.

Today starts June and also Monday, asking for monthly and recommendation tickets!

Hugs for everyone!