Chapter 337

Oliver Winston rose to his feet, a perfectly measured smile gracing his lips.

"Grandmother."

He gave Eleanor Sullivan a slight nod, his tone respectful yet familiar.

During his youth, Oliver had practically grown up at the Sullivan estate.

He and Liam Sullivan had known each other since childhood, their families deeply connected. It was only natural that he came to regard Eleanor as his own grandmother.

Liam's temperament mirrored his mother's.

Outwardly gentle and modest, but profoundly inscrutable beneath the surface. This kind of restrained nature, once unleashed, was all the more startling.

Oliver, however, was innately open and free-spirited, which greatly endeared him to Eleanor.

The elderly lady often summoned him to the old estate for companionship and casual conversation.

Eleanor had been in high spirits lately.

Just a short while ago, she had vacationed overseas with several old friends, returning radiant and refreshed.

She smiled warmly at Oliver. "Yangyang, it's been a while."

Though time had aged her, that smile still held a glimpse of the charm that had once captivated Seattle's high society.

Oliver's eyelashes fluttered slightly as he returned a gentle, bright smile.

Everyone took their seats for the meal.

The atmosphere at the table was initially harmonious and warm, until Liam excused himself to take a phone call.

Eleanor watched her grandson's retreating back, her expression suddenly darkening.

She turned to Oliver. "What are your thoughts on Xiao Xu's marriage?"

Oliver's lips curved into a smile. "Ah Xu has his own plans."

"What plans?" Eleanor's voice turned abruptly cold. "I couldn't be bothered during his years abroad, but don't think for a second I'm unaware."

Oliver lowered his gaze with a light chuckle, offering no further response.

"Yangyang."

"You have my attention."

"You and Xiao Xu are close. You must advise him when the time is right." Eleanor's tone grew heavier. "Casual dalliances are one thing, but if he truly intends to get serious—"

A silver utensil clattered against the fine bone china plate, producing a sharp, clear ring.

Oliver flinched, looking up to find all traces of Eleanor's earlier affection had vanished from her face.

"Absolutely impossible."

Liam Sullivan leaned against the glass corridor of the rooftop restaurant, the wind filling his suit sleeves.

His phone screen glowed with a work update from a subordinate.

He appeared to be handling business, but his mind was troubled by his grandmother's relentless pressure to marry.

Ever since meeting the match his grandparents had arranged, they had been pushing him relentlessly.

He had hinted, ever so subtly, that his heart already belonged to another.

But his grandparents remained adamant. They would accept no one outside their designated social circle.

Ash scattered in the wind, but an invisible hand seemed to slowly tear open a void in his chest.

A throbbing pain between his brows made him realize he had smoked far too much.

Irritated, he reached for his cigarette case, only to find it empty.

The hollow feeling in his chest intensified.

He had no choice but to give up. He dialed a number and spoke in a low voice. "Proceed as planned."

When he returned to the table, the atmosphere remained tense.

Just as Liam was about to sit down, Eleanor slammed her utensils heavily beside her plate.

He was accustomed to such scenes. He cast a cold glance and took his seat calmly.

Across from him, Oliver shot him a look of concern, but Liam ignored it entirely.

He smoothed his napkin and continued his meal.