Win My Husband Over to Find My Child
Chapter 457: She Needs Us

Chapter 457: She Needs Us

Irene immensely treasured the time she spent in Sicily.

Being in another country and experiencing foreign cultures sparked an interest in Irene’s heart. Thus, the idea of joining her school’s exchange program came to her mind.

Irene also brought up her new objective to her best friends, Ruby and Lydia. Both of them quickly agreed and said they would support her goal.

As a member of the prominent Li family, Sicily was not her first trip abroad. She had visited various countries with her parents but, she had never felt this strong desire to see more of the world.

"Irene, why don’t you explain further?"

"...okay."

Under Leslie’s encouraging gaze, Irene explained more about her intention to enroll in the program.

"My school has an exchange program for Year 2 and above students. If I keep up my grades now, I’ll have a chance to apply. It’s usually open after the winter break."

"Our school is linked to three schools abroad. In Edinburgh, Montreaux and Milan. I hope I get to the Montreaux one."

Most of the students of Blossom Jade High were highly competitive in academics and also sports. Despite the majority coming from the upper middle class to high society, they didn’t slack off.

Only a small batch of students would be chosen for the yearly exchange program. Despite having a massive fund courtesy of the wealthy parents of the students, the school was always careful with the selection.

Being the wealthiest among all students wouldn’t guarantee one spot. They had to prove they were worthy.

"That really sounds good, Irene," mused Leslie after listening to the teenager’s explanation, "Really. You have to try for it!"

The exchange program would bring stellar benefits to Irene. Leslie’s mind already imagined the positive changes in the teenager’s life.

Aside from being exposed to different cultures and traditions, Irene could also develop her independence and build her resilience. The benefits were endless.

A tiny smile lit up Irene’s face upon receiving Leslie’s encouragement. Soft chuckles escaped her lips as her heart fluttered from quiet happiness.

Telling her elder sister was the best choice!

Irene hadn’t talked about applying for the exchange program to Rowan and Bianca. Her relationship with them wasn’t as close as before because Irene was still upset over her elder sister’s situation.

Aside from her good friends Ruby and Lydia, Leslie was the first person Irene shared her intention with.

"I will study harder and gain my spot! Hehe~ Who knows, my brother-in-law will bring you and Poppy to visit me someday in the future."

Amused by Irene’s remarks, Leslie laughed in helplessness, "Knowing him, he surely will. Hehe, how about telling your brother-in-law during dinner? I believe he’ll be elated."

"Sure!" chimed Irene, unable to hold her excitement back.

Leslie and Irene continued talking while entertaining Calliope playing. Sometime later, the three ladies of different ages moved to the backyard from the lounge.

Leslie soaked her feet in the lake while sitting on a boulder. Irene and Calliope changed into their swimsuits before diving into the water, causing splashes to rise above the surface.

The echoes of their chatter and laughter rang in the peaceful summer air.

At sundown, Leslie, Irene and Calliope welcomed Calix back. The man appeared tired but he still greeted his younger sister-in-law well.

Calix took a breather in the lounge. He planned to change into his casual outfit before having dinner with Leslie, Calliope and Irene.

"Had a good trip, huh?" Calix arched his brows, referring to Irene’s vacation to Sicily, "Did you get me, your one and only brother-in-law, anything from your holiday?"

"Of course! Here!"

Irene handed the coppola hat to Calliope. The little dumpling ran to Calix before hopping. The helpless Calix carried his daughter, letting her place the hat on his head.

"Irene has a good thing to share with us," Leslie glanced from Irene to Calix, wearing a bright smile on her lips, "And I’m not talking about the stories of her trip."

"Oh? Now, I’m so intrigued."

After thanking Irene, Calix rushed upstairs. Leslie and Calliope led the teenager to the dining room. Alluring fragrances of the homecooked dishes wafted in the air, enticing their appetites.

Aunt Wendy served dinner right after Calix arrived. She had already retreated to the annex where she lived with Uncle Raymond.

Soon, Calix joined Leslie, Calliope and Irene at the dining table. He listened to his younger sister-in-law animatedly narrating her two-week adventure in Sicily.

Calix felt the same as Leslie. He was also glad to see how well Irene was amidst the problems surrounding the Li family which was on the verge of downfall.

Geoffrey, Rowan and Old Madam Li were preoccupied with salvaging their ruined reputation but, the bleak situation hadn’t shown any positive changes.

"Oh? An exchange? Tell me more about it."

Calix’s interest grew higher once Irene brought up her dream of participating in the program. He guessed this was what Leslie implied before.

Leslie didn’t speak much, letting the teenager relay her vision to Calix. At the same time, she kept her eyes on Calliope whose attention was only on the food served on the table.

"Go for it, Irene. This will be a good chance for you."

Calix had nothing else to say aside from encouraging Irene. The way Leslie smiled indicated that she also shared the same opinion as him.

"Yes! I’ll strive for it!"

A giddy Irene stretched up her smile wide while tapping her feet on the floor out of her excitement. Her beaming face earned chuckles from Calix and Leslie.

Dinner ended on a harmonious note.

Irene insisted on washing the dishes. She pushed Calix and Leslie out of the kitchen, only allowing Calliope to accompany her.

The husband and wife waited in the lounge.

While playing with one of Leslie’s luscious locks, Calix uttered, "I believe the program is fully sponsored but, I’ll still set up an account for Irene. She doesn’t have to worry about any expenses."

Surprised by Calix’s remarks, Leslie asked quietly, "...are you serious? Calix, you don’t have to do that."

Leslie planned to give Irene the pieces of jewelry and savings belonging to Charlene. She didn’t want the teenager to touch her own savings and investments.

Leslie believed Charlene would do the same if the lady was still here.

The Li family might file for bankruptcy if they failed to reverse the situation. Irene should have another safety net despite being in a good relationship with Calix.

Calix softened his smile upon listening to Leslie. Lifting his hand, he poked his wife’s right cheek, "Irene is my sister-in-law. I will surely take care of her as how I do to that annoying Eve."

Blinking, a helpless smile was carved on Leslie’s lips.

"Eve will smack you if she heard that."

Shrugging, Calix replied nonchalantly, "Don’t worry. I know how to counterattack ah."

Leslie had nothing else to say. Huddling closer to Calix, she whispered, "I can’t thank you enough, honey. Irene will be so grateful too."

"Let’s give her all the support she needs," Calix pressed his lips atop Leslie’s head, enjoying the warmth coming from his wife, "Sweetheart, she needs us."

Understanding the meaning beneath Calix’s words, Leslie nodded quietly.