Serena and Hugh slept soundly through the night.
Sarah, however, looked like she'd been run over by a freight train. With dark circles under her eyes, she shuffled out for breakfast.
She didn't dare ask Cole to help her move her things, nor did she want Calvin to see the mess in the living room and think she was a slob. So, gritting her teeth, she had slowly dragged the seven or eight heavy boxes back into her room by herself. Feeling aggrieved, she'd stayed up all night, seething.
Hugh, Eric, and Cole had left for the office early that morning. Only Calvin and the women were left at home for breakfast.
In the dining room, Calvin was already seated. Melissa had called for Sarah earlier, and the two of them were waiting quietly at the table.
Serena was the last to arrive. When she saw the three of them already seated and clearly waiting, she hurried over and sat down.
"Good morning, Grandpa. You haven't started eating yet? Were you waiting for me?"
Calvin gave a small nod, eyes still half-lidded as he lifted a hand. At his gesture, the maids began serving the dishes.
Melissa had been soothed by Eric the night before, but she still couldn't shake the grudge she held against Serena and Sarah. So, the moment she opened her mouth to speak, it wasn't out of kindness.
"Our family always waits until everyone's at the table before eating. Didn't Hugh teach you that?"
In truth, Hugh hadn't taught Serena any family customs at all.
That morning, while she was still half-asleep, he'd stuffed a crescent-shaped pillow into her arms and said, "The Larson family doesn't have rules. Just do what makes you comfortable."
She'd barely registered it and was grateful just to be able to sleep.
But now, in front of Calvin, there was no way she could admit that Hugh hadn't told her anything.
So, Serena quickly apologized, saying, "He did mention it. I just didn't take it seriously enough. I'll make sure to wake up earlier next time. I won't keep Grandpa waiting again."
"Hmph! As the Larsons' daughter-in-law, you've still got a lot to learn."
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