Chapter 126

"An aunt? What aunt?" Alexander asked, standing beside Granduncle with a puzzled frown.

Granduncle Frederick and Grandaunt Eleanor's eyes instantly sparkled with hope.

Had their stubborn nephew finally found love? Was he bringing home a woman to introduce to the family?

Tears welled up in the elderly couple's eyes as they exchanged glances. Years of worry seemed to melt away in that moment. Their boy was finally settling down.

Perhaps those years in prison had changed him for the better after all.

Granduncle had initially forced Alexander to make that call. He'd even whispered instructions to turn on speakerphone. The obedient boy complied.

When the speaker activated, Maxwell's voice came through clearly. "Don't worry, she's a stunning woman. You'll adore her."

Hearing their son speak so warmly about this mystery woman confirmed their suspicions - he must be truly smitten.

"Alright, Uncle Maxwell. We'll be waiting for you and the beautiful aunt." Alexander ended the call politely.

Grandaunt Eleanor practically vibrated with excitement. "Sh-should I p-prepare something?"

"Absolutely."

Granduncle Frederick composed himself, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "First impressions matter. Find something special to gift her. If nothing suitable, we'll give an exclusive shopping card."

"I'll search immediately." Grandaunt turned toward the staircase.

"Wait!" Granduncle stopped her abruptly.

She paused mid-step.

"Remember - no interrogations about her background, appearance, or personality. Understood?" He feared his wife's enthusiasm might scare the girl away.

"As long as she's breathing, I won't complain." Grandaunt chuckled before hurrying upstairs.

Frederick had never concerned himself with Maxwell's romantic choices. His son had always been particular about women. Before prison, Maxwell and Julian were notorious for their escapades with starlets.

Frederick had tried lecturing his son about responsibility, to no avail. Sending him to prison had been the last resort.

Now, he could only hope those dark days were behind them.

Within minutes, news of Maxwell bringing home a girlfriend spread through Lockwood Manor like wildfire.

The Lockwood elders had watched Maxwell grow up. They'd always pitied the troubled boy, so this development brought genuine joy.

Grandaunt Eleanor rummaged through her jewelry collection. Most pieces were antique heirlooms - not exactly a young woman's taste.

Six years prior, Maxwell had gifted her an exquisite diamond necklace from abroad. Though she adored it, the modern design didn't suit her age.

She'd joked at the time, "I'll save this for your future wife." Now, she retrieved it with trembling hands.

A female relative squeezed Eleanor's shoulder. "Your hardships are ending. Maxwell bringing her home means this is serious."

Tears threatened again. "He's never introduced anyone before. Only ever saw his flings in gossip columns."

"This one will be your daughter-in-law." The relative patted her hand. "Wedding bells soon! Perhaps she's already carrying your grandchild!"

Eleanor's face lit up at the possibility.

The household waited twenty agonizing minutes.

Each passing second stretched the elderly couple's nerves. They longed to meet this potential daughter-in-law.

When the Porsche Cayenne finally roared up the driveway, it moved with unusual urgency. Instead of parking properly, it screeched to a halt at the main entrance.

Two servants nearly got hit, scrambling aside in alarm.

Frederick and Eleanor exchanged worried glances.

'An accident?'

'Please, no emergency!'

Maxwell leapt out, swiftly opening the rear door. His suit jacket obscured the woman's face as he carried her inside. Onlookers only glimpsed long raven hair and pale, slender legs.

"Call the doctor to my room. Now!" Maxwell barked at a stunned maid.

The servant nodded frantically, pulling out her phone under his intense glare.

Frederick approached. "What's happened?"

"I-I don't know. He just ordered the doctor to his room," the shaken maid stammered.

Eleanor placed a steadying hand on Frederick's arm. "Let me investigate."

Frederick nodded but stayed put. Their strained father-son relationship made him hesitant to intrude.

Speculation buzzed among the gathered family.

A teenage girl giggled. "Maxwell has excellent taste! Even covered up, you can tell she's elegant. Not some tacky social climber."

Another agreed. "When serious, he knows wife material. May he always cherish her this way."

Alexander slammed his juice glass down sharply.

"Have you lost your mind?" Dominic's calm demeanor cracked.

"Oh, so you do hear things around you?" Alexander retorted like a miniature adult. "I'm bitter! Uncle Maxwell found someone, but you? Can't even win Aunt Evelyn. Hope I inherited less from you, or I'll end up a lonely thirty-year-old too."

Dominic pretended not to hear. His mind wandered to memories of Evelyn's rosy lips and delicate features. For a moment, his stern expression softened before he forcibly schooled it back to neutrality.