Chapter 53: Am I Too Low-Key?

Cheyenne was speechless at her grandfather's boasting. Was he really claiming to know someone as prestigious as Professor Yvonne, a woman only ever seen on television, seemingly a goddess?

Layne wondered if he'd been living too low-key, even for his own granddaughter to think he was bragging.

"Grandpa," Nora said contemptuously, "you don't understand society today. My sister got into a very ordinary university. Professor Yvonne wouldn't take Cheyenne as a student."

"Impossible," Layne countered, a hint of nostalgia and shyness in his eyes. "When Yvonne was a young girl, she begged to be my apprentice—over twenty years ago."

Cheyenne noticed her grandfather's unnatural expression when he mentioned Professor Yvonne. He was almost seventy; Yvonne could only be around forty-five.

The Edwards family, once as prominent in Onistead as the Todds are today, had dwindled. When George met Selah, most family members had died or left, leaving only a few struggling in Akloit. Despite this, they rebuilt the family into one of Akloit's most prestigious. Selah's death, however, robbed Layne of his fighting spirit, leading to the family's current decline.

The Mitchells were envious. Malaya's eyes gleamed with greed.

"Miss Lawrence is so lucky," Emmanuel said politely, his gaze affectionate. "May I invite you to a movie later?"

Cheyenne shook her head, waving a delicate hand. "No, I'm meeting the Todd family's young master." She smiled sweetly.

The Todd family! Another top-tier family!

Nora's eyes widened, her hand clenching on her skirt. She gasped. When had this "little bitch" become involved with the Todds?

Iker, rumored disabled for three years, had vacated his "war god" title. Though he retained prominence, he remained homebound, reportedly violent, moody, and averse to women. Why would he meet Cheyenne, a "dirty abandoned woman"?

George felt a burning desire. The Todd family's protection could elevate their status beyond even the Foleys.

"Cheyenne, when did you meet the Todd young master?" George asked kindly, his wrinkles deepening.

Cheyenne laughed coldly. "You never asked. It wasn't important."

"Not important?" George's voice sharpened. "If you're going, bring me. I'll speak with Mr. Todd."

Cheyenne sneered. The Todds didn't do business in Akloit; their holdings were racecourses and construction equipment investments in the north. The Lawrences were in textiles in a coastal city. There was no connection. How could Mr. Todd meet someone as insignificant as George?

Layne understood and refused. "No! I'm treating Master Iker's illness. I can't introduce you."

George persisted. "Dad, ask Master Iker for an introduction. It should be easy."

Cheyenne frowned. "Father, that's inappropriate. Grandfather is only treating Master Iker. It's an ungracious request. Besides, I'm only there because Master Iker allowed it—that doesn't apply to others!"

She wasn't lying; Iker's estate employed only men. Cheyenne was only the second woman after his ex-fiancée.

But George and the Mitchells didn't believe her. They saw it as an excuse. Malaya, especially, couldn't accept that a divorced woman was with the Todd young master while her daughter, Nora, was with "immature poor men." She decided Nora must meet Iker.

"Mr. Edwards," Malaya said smoothly, patting Cheyenne's hand, "bring Nora. She's smart and attentive. Cheyenne is bold and lively. Together, you'll make things easier."

Cheyenne withdrew her hand. "No way!"

Nora's face darkened. "Why not? I'm not worse than her!"

"Because he's my grandpa," Cheyenne retorted. "I'm already a drag. You'd only give him a headache."

Nora glared. "How dare you!"

Layne intervened decisively. "Let's stop. I won't take Nora; she doesn't know medicine."