Belated Moonlight: He Regretted Only After I Left-Chapter 164: More Than a Match for Rhys Lennox

Chapter 164: Chapter 164: More Than a Match for Rhys Lennox

At this moment, Stella Sterling was about to pop a strawberry into her mouth. Hearing this, she handed it over to him without a second thought, her eyes slightly bent with a playful grin, "Here, stuff your mouth with this first. In a hurry, are you? We kindly brought you back for a feast, and you’re acting like we’re begging you."

The strawberry was plump, with a delicate white tip, making her fingertips appear even more porcelain-like.

Rhys Lennox took the strawberry without looking at it, shoved it into his mouth, and chewed a few times. The sweet and sticky juice exploded in his mouth, mingling with the unique fragrance of the strawberry.

"Is this how you placate me?"

His series of actions were as fluid as a stream, with a certain untamed wildness. Yet, when those eyes looked at Stella Sterling, they held a nearly scorching brightness.

Claire Grant, watching from the side, felt her face flush and her heart race.

She had seen scions of wealthy families before: some were noble, some were elegant, some were flamboyant, but she had never met someone like Rhys Lennox.

Claire’s heart inexplicably skipped a few beats. She instinctively lowered her eyes, lifted her teacup for a sip to conceal herself, while her ears quietly turned crimson.

She couldn’t help but wonder what such a seemingly nonchalant man would be like if he truly fell in love.

Would he also appear domineering but actually hide an imperceptible gentleness?

"No proper form!" Old Mr. Donovan, seeing his return and disorder, purposely put on a stern face to scold him, though there was no true anger in his eyes. "No manners! Don’t you see there’s a guest? This is Grandpa Grant’s granddaughter, Claire, who just returned from earning her master’s degree in law from Cambridge. The young lady is well-educated and sensible; you should learn from her!"

It was only then that Rhys Lennox seemed to notice Claire Grant. He casually lifted his eyelids, his gaze lingering on her face for less than a second before nodding with a hint of unfeeling formality, "Miss Grant."

His attitude was distant, wholly different from the lively banter he shared with Stella Sterling moments ago.

Claire Grant suppressed the odd feeling in her heart and softly greeted, "Young Master Lockwood..."

Rhys Lennox responded with an unemotional "Hmm," as acknowledgment.

He walked directly to the single sofa next to Shane Donovan, stretched out his long legs, his pose relaxed with a hint of hidden annoyance.

Shane Donovan took in his brother’s response, leisurely setting down the coffee cup in his hand. The base met the bone china saucer with a crisp clink.

Instead of looking at Rhys Lennox, he raised his gaze to Stella Sterling, curving his lips into a faint smile. "Seems even delicious food can’t keep his mouth shut. Stella, don’t bother calling him next time, let him run wild outside."

Stella Sterling received Shane Donovan’s meaningful glance, understood, and followed up with a chuckle, "Grandpa’s intentions were kind; it’s certain people who don’t appreciate them."

As she spoke, she naturally picked up the teapot, refilled Claire Grant’s cup, and said softly, "Claire, don’t mind him; that’s just how he is, you’ll get used to it." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Claire Grant quickly held the cup with both hands and smiled gently, "I won’t, Stella."

She discreetly raised her eyes, stealing a quick glance at Rhys Lennox, only to see him looking down at his phone screen. His profile appeared cold and hard, with the black hair replacing his previous blond adding a somber heaviness that made her heart flutter, yet she dared not look again.

Old Mr. Donovan, noticing Rhys Lennox’s unyielding demeanor, felt a surge of anger rise and was about to scold some more when Elder Grant, who had been quietly watching the younger generation interact, timely interjected to smooth things over, "Old Donovan, young people have their own way of interacting, we should stay out of it. I see Claire and Stella get along well, and that’s good."

These words successfully shifted the topic; Old Mr. Donovan followed the lead and started chatting with Elder Grant about their collection of calligraphy and paintings.

