Chapter 413

Martha said, "Just speak less and focus on smiling later. I'll do the talking." Valeria pressed her lips together, eyeing Nicholas's freshly drawn brows. It almost made her laugh out loud. Sebastian slipped an arm around her waist and whispered, "Go ahead and laugh. You have an even higher standing in the family than I do now. The old man wouldn't say anything if you laughed." "There's no need to make this such a grand affair," she responded. "My granny's very easygoing." Valeria unlocked the door, and the group went inside. Martha's social skills were formidable. She immediately released Nicholas' hand, stepping forward as she warmly held Margaret's hands. Nicholas did exactly as she said, focusing on smiling and letting Martha handle everything. After a polite greeting, Martha pulled Margaret's hand, commenting, "Margaret, you're amazing. Did you take care of this whole courtyard by yourself?" Margaret, still carrying a trace of elderly social anxiety, answered plainly and ho