The confidence emanating from the Brookes family was so overwhelming that even Jared dared not say much in response.
Tina quickly grabbed Ian’s arm, fearing he might deploy all the manpower of the Brookes family to protect her. “Grandpa, I’m fine. There’s no danger around me, and my health is perfectly good. I didn’t mention anything because I didn’t want to create unnecessary trouble at this critical time. It’s not as complicated as you’re imagining.”
Ian fell silent for a moment, his sharp gaze eventually locking onto Jared. His eyes carried a commanding pressure. “Is there really nothing wrong?”
Finally, Jared was able to speak. Taking a serious tone, he explained to Ian, “Grandpa, this was my fault. During the early stages of Tina’s pregnancy, her emotions were a bit unstable. My master and I decided not to disclose it at the time, thinking it was best to avoid any unnecessary issues. I never expected it would cause such a misunderstanding with you.”
Hearing this, the tension in Ian’s demeanor dissipated. He waved his hand dismissively, unconcerned. “We’re family. There’s no need to be so formal about these things.”
“You did the right thing. Considering Tina’s identity, it’s better to be cautious about such major matters.”
With the explanation laid out, Ian finally felt at ease. His worried heart settled back into place.
Looking at Tina, whose face was slightly pale, he spoke with concern, “If you don’t want to share this now, Grandpa will pretend he doesn’t know. No one will say a word-not even your uncles. When you’re ready to talk about it, you can tell them yourself.”
Tina exchanged a glance with Jared, her lips curling into a small smile. “Thank you, Grandpa.”
Ian’s face softened into a smile as well. He nodded and stood up to leave. With this young man from the Farrell family by his granddaughter’s side, there was nothing for him to worry about.
—
At dinner, Ian addressed everyone present, making it clear, “Tina is perfectly fine. Go about your business as usual.”
The group nodded in agreement. Their love for Tina was no less than Ian’s. As long as she was safe and well, they wouldn’t interfere unnecessarily. Besides, Ian had spoken, and they had to listen.
Before leaving, Tina went to bid farewell to Master Tam.
As soon as she entered the backyard, she encountered a group of brothers standing in a line, blocking the way like a wall.
Jared walked over, immediately feeling like he was being scanned by X-ray vision. Their piercing gazes were fixed on the arm he had wrapped around Tina’s waist. Understanding their meaning, he tightened his grip, pulling Tina closer into his embrace.
Before, he might have let it slide. But now, they were married-a legal couple. He could do whatever he wanted, and no one could say otherwise.
Tina didn’t sense anything unusual. She stepped forward and spoke first, “What are you all standing here for?”
Noticing the rising tension around them, Dexter cleared his throat and answered Tina’s question. “We were just saying goodbye to Serena and Master Tam. We’re planning to leave soon.”
Tina understood. Each of them had their own responsibilities, and their presence during Claudia’s appearance had already meant leaving behind their own affairs. Now that Claudia was gone, there was no reason for them to stay.
“When are you leaving?” Tina asked directly. She knew they wouldn’t mind her bluntness.
The others didn’t think anything of it either. Serena had always shown her care through actions, not words. She wasn’t one for superficial gestures.
They all knew Serena would always lend a hand when someone from Serenity Ridge needed help, and they would do the same without hesitation. No one could bully their Serena in front of them, and Serena wouldn’t tolerate anyone harming Serenity Ridge’s people.
Jimmy cast a sharp glance at Jared before turning to Tina with a softened, almost pitiable expression. “We’re leaving soon, Serena. Seeing you safe puts us at ease.”
Tristan nodded in agreement. “That’s right, Serena. As long as you’re doing well, we can rest easy.”
Liam stepped closer, adding, “Serena, we came in a rush this time, and there’s still work waiting for us back at the company. We’ll visit again next time, and we can catch up more then.”
Wesley and Damian didn’t speak, but their eyes betrayed their lingering worry.
They had been waiting here all morning just to see Serena one last time. Their purpose in coming was to help Tina, but the opponent’s strength had been overwhelming. Not only had they failed to assist Serena, but they had almost become a burden instead.
Facing someone who targeted Serena, they hadn’t been able to withstand even a single move. Who knew what greater dangers might lie ahead?
Their inability to protect Serena weighed on them.
What surprised them most was Jared. They had initially thought Serena was simply infatuated with his devilishly handsome face, but during the battle to break the formation, his strength had been terrifying. Even standing before their master, he hadn’t been the least bit overshadowed.
No wonder so many of the brothers felt both admiration and jealousy. Jared not only had looks but also immense power.
And he had captured Serena’s heart completely.
Tina, oblivious to their thoughts, nodded before glancing at the closed door of the guest room nearby. “What’s going on with Master?”
Philip responded with half-truths, “Master said he observed the stars last night and that the coming days will be unlucky. He plans to retreat to the mountains for some time and will only return when the time is right. He’s packing up his belongings in the room right now.”
In truth, their master was gathering his treasures, not even letting them into the room. Clearly, he was on guard against them.
As if they couldn’t find the treasures he hid in the back mountain if they truly wanted to. Wherever he hid them, it would be futile.
Tina was speechless. Leave it to her master to come up with such an elaborate excuse to avoid trouble.
Her grandfather might have made some stern remarks, but he wouldn’t actually make things difficult for him.
“By the way, what happened to the injury on Master’s head? Who did it?”
The group exchanged glances, unsure themselves.
Early in the morning, their master had been crying out, clutching his head and lamenting that raising them had been a waste since they didn’t even know what he wanted. Yet, when asked about the injury, he refused to explain.
At that moment, Gavin suddenly exclaimed, “Oh, Serena, I know what happened! Last night, Master had a craving for wine and sneaked into Ian’s cellar to steal some. He got caught and accidentally ‘bumped’ his head.”
Tina was at a loss for words.
She decided to delay her next visit to her master. If she came too soon, she’d likely run into her grandfather coming to “settle accounts.” Knowing her master’s personality, he’d definitely drag her into the mess.
—
After saying goodbye to her brothers, Tina made a special trip to see Jack.
Kiki and Mimi had been frightened earlier that day, and she couldn’t leave without checking on them.
Inside the house, she found the two little girls sitting on the floor, playing with their toys. When they saw Tina, they ran over, their tiny legs moving quickly as they each hugged one of her legs.
“Tina, you’re here!”
Tina smiled, stroking their heads. “Where are your mom and dad? Why are you two here alone?”
Kiki, the elder sister, raised her little face and answered, “Daddy went to the company, and Mommy went to the supermarket. Mimi and I are playing at home.”
Mimi tilted her head and asked, “Tina, are you looking for Mommy and Daddy?”
Tina shook her head with a smile. “I just came to apologize to Kiki and Mimi. Did I scare you two this morning?”
The two girls blinked in confusion. “Why is Tina apologizing to us?”
Tina thought for a moment before replying, “I’ll explain it to you later. For now, I can’t say.”
The girls, thinking it was some kind of secret, nodded excitedly and promised to keep it confidential.
As Tina was leaving, the two children seemed to remember something. They pulled a peachwood bracelet tied with a red string out of their pockets and stood on tiptoe to hand it to her.
“Tina, this is for you,” they said in unison, their voices sweet and soft.
Tina took it without much thought, assuming it was just a toy. She slipped it onto her wrist casually. “Alright, I’ll wear it.”