Chapter 4: A Head Full of Green Pastures

Alaric Vane also looked toward his uncle.

Although his gaze remained distant and indifferent, Dominic Vane felt an inexplicable sensation that his nephew wasn't looking at him, but rather at the metaphorical "vast green pastures" growing on top of his head.

Dominic was both shamed and infuriated. His weathered face turned a deep shade of crimson as he glared at Seren Thorne, wanting to reprimand her for spreading rumors about his wife.

The problem was, this girl was saying everything in her head. Even if he wanted to argue, he had no grounds to do so.

While Dominic trusted his wife one hundred percent, Arthur Vane did not.

He immediately raised his hand and summoned the butler. "Go to Dominic’s house. Bring the trash can from his master bedroom here."

The butler: "?"

Since when did the old master develop a hobby for rummaging through trash?

Despite his confusion, the butler maintained his professional respect.

Dominic also lived in the nearby luxury estate; a round trip by car would only take a few minutes. Upon receiving the order, the butler set off immediately to carry out the task.

Seren was slightly puzzled when she heard Arthur’s command: {Is this whole family omniscient? Alaric accurately guessed the mole, and now Arthur already sensed Vivienne’s suspicious behavior beforehand?}

Hearing this, Arthur and Alaric exchanged a look, both recognizing the silent understanding in each other’s eyes.

It seemed they couldn't let this girl find out they could hear her inner thoughts. Otherwise, there would be no more gossip to enjoy, and they wouldn't be able to grasp first-hand information as it happened.

Vivienne didn't know why Arthur wanted the trash can at first, but she quickly remembered what she and her lover had done in the master bedroom last night. Her expression changed instantly.

The maid was off today, and the trash in the master bedroom hadn't been emptied yet. Could the old man have found something out?

She was panicking internally, barely squeezing out a smile. "Dad, I just remembered there’s something I need to handle at home, so I’ll head back first..."

Before she could finish, Arthur cut her off coldly. "No one leaves until the butler returns. You stay right where you are!"

Vivienne’s face turned ghastly. she sat there, unable to remain still.

Dominic hadn't wanted to doubt his wife, but seeing her flustered state, suspicion began to creep into his heart. His blood ran cold bit by bit.

Five minutes later, the butler returned with the trash can.

He handed the item to Arthur. Arthur took one look inside, nearly gagged, and threw the trash can directly at Vivienne’s feet.

A few "little umbrellas" tumbled out, and dried evidence of betrayal scattered across the floor.

"You! Vivienne Vane! How has the Vane family ever mistreated you over the years? How dare you cuckold my son!"

Vivienne’s face turned deathly pale as she scrambled to explain. "No, Dad, you’ve got it all wrong. Dominic and I are so in love, how could I ever betray him?"

Seeing Arthur’s frozen, unforgiving face, Vivienne knew she couldn't sway him. She turned to Dominic. "Honey, say something!"

"You cheated. What is there left for me to say?" Dominic was heartbroken, but he still valued his pride in front of others. He pushed her hand away, his expression turning hollow. "We’re getting a divorce. You and Rick swindled so much money from me; I’ll see you in court!"

Vivienne reached out to pull him, pleading, "Dominic..."

"Don't touch me! You make me sick!" Dominic, a forty-year-old man, stood there with bloodshot eyes. "You’re coming home with me right now to sign the papers!"

Dominic stormed out in a rage, and Vivienne desperately chased after him.

After they left, Arthur took several deep breaths to suppress the fire in his chest.

He adjusted his expression, returning to his usual kind and genial image, before speaking to Seren. "Seren, you and Alaric haven't had breakfast yet, right?

"I’ve had the kitchen keep the food warm. Go ahead and eat."

Seren nodded obediently. "Thank you, Grandpa."

Arthur smiled and nodded back.

His grandson's wife was truly wonderful—obedient and polite. What a good child.

Just as he finished praising her in his heart, he heard Seren’s voice again:

{This old gentleman is quite trendy; he’s actually into online dating. They’re supposed to meet in person today, but it’s a pity...}

Hearing the word "pity," Arthur’s heart instantly leaped into his throat.

A pity what?

Keep talking! Say it!

Unfortunately, before Seren could finish, her attention was pulled away by a maid who came to invite her and Alaric to the dining room.

Arthur felt like thumping his chest and stamping his feet in frustration.

Leaving a piece of gossip unfinished before running off is a total lack of professional ethics!

He wanted to chase after her and ask if his meeting today would be a success, but he feared that if Seren knew he could hear her thoughts, she would become guarded. He managed to suppress his curiosity, and his backside, which had just left the chair, sat back down silently.

Once seated, he noticed a powerful gaze from beside him. He turned his head to find his eldest grandson staring straight at him.

Arthur finally remembered that his secrets had just been exposed by his grandson’s wife. He felt a wave of belated embarrassment and coughed. "Don't listen to Seren’s nonsense. At my age, how could I be into online dating? She’s just guessing blindly."

Alaric didn't speak, continuing to look at him with a cool, knowing gaze.

Although his face was expressionless, Arthur could read the words in his eyes: "Do you really think I believe that?"

The pressure Alaric exerted when he stared someone down was immense. Arthur felt guilty under the scrutiny and finally admitted it in a low whisper. "Actually, it’s not exactly online dating. I just get along well with that lady and wanted to meet offline to see how things go. I don't even know if it'll lead anywhere yet."

After speaking, he waited quietly for Alaric’s judgment.

Alaric didn't object, only offering a reminder: "Don't flaunt your wealth before the relationship is solid. Guard against those with bad intentions."

Arthur looked up with a face full of pleasant surprise. "Does that mean you're okay with me being with her?"

Alaric said calmly, "Grandmother has been gone for decades. I know you’re lonely. As long as you maintain your judgment, I won't oppose it."

"Good, good. I’ll be careful," Arthur responded excitedly. It wasn't until Alaric walked away that he realized something was off.

He was the grandfather, so why did it feel like he was the grandson when talking to Alaric?

So frustrating.