Chapter 597

John's icy gaze swept over the family with barely concealed disdain. "Madam Brown, Mrs. Brown, since you have family matters to attend to, I'll take my siblings home first." As John finished speaking, Harold and Bryan descended the stairs. Jane immediately grabbed their hands, beaming as she chirped, "Big brother took me and sister out for candied hawthorns! I brought back a stick for each of you!" Harold ruffled the little girl's soft hair affectionately. "Thank you, Jane." Bryan wrinkled his nose with exaggerated haughtiness. "Not that I think much of girly snacks like candied hawthorns, but since my little sister went through the trouble, I suppose I can humor her by trying one." Jane tilted her head, giving her brother a sidelong glance. She wanted to tell him he needn't bother her treats certainly wouldn't go to waste. Just as John was about to leave with the four siblings, Cayden emerged from his room, now fully dressed. With practiced nonchalance, he called out, "John, wait. We