Chapter 1472


    Bianca outwardlyplied, but a hint of discontent lingered in her eyes. Throughout the meal, her


    gaze kept drifting toward Chris. When Fleur spoke, Bianca would actively join in, steering the


    conversation toward their shared childhood memories.


    In their youth, she frequented Fleur’s home, adoring the swing in her backyard and sharing a bed with


    Chris.


    Lena listened quietly, her calm facade masking the fact the delicious foodcked vor to her.


    “Oh, Chris…” Bianca gazed at him innocently. “Could you take me to the mountains? I’m seeking


    inspiration for a photo series featuring the mountains.”


    Chris’ eyes darkened, and he remained silent, subtly holding Lena’s hand under the table.


    Bianca pouted. “Why aren’t you responding?”


    “Aren’t you hungry?” Fleur tapped the table gently. “Let’s eat.”


    “Aunt Fleur, I—”


    “I don’t think you should join them,” Fleur gracefully adjusted her hair. “They have important matters to


    attend to. What would you gain by tagging along?”


    “Aunt Fleur!” Bianca protested, attempting to appear charming. “Chris and I used to travel all the time


    when we were kids!”


    “When you were kids,” Fleur emphasized. “But you’ve grown up. Your mind shouldn’t dwell in the past.”


    A strange atmosphere settled over the dining table.


    Lina and Zuko exchanged a relieved nce. With such a supportive mother-inw, what could they


    worry about?


    Lena was surprised. She hadn’t expected Fleur to take her side at a time like this.


    “What’s wrong? Why is everyone staring at me?” Fleur widened her eyes. “Is there something on my


    face?”


    “Oh, yes!” Zuko called the butler over. “I remember Aunt Fleur loves grilled salmon. Please let the


    kitchen know.”


    The butler nodded and departed.


    Bianca sensed Fleur’s unhappiness and bit her lip. Despite her frustration, she refrained from showing


    it.


    Leaning closer to Fleur, she changed the topic. “Aunt Fleur, your seafood casserole looks delicious…”


    “Concentrate on your own meal!” Fleur snapped, cing her cutlery firmly on the table. “Don’t eye


    others’ tes.”


    Bianca flinched.


    Fleur was usually gentle and amiable, but only as long as her boundaries were respected.


    Bianca couldn’t believe Fleur, who had always been affectionate toward her, would now include Lena in


    those boundaries.


    Taking advantage of the moment, Lina instructed the butler to serve Bianca some grilled salmon.


    Zuko engaged in lively conversation with Fleur, and the atmosphere gradually returned to normal.


    Bianca forced a smile, but a hint of sadness still lingered in her eyes when she nced at Lena.


    Chris had originally arranged for a private ne, but Lena wanted to savor the scenery along the way.


    “Could we take the train instead?” she suggested tentatively.


    Chris smiled. “Why opt for the train when we have a private ne?”


    “Thest time I traveled this route, I was too upset to appreciate the journey or the scenery.” Lena sat


    beside him, resting her head on his shoulder. “This time, I’m in a different mood.”


    “Because I’m with you?”


    Lena giggled and yfully pinched his cheek.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    “I’ve taken this route with the army before,” Chris remarked while checking the train tickets. “Back then,


    we didn’t take the train. We traveled by military bus. It was a bumpy ride, but the scenery was truly


    stunning.”


    Lena blinked. “So, is that a yes? Besides, Mr. Chriss mentioned he’d reimburse our travel expenses.”


    Chris smiled wryly. “I can still afford train tickets!”