She Becomes A Hot Sensation After A Scandalous Affair
Chapter 196

Chapter 196: Chapter 196

"I... I don’t really enjoy social gatherings, and I don’t want to be in that elite circle and stuff. I prefer to be alone," Nathan said while stocking the pantry. "I’m not like my sister. I just want to work in peace."

"And do you think working in the kitchen is peaceful?" Cedric laughed. "Even with all the cursing? I think I lost count of how many times I yelled at you."

"Yes, surprisingly it is peaceful," Nathan nodded. "I like how everyone is fully focused on their job. I like this much more than any part-time or club activities I joined."

"I see," Cedric hummed. He said nothing else as he got busy preparing everything in the kitchen with Nathan, but he took a mental note. He had been watching over Nathan’s work, and it seemed that he had a passion for cooking just like him.

**

Two days had passed since Madeline reached London. For the past two days, she has been sightseeing many landmarks in London, especially Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

But nothing prepared her for the massive castle sitting atop a hill after a two-hour drive from the city center.

Madeline’s jaw dropped as the car approached the castle, and she saw many butlers and maids bustling about, doing their own thing. She thought Lance’s mansion was already impressive, but this was on another level.

"Is this where you grew up?" Madeline asked.

"Not exactly. This is more like a summer home for me. I spent my childhood between Los Angeles and central London. But my parents made the castle their permanent residence ever since my mom fell ill," Lance explained.

Madeline looked at her boyfriend and asked, "You told me your mom is sick. But you never specified what kind of illness she has..."

"You will know soon," Lance smiled. "And don’t be nervous. This family gathering is small and private, and you’ve met with some of my family members: Theodore, George, Valerie, and Cedric. They’re my siblings and cousins."

"I was not nervous before, not until we entered the castle ground just now," Madeline confessed softly. "I never expect you to be a real-life Duke or something."

Lance chuckled. "It’s just an old, fancy title that bears nothing these days. We still carry on with our lives as usual and have normal jobs. The only difference is we occasionally attend a few noble parties, gatherings, and such."

Lance’s explanation made sense, but it didn’t help to ease Madeline’s worry.

"Would your parents give us their blessing?"

"Why wouldn’t they?"

"Because I’m just a regular woman, not from a noble background. I also have so many controversies on the internet. Your parents must’ve heard one thing or two about me."

"You’re worrying too much, Maddy. Trust me, you’ll be fine, and I know my parents. They will accept you," Lance assured her.

Madeline felt a cold sweat forming on her palms. Part of her wanted to flee the castle immediately.

But it was too late because the car stopped in front of a grand door adorned with intricate designs.

"We’re here. Let’s go and meet with my family," Lance said as he firmly held Madeline’s hand and got out of the car.

Madeline saw the maids and butlers in their formal attire, and it made her wonder if she was underdressed on this occasion because she was only wearing a long plaid wool skirt and a black turtleneck.

She drew closer to her boyfriend as they walked into the castle and whispered, "Do I look underdressed? I feel like I should’ve worn an evening gown or something."

"An evening gown? Why? It’s just a normal family gathering," Lance replied. "Look, I’m only wearing a V-neck sweater and jeans."

"Well, you are their son. I’m just an outsider," Madeline lamented.

"Stop being such a worrywart, Maddy. You will do just fine," Lance sighed. "Trust me, I’m here to introduce you to my family so you know that I’m serious about you, and I want to settle down eventually."

Madeline was finally eased by his last sentence.

She knew Lance took a huge risk by bringing her into this family gathering. Even if Theodore, his brother, had personally invited her, she wouldn’t have come without Lance’s insistence.

They stood in front of a door with gold leaf decorations, and Lance asked, "You are the first woman ever to come here with me, Maddy. Remember that. Because I’m not going to bring another woman after this."

Madeline took a deep breath and nodded. "I’ll stay by your side no matter what. I promise."

The butlers opened the door slowly, and Madeline saw a beautiful ballroom with a giant chandelier suspended from the ceiling.

Everything was glowing radiantly, and the ceiling was painted in a Renaissance style. However, Madeline barely had a chance to take it all in as Lance slowly walked inside, and she had to follow him.

Among the people inside, Madeline saw a few familiar faces: George, Valerie, Theodore, and Cedric.

But a few unfamiliar faces also regarded her with a questioning and curious gaze.

Madeline kept her composure and stayed silent as George approached them with a big smile. "You two are finally here. I thought you’d chicken out, Lance."

"I thought so as well. It’s his first time after two years to step inside this castle again," Valerie mentioned as she walked towards them. "And now you’re here with a woman. Can’t believe you’d be the first to get married."

"W—We’re not married," Madeline refuted, her cheeks flushing as she clenched Lance’s arm as she got nervous. "Not yet," she added.

Valerie chuckled and teased her. "Why are you getting so shy, Madeline? You were so bold the last time we met."

"I—It’s different now. I was playing a role then, but I’m not anymore" Madeline said as she felt the need to clarify. "You know, TV persona and stuff."

"She’s so adorable," Valerie commented, shifting her attention back to Lance. "By the way, Mackenzie wants to talk to you regarding the condition of your company. Go talk to her once she’s here, alright?"