Chapter 25:
e Generous Mr.
Lynton
I never expected the cosplayer I had been staring at to turn out to be Winston.
Normally, Winston wore silver–framed glasses and dressed in a laid–back, artistic style that leaned toward the mature, slightly old–fashioned side. To put it bluntly, it was a bit too steady and conventional.
It was impossible to associate his usual demeanor with the cold, elegant and
powerful figure before me. The contrast was too stark.
“So, Lena, now that you know it’s me, are you disappointed?”
I waved my hands quickly in denial. “Not at
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es for four dures
Chapter 25: The Generous Mr. Lynton
+ 5 Points
all! I just thought your current look was a perfect match for one of the main characters in our game, which is why I was staring.”
A bit rude on my part.
Winston raised an eyebrow in surprise and let out a soft sigh. “And here I thought this was your type, Lena.”
I blinked, caught off guard and momentarily speechless.
Just then, Adeline and Jay came running over from the right, their faces lighting up when they saw me.
“Lena, you won’t believe it,” Adeline began excitedly. “Before you arrived, tons of girls were flirting with Professor Fleming here,” she whispered conspiratorially, “and even brought him bubble tea!”
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Chapter 25: The Generous Mr. Lynton
+5 Paints
Jay chimed in, mimicking in a high–pitched voice, “Winston, Winston, what’s your favorite flavor?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, Winston’s look does seem to attract a lot of admirers.”
Jay was about to add something when Winston cut him off. “If you two keep teasing me, don’t even think about asking for my help next time.”
Adeline and Jay, sensing his tone, wisely retreated to the side.
It was only then that I realized Winston, the seemingly composed university professor, was often roped into cosplaying at various conventions by Adeline and Jay.
No wonder we crossed paths.
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Chapter 25: The Generous Mr. Lynton
+ 5 Points
Afterward, Winston took me around to explore the different sections of the convention, showcasing a variety of anime promotion techniques. By the end of the day, I’d gained quite a bit of inspiration.
Of course, I couldn’t let their help go unrewarded. Once the convention ended, I proposed treating everyone to dinner.
Our group headed to Savory Haven, a cozy yet upscale restaurant.
Unexpectedly, as we passed by the private rooms on the second floor, we ran into Daphne, who was dining with a group of wealthy socialites.
Daphne’s eyes swept over Winston, lingering for a moment before she asked, “This one
looks familiar. Lena, is he your new
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Chapter 25: The Generous Mr. Lynton.
+ 5 Points
boyfriend?”
I was about to explain when Winston took a step forward and said politely, “Good evening, ma’am. I’m Winston Fleming.”
Daphne blinked, momentarily taken aback, before extending her hand with a gracious smile. “Such a fine young man. Where do you work?”
Her curiosity was unmistakable, and I couldn’t help but furrow my brow slightly.
“I’m currently teaching at Raven University,” Winston replied with poise. “Lena and I were university classmates.”
As soon as he finished, Daphne’s expression grew more intrigued, her gaze scrutinizing.
Sensing the tension, I quickly changed the
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Chapter 25: The Generous Mr. Lynton
– 5 Points
subject, suggesting Winston head inside to order while I stayed back to handle Daphne.
In the corridor, Daphne sighed, “Lena, seeing you with someone promising like him makes me happy, truly. It’s not like Letch… He is such a handful.”
Only when she moved closer did I notice her complexion looked off, and the makeup at the corners of her eyes had caked slightly.
“To be honest, Letch has been acting out even more lately. He actually suggested I bring that Ms. Bates to a gathering. If his grandma found out..”
She trailed off, her voice trembling as she turned her face away, seemingly on the verge of tears.
I could only console her. “If Mr. Lynton has
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Chapter 25: The Generous Mr. Lynton
+5 Points
made up his mind, you should go along with it. There’s nothing between a mother and son that can’t be resolved.”
“But I’m worried about how the Lynton family will-”
Before she could finish, the socialites called her name, and she cut herself off, heading back to the private room.
Before leaving, she invited me to afternoon tea sometime, her demeanor perfectly fitting that of a upper–class lady.
She’d truly adapted to her life among the elite, unlike me, still hustling to make ends meet.
Despite everything, tonight’s dinner turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable. Being among old classmates, reminiscing about
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our university days, and sharing laughs made the evening warm and lively.
Even I found myself a little taken aback by how much I enjoyed it.
After returning to my place, I lay calmly on the bed, suddenly feeling that life might still have some meaning.
Then, my phone rang.
It was Daphne calling.
It was already nine in the evening.
Rather unexpected.
Worried something might have happened, I answered the call.
“Lena, you’re still awake, right? I figured out
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Chapter 25: The Generous Mr. Lynton
+ 5 Points
where I’ve seen your boyfriend before.”
I rubbed my temples,
to hang up.
celing a sudden urge
“Do you know a famous old scholar from Myslana, Logan Fleming?” Daphne continued gossiping. “He’s the mentor of an important leader, and his wife is a highly accomplished physicist in the country. The entire family is full of elite talent. Logan is your boyfriend’s grandfather.”
