Chapter 209: Godmother

Chapter 209: Chapter 209: Godmother

Jared Hawthorne gave a slight nod, his tone calm and measured.

"Thank you both for looking after my wife back in Veridia."

"We’re the ones who should be thanking you. If Vesper hadn’t intervened, I’m afraid my husband would have already lost his life." Renee Rhodes gestured for the two of them to sit. "My husband was unwell before, so we weren’t able to host a banquet to thank you in time, and then you left so quickly. It’s been on my mind ever since."

"Miss Rhodes, you don’t have to be so formal. It was nothing, really. We were just helping each other out."

"The kindness of saving a life is as weighty as a mountain. We will never forget this bond."

Jenson Whitman chimed in at the right moment, "My wife is right. It may have been a small matter to you, but you truly saved my life. Miss Grayson, for someone so young to have such profound medical skills is truly rare."

Vesper Grayson smiled and replied humbly, "Mr. Whitman, you have fortune on your side; it wasn’t your time to go. With your current health, you absolutely must not overwork yourself or worry too much in the future. And please be sure to keep your medication with you at all times."

"That’s very thoughtful of you, Miss Grayson. I keep my medicine with me at all times now, and I’ve been diligently following the conditioning diet plan you created for me."

"That’s good. Your body requires a slow and peaceful recovery."

Although it was the first time the four had dined together, they got along wonderfully, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

During their conversation, when Renee Rhodes learned that Vesper Grayson had lost her mother at a young age, she immediately took her hand, her eyes filled with motherly love and sympathy.

"Vesper, every time I see you, I feel a genuine fondness for you. My biggest regret in life is not having a daughter. If you wouldn’t mind, how about you let me be your godmother?"

Vesper Grayson was momentarily stunned, at a complete loss for how to respond.

Jenson Whitman’s lips moved as if to object, but in the end, he remained silent.

’He could see it clearly; his wife was genuinely fond of Vesper Grayson. The young woman was beautiful, humble, and polite—truly endearing. But to suddenly propose becoming godparents was just too abrupt. He was afraid his wife’s kind intentions would end in disappointment.’

"I know this is a bit sudden, but I truly and sincerely like you." Renee Rhodes’s gaze was soft and warm, and the joy in her eyes was pure and open, impossible to fake.

Such ardent, warm sincerity warmed Vesper Grayson’s heart.

’She couldn’t help but think that if her own mother were still alive, she would probably be just as gentle and beautiful, her eyes filled with nothing but adoration for her. But Vesper had never even seen her face.’

She glanced sideways at Jared Hawthorne, seeking his opinion.

Jared Hawthorne’s dark, deep eyes were calm and gentle.

"Just follow your heart."

’He didn’t want to make this decision for her. He had judged countless people in his life and could tell at a glance that Mrs. Whitman’s affection for Vesper was genuine, with no ulterior motives.’

Vesper Grayson bit her lip and said softly, "Godmother."

Renee Rhodes froze for a second, then was overjoyed and quickly answered, "Yes!"

The next moment, an imperial green jade bracelet of exceptional quality and full color was gently slipped onto her wrist.

"Godmother, this is too valuable."

Vesper Grayson, overwhelmed by the gesture, subconsciously tried to take it off, but Renee Rhodes held her wrist.

"This is a gift to mark our new relationship. You have to accept it. You’re my goddaughter now, so don’t be so formal with me."

Jenson Whitman spoke with a smile, "Vesper, just accept it. It’s a token of her sincerity."

Vesper Grayson didn’t refuse again.

’Rich people really are disgustingly extravagant.’

’Last time, it was a check for a hundred million, just like that. This time, it’s an imperial green bracelet worth tens of millions.’

’Hadn’t she just stumbled into a Patron of Wealth?’

When it was time to part, Vesper Grayson watched as Jenson Whitman and Renee Rhodes got into their private car.

When the driver saw their faces clearly, a flicker of shock passed through his eyes.