Shane Donovan then leaned slightly towards Stella Sterling, murmuring in a voice only they could hear, his warm breath brushing across her ear, "So, how is this Miss Grant from The Grant Family?"

Stella Sterling turned her head to meet his deep eyes, filled with a knowing understanding and inquiry.

She nodded gently, lowering her voice as well, "Very nice, she’s pretty, smart, and has a good temperament."

She paused and added, "I find her easy to talk to."

"Hmm." Shane Donovan gave an almost imperceptible nod, lightly tapping his fingers on the armrest of the sofa. "More than enough for Rhys Lennox."

As long as Stella Sterling thought she was good, then she was indeed good.

Just then, Butler Alfie came over and softly reported that Old Mrs. Donovan was feeling unwell and wouldn’t be coming down for dinner.

Old Mr. Donovan’s face showed a flicker of complex emotion, then he waved his hand, "Understood, have the kitchen send the food up and take care of her."

Since Philip Donovan’s incident, Old Mrs. Donovan’s presence in the mansion had significantly diminished. She rarely participated in affairs, much less in occasions where there were guests.

Everyone tacitly avoided speaking about her and moved on from the topic.

When it was time for dinner, the long dining table was laden with exquisite dishes.

Shane Donovan naturally sat at the head of the table, with Stella Sterling on his right, and Claire Grant arranged to sit next to Rhys Lennox.

Rhys Lennox showed no expression throughout; he focused solely on eating, moving quickly yet not coarsely, carrying a certain repressed gloom.

To Claire Grant’s attempts at conversation, he only occasionally responded with a "Hmm" or "Oh," making his disinterest obvious.

Stella Sterling noticed and couldn’t help but give Shane Donovan a light kick under the table.

Shane Donovan lifted his gaze, meeting her chiding look with a slight raise of his brow.

He put down his chopsticks, picked up a napkin, and elegantly wiped the corner of his mouth before shifting his gaze to Rhys Lennox, his tone neutral, "Rhys."

Rhys Lennox paused, not looking up, "What?"

Shane Donovan’s voice was deep and steady, "Miss Grant is new here and unfamiliar with the domestic legal environment. You spent some time at Stella’s law firm, so you have some experience. If Miss Grant needs any help in the future, do assist her."

Rhys Lennox suddenly lifted his head, his dark eyes locking onto Shane Donovan’s calm gaze. The brothers’ gazes met in the air, seeming to ignite unseen sparks.

After a few seconds, Rhys Lennox pulled at the corners of his mouth, revealing a smile tinged with irony, "Brother, you really are thoughtful, even arranging something like this."

His words carried a clear jab, instantly making the atmosphere at the table somewhat tense.

Claire Grant hurriedly tried to smooth things over with her gentle voice, "It’s not a bother for Young Master Lockwood, I can manage on my own..."

"It’s no trouble," Shane Donovan interrupted her, his gaze still fixed on Rhys Lennox, his tone indifferent, "Just a helping hand. Rhys, what do you say?"

Rhys Lennox’s Adam’s apple bobbed once. He glanced at Shane Donovan, then quickly scanned the room, seeing Stella Sterling looking over, and the nameless fire mixed with bitterness in his chest burned so fiercely it hurt.

He downed a gulp of ice water beside him, suppressing the blockage in his throat, and forced out a word, "...Fine."

The dinner eventually ended in a subtle and repressive atmosphere.

After the meal, the servants served post-dinner fruits and tea.

Shane Donovan was called aside by Old Mr. Donovan to discuss company matters, and Stella Sterling accompanied Claire Grant in the side hall for tea and conversation.

Rhys Lennox walked to the courtyard alone, leaned against a column, and lit a cigarette.

The night was hazy, outlining his tall yet solitary figure.

The nicotine wafted into his lungs, yet it failed to ease the restlessness in his heart.

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath of the cold night air.

In his mind, Philip Donovan’s threatening words echoed repeatedly, along with that damnable photo...