LIGHTNOVELONLINE Shortly after Lucas left, Celia's voice, laced with concern and uncertainty, filled the now silent hall. "Are you really planning to let that man mentor Xulan?"
Jiang scoffed dismissively, waving his hand in the air. "Why not? He's a powerful lord, favored by the empress. It's a golden opportunity. Anyone in our position would jump at such a chance. Xulan should consider himself lucky."
Celia's expression tightened, her worry for her son evident. "Please, reconsider this. There's something wrong about him. And Xulan... he doesn't need a mentor like that. He's a genius in his own right."
Jiang rolled his eyes, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Genius my ass. He has become so useless because of you coddling him and I had enough of him dragging down my last name. There's nothing to reconsider. Brother Ling is now my business partner, and his word is as good as law in this house. You'd do well to remember that. As for Xulan, make sure he's punctual for his lessons with Brother Ling. And remember, Celia," he paused, his tone hardening, "if you cause any trouble for Brother Ling, it won't just be you who suffers. Think of Xulan."
Celia bit her lip, her gaze dropping to the floor, a mix of fear and helplessness swirling in her eyes.
As Jiang strode out of the room, his thoughts preoccupied with dreams of wealth and power, Xulan came in through the front door, making Celia quickly mask her concern with a practiced smile.
"Xulan, how was your day?" she asked, her voice bright but carrying an undercurrent of hidden worry.
Xulan's smile was faint and lacked its usual brightness. "The royal sect... it's just not the same anymore. Or maybe it's just me," he said, his voice trailing off as he thought about Olivia's absence. He missed her presence, her laughter, the way her smile brightened the entire place.
Celia observed the melancholy that shadowed her son's features. She knew the cause of his sorrow – Olivia's marriage had left a void in his life.
Wanting to spare him further distress, she reluctantly broached the subject she dreaded. "Xulan, there's something I need to tell you. Your father has arranged for you to have a mentor for your training."
Xulan's expression shifted to one of surprise. "A mentor? But why all of a sudden? Who is it?"
The words were heavy on Celia's tongue as she replied, "It's... Lord Bai Ling. He's shown an interest in mentoring you personally. Perhaps because you are a good friend of Olivia."
Celia had her concerns but she didn't want to jump to conclusions or scare Xulan.
The mention of Bai Ling caused Xulan's face to harden, his confusion turning to a mixture of surprise and discomfort. "Lord Bai Ling? But why him?" he muttered, the thought of being mentored by the man who had married Olivia unsettling him deeply.
Celia's heart ached for her son. She knew how difficult this was for him, especially under the circumstances. But with Jiang's command hanging over them like a dark cloud, she felt powerless to change the situation.
Celia's voice held a note of resignation as she explained to Xulan, "Your father and Lord Bai Ling have entered a business partnership. He wouldn't want to offend Lord Bai by rejecting his offer."
Xulan's expression grew somber as he processed the implications. He knew too well the consequences of defying his father's wishes, especially now that Jiang was in league with Lucas. "I understand," Xulan replied, forcing a smile. "I'll attend the classes without fail."
***
Later, at Lucas's mansion, Olivia stood waiting, a blend of anticipation and nervousness in her eyes. As Lucas entered, her face lit up with a mixture of relief and happiness.
"Were you waiting for me?" Lucas asked, a charming smile on his lips as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
Olivia's cheeks flushed with a delicate hue. "Where have you been? You weren't here this morning either," she asked, a hint of worry lacing her words.
Lucas let out a soft sigh, a touch of regret in his tone. "I had some important matters to attend to. With the empress in town, my schedule is a bit hectic."
Olivia's smile faltered slightly, a shadow of sadness crossing her features. Sensing her disappointment, Lucas gently lifted her chin with his finger, looking into her eyes. "Even if I'm busy, I'll always make time for you, my beautiful wife," he promised, leaning in to kiss her softly.
The kiss brought a smile back to Olivia's face, her eyes brightening. "Even if you're busy every hour of the day, I won't let you off that easily," she replied playfully as her hand caressed his crotch. She still couldn't forget the feeling of his cock filling her up so many times.
Lucas chuckled as he smirked, "Somebody is becoming bold already. That makes me look forward to that challenge. But for now, I need to get ready. I have a mentoring session with someone special," he said, a hint of intrigue in his voice.
Olivia's brows raised with curiosity, "Oh, you are going to mentor someone? Who?"
"The youngest son of the High Captain. His wife would also be coming here time to time to check on her son. Apparently, she is a very doting mother when it comes to her youngest son," Lucas said with a chuckle.
"Aunt Celia?" Olivia mumbled with a complicated expression.
"Why? Is there something wrong?"
Olivia shook her head and said with a brief smile, "It's nothing. My mother never wanted me to get much close to her even though she is a very nice lady."
Lucas' eyes narrowed, "She is very nice. You might get the chance to get closer to her. Your mother might have meant well but isn't it better to find out for yourself. You are not a child but a strong woman capable of making her own decisions," Lucas said with a firm nod.
Olivia smiled, feeling moved and said. "My mother has never been wrong about anything. But now that you said it…I feel it's only right I start depending on myself. I also have to become completely independent if I have to be a good wife to you once we leave this kingdom."
"You are already perfect. But who knows…maybe your mother and Celia might get close one day," Lucas said as his lips curved.