"Alder has come back?" As she entered the villa, a delighted and gentle voice rang out. Emma Reynolds rose from the mahogany sofa and had just taken a few steps when she saw Titus Zane being led by Alder Locke and hesitantly asked, "Who is this..."
"Mom, haven’t you been urging me to bring my girlfriend home?" Alder Locke said with a smile, pushing Titus Zane forward a bit as he made a formal introduction.
"Titus Zane, my girlfriend," then he turned his head to Titus Zane, "my mother, Ms. Emma Reynolds."
Reluctantly at heart, but manners dictated she be polite. She faintly tugged at her lips, "Auntie, hello."
"Ah, good, good, come quick, come sit, don’t stand there." Emma Reynolds replied joyfully, amazed her son finally brought home someone suitable, who also seemed well-mannered.
While ushering Titus Zane to the mahogany sofa, she loudly called out to the kitchen, "Qi Sao, go call the old master out."
Qi Sao responded from the kitchen and hurriedly came out, just reaching the doorway when a stern and displeased voice emerged.
"What’s the rush about, at your age still so impatient."
Titus Zane followed the sound and saw an imposing elderly man coming over with the support of a cane.
She pursed her lips, rising from the sofa, watching the elderly man approach step by step, her hands that hung at her sides unconsciously tensed, revealing her nervousness.
Titus Zane’s tension wasn’t because Alder Locke had forced her to come and meet the "parents," but because the old Mr. Locke’s expression was overly stern and imposing, a domineering presence that seemed eerily familiar.
"Dad, you’re awake," Emma Reynolds hurried over, supporting the elderly man towards the sofa, who then shot a sharp glance, "You think everyone is like your darling son, sleeping till late noon!"
"Grandpa!" Alder Locke frowned in discontent, "You have your granddaughter-in-law here, how can you demean your grandson !"
"Granddaughter-in-law?" Old Mr. Locke sneered coldly, supported by Emma Reynolds as he sat on another sofa, his piercing gaze turning onto Titus Zane, clearly dissatisfied.
"Alder, think before you speak next time. The Locke family’s door isn’t open to just any Tom, Dick, or Harry!"
"Grandpa!" Alder Locke called out in displeasure, while Emma Reynolds gently reminded, "Dad."
"What? Am I wrong?" Old Mr. Locke turned a cold gaze, and Emma Reynolds had to remain silent.
Even though her husband held a high position, this household was still dominated by the old master.
Titus Zane was already forcibly coerced to come here by Alder Locke, and now facing such direct disdain from the old master made her feel even more uncomfortable.
She had been somewhat reserved before, but now her delicate face showed nothing but coldness.
"Grandfather, I think you are mistaken, I am not your grandson’s girlfriend, he..." she was cut off by Alder Locke before she could finish the forced words, he turned around, took her hands, and held them in his.
"Darling, don’t be angry, grandpa is just testing you."
That was close, if grandpa knew he forced a woman, he would probably break his legs!
"Alder Locke, I’ve told you, don’t call me that!" For the first time in her life feeling so insulted, her discomfort was evident in her tone.
"Yes, yes, my mistake, I won’t do it again, don’t be mad, dear..."
Regardless of grandpa and mother still being there, Alder Locke soothingly coaxed Titus Zane.