Carriage, Dorian Owen Faces Ninth Royal Uncle

There was a fist-wide gap between them—a thing that had never happened before. Whenever Serena shared a bed with Nolan, he would always hold her, but tonight...

Serena's face was full of grievance. She stared at Nolan's back for ages, her heated gaze almost able to scorch him, but he didn't react at all.

What are you doing? Say something! Always giving me the silent treatment—so annoying.

Serena ground her teeth, unable to stop herself from roaring inwardly. After thinking for ages without finding a solution, she simply rolled over and decided to sleep by herself.

Once she fell asleep, nothing in the world could bother her.

But for some reason, she just couldn't sleep tonight—usually she'd be out the moment her head hit the pillow. The more she tried, the more awake she felt. Serena was so restless she nearly drove herself mad, tossing and turning and making quite a racket, but Ninth Royal Uncle seemed dead asleep and didn't react at all.

Petty jerk. Such a jealous guy.

She couldn't help cursing him in her heart.

Normally, just a little movement from her would wake him up. Tonight, she'd practically made the bedboard rattle, but Nolan didn't react at all—he was clearly faking it.

Looks like he's really mad. Serena thought, feeling a bit down but also calming herself. Thinking back on what happened tonight, she realized it really was her fault.

Whether Dorian Owen was really scheming against her or it was just a coincidence, pulling at his clothes was wrong either way.

Fine, admit your mistake and fix it—that's the right thing to do. Kids who own up to their faults are good kids.

Serena spent ages giving herself a mental pep talk, then rolled over, stared at Nolan's back for a long time, finally bit her lip, and hugged him from behind.

Nolan's body stiffened, then relaxed. The straight line of his mouth softened into a faint smile.

There's hope.

Serena secretly cheered, brushing away all her earlier gloom and confusion. She quickly hugged Nolan tighter, pressed her face to his back, and said with a hint of grievance, "I really was just applying medicine to Dorian Owen today."

It really was just medicine—truer than pearls!

All she got in response was the sound of calm, steady breathing. Serena waited a long time, but Ninth Royal Uncle didn't say a word. Her unease grew, so she hurriedly added, "I had no idea things would turn out like that. It was an accident."

Serena felt she needed to reflect—she seemed especially easy for Dorian Owen to lead around, and he could always rile her up until she did things she'd never normally do.

Like the whole undressing fiasco today—purely a matter of pride. If anyone else refused to undress for treatment, she'd just walk away, but with Dorian Owen, somehow she ended up wrestling with him like a fool.

She really didn't treat Dorian Owen like an outsider at all. Yikes...

Instead of the answer she expected, Nolan simply pressed Serena's hands, trapping them around his waist, and softly said, "Sleep."

He was used to holding Serena as they slept, but being held by her for once wasn't bad either.

The next morning, Serena woke to find Nolan gone. She felt a little disappointed and wilted, dragged herself through her morning routine, and headed downstairs for breakfast, still listless.

Nolan and Dorian Owen were already there. Nolan sat expressionless, radiating a heavy pressure that kept all the other tables empty, but Dorian Owen was completely unfazed, happily stuffing his face beside him. When he saw Serena come in, he winked at her, looking thoroughly delighted.

What a brat who deserves a beating.

Serena fought down the urge to hit him, finally understanding the helpless look Zuo An always had when he mentioned Dorian Owen.

This kid—it's impossible not to like him, but it's just as impossible not to hate him. He's so infuriating, yet somehow you can't bring yourself to actually hit him.

Forcing herself to look away, Serena ignored Dorian Owen and sat down beside Nolan, asking the waiter for the same breakfast he was having.

She noticed several dishes she didn't like, glanced at Nolan, and naturally pushed all the ones she disliked into his bowl.

Nolan paused, glanced at Serena, and saw her acting as if it were perfectly natural. He smiled helplessly and ate every dish she pushed into his bowl.

Total victory!

Serena's mood instantly brightened, her face radiant and lively.

Even the chill around Nolan began to lift.

This was good.

Though he was still annoyed about Serena and Dorian Owen, Nolan couldn't help liking how happy she looked.

They still didn't speak, but unlike last night, there was now a quiet warmth between them. Even Dorian Owen, thick-skinned as he was, could sense the subtle intimacy.

Dorian Owen's sly eyes darted between Nolan and Serena, his brownish-grey gaze flickering as he schemed over who knows what.

After leaving the inn, Serena was about to ask the waiter to bring the horses, but Nolan stopped her and pointed to a carriage nearby: "We'll take the carriage."

"A carriage? Won't that be too slow?"

"No. Zed's pace isn't fast, and we've already caught up after five days on the road. The carriage is enough." Sometimes, timing matters—getting there too early isn't always a good thing.

They're not in a rush, so there's no need to ride and suffer the sun and wind. He's a man, so it's fine, but Serena is a woman—after a while, she'd be exhausted.

"Great, I don't want to ride anymore either—it's way too tiring!" Before Serena could say anything, Dorian Owen cheered. His injuries really weren't a joke; they might not be life-threatening, but they hurt like hell.

Before Nolan could say much, Dorian Owen happily dashed toward the carriage, clearly planning to be first aboard and snag the best spot—ideally wedging himself between Nolan and Serena.

Too bad for him—his plan was good, but reality was harsh. He hadn't made it three steps before someone grabbed him by the back of his collar and lifted him straight up.

"Who dares mess with Lord Bean—" Dorian Owen spun around with a counterattack, but the person dodged easily. When he saw it was Nolan, he instantly dropped his guard and pitifully whined, "Nolan, are you going to bully me again?"

It's no wonder Dorian Owen always pulls this trick with Nolan—he knows perfectly well he can't win, and going head-to-head is just asking for a beating.

"I'm not bullying you," Nolan said, looking at Dorian Owen's pathetic act with exasperation.

That brat—with his shifty eyes—actually dared to take advantage of Serena. He was asking for it. Nolan didn't bother with more words; he just flung Dorian Owen far away with a flick of his wrist.

"Aaaahhh—" Dorian Owen was determined to play the victim. He easily could've stopped himself from falling, but deliberately didn't, letting himself get thrown.

He knew Nolan hadn't used much force—at worst, he'd get a scraped knee. But to his surprise, he didn't even get a scratch, because...

Nolan had flung Dorian Owen straight onto a horse's back.

"Ride your horse properly," Nolan said, then helped Serena into the carriage.

That's what you get for trying to play games with him—he'd run circles around you, Dorian Owen.

So, you like to act pitiful because you're injured? Or play the hero and refuse treatment?

Fine, I'll indulge you—go ahead and ride your horse, play the pitiful victim all you want.

If I go soft and pity you, I wouldn't be Eastlyn's Ninth Royal Uncle! ...