Did Misty really think that Noelle was just a bodyguard who could be ordered around?
"I'm sorry, I was wrong. I shouldn't have asked her to help me."
Misty wisely recognized the situation and immediately apologized.
Rumors had always circulated that Laurence favoured his personal bodyguard. Seeing it firsthand today, it seemed the rumors were true.
Inside, Misty felt a mixture of envy, jealousy, and resentment toward Noelle.
She envied Noelle for being able to stay so close to Laurence, was jealous that Noelle alone enjoyed his complete trust, and resented Noelle for refusing to help with such a small task, causing her to be reprimanded.
If Noelle had agreed, she would have followed her into the pantry the moment Misty called, and Laurence would not have criticized her.
Misty retreated to the pantry alone, prepared nine drinks, and carried them out on a tray.
It was a job one person could easily handle. The only reason she asked Noelle to help was that she could not stand seeing Noelle standing behind Laurence. Countless women dreamed of occupying that position.
Yet no one could replace Noelle.
After serving everyone their drink, Laurence gestured for Misty to leave, saying that she was not needed.
As for the drink she poured for him, he had no intention of drinking it. It remained untouched on the table.
"May I ask why all of you have come to see me together? Is there something important you want to discuss?
"If it's a family matter, it can wait until I'm off work, or you could've simply called me. We could've discussed it on the phone."
Laurence's tone was courteous without the arrogance of a head of the family.
However, everyone present knew that this young master was utterly ruthless. All eyes shifted to Tony.
Tony took a sip of water and cleared his throat, saying, "Since you haven't moved into the family estate yet, it's inconvenient for everyone to meet with you, so we had no choice but to come to the company.
"We've already begun to move out. We'll vacate the residence within the deadline you've given us.
"If you're in a hurry, you could move into the ancillary residence first. It may not be as large as the main estate, but it's exquisitely designed with beautiful garden scenery."
Tony continued, “It's not far away either. If any family matters arise, it'll be much more convenient for everyone to reach you."
Whether it was the main estate or the ancillary residence, the head of the family's residence was always located close to the collateral family's. The homes further away were the families' private residences.
Laurence's family residence had stood empty ever since his parents and family were killed. No one had lived there or maintained it for thirty years, leaving it dilapidated and overgrown.
Over the years, Laurence had secretly visited his former home several times.
However, since he had not revealed his identity, he could not openly restore or care for the house that once belonged to his family.
Now that his identity was public, he naturally had to reclaim and manage all the private property his parents had left behind.
Most of their estate had likely been divided up among family members, but that was fine. He would investigate everything little by little. No matter who currently possessed it, he would take back anything that had belonged to his family.
He had no intention of letting anyone profit from it.
"You can always call me if you need anything. Whether I live at the estate or not has nothing to do with it.
"Tell me, Uncle Tony. What did you all come here for?"
Laurence made it clear he wanted Tony to move out as quickly as possible. Once
the old estate was vacated, he would have it thoroughly renovated before moving in with Noelle.
When Sonny came to Havenmill, he intended to have him stay there as well to liven up the place.
Otherwise, such an enormous estate would feel too quiet and empty if only occupied by himself and Noelle.
Better yet, he could invite the younger members of the Johnsons and Yorks to spend their holidays at the Longbottom family estate.
If all of them came, it would truly be a lively house.