Chapter 368

Chapter 368
Serena’s POV
After breakfast, I told Grandpa Joseph that I needed to return to Manhattan.
I didn't bother coming up with a polite excuse. In my heart, I knew that regardless of whatever reason I provided, Grandpa Joseph wouldn't believe me anyway. Unless, perhaps, I outright admitted I didn't want to stay at the Kennedy estate—that he might actually believe.
"Stay until tomorrow," Grandpa Joseph urged, his voice carrying that gentle authority that brooked no argument.
I tried explaining, "Grandpa, I can bring Milo and Stella next time..."
To my surprise, he cut me off immediately: "The Langston family has said they wrongfully accused you and want to come today to formally apologize. If you leave, what would they be apologizing to?"
I honestly didn't care about these formalities and replied, "It was just a misunderstanding."
"Appearances matter," Grandpa Joseph stated firmly. "Staying one more day at your grandfather's home isn't too much to ask, is it?"
With Grandpa Joseph putting it that way, I could only acquiesce. After all, it was an elder's request, and it was just one more day.
I regretfully shared the news with Milo and Stella, but was surprised to see a glimmer of relief in their expressions. Especially when I mentioned the Langston family would be visiting today—Milo and Stella's eyes positively lit up. I couldn't understand what about Mateo so captivated my children. Science had already proven they weren't related!
In the afternoon, the Langston family arrived. I noticed their entourage was much smaller than before. Just Grandma Langston with her eldest son and his wife, along with Mateo and Hattie.
Grandpa Joseph was thoughtful enough not to have too many people in the house. When someone comes to apologize, the fewer witnesses, the better—it makes it easier for them to save face. I appreciated his consideration.
After the obligatory pleasantries, Grandma Langston spoke first: "Hattie has explained everything to me about that night. She said her eating the mango had nothing to do with Serena—she was just being greedy and couldn't resist. Serena, I'm sorry for the misunderstanding."
I didn't want to dwell on the incident and politely responded, "Hattie already apologized yesterday. It was all a misunderstanding. No harm done—I'm just glad everything's been cleared up."
"Serena is truly gracious, just like your mother was," Grandma Langston said sincerely.
I merely smiled in response. Honestly, I wasn't particularly interested in being compared to my mother, but I maintained a respectful facade.
"I have a jade bracelet here that I think would suit Serena perfectly. Please, take it," Grandma Langston said, producing the bracelet and attempting to place it on my wrist.
I was startled—this gift was far too valuable. I quickly declined, "You're too kind, but Hattie and I have resolved our misunderstanding. I really can't accept such an expensive gift."
I could immediately tell this bracelet was priceless. I truly didn't want to accept it; the obligation would be too great.
"This has nothing to do with Hattie," Grandma Langston insisted. "You've just returned to the Kennedy family, and this is our first meeting. It's a welcoming gift from me. Don't refuse—you'll upset me if you don't accept it."
"Serena, don't be so formal. It's my grandmother's heartfelt gift," Hattie chimed in. "We spent a long time selecting this jade from Grandmother's collection. Both Mateo and I think it suits you perfectly. Just try it on."
I really didn't want to be indebted to them, but at that moment—
"Serena, since your grand-aunt is giving it to you, you should accept it," Grandpa Joseph interjected.
I had no choice but to reluctantly accept. Once Grandpa had spoken, I couldn't refuse any longer.
I forced a smile and said, "Thank you, Grand-aunt."
"We're family, no need for such formality. Here, let me put it on for you," Grandma Langston replied, her face wreathed in smiles.
"All right." I extended my wrist and let her slip the bracelet on.
The emerald-green jade looked even more beautiful against my slender wrist than it had in photos. Though I hated to admit it, it really did suit me.
"See? I told you it would look perfect on Serena. It's absolutely stunning," Hattie exclaimed genuinely. "Isn't that right, Mateo?" She nudged him affectionately.
"Mm," Mateo nodded slightly.
"It does look lovely. I never expected jade would suit Serena so well. I have quite a collection—if you like them, you can always ask me for more," Grandma Langston added.
"Thank you, Grand-aunt," I responded politely, while secretly resolving to find a way to return this bracelet someday. Perhaps when Mateo and Hattie had a child, I could give it as a gift to them. Though... I wasn't sure if Hattie's health would allow her to have children.
Since there weren't many people present today, no one dared to leave easily. We all sat on the sofa, respectfully listening to the elders' conversation, occasionally answering when addressed, and sometimes chatting among our peers.
Hattie kept clinging to me, admiring the jade on my wrist. "Serena, it really looks gorgeous on you. Especially beautiful on your wrist."
Seeing how much she liked it, I thought, why not just give her the bracelet? "If you like it so much, you can have it," I said, about to take it off.
"How could I take what Grandmother gave you?" Hattie responded dramatically. "She'd kill me!"
I thought silently, that's impossible. With her heart condition, the Langston family treated her like a precious treasure. Her words seemed so affected.
"Besides, Mateo promised me a bracelet, didn't you?" Hattie asked sweetly.
Mateo nodded. "Yes."
I watched their intimate interaction without any change in my expression, feeling absolutely nothing inside. This further confirmed that there was truly nothing special between Mateo and me.
Milo and Stella sat beside me, and today their glares toward Mateo were even more intense. I noticed Mateo had noticed it too. Perhaps because he'd been harsh with me that day? Milo and Stella were clearly extremely unfriendly toward him today; those little glares could have killed him.
Mateo left Hattie's side and approached Milo. "Come, show me to the bathroom."
I saw Milo's frown deepen. I could understand his feelings—he disliked Mateo so much, yet was being asked to escort him to the bathroom. But in that moment, he seemed unable to refuse.
Milo and Mateo left together.
Hattie watched them walk away, and I caught a glimpse of something in her smile—a hint of darkness, or perhaps it was just my imagination. Honestly, I had zero interest in figuring out what kind of person Hattie truly was. As long as she didn't cross my boundaries, I maintained an attitude of avoiding unnecessary complications.
After all, I was leaving Washington tomorrow. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, my visits would become increasingly rare.
"Mateo really loves Milo and Stella," Hattie suddenly remarked to me.
I didn't immediately respond, wondering why she'd suddenly brought up my children. Was she trying to probe for something?
"I haven't noticed," I replied coldly.