Chapter 188
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Niamh sighed dramatically and said, “But unfortunately, as long as Leonard keeps Xavier in the Fisher residence, you will never be the only golden grandson.”
Hearing this, Beau suddenly recalled how his grandfather and great–grandfather always seemed to pay attention to Xavier.
Many of his private tutoring sessions were strictly off–limits to Merida, but somehow, Xavier was allowed to join him. Being forced to study alongside a mute should be an absolute insult to him!
The more Beau thought about it, the angrier he became. His little fists clenched tightly, and he shouted, “I hate Xavier!”
After lunch, the teachers assigned a new task. The fathers would stay behind to set up the tents, while the mothers took the children into the small forest to search for different types of mushrooms and hidden gold coins.
Of course, these so–called mushrooms had been placed in the grass and bushes by the event staff beforehand.
At the starting point, the children had to memorize the names and appearances of various mushrooms from a set of cards. The more mushrooms they correctly identified in the forest, the higher their score.
Along the way, they could also find gold coins hidden by the teachers. These coins could be exchanged for additional points and prizes.
Merida stood in front of the whiteboard with the other children, all of them chattering excitedly as they repeated the names and appearances of the mushrooms.
“Chanterelle, portobello, porcini…”
Merida shut her eyes, trying to recall them again. “Was there a pot–something? Oh! Chicken pot pie with mushrooms is delicious!”
She was so focused on the thought of food that she completely forgot which mushroom names she had just memorized
Turning to Xavier, she asked, “Xav, how many names did you remember?”
Xavier raised both hands, forming a number with his fingers. Merida gasped “64? You memorized all of them?”
Xavier nodded.
Merida turned to Elara and said, “Mommy, you should go find mushrooms with Xav. I’ll stay at the campsite with Uncle Finn and help set up the tents.”
Compared to memorizing mushroom names, Merida preferred physical tasks.
Elara didn’t mind how many mushrooms the children could remember, but since Merida had already made the arrangements, she respected her decision.
She reached out her hand to Xavier. “Kay, do you want to go on an adventure with me?”
Xavier bit his lower lip like a timid little rabbit and nodded.
He placed his small hand into Elara’s palm, and the moment she held it, he felt an unexpected warmth spread through his fingers.
Meanwhile, Niamh led Beau toward the forest. Harvey’s gaze merely followed Elara as she held Xavier’s hand and
Chapter 189
carried a basket while they headed into the woods.
Seeing the two of them walking together was truly an eyesore for Harvey,
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Xavier had sharp eyesight and quickly spotted several types of mushrooms and hidden gold coins in the underbrush.
Beau held up a golden chanterelle and said to Xavier, “I found this over there. It’s Merida’s favorite mushroom. If you pick more of them, she’ll be really happy.
Xavier glanced in the direction Beau indicated and started walking toward it. Meanwhile, Beau remained where he was as he watched Xavier’s retreating figure, his dark eyes yold of warmth.
Xavier soon reached the slope where Beau claimed there were plenty of chanterelles. He hesitated slightly before carefully stepping down.
“Xav?!
Having followed his trail, Elara called out urgently, “That’s too dangerous! Come back up.”
Just as Xavier was about to crouch down to pick a mushroom, his body suddenly lost balance! Elara lunged forward and grabbed him, steadying them both on the uneven ground.
But before she could fully regain her footing, someone shoved her forcefully from behind! As she fell, she twisted in the air, catching a glimpse of Niamh’s cold, gloating smile.
The expression on her face seemed to say, “Go to hell!”
With all her strength, Elara flung out a hand and caught hold of the scarf wrapped around Niamh’s chest.
Chapter 169
