Silent Dreams Never Die — Author: John Miller 309
Awakened Housewife: Ignore Betrayer’s Begs
Chapter 309 An Unwelcome Announcement
(「65」
Finished
Vincent knew Scarlett was deliberately testing his patience. He frowned, his voice low. “Then choose something else. Not that particular dish.”
But Scarlett remained stubborn. “It’s the only thing I want,” she stated flatly.
Just as the tension between them threatened to escalate, Xavier finally interjected. “Enough,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “If Scarlett has a craving, let her have it. It’s hardly a matter of state.”
With Xavier having spoken, Vincent fell silent.
At that moment, a soft, familiar voice called from the foyer entrance. “Vincent?”
Sabrina had returned.
Stepping into the grand hall, her eyes immediately found Xavier. Though they had never met, she instantly recognized who he must be.
Xavier gave her a measured look before turning his questioning gaze to Vincent. “And who might this be?”
As Vincent was put on the spot, Scarlett glanced at him, genuinely curious about how he would define Sabrina’s presence.
For a moment, all attention in the room was fixed on him.
Vincent remained composed. He met Xavier’s gaze evenly and replied, “This is Vanessa’s tutor, Sabrina.”
Xavier’s brow furrowed slightly. “Vanessa is so young. What could she possibly need a tutor for at this age?”
“She’s taken a liking to digital tablets and games,” Vincent explained smoothly. “I thought it prudent to have someone guide her towards more constructive activities.”
Before Xavier could comment further, Sabrina stepped forward and offered a deep, respectful bow. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Stewart.”
“Hmm,” Xavier acknowledged with a brief nod.
Encouraged by his not–unfriendly response, Sabrina’s nerves seemed to settle. “Mr. Stewart, would it be alright if I went upstairs to check on Vanessa now?”
Xavier gave a dismissive wave. “Yes, yes, go ahead.”
1/3
20:07 Wed, Jan 14
Chapter 309 An Unwelcome Announcement
65
Finished
Sabrina beamed at him. “Thank you. Have a restful evening.” With that, she turned and made her way to the staircase. Throughout the entire exchange, she hadn’t so much as glanced in Scarlett’s direction.
Once Sabrina was gone, Xavier turned his appraisal to Scarlett and Vincent. “Seems like a pleasant young woman. Cheerful, respectful. She appears quite suitable for the role.”
Scarlett said nothing, her expression unreadable.
Vincent, however, allowed a small smile. “Yes, she’s always had a good temperament,” he agreed, his eyes unconsciously flicking toward the stairs where Sabrina had disappeared, a trace of something akin to pride in his gaze.
Xavier, whose attention was elsewhere, didn’t notice. He instead focused on the silent woman beside Vincent. “Scarlett, what’s your opinion?”
Scarlett, who would have preferred to remain detached, found she couldn’t ignore a direct question from him. After a brief pause, she offered a non–committal, “She seems… adequate.”
Her lukewarm endorsement seemed to satisfy Xavier, whose lips curved slightly. “Good.” He then cleared his throat, his demeanor shifting to one of gravity. “Now, the reason I came tonight… There’s something I need to discuss with you both.”
His serious tone sent a ripple of unease through both Scarlett and Vincent.
Xavier continued, “My health hasn’t been reliable. I don’t know how much time I have left.” He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. “I’ve decided I want to stay here, at Ravenshade Villa, for a while. If my time comes, I wish to be surrounded by family.”
Since his last hospital discharge, a profound loneliness and fear had settled over him. With his wife long gone, the silence of Stewart Manor felt oppressive. He dreaded the thought of another fall, another crisis, with no one nearby.
Scarlett remained silent, stunned. She turned to look at Vincent, finding him already looking back at her. In that brief, shared glance, a mutual understanding of complicated worries passed between them.
Scarlett’s concern was immediate and practical. If Xavier moved in, her carefully maintained distance from Ravenshade Villa would collapse. She would be expected here daily.
As for Vincent’s worry, which flickered in his eyes, she could guess its source–the delicate, untenable situation with Sabrina and Maria living under the same roof.
A long, heavy silence stretched out after Xavier’s announcement. Seeing their lack of response, a flash of irritation crossed his face.
2/3
20:07 Wed, Jan 14
Chapter 309 An Unwelcome Announcement
664
&
Finished
“What?” he demanded, his voice rising. “Am I such a burden that you can’t tolerate my presence for a few days?”
Scarlett was the first to recover, forcing a placating smile. “Of course not, Grandfather. We’re only concerned we might not be able to provide the care you deserve.”
Xavier walked back and settled heavily into his armchair. He looked from Scarlett to Vincent. “Just spend time with me when you can. The rest of the time, consider me furniture. You won’t know I’m here unless I’m on my deathbed.”
Scarlett didn’t dare say more. She glanced pointedly at Vincent, signaling it was his turn to respond.
Vincent met his grandfather’s expectant gaze. “If this is what you wish, Grandfather, then you are welcome to stay as long as you like.”
Hearing his grandson’s assent, Xavier’s posture relaxed, a hint of triumph in his expression. “Naturally,” he said.
Just then, the sound of Sabrina’s gentle laughter mingled with Vanessa’s higher–pitched giggles floated down from the upper floor.
Xavier glanced at his vintage wristwatch. “It’s getting late,” he murmured, more to himself. Then, looking at Scarlett, he added, “Shouldn’t Vanessa be in bed by now?”
Scarlett, however, was only half–listening. Her mind was reeling, tangled on Vincent’s words, “as long as you like“, and the daunting new reality they now faced.
1.1K
3/3
Editorial Board: Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel For Fast Update Or More Novels: 
Join Our WhatsApp Channel For Fast Update Or More Novels: