Chapter 2 Not a Single Sign

• "Follow me," Helen said, adjusting her shawl as she ascended the stairs.
• Natalie lowered her gaze slightly and followed in step.
• Levine Manor was a classic courtyard-style residence. Every brick, every tile, and even the plants exuded a strong sense of historical charm.
• It was said that Alice, in her younger years, had been a debutante from a wealthy family in Greenville. But as turbulent times descended, her family's fortune dwindled, leading her to marry Kevin, who at the time was merely a traveling merchant.
• The rain intensified, rustling through the trees and grass, drowning out other sounds.
• Natalie followed Helen into the study. The windows were shut, and a quiet chill permeated the room.
• "Sit," Helen said. Natalie took a seat on the couch beside her.
• "You've been married into the Levine family for three years now, right?"
• Helen had come from an educated and refined family. By the time she married Michael, Alice had already built a considerable fortune for her children through her own intelligence and hard work. Helen's marriage to Michael wasn't a downgrade, but it couldn't be considered an upgrade either. It was a match of equal status.
• Alice valued a clean family lineage and adhered strictly to family traditions. Over the past three years, Natalie had come to understand the Levine family thoroughly. When Helen dismissed Cara and asked her to come upstairs, Natalie knew exactly what she wanted to discuss.
• A family's legacy relied on the continuation of its bloodline through its heirs. Natalie had been married to Sebastian for over three years now. Three years was neither too long nor too short, but more than enough time for a woman to conceive and give birth.
• Yet in these three years, there hadn't been the slightest sign of a pregnancy. The fact that Helen was only now addressing it showed that she had been more than patient.
• "Yes." Natalie answered quietly, staring at the same calm face she had seen for the past three years. There was nothing more she could say.
• Her silence seemed to stir a flicker of annoyance in Helen. Her brow furrowed slightly, and the displeasure she had been suppressing finally showed in her eyes. "I wasn't pleased with this marriage from the start. Your family background, your education, your status were none of it matches Sebastian. But Madam Sharp spoke highly of you, and Sebastian approved, so I let it go. Yet, three years have passed, and there hasn't been a single sign from your womb. Do you think this is appropriate?"
• Her words were measured and calm. Helen's good upbringing ensured that her tone remained gentle, without any hint of reproach or displeasure.
• But Natalie knew. Helen was deeply dissatisfied with her.
• It was often said that the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law could be fraught with tension, but that had never been the case between her and Helen. Whether before or after the marriage, Helen had never troubled her. In fact, they barely saw each other over the course of a year.
• In that sense, Helen had been more than kind.
• Natalie found herself at a loss for words. As Helen said, it was indeed inappropriate. She, too, felt guilty toward the Levine family.
• Yet she couldn't force Sebastian. She could manage the household perfectly, ensure everything ran smoothly, and give him the peace of mind to focus on his work. But she couldn't make him father a child with her.
• After all, even after three years of marriage, they hadn't consummated their relationship.
• ...
• Dinner at Levine Manor was always followed by conversation, as no one left immediately after the meal. It was tradition to stay the night.
• Sebastian hadn't inherited his parents' scholarly refinement, but he had certainly inherited Alice's business acumen. By the time he reached his thirties, he was already a renowned figure in the business world.
• But he wasn't flashy. In fact, he was exceedingly low-key. The wealthier he became, the more reclusive he grew. Even his marriage had been kept entirely out of the public eye.
• "Seb, let's discuss the Oceanelle project."
• Seizing the moment when Sebastian answered a call, Lauren Levine darted over and pulled him aside.
• Among the male descendants of the Levine family, there were only Sebastian and Joseph Levine, Lauren's brother. However, few in the family had a passion for business. Sebastian was one of them, and Lauren was the other.
• Alice had never imposed her will on her children or grandchildren, letting them pursue their own interests without pressure. As a result, the younger generation of the Levine family thrived in diverse fields.
• Michael loved calligraphy and was a calligrapher, while his wife Helen was a painter. Nigel was devoted to academia, conducting research for years, and his wife had become the head of a hospital. Joseph had followed in his mother's footsteps and was also a doctor. Vanessa, on the other hand, pursued a career in politics. With a strong and forceful personality much like Alice in her youth, Vanessa's daughter aspired to become a judge in the future.
• As for Sebastian's two older sisters, one was a pianist, and the other was involved in the study of cultural relics. To this day, Sebastian was the only one to have truly inherited Alice's business acumen.
• Lauren knew that her family's foundation was strong and their connections powerful, but she was ambitious and didn't want any assistance from her family. She was determined to achieve success on her own, claiming that she wanted to follow in Sebastian's footsteps.
• Kevin was tall and lean, rumored to descend from a line of kings, with a naturally high nose and deep-set eyes. Alice, whose ancestors were high-ranking officials, was known for her beauty. Together, they passed down their finest traits to their descendants, all of whom were strikingly attractive.
• Especially Sebastian.
• Sebastian didn't resemble his father much. Instead, he took after his grandfather. Standing at six feet two, he was the tallest in the Levine family. His features were sharp, his face perfectly sculpted with clean lines and distinct angles, as though carved by divine hands.
• He stood by the lattice-carved window, beneath a hanging lantern painted with ink brush strokes. Outside, the soft drizzle fell, and a cool breeze drifted in. The flickering light from the lantern cast a subdued elegance over his well-defined features, making them appear like part of the ink painting itself.
• "Go ahead."
• Lauren's eyes immediately lit up with a grin. "Didn't you acquire that land in Puringe Bay for Oceanelle? Let me take care of the landscaping!"
• Lauren had recently started a landscape design company, first contracting land to plant trees and flowers, and later hiring professionals to design and manage projects. Over the past two years, she had made a name for herself in the industry.
• Sebastian was dressed in a light gray sweater and soft white slacks, with a black Patek Philippe watch on his wrist and one hand casually in his pocket.
• Normally, he was wrapped in tailored suits, exuding restraint and an overwhelming presence. But in this relaxed, casual outfit, his aura softened, though the air of elegance and nobility still clung to him.
• He looked at Lauren, who was beaming in front of him, his deep eyes dark as ink. "Nothing personal?"
• Lauren had declared long ago that she didn't want family help, insisting on making her own way. Even the money she used to start her company had come from her personal savings. The family had smiled at her innocent ambition.
• They didn't interfere, as she had requested, but the truth was, she had already benefited from the family's support the moment she decided to venture into business.
• Her status, her relationship with Sebastian, just like now. Others would find it nearly impossible to get a meeting with Sebastian, yet she could pull him aside effortlessly.
• "Of course! I'm making my own way in the world!"
• "Hmm."
• Sebastian didn't expose her. He simply picked up his phone, scrolling his thumb across the screen. Moments later, Lauren's phone buzzed with a message.
• "Talk to Wilson."
• Wilson was his assistant.
• Lauren quickly pulled out her phone, seeing an unfamiliar number flash on the screen.
• Her face lit up with joy in an instant. "Thanks, Seb!"
• "Uncle Seb!" Cara came running over, grabbing his large hand. "Uncle Seb, where's Aunt Nat? I didn't see her."
• Sebastian's gaze lifted. In the wood-toned hall, shadows played over the space, and the serene figure that had once sat in the mahogany chair was no longer there. He lowered his eyes. "What do you want to play? I'll play with you."