Upon returning to the mansion, he reported everything he had seen that night to Silas Sterling.

Silas Sterling lowered his gaze and coughed lightly, his tone heavy. "Lance is my cousin’s son who has lived abroad for years. The last time he came back was over twenty years ago. How would he know Jared Hawthorne?"

"I don’t know the reason, sir. I only heard that Miss Grayson, the woman with Jared Hawthorne, called Ms. Rhodes ’Godmother.’"

As soon as he finished speaking, the butler hurried over, looking anxious.

"Sir, the Old Madam is awake."

Hearing this, Silas Sterling had no time for further thought and immediately rushed toward the upstairs bedroom. After just a few steps, he was already panting from exhaustion.

"Mother, you’re finally awake."

Miss Sterling’s eyes were cloudy and dull, her face gaunt and sallow. She stared at Silas Sterling for a long time before she could barely recognize him.

"My son, I’m all right." Her breath was faint, her voice barely audible. "Everyone dies eventually. It’s just a matter of sooner or later."

"Mother! If you’re gone, this family will fall apart!" Silas Sterling gripped her withered hand tightly. "I’ve already sent for a doctor. You’ll definitely pull through and live a long, prosperous life."

Miss Sterling forced a faint smile. "I know my own body. My time has come, and medicine is of no use. After I’m gone, you should support Sean in taking over the Sterling Group. The Sterling Family absolutely cannot be allowed to decline. Although he’s an adopted son, he’s a good, filial, and sensible child."

Sean Sterling, who was standing to the side, took a step forward, knelt by the bed, and said in a choked voice, "Grandmother, I don’t want it! I only pray for your safe recovery. I’m not smart enough; I’m not up to such a great responsibility."

"Don’t sell yourself short. I know you are intelligent and perceptive. You can definitely handle the responsibility..."

Hearing that the Old Madam had woken up, Jenson Whitman and Renee Rhodes, who had been about to rest, hurried over.

"Grand-aunt, you’re finally awake."

The moment Miss Sterling saw Jenson Whitman, a faint light finally kindled in her cloudy eyes.

"Lance?"

She struggled to sit up, and Jenson Whitman quickly went forward to place a soft pillow behind her back.

"It’s me. I heard you were ill, so I brought Regina back to the country specifically to visit."

"To be able to see you both one last time before I die... I have no regrets."

"You’ve always been so robust and have weathered countless storms. Please don’t say such disheartening things."

Just then, the doctor entered, stepped forward to examine the Old Madam, and a moment later, called Silas Sterling aside with a grave expression.

"The Old Madam’s current awakening is likely a terminal lucidity. She will only decline from here on out. Please, Mr. Sterling, make preparations soon."

Silas Sterling’s face darkened instantly. He ordered in a low voice, "Don’t reveal the truth in front of the old lady."

"Yes, sir."

Late that night, Jenson Whitman and Renee Rhodes returned to their guest room.

"I didn’t expect Grand-aunt’s illness to be so critical. From what the doctor said, it seems she doesn’t have much time left."

Renee Rhodes sighed softly. "Do you think the Sterling Family offended someone? Or is there a problem with their ancestral tomb’s feng shui? Otherwise, why would everyone in the family be having health problems one after another?"

The speaker may have been careless, but the listener paid close attention.

Jenson Whitman’s brow furrowed as he sank into thought.

"Tomorrow, I’ll have Silas ask a feng shui master to come take a look. Perhaps it’s really a case of clashing with Tai Sui this year."

’He still remembered how his grand-aunt used to be healthy and strong, Silas Sterling was dashing and full of vigor, and Julian Sterling was the very picture of youthful spirit.’

’But now?’

’One was on her deathbed, her life draining away. Another was plagued by a chronic illness, in constant pain. And a third had been poisoned, his mind muddled, leaving him a mere shadow of his former self.’

Renee Rhodes sighed softly and reached out to gently pat his shoulder.

"Your body can’t handle staying up late and worrying. Vesper specifically told you to think less and get some rest."