Chapter 2196

With absolutely no warning or mental preparation, Louise suddenly found herself face-to-face with the so-called legendary son-in-law. Her first impression was… Adam looked a little old. Granted, for a human of his age, he was fairly well-maintained. That said, it was inevitable for a mother to size up her daughter's man and nitpick in the process. In contrast to Louise's casually critical gaze, Adam remained composed. He was, after all, a man who had weathered years in the business world. Though his age didn't even amount to a fraction of Louise's lifespan, time had still carved into him a quiet, steady presence—the kind of calm that held firm no matter the storm. "Good day. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Adam's expression remained serious, but his tone carried a respectful sincerity. "I hope you won't mind my unannounced visit. This is a small gift I prepared for our first meeting." Louise glanced at the stack of gift boxes still being carried in by a trail of miniature red foxes and raised a brow. "Well, someone came prepared." Before Adam could respond, Marilyn's ears twitched—she knew this one! "He's been bringing them around just in case." She chimed in smugly. Louise shot her a flat, unamused look. She hadn't even gotten around to scolding her yet—what was she chiming in for? Adam politely pretended not to notice the silent exchange between the two sisters. Instead, his eyes drifted briefly to Thalia, standing just beside Louise. Though he hadn't had a chance to say much since stepping in, Adam could tell just from the way Thalia sat beside Louise—relaxed, unguarded—that the once-strained bond between mother and daughter had eased. Otherwise, he wouldn't have had the chance to stand there even. As such, he said, "I've been wanting to come with Thalia and pay a proper visit. That's why I've kept the gifts with me every time I go out—just in case the chance came." Louise gave a light "Oh?" and lifted a brow. "Are you saying I've been the one denying you the chance to visit, then?" It was clearly a jab, but Adam, at his age and with his experience, wasn't the kind to flinch at a bit of sharpness. He kept his tone even, his expression composed. "I understand you have your customs. Since I'm here to visit you, it's only right that I follow your rules." Another "Oh?" escaped Louise's lips. "Are you complaining that you had to follow my rules?" No sooner had Adam finished speaking than Thalia jabbed Louise in the side with her elbow. It wasn't hard—barely a nudge—but the message was loud and clear: "I'm siding with my husband here." Then, she found Thalia staring at her with a hint of complaint. She and Adam had been married for years and had a child who could take down beasts—literal beasts. And now, Louise wanted to start playing the intimidating in-law? Wasn't that a bit much? Thalia didn't think she was being disloyal. To her, this was clearly just her mother nitpicking on purpose. Adam caught the gesture and, despite the situation, the sternness in his eyes softened slightly. He glanced at her with a subtle look that simply said, "It's fine." Louise, momentarily distracted by Thalia's interference, let the matter drop. With a flick of her tail, she finally accepted the gifts Adam had brought. Deliberately, she revealed her demon form before him. A wave of quiet pressure rolled off her as her tail swept past him. Adam didn't flinch—didn't so much as blink. Only then did Louise's eyes ease with satisfaction. If a man couldn't stay calm in the face of a single fox tail, he had no business marrying into the Wynthorpe clan. Though she had accepted the gifts, it didn't mean she had accepted him. Her words remained sharp as ever as she turned her gaze back on Adam and asked bluntly, "You're past 50. For a human, that's… not much time left. Have you thought about what Thalia will do once you're gone?" "Mother!" Thalia's voice rose, edged with real irritation now.