Early the next morning, before Cecilia even woke up, Xavier Fostern was already waiting downstairs.

Since he’d promised to pick her up today, Charles Chase didn’t go to the office either.

At this moment, one of them was sitting at the dining table eating breakfast; the other lounged across from him, legs crossed, waiting for his wife.

Charles Chase’s fork had battered the toast on his plate into an unrecognizable mess. Tsk, just looking at Xavier Fostern killed his appetite!

With nothing better to do, Xavier Fostern watched Charles Chase eat. His eyes crinkled with a teasing smile. "Hmm, breakfast not to your taste? Big brother-in-law, you seem to have no appetite today."

"Not tasty, my ass! Our family’s chef was brought back from overseas!"

Charles Chase snorted, "Someone here is just too much of an eyesore."

"Oh? Once Cecilia comes home, she’ll make me my favorite little meat buns—and red date soy milk too."

He lowered his head to straighten his suit jacket, making sure that when Cecilia came down, he’d look absolutely perfect.

With a clatter, Charles Chase tossed his fork aside and leaned back in his chair, face suddenly serious.

"Xavier Fostern, don’t think just because you gave up the DY project that I’m letting you off the hook. If you ever hurt Cecilia again, I swear I’ll come over and beat the crap out of you."

Xavier Fostern met his gaze. "I won’t let Cecilia be unhappy, not for a single moment."

For once, the two didn’t argue. When it came to taking care of Cecilia, they formed a rare, silent alliance.

"About that project," Xavier Fostern said, "I’ve changed my mind. The Fu Group won’t be investing further in that industry in Y Country. I’d rather make more money right here in the capital—after all, I have to take care of my wife, and earn money for baby formula."

As he spoke, Xavier Fostern glanced at Charles Chase, clearly showing off his wife and future child.

Come to think of it, Charles Chase was actually two years younger than him. This whole "big brother-in-law" thing didn’t feel quite fair, but he’d just have to get his own back in other ways.

Sure enough, Charles Chase’s eyes started blazing.

Before he could retort, footsteps sounded from upstairs—Cecilia was coming down.

She was surprised to see them sitting civilly at the same table. "Ge, Zhiyen."

Ye Jing was still upstairs packing, leaving Cecilia to come down and eat first.

As soon as he saw her, Xavier Fostern’s lips curled into a smile. He pulled Cecilia into the seat beside him, and the servant brought over breakfast.

Chicken congee and little meat buns—now that her morning sickness had subsided, Cecilia was loving anything with meat.

Xavier Fostern watched her eat, paying no mind to Charles Chase’s death glare.

"Do you like the meat buns? Grandma Rivers said she’ll have Aunt Whitney come to our place to cook for you, and she’ll make you more."

Cecilia’s cheeks bulged as she swallowed a bun. "Aren’t we going to the old house?"

Xavier Fostern paused, wiping a smear of meat juice from the corner of her mouth. He realized he hadn’t even asked where she wanted to stay.

"Do you want to stay at the old house?"

Cecilia nodded. "Yeah, I want to be with Grandpa Rivers and Grandma Rivers. And I don’t want Aunt Whitney to make a special trip over just for us."

She turned to glance at Charles Chase. "Besides, it’s only a few minutes from the old house to here, so I can visit you all the time, Ge."

Charles Chase felt a warm glow settle over his heart as he listened to his little sister’s words. He’d always been used to being on his own, but her care softened him, making his face flush ever so slightly.

He coughed awkwardly, ducking his head to gnaw on his toast.

"Ge, even after we move, you’ll still come over for meals, right?"

Straightening up, Charles Chase kept his expression cool, though inside he was bursting with joy. "Yeah, I will."

Of course, Xavier Fostern immediately agreed to whatever Cecilia wanted—the matter was settled in an instant.

He called Grandpa Rivers and Grandma Rivers with the news. As soon as they heard the kids were coming home, the two elders were over the moon, bustling to have the servants clean the rooms and air out the bedding until it was all fresh and toasty warm.

Once Ye Jing came down, the group set off.

Charles Chase lingered at the door, leaning against the frame while servants loaded their things into the car. Ah, his little sister—stolen away by that pig. Don’t ask, just know it hurt his heart.

The sunlight was warm as Xavier Fostern drew Cecilia close. Just then, she glanced back at Charles Chase, suddenly remembering something, and hurried over.

"Oh, right, Ge, you really should find yourself a wife soon. Yaoyao is a great choice."

She winked mischievously. "And by the way, my Yaoyao can be a bit tomboyish, but she’s never dated anyone before. She told me her first kiss was that night—so you’d better take responsibility for stealing it."

"..."

Charles Chase was speechless. I was the one taken advantage of! That was my first kiss too!

Then again, thinking of that feisty girl, he had to admit there was something intriguing about her.

"Kiddo, you just worry about yourself. Go home, get some rest, and take care of yourself."

He gave Cecilia a long, earnest look, not realizing when he’d become so annoyingly naggy.

"Got it, got it, Ge, don’t forget to stop by for meals, okay?"

Charles Chase ruffled her hair. "Of course. It’s just a five-minute drive, not like you’re moving across the country. Go on, get in the car."

"Okay," Cecilia answered sweetly before following Xavier Fostern into the car.

The driver started off, with Cecilia and Xavier Fostern sitting in the back.

Ye Jing was nervous—after all, she was about to meet Cecilia’s grandparents. Only recently had she learned what kind of family the Fus were.

She’d never met people this wealthy. Word was, the Fu family had both money and power all across the capital.

Cecilia kept insisting Grandpa Rivers and Grandma Rivers were kind and approachable, but Ye Jing was just a small-town teacher with little worldly experience, and she was worried about causing problems for her daughter.

Still drowsy from lack of sleep, Cecilia leaned against Xavier Fostern, her eyes drifting shut.

Five minutes later, the car pulled up to the Fu family’s old residence, rolling straight through the gates to stop in front of the house.

Everyone got out. Grandpa Rivers and Grandma Rivers were waiting at the door. As soon as they saw Cecilia, they came rushing over.

"Aiyo, Cecilia! Our Cecilia’s finally home—now my heart can settle at last," Grandma Rivers exclaimed.

She took Cecilia’s hand and pulled her into a gentle hug. Then, noticing Ye Jing standing behind her, Grandma Rivers gave her a warm, appraising smile.

The elders already knew about Ye Jing. When Cecilia first came to the Fu family, they’d helped search for her relatives—they’d always hoped she’d find her family again.

Her scoundrel of a father aside, her mother had truly loved her. The whole story still made the old couple sigh with emotion.

"You must be Cecilia’s mother. Come, come in, let’s get inside."

Ever gracious and thoughtful, Grandma Rivers took Cecilia by one hand and Ye Jing by the other, leading them both indoors.

Ye Jing was touched by their warmth. Despite their enormous wealth, the grandparents had none of the extravagance or airs she’d feared—just sincere kindness. She finally relaxed.

Watching Cecilia disappear inside, Xavier Fostern frowned, a stab of regret hitting him. Great, now he had to compete with Grandma Rivers for his wife’s attention.

What was he supposed to do when his wife was so lovable? Asking for urgent help—please reply online!