Chapter 56

Queenie stopped abruptly on her way to the door, turning and whining, "Grandpa, I haven't finished my homework yet..." She would rather die than make tea for Nash.

Walter snorted coldly. "When have you ever done your homework?"

Queenie attended a family-owned private school where she was treated like a princess; homework was a rarity.

Nash crossed his legs and said lightly, "I'd like some Earl Grey."

Queenie glared. "I see you're taking advantage of the situation, huh?"

Walter's face hardened. "Don't be rude!"

Her lips curled, and she reluctantly retrieved the tea leaves. Opening the drawer, she found the laxative Kai had used to discipline his subordinates.

Nash, chatting with Brian on the sofa, heard Queenie giggle. His brow rose; he was on high alert. Soon, she arrived with two cups of tea, placing one before Nash and another before Brian. Immediately, she made two more—one for her grandfather and one for herself—then sat obediently beside Walter, her eyes fixed on Nash. "Dr. Calcraft, this is top-grade Earl Grey, a gift from the governor to my grandfather. You should try it quickly!"

Nash glanced at the steaming tea. "It's very hot; I'll let it cool." He already smelled the laxative; his cup was drugged.

Queenie was unhurried, leaning back on the sofa, playing with her phone. Brian received a call from his clinic; he'd also received an invitation from the Lees.

Walter hummed thoughtfully. "No wonder people from the Northern Territory have appeared in Jonford recently. They're likely attending Old Lee's birthday banquet."

"Who's that?" Nash asked curiously.

Brian, after blowing on his tea, explained, "Drake Group belonged to the Capiton Skyes, then passed to the Lees, now Jonford's newly promoted first-class family."

Seeing Brian hesitate, Walter added, "Old Lee was the Northern Territory army's king, commanding thousands!"

Nash pressed his hand on the coffee table. His inner energy surged, instantly swapping his teacup with Queenie's—all in a fraction of a second. Even Walter, watching him, missed it.

Nash took a sip, smiling. "Old Lee's birthday banquet sounds lively."

Walter nodded. "He's the chairman of Drake Group's father and a retired army king. His connections are vast; attendees will be highly influential."

A triumphant expression crossed Queenie's face as Nash drank her carefully prepared tea.

Brian whispered, "Grandmaster, come with me tomorrow."

Nash waved his hand. "I must decline. A bumpkin like me at such a high-profile party?"

"Self-aware, at least," Queenie quipped.

Walter frowned and glared at her. Queenie playfully stuck out her tongue, taking a few sips of her tea.

A nurse's voice crackled from the table's communication device: "Boss, the madam is awake!"