Chapter 143: Chapter 143: Are You Here to Share Good News, Too?
Thea Lynch’s words directly blocked what Mr. Cheney was about to say.
Mr. Cheney stared at her with a dazed look for a moment, before letting out a long sigh.
"It’s not that I’m blaming you, Thea. It’s just... I’m so worried about your fourth brother now..."
Thea wasn’t good at comforting people, fortunately, Julian Zimmerman was there.
After calming the old man, Thea spoke slowly, "Actually, my fourth brother has his own plans."
She had promised her aunt not to interfere just this afternoon, though Thea understood the reasoning, she couldn’t help but speak up in moments like this.
"I know, I know." Mr. Cheney gazed at the ceiling, seeming sorrowful. "I don’t want to pressure him like this either."
"But ever since I fell a few years back, my health has been getting worse every day. You don’t need to comfort me; I know my body the best."
"I feel like I’m just holding on. My only wish is to see Silas get married, for him to be alright."
"I hope in the future there will be someone to accompany him. I just can’t feel at ease when he’s always alone."
"I also know he should find someone he likes. But over the years, he hasn’t paid any mind to this. I don’t even know if this is a good thing."
In this circle, most people Silas Cheney’s age have rather colorful personal lives.
Only Silas and his group seem like they came out of a monastery.
Even among them, Silas is the only one who has been in a relationship. It was an early romance, and it was years ago.
So, it’s conceivable just how anxious Mr. Cheney is.
"Of course, I know he doesn’t like me introducing people to him, but he doesn’t date himself, and he’s not worried about it at all. I’ve really run out of options."
They’ve had countless private conversations, but Silas always insists he’s not worried and keeps using work as an excuse to brush it off.
"Thea, Grandpa really likes you. That’s why this thought crossed my mind. Don’t take it to heart; Grandpa doesn’t mean anything else. If you like it, that’s great, but if you don’t, it’s okay." Mr. Cheney patted her hand.
"Originally, Grandpa didn’t want to ask you. But that Sullivan girl... Ah, let’s not talk about it."
"I’ve heard about it." Thea pressed her lips together, hesitated for a moment then spoke up, "These things can’t be rushed. I’ll keep an eye out for my fourth brother, just in case someone suitable comes along."
"As for the Sullivan family, I reckon my fourth brother doesn’t really like them either. Please, just let this matter go."
"Right." Julian Zimmerman advised, "Take care of your health first, and we’ll deal with the rest slowly. Matters of the heart are unpredictable."
"Maybe tomorrow Silas will meet someone he likes. Love at first sight is possible too."
Compared to arranged marriages that develop feelings over time, he felt that Silas’s personality was more suited to love at first sight.
"Let’s hope so." Mr. Cheney could only resign himself, "I’m not asking for matching social status anymore, just a clean family background and a kind-hearted girl would be great. Best if... he likes her too."
"Let him decide."
"Thea, Julian..." Mr. Cheney called out to them.
"We’re right here, please go ahead."
Julian Zimmerman leaned forward.
"Grandpa wants to ask you two for a favor... When I’m no longer here, you must keep in touch with Silas. Those friends of his outside aren’t reliable. With you by his side, Grandpa can rest a little easier."
"You must all take good care."
——
They left the Cheney house and, before reaching the Lynch Family home, ran into Sean Bell jogging out.
"All done with work?" Julian Zimmerman asked with a smile.
"Yeah." Sean Bell had said he’d be back by evening, but only finished up after dinner.
He glanced over at the two of them, "What did Grandpa Cheney say?"
"You could guess." Thea shrugged.
Sean Bell indeed guessed it as Thea was about to leave, he grabbed her.
"?" Thea looked up, "Whatever it is, let’s talk back at home."
The evening wind was strong; she was lightly dressed and didn’t want to stay outside for too long.
"I fear this is something you won’t wait to hear back home."
"..." Thea frowned, "Why does that sound like you’re cursing me."
It sounded awkward, strange, like something bad.
Julian Zimmerman chose to avoid eye contact, "I’ll head back first."
"Second brother," Sean Bell quickly called out, "You can’t leave. This matter involves you too."
Julian Zimmerman: "..."
"I just went to your house." Sean Bell said to Thea, "Upon entering, I heard them talking about you and second brother at the Cheney’s. I listened for a while and then called Silas."
"And then?" Thea frowned.
"Silas was on another line. So, I called third brother. Third brother said Silas was on the phone with Grandpa Cheney."
"From what Silas conveyed, Grandpa is really hoping for something to develop between you and Silas."
After speaking, Sean Bell carefully observed the expressions of the two of them to confirm, "Is this really true?"
Thea nodded, not avoiding the issue.
"It was indeed mentioned, but I refused."
"Then you’re doomed."
"What?"
"At that time, Grandpa Cheney didn’t seem to mention your refusal, third brother seems to have misunderstood."
"..." Thea was stumped, "What’s there to misunderstand?"
"Sigh." Sean Bell calculated, "By now, Silas should be getting a beating."
"..."
He continued to chide, "All these years, it’s always been me getting beaten by third brother; today it’s finally Silas’s turn."
Thea, Julian Zimmerman: "..."
——
Returning to her room, Thea’s first task was to call Ian Preston.
But after hesitating, she didn’t know how to start.
What if Sean Bell was lying, given that this situation has happened many times before?
After thinking about it, she decided to call Silas first.
She didn’t know if Silas was really getting beaten up, but the phone rang for a while without anyone answering.
She calculated the time difference, it should still be morning where Silas is.
With no other choice, she dialed Ian Preston.
After three rings with no one picking up, Thea considered hanging up.
At this time, if no one answers, they must be busy with work.
Little did she know, as she pulled the phone away from her ear, the sound of shuffling noise suddenly appeared in the call, followed by Ian Preston’s voice.
"Hey, Thea."
"Oh." Thea was momentarily stunned, her mind went blank before she quickly spoke up, "It’s me. Is third brother and fourth brother busy? I couldn’t get through to fourth brother."
"Yes, they’re in a meeting."
"I see." Thea figured Sean Bell was indeed full of nonsense.
"I won’t disturb you then..."
The man’s deep voice interrupted her, "You called just to find out what Silas is doing?"
"Yes..." Thea choked on her words and after two seconds let out a sigh, corrected, "Well, not exactly."
"Looking for me?"
Thea hesitated then responded, "Yes."
Ian Preston’s voice was cheerful, "Just got back from the Cheney’s? So, you’re also here to congratulate me?"
