Chapter <b>135 </b>


    Well, that <b>was </b>unexpected. The stone man had finally fallen in love.


    Owen waspletely caught off guard by this oue. But now that Joshua had finally fallen, he <b>was </b>absolutely thrilled. He always knew a girl like Shermaine couldn’t possibly go unnoticed. His grandson clearly wasn’t blind after all.


    As it turned out, Joshua was just like him; excellent taste ran in their family. It <b>was </b>worth celebrating. Finally, he’de around. That meant the dream of having a granddaughter like Shermaine might actuallye true.


    Owen patted Joshua on the shoulder with a grin and said, “Work harder, okay? I’m expecting a bunch of grandkids!”


    Joshua fell silent. Owen was truly indulging in wishful thinking. Kids? He could barely even get a kiss from Shermaine right


    now.


    Besides, Shermaine would be starting college after her entrance exams–definitely not the right time for kids. Honestly, he didn’t want her to have children at all; he just wanted to have her all to himself.


    Midnight passed, and the holiday officially started.


    Joshua nned to give Shermaine a lot of money as a gift, but he wanted to give it to her in person. So, he decided to wait.


    At that moment of family reunion and celebration, while firecrackers and fireworks lit up the countryside in a deafening celebration, the city felt quiet and oddly empty.


    Those two days flew by in a sh. This morning, Shermaine and Ross apanied Janice back to the countryside. Their grandfather’s grave had been relocated to the family’s ancestral hall, where generations of the Jean family were now


    honored.


    Ruth, after hitting her head, took the opportunity to skip the trip. Jameson had left one night and only returned the next morning to pack his things. Then he took Jason and Natalie on an overseas vacation.


    Janice couldn’t be bothered to stop him. She let him reap what he sowed. In the end, neither Jason nor Natalie would ever set foot in their family.


    The countryside had fresh air and a stronger sense of the holiday.


    Janice found herself reluctant to return once she was back in the countryside. The courtyard house was sofortable, and the neighbors were all friendly. Every now and then, they’d gather to y cards, and she could even teach the elderlydies dancing to help them stay fit.


    Ross didn’t mind the countryside either. There was just one problem–too many matchmakers<b>. </b>They were always trying to introduce him to someone. However, he wasn’t interested.


    Shermaine, on the other hand, <b>was </b>having a great time. She went fishing with the old men and cooked roast chicken in y ovens with a group of kids. It was allid–back and joyful.


    This made her think of those carefree, peaceful years she’d spent living in Maple Leaf Ville.


    She couldn’t help but <b>feel </b>a little regretful that she hadn’t been able to return this year to visit the vige chief and the elders. Still, she’d asked Lily to bring back some gifts for them, mostly tonic herbs and fine liquor.


    On the third morning, Shermaine got <b>up </b>early. She didn’t bring much with her. She’d already told Janice and Ross about the trip to Mysonna two <b>days </b>ago.


    Janice had no objections after hearing Joshua <b>was </b>going <b>together </b>because she trusted him. Ross knew more details. <b>He </b>was


    still a bit worried, but he didn’t stop her. He simply said he’d drive her to the airport that day.


    What he didn’t expect was that Joshua would show up in person to pick her up. When Ross saw the ck SUV pull up, he began to suspect Joshua might have intentions toward his sister. But he couldn’t be sure. Joshua? Catch feelings?


    Joshua stepped out of the car calmly and greeted Ross, “Morning.”


    Ross looked him over and said, “You really are free these days. Driving out here before sunrise?”


    “I’m pretty free,” he said. Though really, he just missed Shermaine.


    Janice was delighted to see him. “Joshua,e on in!” She then turned to Ross. “Go check on Sheary.”


    “No rush,” Joshua said. “Our flight’s in the afternoon.”


    “If that’s the case, Joshua can keep waiting,‘ Ross thought, plopping down onto a chair without budging an inch.


    Janice said, “Alright. Have you had breakfast yet?*


    “Not yet.”


    Janice offered, “Then join us for a mealter, alright?”


    “Sure, Grandma,” said Joshua.


    When Shermaine came in from the east wing, she spotted Joshua chatting warmly with Janice. Her eyes lit up. “What are you doing here?”


    Joshua looked up and smiled. “I wasn’t busy, so I thought I’de pick you up.”


    That actually made things easier. Ross wouldn’t have to make a round trip to the airport.


    Breakfast was simple but tasty: some bread and mini cakes, all paired with fried eggs and bacon. After eating, Shermaine grabbed a ck waterproof backpack and threw on a light denim jacket.


    Her hair was tied up neatly with a ck hair tie. She looked fresh and beautiful. After saying goodbye to her grandmother and brother, she left with Joshua and headed toward the SUV.


    Inside the car, Joshua didn’t start the engine right away. Instead, he pulled out a thick stack of cash and handed them to her. “Happy holiday.”


    Shermaine looked <i>at </i>the bundle and smiled. “You and my brother really think alike. You both gave me a lot of money without blinking.”


    Joshua had originally wanted the gesture to feel special–but it turned out Ross had beaten him to it. Still, it didn’t matter. His real intention was to make up for all the past years when Shermaine hadn’t received many gifts.


    Joshua smiled, “Hmm, buckle up. I’m starting the car.”


    The drive from the countryside back to Basterel Airport took just about two hours thanks to clear roads. They didn’t linger after arrival, just went straight through security and boarded the ne.


    Beneath the <b>clear </b>sky, the ne climbed steadily, eventually disappearing into the clouds,


    <b>2/3 </b>