Chapter 294 Meant to Be Passed to Phillip's Wife

Chapter 294 Meant to Be Passed to Phillip's Wife
Serena Sinclair's POV:

The dining room was filled with an impressive spread of dishes, covering the entire table with elegant culinary offerings.

"I hope there's something here to your liking," Mrs. Kingston said with a warm smile, gesturing for me to take a seat. "Please tell me what you enjoy eating, and I'll have it prepared next time."

Phillip pulled out a chair for me. I glanced at him before sitting down. "Please don't worry, Mrs. Kingston. I'm not picky at all—I enjoy most foods."

"You must visit more often," she replied. "Phillip is always busy, and Katherine is rarely home. The house feels empty. It's lovely to have everyone together for once."

"Of course," I responded politely.

I noticed Katherine watching her mother, whose smile stretched from ear to ear.

"Stop making faces and eat your dinner," Mrs. Kingston chided, serving Katherine a piece of fish that seemed to be her favorite.

Katherine brightened instantly. "Thanks, Mom."

Mrs. Kingston placed a steamed crab dish in front of me. "This is our housekeeper Martha's specialty. You should try it."

Phillip transferred some to my plate. "I love this dish too. I think you'll enjoy it."

I took a bite. "You know I'm not picky."

The delicate flavor surprised me—tender and succulent with a natural sweetness unlike any crab I'd tasted before.

"Do you like it?" Phillip asked.

I nodded. "It's delicious." And I meant it.

He smiled. "Then have some more."

Before I knew it, my plate was overflowing with various dishes he'd selected for me.

"Phillip?" she called suddenly.

Phillip looked up. "Yes?"

"I'd like some of those braised ribs near you," she said. "I can't reach them. Would you pass them to me?"

"Weren't you on a diet?" he questioned.

Katherine seemed thrown by his response.

"It's the holidays. Everyone indulges a little," she replied defensively. "One piece won't hurt. Unless you don't want to share?"

Phillip placed a piece on my plate.

Just as Katherine seemed ready to complain about the favoritism, he moved the entire dish in front of her. "Take all of it. That should keep you quiet."

"My New Year's envelope better be generous this year," she said, half-joking, half-threatening. "If it's too small, I'll make trouble."

"How much do you want?" Phillip asked.

Katherine extended her hand, counting on her fingers. "Ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten-thousands..." She frowned. "Five fingers isn't enough. Let's add three more—eight digits for luck. No, nine digits would be better, for longevity."

She gave Phillip a suggestive smile. "Brother, I'll leave the amount to your discretion."

Mrs. Kingston laughed. "Such a little money-grabber."

Mr. Kingston added, "You're so greedy, people might think we don't provide for you."

Katherine's smile faltered, her eyes lowering to hide her disappointment. "Now that my brother has a girlfriend, he won't take care of me anymore. I need to take advantage while I still can."

"Having a partner doesn't mean losing a sister," Phillip said, serving her more food. "Stop being jealous and eat something instead of overthinking."

Katherine brightened immediately.

"Delicious," she proclaimed, mouth full.

Mr. and Mrs. Kingston exchanged amused glances at her childlike behavior.

"When will you ever grow up?" Mrs. Kingston asked affectionately.

"No matter how old I get, I'll always be your child," Katherine replied sweetly. "I'll always be a kid in front of you."

Outside, the rain intensified, but inside was warm and cozy. Though the house was spacious, it had been decorated festively for the New Year. Lanterns hung from trees outside, though the heavy rain obscured them from view. On a clear night, they would have been beautiful.

After dinner, the staff cleared the table, and we moved to the living room for tea and conversation. Mrs. Kingston shared amusing stories about Phillip and Katherine as children, making Katherine laugh until she clutched her stomach.

Phillip presented his father with the painting, which delighted Mr. Kingston. He spent a long time examining it, pleased to add another treasure to his private collection.

"Such an extravagant gesture to impress the parents," Katherine remarked from the side.

Phillip gave her a look, which she pretended not to notice.

Following tradition, we stayed up late into the night. The time passed quickly—it felt like we'd just finished dinner when the clock showed past ten.

I was ready to leave.

"The rain is too heavy. Why don't you stay the night?" Mrs. Kingston suggested.

I hesitated, feeling uncomfortable about staying overnight on my first visit.

"We have guest rooms," she continued. "If you prefer, you can take Phillip's room, and he can use a guest room."

Her enthusiasm made it difficult to refuse.

"Don't you want to see my bedroom?" Phillip asked with a hint of mischief.

"The rain is coming down hard. Driving would be dangerous," Mr. Kingston added. "We have plenty of space and everything you might need."

With everyone insisting, I had to agree. "If it's not too much trouble."

In truth, the combination of darkness and heavy rain did make driving hazardous.

"It's no trouble at all," Mrs. Kingston replied. "This gives us more time to get to know each other better."

"Of course," I nodded.

A staff member brought in cut fruit, and Mrs. Kingston encouraged me to help myself.

The television played a holiday special in the background while conversation flowed comfortably.

I noticed Katherine watching me occasionally, her expression complex. She seemed to have accepted that I might become her sister-in-law, though the idea clearly made her uncomfortable.

By eleven, I was fighting to stay awake.

"Ready to head upstairs?" Phillip asked quietly.

I nodded.

"Mrs. Kingston, I think I'll turn in now," I announced, standing up.

"The room is all prepared," she said. "Let me show you—"

"She'll stay in my room—" Phillip began.

"I'll take the guest room," I interjected firmly.

Staying in his room seemed inappropriate, especially with his parents present. We weren't married, after all.

Mrs. Kingston gave her son a knowing look before guiding me upstairs. The room she'd prepared was next to Phillip's.

"The linens are all fresh," Mrs. Kingston assured me.

"Thank you for going to so much trouble," I said gratefully.

"It's no trouble at all," she replied, opening the door. "What do you think?"

It was unmistakably a princess room—complete with a private balcony, walk-in closet, and ensuite bathroom. A pink sofa sat near the window with a stuffed animal perched on it. This had definitely been Katherine's room.

"It's lovely," I said.

"Oh, wait a moment," Mrs. Kingston said suddenly, remembering something.

She went downstairs and returned shortly with new sleepwear. "I bought these for Katherine during a recent shopping trip, but she has so many clothes she hasn't worn them yet. They should fit you."

She'd also brought a new bathrobe, toiletries, and even considered makeup, arranging everything thoughtfully.

I was touched by Mrs. Kingston's attention to detail and her consistent warmth toward me. She hadn't said a single unkind word all evening. "Thank you so much."

"Please consider this your home. Don't stand on ceremony," she said, taking my hand. "This is your first visit, and traditionally, I should prepare a gift for you."

She removed a jade bracelet from her wrist. "This was given to me by Phillip's grandmother. Now, I'd like to give it to you."

She attempted to slide it onto my wrist.

I was shocked. Beyond its monetary value, this bracelet held tremendous sentimental importance. Something Phillip's grandmother had left for her was incredibly precious.

"I can't accept this—it's too valuable," I protested, shaking my head firmly.

"This is a welcome gift. It should be meaningful," she insisted.

I continued to refuse.

I understood its significance. It was probably meant to be passed to Phillip's wife someday.