I was speechless in shock.
It finally made sense why someone of Leon’s stature would be so amiable with Winston.
But Winston, always so low–key and gentle, made it hard to associate him with Myslana’s famous Fleming family.
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Chapter 25: The Generous Mr. Lynton +5 Points
Then it hit me. Daphne was so eager to tell me about Winston’s background, probably trying to subtly remind me that a family like. his wouldn’t accept someone like me, with my background.
She must have been worried sick.
“Daphne, is there anything else-”
“Why didn’t you bring Davina to the gathering today?”
The cold tone coming from the receiver immediately made me recognize Fletcher’s voice.
Recalling the wealthy women Daphne had been standing with earlier in the evening, I quickly pieced it together.
It seemed that Fletcher not only wanted to
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bring Davina into upper class, but he also wanted Daphne to personally show her the ropes.
“She was late from work, and by the time we started, it didn’t make sense for her to join” Daphne replied sharply.
Her disdain for Davina was no secret.
After all, this was a private conversation between mother and son, and I didn’t think it was appropriate for me to eavesdrop, so I quietly ended the call.
The next day at the office, I shared the insights I had gathered from the convention with Kaitlyn, and we ended up discussing the upcoming team–building trip.
“Let’s go to a guesthouse in Azure Bay Resort. The scenery is great, and we can
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Chapter 25: The Generous Mr. Lyntoni
+ 5 Points
have a bonfire party or relax in the hot springs in the evening. It’ll be a nice way to unwind.”
We’d be leaving tomorrow morning.
I had no objections. When it came to leisure activities, Kaitlyn had full say.
After her divorce, she had spent the first half of the year exploring the entire country.
Not to mention all the team–building spots around Myslana.
Once we confirmed the plan, she immediately gathered everyone in the meeting room to share the good news.
Everyone seemed happy with the idea, except for Davina, who sat quietly to the side, showing no emotion.
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Chapter 25: The Generous Mr. Lynton
I figured it might have something to do with Daphne deliberately standing her up, but I didn’t dwell on it.
By the afternoon, Kaitlyn suddenly called me into her office, wearing a playful expression.
She rarely showed this kind of look.
“What’s going on?”
Kaitlyn held up her call log and said, “Duke just called me.”
“What did he say?”
“He said Mr. Lynton knows we’re going on the team–building trip and has a better suggestion.”
It turned out Fletcher wanted both
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companies to participate in the team–building event.
He would bring his secretary team along with him.
And he generously moved the location from Azure Bay Resort to the Horton Manor in northern Myslana.
The costs would be covered by Lynton Group.
I was confused. “What’s Horton Manor ?”
Kaitlyn succinctly replied, “In short, it’s a ridiculously expensive resort. One night costs this much.”
She showed me her ten fingers, and I fell silent.
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“Duke also said Azure Bay Resort’s night winds are freezing and unsuitable for team–building,” Kaitlyn added, rolling her eyes. “I guess Fletcher’s worried about freezing his sweetheart.”
It dawned on me.
Davina’s period might not be over yet.
I had to admit, Fletcher made quite a thoughtful boyfriend, whereas we seemed to have been a bit inconsiderate.
“What do you think, Lena?”
I twirled the pen in my hand and said gently, “Since Mr. Lynton is so generous, it would be rude not to accept.”
Kaitlyn paused for a moment, her eyes scanning my neck. “I’m glad you can see it
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that way.”
Shortly after, Kaitlyn updated the group chat about the change in plans.
When the Horton Estate was mentioned, the group exploded with excitement, tagging Fletcher to express their thanks.
But Fletcher didn’t respond.
Until Davina followed the trend, and the usually silent Fletcher suddenly appeared.
“Don’t forget to pack a couple of extra outfits.”
We would be staying at the manor for the night, and Fletcher was thoughtful enough to consider even this detail.
In front of everyone, he reminded Davina, his
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concern unabashed.
At that moment, it became clear to everyone that the reason we were fortunate enough to visit the extravagant Horton Manor was because of Davina’s influence.
At the end of the workday, I saw Davina enter Kaitlyn’s office.
“Ms. Hayes, I won’t be going with you all tomorrow morning.”
The office door was open, and everyone overheard clearly.
Kaitlyn curiously asked, “What’s wrong? Not feeling well?”
Davina shook her head. “Fletcher offered to give me a ride since it’s on his way. I couldn’t turn him down, so I agreed..”
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It turned out she had a private car to take her.
“Got it,” Kaitlyn said calmly. “Then go get some rest, and we’ll see you at the estate tomorrow.”
Davina nodded in agreement.
“By the way,” Kaitlyn took a sip of her coffee, staring at the young girl in front of her with a smile, “I must thank you on behalf of the whole company, Davina.”
Davina’s voice was as soft as water. “Ms. Hayes, no need to thank me. Fletcher just wants everyone to have a good time–it’s not just for me.”
Kaitlyn’s hand, holding the coffee, trembled slightly.
