In a moment of realization, he instinctively addressed Charlie, saying, “Mr. Wade, I sincerely apologize for the dy in my arrival. I was stuck on the road for a few days…”


    ire, along with Jacob and ine, looked on in astonishment.


    What could have prompted Sam to apologize to Charlie? Were the two of them acquainted?


    Noticing the surprise on his family’s faces, Charlie decided to y along, smiling slightly as he responded, “Young Master Kilgore, you’re very courteous. As I promised to treat you to dinner, whether you arrive early orte, I will keep my word.”


    Sam was momentarily taken aback, confused by Charlie’s unexpected politeness toward him.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Then it dawned on him that he might have misspoken.


    It seemed Charlie preferred to keep their conflict under wraps from his family.


    Rushing to align with Charlie’s tone, Sam replied, “In that case, thank you in advance, Mr. Wade. Let’s n for a dinner after the New Year.”


    Charlie nodded, smiling as he exined to ire and his inws, “When I traveled to Eastcliff for some feng shui consultations, I attended Grandma Thomas’s birthday celebration on ire’s behalf. That’s where I met Young Master Kilgore. I promised to invite him to dinner upon his arrival in Aurous Hill.”


    Sam quickly added, “Yes, but I didn’t anticipate being dyed for several days on my journey here, which ended up pushing my arrival to just before the New Year.”


    ine, intrigued, inquired, “Young Master Kilgore, how did you travel from Eastcliff? It shouldn’t take more than ten hours by car, and flying would be even faster!”


    Sam awkwardly confessed, “I… I rode my bike here…”<fn3010> Follow current nov?ls on fin?novel</fn3010>


    “Huh?!” ine, ire, and Jacob were left speechless.


    Here was the heir of the Kilgore family, pedaling a bicycle from Eastcliff to Aurous Hill in the winter chill—what was he thinking?


    Seeing their astonishment, Sam feltpelled to exin, “The reason I chose to bike was that I wanted to cultivate my emotions…”


    The others exchanged nces, puzzled. Was Taoist sentiment thetest trend among wealthy youths?


    To ease the tension, Loreen stepped forward, presenting the gifts she had prepared for Jacob and ine. “Uncle and aunt, these are just some small tokens for you. I hope you’ll ept them!”


    Jacob responded politely, “Oh Loreen, you’re still young! You shouldn’t have gone out of your way to buy gifts. It’s rather embarrassing.”


    ine added, “Yes, Loreen, when you visit your aunt’s home, it should feel like your own—there’s no need for such formality.”


    Despite her words, ine reached out to ept the gifts from Loreen and Sam.


    Noticing ine’s leg still in a cast, Loreen asked in surprise, “Auntie, is your leg still healing?”


    ine sighed, “Oh, it’s getting better, but I had a little mishap a couple of days ago, and it got injured again.”


    Loreen immediately inquired, “What did the doctor say? Is it serious?”


    ine waved her hand dismissively, “Not at all! It’s nothing major—just like thest time. I just need to take it easy.”


    Loreen nodded, saying, “Well then, I wish you a speedy recovery, Auntie!”


    ine smiled gratefully, “Thank you, Loreen!”


    Loreen chuckled, “Why are you being so polite? Next time you’re in Eastcliff, pleasee over to my house!”


    She then nced at Charlie and suggested to ire, “If you’re free after the New Year, consider joining Charlie for a couple of days at my ce! We could return together on the seventh day of the New Year!”


    ire smiled back, “I’ll think about it; I can’t confirm my schedule just yet.”


    At that moment, the doorbell rang.


    Jacob hurried to answer it. Through the inte, he saw a stunningly beautiful woman dressed elegantly, exuding confidence.


    Surprised, Jacob asked, “Hello, who may I ask is visiting?”


    The woman replied politely, “Hello, is this the residence of Ms. ire Wilson? I’m Doris Young from the Emgrand Group. I hope I’m not intruding!”