Chapter 57: Itching for a Beating?

"Return to the Ruan house? Didn't we refuse— mmmph..."

Before Seren Thorne could finish her sentence, Alaric Vane covered her mouth. He pulled her up from the sofa, dragging her far away from Sebastian North.

However, even though Alaric had covered Seren’s mouth, her thoughts leaked out through her inner voice: {What is the dog man covering my mouth for? Didn't I refuse Julian Ruan’s invitation to return home yesterday?}

Sebastian arched an eyebrow, looking at Alaric. "Mr. Vane, are you certain Miss Thorne is returning to her family home next Tuesday?"

Alaric acted as if he couldn't hear Seren’s inner voice and said with a straight face, "Certain."

Seren’s internal monologue was full of disdain: {The dog man is lying again!}

Alaric: I can't hear you, I can't hear you.

Sebastian smiled meaningfully. "Since Mr. Vane and Miss Thorne are returning to the Ruan house that day, I suppose the Tuesday auction is out of the question."

Alaric gave a faint "Mm" in response and was about to ask Mrs. Gable to see the guest out when Sebastian spoke again: "However, this auction will be held for three consecutive days. There are sessions on Wednesday and Thursday as well."

"I assume Miss Thorne won't be busy every single day. Just pick any day within those three days, and we can all go out and gather."

Alaric: "..."

Holding the auction for three days straight? You kid, well played!

Seren pulled Alaric’s hand down and asked Sebastian, "Will Evangeline Frost still be going on the following two days?"

In truth, Sebastian hadn't discussed the auction with Evangeline yet, but to get Seren to agree to attend, he would certainly do his best to secure Evangeline's presence.

"She will be there on Wednesday. Are you free on Wednesday?"

Before Seren could speak, Alaric declined on her behalf: "We plan to stay at the Ruan house for three days. We won't be free at all during that time."

However, just after he finished, Seren imitated his previous action and covered his mouth, saying to Sebastian, "Don't listen to his nonsense. I'm free on both Wednesday and Thursday."

"Let's go on Wednesday then. We'll be in touch."

Sebastian nodded. "Alright."

Having finished the discussion, Sebastian left shortly after.

Once he was gone, Seren released Alaric and asked, "Shouldn't you be at work at this time? Why did you suddenly come back?"

Alaric had a wooden expression as he spoke sarcastically, "If I hadn't come back today, a massive 'meadow' would have grown on top of my head."

Seren caught his drift and said, "Mr. North was just visiting me on Lydia's behalf. What goes through your head all day?"

"I’ve already told you I won't cheat while our marriage lasts, yet you refuse to believe me."

Alaric replied, "It’s not that I don't believe you; it’s just that kid Sebastian North specifically chose a time when I was away to look for you. His intentions are clearly impure."

"You’d better stay away from him from now on so you don't get swindled."

Seren was dismissive. "I'm not exactly 'money' that everyone loves. I’ve only met him a few times; how could he possibly be interested in me?"

"Haven't you and I shared a bed for so long without you falling for me?"

"Who said I don't—" Alaric countered instinctively, only realizing what he was saying halfway through and snapping his mouth shut.

Seren looked at him suspiciously. "What did you want to say?"

"Nothing." Alaric averted his gaze. "Go to the auction by yourself if you want. I’m not going anyway."

Alaric knew perfectly well that Seren wanted to attend the auction just to play matchmaker for him and Evangeline Frost. As long as he didn't go, there would be no reason for Seren to go either.

Sure enough, as soon as he spoke, Seren couldn't sit still. "Why aren't you going?"

Alaric said, "I'm very busy with work. I don't have time for such events."

Seren curled her lip. "If you're really that busy, how did you have time to come back today?"

"I just happened to be free today. Regardless, I’m busy all next week." Alaric's attitude made it clear he wouldn't be attending.

Since he didn't want to go, Seren couldn't do much; she couldn't exactly force him.

{Since Alaric isn't going, there doesn't seem to be a point for me to go either. I should probably decline Sebastian North later.}

Hearing Seren’s inner voice, Alaric’s lips curled up slightly. He returned to the company to work, feeling at ease.

After Alaric left, Seren sent a message to Sebastian, saying that Alaric would be busy next week and wouldn't have time to accompany her, so she wouldn't be attending the auction.

Sebastian guessed that Alaric had manipulated Seren’s psychological state. He let out a cold laugh and countered the move.

He replied to Seren’s message: [You come. Dress brightly and beautifully that day, and Alaric Vane will definitely show up too.]

Seren: "?"

What logic is this?

After a few seconds of confusion, Seren quickly understood the reasoning.

The dog man was constantly worried about his "backyard catching fire." If she dressed up beautifully to see Sebastian North, it would be a miracle if Alaric felt comfortable not following her.

{Alright, see you at the auction then.}

When the weekend arrived, Seren prepared to go out and buy a new outfit to ensure she attended the auction in her best state.

In her past life, she had never gone to a mall alone, and she didn't have much research on styling, so she called Jasper Vane over to give her some advice.

Jasper readily agreed and arrived at the ancestral house during breakfast. He initially thought Seren was just doing some routine seasonal shopping, but after arriving, he discovered she was buying a new dress for the auction.

Furthermore, it was an auction that Sebastian North had specifically invited her to.

Jasper glanced at his cousin’s head.

Looking a little green.

After breakfast, while Seren went to grab her bag, Jasper pulled his cousin aside. "Brother, is Sebastian North interested in my Master? It's just an auction, yet he came specifically to invite her. His ill intentions are plain as day."

Alaric shot him a sideways glance. "Do I need you to tell me that?"

Jasper understood; it seemed his brother knew exactly what was going on.

Alaric continued, "Seren Thorne usually just wears whatever is available. When she picks out clothes later, help her choose a few ugly ones. The uglier, the better."

Preferably ugly enough to startle the gods and terrify the ghosts—the kind that would cut off all her luck with the opposite sex and romantic interests.

Jasper said, "That’s a bit difficult. After all, with my sister-in-law's 'character model,' even if she walked down the street in a burlap sack, she’d still be the most eye-catching person there."

Hearing him praise Seren, Alaric thought for a moment. Seren’s "modeling" was indeed exceptionally superior.

But he still remained stubborn: "She looks average at best. Not very attractive."

Hearing this, Jasper curled his lip.

If she's not attractive, why are you so jealous? It would be better to just get a divorce. Yet here you are, wasting energy trying to help her cut off romantic interests. Heh.

Of course, Jasper wouldn't say that out loud to invite a beating. He only said, "Brother, let me give you a piece of advice. If you like her, it's best to just be honest with her."

"While my sister-in-law doesn't have anyone in her heart right now, you might still be able to squeeze in if you try. If Sebastian North actually manages to lure her away later, you won't have a place to go and cry."

Alaric gave a cold sneer. "Whatever she wants. I don't care."

Jasper arched an eyebrow. "Then... divorce?"

Alaric eyed him coldly. "Are your skin itching for a beating?"

"My mistake." Jasper shrunk his neck. He looked as timid as a dog on the outside, but internally, he was full of massive contempt.

Unwilling to divorce, yet his mouth is as hard as a stone in a latrine. He’s destined to never have a wife!