Reborn to my engagement night by Baxter Walters

Chapter 301 Very Calculative

Finished

“Even if you lack Hayden's skills, you absolutely cannot afford to fall short when it comes to spirit! Understand?

Or else. I'll just have to teach you a lesson myself!” Madelyn declared with vigor, her fist punching the air as she

sported a mock-threatening expression.

Startled, Josiah instinctively shrank back, his voice tinged with a helpless plea, “Con, can’t you go easy just

this once? You're supposed to be recovering from that injury, yet here you are, stirring things up. Are you trying

to aggravate your condition even further?”

Madelyn, undeterred and puffing with determination, raised her fist once more, defiantly retorting, “What does it

matter if my hand isn’t fully healed yet? Even with this injured hand, I'm more than capable of taking you down if

I have to.”

Once again, Josiah flinched, his fear evident.

On the sidelines, Tristan and Jillian couldn’t help but chuckle at the unfolding , finding the entire exchange

rather comical.

At that moment, a distinguished-looking young man, guiding another in a wheelchair who had a sun- kissed,

bronze complexion, made their approach.

They were none other than the two elder brothers of Josiah

Without missing a beat, Josiah excitedly started introducing everyone around. “Letintroduce you.” he

enthusiastically started. This is my oldest brother, Mason, and right here is my second brother, Xander. And to

my brothers, these are my classmates, Madelyn and Jillian.”

As for Tristan, no lengthy introductions were necessary since the Blumes were well acquainted with him already.

“Hello. Mason and Xander! Josiah’s always speaking so highly of you. He praises you to the skies, talking about

your success and good looks. Meeting you today, | see he wasn’t exaggerating, Jillian remarked with

a smile.

Madelyn greeted the brothers with a cordial smile, her manner polite yet infused with a natural innocence and

charm, which immediately endeared her to Mason and Xander, greatly enhancing their first impression of her.

“I understand Ms. Thornton has been keeping an eye on Josiah recently? That must have been quite the

challenge, as handling him is like dealing with a monkey. We'll be counting on your patience moving forward,”

Mason commented, his tone even and serene

“Well, every troublemaker has their own jinx. No one in our family could manage him before, but it looks like he’s

finally met his match,” Xander added, laughing from the side.

This comment irked Josiah enough to make him lose his temper momentarily. “Are you guys even my real

brothers! Show srespect, will you?”

Hearing this, Madelyn couldn’t suppress her laughter. She had expected the brothers to be more serious, but

their banter turned out to be surprisingly light-hearted and amusing.

As the group continued their lively conversation, the atmosphere was filled with joviality and everyone seemed

to genuinely enjoy the engaging and pleasant exchange.

1/3

21:08 Thu, Apr 10 & G.

Chapter 301 Very Calculative

Finished

After stime, Madelyn checked the time, a chuckle escaping her lips. “Looks like it's about time. We should

probably head over to greet Old Mr. Blume,” she suggested, leading the way as a few nodded in

agreement,

Meanwhile, Hayden was observing from a distance, a look of disdain crossing his face.

Over the past few days, he had been gathering information on Madelyn.

Other than her role as the lady of the Lockhart family, her companions, like Jillian and Tristan, seemed of no

particular consequence. Yet, here they were, all together.

Birds of a feather flock together. It’s no surprise since rats like them should stick together.

In another corner of the banquet hall, Janessa observed | layden closely.

Surrounded by people flattering him, she felt a pang of regret.

Back in school, she had aimed to befriend Josiah to broaden her network. But now, she realized that Josiah,

regarded by both outsiders and his family as inconsequential, was the wrong connection. Her focus should have

been on Hayden from the start.

Before long, Madelyn and the group had reached Felix!

At that moment, Josiah’s parents, Benedict and Mary, were already there, conversing amiably with a man whose

presence was notable for his distinguished appearance and the graceful manner in which he carried himself.

This man was none other than Sebastian,

At that instant, Madelyn’s voice, warm and clear, called out, “Old Mr. Blume!”

Turning around. Felix was greeted by the sight of Madelyn, radiant as if bathed in celestial light, prompting him

to joyously exclaim, “Oh, where did this little fairy cfrom?”

“Then where do you hail from, birthday star?” Madelyn playfully shot back, her words sparking a wave of

laughter throughout the room.

Regaining her poise, Madelyn addressed the elderly man with a respectful and heartfelt greeting. “Old Mr. Blume,

on this auspicious day of your birthday, | extend my wishes for days as joyous as today in every year and

moments as splendid as this in every season. May you be blessed with an abundance of happiness and good

fortune!”

Delighted by her eloquent wishes, Felix couldn't help but chuckle, “Thank you, my dear. Just by gracing this old

man’s birthday celebration with your presence you've already broughtimmense joy.”

“Old Mr. Blume, you flattertoo much. In fact, | regret not visiting you sooner. I still owe you thanks for your

help last time, Madelyn responded, her smile singere,

The old man waved off her thanks casually, his laughter light. “Oh, think nothing of it. But | must tell you, you're

quite an astute young woman for your age. You've shown more initiative than our little Josiah here. And now,

having married such a promising young manlike Mr. Lockhart, it seems your life is on a very fulfilling path. Ah, if

only our Josiah could possess half of your wisdom, I'd be ecstatic.”

This remark sent ripples of laughter through the gathered crowd.

2/3

21:08 100, Apr Tu

Chapter 301 Very Calculative

From the sidelines, Josialt listened, feeling both indignit and misunderstood.

Finished

What's happening tonight? It seems wherever | go, | becthe subject of a cautionary tale! It's heartbreaking,

really... And to make matters worse, Sebastian's standing right there!

Standing beside Madelyn, Sebastian's formidable presence only highlighted Josiah’s feelings of inadequacy. It

was undeniable; Sebastian’s capabilities seemed almost superhuman. Josiah knew deep down that no matter

how hard he tried, he could never compete.

The atmosphere grew even more somber when his brother Xander, rather than offering consolation, gave

unsolicited advice in a low voice, “Josiah, heed my honest advice-juive up. Sebastian is simply too

exceptional: you stand no chance against him. Stop pining for that girl. Look, | can easily find someone more

suitable for you.

“Get lost!” Josiah’s frustration boiled over, and he nearly lashed out physically at his brother.

Just then, a young man dressed in military uniform approached from not too far away.

At that moment, a young man in a military uniform appeared, approaching the group, Hayden, holding at

meticulously wrapped box, approached Felix with reverence and said, “Grandpa, | have brought you a gift. | hope

you like it.”

Felix’s face immediately lit up with a broad smile as he accepted the gift from Hayden's hands and began to

unwrap it.

Inside was an ancient chess strategy book.

“Grandpa, this is the sole surviving chess strategy book penned by King Cassio-an extraordinary antique that

was painstakingly recovered by archaeologists. | invested a substantial sum to secure it, and | sincerely hope it

meets your expectations,” Hayden explained with utmost respect.

The gift was indeed a thoughtful gesture, particularly as everyone was aware of Felix’s deep appreciation. for

chess. It seemed the perfect selection to align with his interests,

As Felix examined the gift, applause broke out around the room, and Hayden received widespread.

commendation for his thoughtful and impressive gift.

68