Chapter 970

Lena’s heart fluttered in panic. Why was he standing here? Had he overheard what she’d said earlier? There was no use regretting it now. She could only pretend he hadn’t heard anything and called out, trying to sound natural, “Uncle!”

She had just given herself a pep talk in the bathroom, but seeing him standing so close now, her heartbeat still faltered.

Aaron’s deep, starry eyes fixed on her. “Xandra is very simple and innocent. She doesn’t take well to certain things. I trust you understand what I mean?”

Lena’s chaotic heartbeats suddenly settled. So this was why he had waited for her—to make sure she wouldn’t tell Xandra about his past feelings for her. A strange, sharp pain twisted in her chest, so intense it stole her breath for a moment.

Clenching her fist by her side, she pinched herself hard to suppress the ache and avoid showing any emotion. “What ‘certain things’ are you referring to, Uncle? I don’t believe there’s anything you’ve shared with me that’s worth mentioning to her.”

Her words made Aaron’s gaze tighten. Her meaning was unmistakable—she had never taken his feelings seriously.

“Uncle Aaron, is there anything else? If not, I’ll go chat with Aunt Xandra,” Lena said with a faint smile, her tone light and carefree. She looked almost indifferent, as though nothing could faze her.

Aaron said nothing, stepping aside to let her pass. As Lena walked by, a strand of her hair brushed against his cheek, a fleeting sensation like the edge of a blade.

Dinner was lavish. The usual somber atmosphere was replaced with a cheerful one, thanks to Xandra’s presence. Deborah was so pleased that she even took out a family heirloom jade bracelet to gift to Xandra. Xandra blushed and initially refused, saying the gift was too valuable, but Briana didn’t give her a chance to decline. She grabbed Xandra’s hand and slid the bracelet onto her wrist.

Throughout the meal, Aaron barely spoke. He occasionally offered Xandra some food when Briana reminded him, but that was the extent of his participation. Lena, on the other hand, immersed herself in the food, barely speaking. When someone asked her something, she would hum a vague response and go back to eating.

“Since everyone’s in such a good mood, how about we play some poker?” Briana suggested enthusiastically.

“I’m not playing,” Aaron said. “You’ll just say I’m taking advantage of the girls.”

Briana rolled her eyes. “Who said you were playing? Let Xandra play.”

“I don’t know how to play,” Xandra quickly declined, waving her hands.

“Then Aaron can coach you,” Briana said, already having Elaine prepare the poker table.

Before Lena could protest, her mother had seated her firmly at the table. By chance or fate—she ended up sitting across from Xandra, while Aaron sat beside Xandra as her “coach.”

Poker was a skill Lena had learned from Aaron. Her grandmother was a poker enthusiast and would always rope the family into playing a few rounds during gatherings or holidays. Initially, Lena didn’t know how to play, but when they needed an extra player, Aaron had her sit in and guided her through the game. What made those games memorable was that she always seemed to win—though only when Aaron was at the table. Deborah had even given her a nickname, “Lucky Aces,” joking that Lena’s skill was mediocre but her luck was unmatched. Of course, Lena knew her winning streak had little to do with luck and everything to do with Aaron subtly helping her by setting up her deck.

“Lena, let’s see if you can beat your Aunt Xandra today,” Deborah said teasingly, clearly hoping to see her lose for once.