Chapter 824

Throughout the entire tea ceremony, neither the Wallace nor the Calton family members could quite fathom how they managed to keep their composure. It wasn’t until Grandma and Auntie pulled Nana aside for a private chat that Samuel finally strode over to John with rare solemnity. He gave him a deep, meaningful look before clapping a heavy hand on his shoulder. "John," he said, voice laced with amusement, "you’ve got some skills." Lucas adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, eyeing John with a mix of disapproval and dry humor. "Young man," he remarked, "moderation is key." Then came Jordan, sidling up to whisper conspiratorially in John’s ear, "Hey, John, that actor playing the second male lead in our crew mentioned he’s got some *magic oil*—works like a charm. Want me to hook you up with a bottle?" John: "..." He had already been holding back during Samuel and Lucas’s remarks, but now, with Jordan’s audacious suggestion, he snapped. His foot lashed out—only for the little brat to dart away w