Jade was having a leisurely afternoon tea, chatting with Father Benedict about various philosophical topics. However, the serene moment was interrupted when M and Eugene walked in. After politely excusing themselves to Father Benedict, they quickly ushered her out the door.


    "Why are we leaving so early? We don''t have anything to do back home," Jade said, puzzled.


    "Are you kidding? There''s plenty to do!" M replied, her voice lowered conspiratorially once they were outside. "Auntie, are you really satisfied just visiting one church? Visiting more will surely bring more blessings!"


    Jade paused, considering the logic in M''s words. While it made some sense, she couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. Wouldn''t the saints get upset if she prayed to too many at once? Despite her reservations, she decided to go along with it. After all, she was donating generously at each church.


    As the day wore on, Jade found herself increasingly enthusiastic about visiting each new church. Meanwhile, M and Eugene were exhausted from the marathon of visits. Their legs ached, and the scent of candles had left them feeling dizzy. They couldn''t fathom where Jade got her energy, still lively even as night fell. By the time they returned home, M and Eugene were utterly spent, while Jade, with a triumphant air and a bag full of prayer cards, teased them for theirck of stamina.


    "Look at you youngsters... You just can''t keep up," she said dismissively, heading to her room with a satisfied grin.


    The next day at breakfast, Jade casually asked, "When is Adrianing over for New Year''s?"


    Even though she didn''t expect her grand-nephew to spend the holiday with them, she thought he would at least visit. The festivities had alreadye and gone, and there was still no sign of him.


    M felt a pang of awkwardness. Adrian hadn''t even sent a greeting, likely too busy celebrating with Giselle to remember his family back here. Instead of revealing this, she said, "The Montgomery side has a lot of rtives, so he''s probably caught up visiting them. Besides, he did call to wish us a happy New Year..."


    Jade seemed a bit disappointed. "I wish you''d given him my number. I had a generous red envelope ready for him."


    M knew she couldn''t give out the phone number. She quickly changed the topic to avoid further probing. Since their family hadrgely cut ties with the Suthends, there was no need for traditional visits. But Jade had plenty of friends locally and spent the afternoon enjoying tea with them.


    Meanwhile, M, Eugene, and their friend Miranda headed to the countryside in two cars. They had rented an open field and stocked up on fireworks, ready to celebrate the New Year in style. Upon seeing Eugene, Miranda''s curiosity was piqued, and she couldn''t help but bombard M with questions.


    "Who''s this handsome guy you brought along? When did you start bringing dates without telling me? Not cool!"


    M rolled her eyes. "It''s not like that. This is Eugene, the second son of the Montgomery family."


    "Lysander''s brother?!" Miranda eximed, momentarily forgetting to keep her voice down. Realizing she was drawing attention, she leaned in and whispered, "He doesn''t look anything like him. He''s... well, prettier."


    It was a fair observation. The Montgomery family was known for their striking looks, each member distinct in their handsomeness. Conrad, the patriarch, was imposing and ruggedly handsome. Lysander was tall and sleek, with a dangerously alluring charm. Eugene, however, had a softer, more ethereal beauty. He was tall, but his features were delicate, exuding a more understated charisma.


    Listening to Miranda''s rapid-firementary, M shook her head and lightly tapped her friend''s arm. "Just don''t call him ''pretty'' to his face. He really hates that."