Chapter 240 Bringing Veronica and Conrad Together
Holding a basket of fruits, Veronica ambled toward Elizabeth. “Grandma.”
Elizabeth handed over the grain that she fed the poultry to the maid. “Roni, you’re here.”
“Yeah, I miss you, Grandma.” Veronica smiled and clung onto the old lady’s arm before looking at the poultry. “It’s nice to rear some chickens and ducks as a pastime.”
Elizabeth couldn’t work because of her old age, so it was best for her to indulge in something to lift her mood.
“You’re right. I gotta at least do something to kill time.” Elizabeth pulled Veronica in the direction of the parlor. “Let’s go inside. It’s windy.”
Matthew, who had been there the whole time, received no attention and trailed behind them with a helpless smile.
“Grandma, you previously said… said…” Veronica sat next to Elizabeth, hesitating to bring up the topic.
Elizabeth patted the back of the girl’s hand. “Don’t be such a stranger. Go ahead.”
Only then did Veronica let out a sheepish smile. “Didn’t you say that you were going to introduce me to someone? Is it still valid?”
When Matthew heard that, his footsteps came to a halt, and the gentleness of his countenance was replaced with seriousness.
At the same time, Conrad, who had been staying at the residence, came to the living room after knowing they had arrived.
He happened to hear Veronica’s question, which elicited a smile on his face. “Finally? After this whole time?”
“Of course, it’s still valid!” Elizabeth laughed merrily.
She had been in a sour mood due to Tiffany’s fake pregnancy, but thanks to Veronica, who visited her often lately, she was able to live her days happily. Her affections for Veronica were genuine.
“Uncle Conrad, don’t tease me! You’re embarrassing me.” Veronica didn’t mind the joke as she deliberately ignored the stoic Matthew.
“Speaking of it,” Elizabeth clasped Veronica’s hands as she looked at Conrad. “Conrad, you’re still single, aren’t you? I’ve always wanted the two of you to be together. Since the two of you are here, why don’t you guys think about it?”
“What?” Veronica shook her head without hesitation. “No, Grandma. Uncle Conrad is nine years older than I am.”
Back then, a drunk Howard accidentally spent the night with Conrad’s mother, hence the youngest kid was born. He was two years older than Matthew, but there was a nine-year age gap between him and Veronica.
Sitting on the chair, Matthew held a cup of water that was served by the maid. Unbeknownst to everyone present, his eyes were flaring with rage.
“We’re living in the 21st century. It’s not a big deal.” Elizabeth glanced at Veronica and tapped her forehead. “Men are more mature when they’re older. He’ll take good care of you.”
In the meantime, Conrad averted his gaze from the girl to Matthew, who was sitting silently. Little did Matthew know that his tightening fingers around the cup had given him away.
Interesting.
“Grandma, I—”
Just as Veronica was about to say something, Conrad preempted her. “I think Roni’s smart and cute. My days always seem brighter with her around.”
Not only did he not reject the suggestion, but he also blurted out his genuine thoughts. Regardless of his feelings, Veronica was someone useful to him.
Veronica was stunned for a moment upon hearing that. She looked at Conrad and noticed the insidious smile on his visage when their eyes met. Beneath the facade was a terrifying bottomless pit that ranged beyond the unknown.
As a cold chill traveled down her spine, she felt her hair standing on her skin.
Like a happy bunny, Elizabeth laughed heartily at Conrad’s approving words. She held Veronica’s hands tightly as she said, “See? He’s down for it. Don’t be shy. Why don’t you give it a shot?”
“No, no, no. Grandma, what are you talking about?” Veronica shook her head vigorously. “I don’t like someone who’s older than me by so many years. Five years is the limit. It mustn’t go beyond that. The generation gap will be a hindrance to the relationship.”
“It seems that I’m already an old man,” teased Conrad, as he didn’t take her words personally. However, Matthew dropped his gaze to the floor as a flicker of glint sparked in his eyes.
She can only accept a maximum of five-years age gap, but I’m older than her by seven years. Is this why she doesn’t like me?
The seething ire in him morphed into sorrow at the knowledge that a happy relationship couldn’t be a forceful one. He couldn’t possibly keep her to himself for the sole reason that he liked her! That would be preposterous!
He finally realized why Veronica invited him to come along. It was on purpose.
“In this case, it looks like Conrad is not for you. What a shame.” Elizabeth frowned and sighed. “I guess I should hunt down some men for you and let Matthew know. His judgments are never wrong.”
Now that the topic had been steered to Matthew, an air of awkwardness began to linger in the atmosphere. Veronica calmed herself down while reminding herself that she could end things with Matthew this way.
“That’s great. You’re right about that. Matthew has a talent for judging people.” She flashed an enticing smile.
Even Conrad was blinkered by her dazzling smile as he said exactly what was on his mind, “Can’t I help you with that?”
“Oh, since Conrad is back for good now, you guys should hang out often. Roni, you can take this chance to learn more from him. You know that he’s good at managing business.” Elizabeth had always treated Veronica as her own granddaughter and couldn’t help the urge to shower her with love and care.
Despite the repulsive offer, Veronica nodded and forced a pristine smile. “That sounds great. Grandma, you’re the best!”
