Sylvia Blaine was discharged after a week in the hospital.
Early in the morning, the Ashworth family was already bustling with activity.
The Ashworth family's estate was built in the suburbs. It was a sprawling, classic, traditional-style complex. A plaque hung over the entrance, bearing the name "The Ashworth Residence" in flamboyant calligraphy.
The car stopped at the entrance to the Ashworth Residence. Paul Ashworth got out first, opened the door, and lifted the baby from the car. Sylvia Blaine followed right after him. The two of them carried the baby inside. As soon as they stepped into the living room, everyone crowded around.
After waiting all morning, Mr. Ashworth sprang into action the moment he saw Paul Ashworth and his wife finally return. He moved with surprising agility, taking the baby from Paul's arms. "My precious little one, come on, look at Grandpa. Give me a smile," Mr. Ashworth said, beaming as he cooed at the baby.
In her past life, Seraphina Ashworth had only ever lived with her adoptive father and the Four Great Guardians. She'd never had contact with any other relatives, so seeing such a large, enthusiastic family in this life was something she wasn't quite used to. Still, she offered Mr. Ashworth a small smile, which was enough to make the old man ecstatic.
"Grandpa, I want to see my sister! I want to see her!" Jasper Ashworth bounced up and down beside Mr. Ashworth, but he was too small and couldn't get a look.
"Don't be so rowdy. You'll scare your sister," Mr. Ashworth said, lightly tapping Jasper Ashworth on the head. He carried the baby over to the sofa and sat down so that all the children could see.
"Grandpa, Sister's eyes are so pretty!"
"Yeah, they're really beautiful."
"Little sister, I'm your big brother. Look over here." Jasper Ashworth reached out to take Seraphina Ashworth's tiny hand.
'Are these my siblings in this life?'
Seraphina Ashworth followed the sounds of their voices and saw several children staring at her curiously. 'Looks like my family in this life has some good genes. They're all so handsome and beautiful,' she mused.
"Dad, Mom, Sylvia and I have talked it over. We don't want to throw a big party for Seraphina's full moon celebration. We think it's better if just our family, my father-in-law's family, and the Reginald family have a simple meal here at home." Paul Ashworth helped Sylvia Blaine to a seat and looked up at his father.
"That's right, Dad. We still haven't caught the person behind the attack. They're in the shadows while we're out in the open. If they decide to strike again, we won't be able to stop them," Sylvia Blaine added in agreement.
"Hm, that's fine. We'll do as you've arranged," Mr. Ashworth said, nodding in agreement after a moment of thought.
But because Seraphina Ashworth was the only child of her generation in the Ashworth family not to have a grand full moon celebration, it led outsiders to believe that the family didn't value their fifth young miss. The Ashworths, however, paid this no mind. Protecting Seraphina was more important than anything else.
Seraphina Ashworth listened to them talk, feeling their profound care and affection for her. A warmth spread through her heart. 'In this life, no one will be allowed to harm a single hair on my family's heads. If a god stands in my way, I'll kill that god. If a demon stands in my way, I'll kill that demon.'
"Haha! Ashworth, my old friend! Where's that precious granddaughter of yours? Bring her out and let me see!" Mr. Reginald's booming voice preceded him.
Mr. Ashworth and Mr. Reginald had been friends for years, practically brothers since childhood. Their families lived very close to each other; in fact, this entire suburban area was essentially owned by the Reginald and Ashworth families. The Reginald Residence was right next door to the Ashworths', and the two families visited back and forth often.
"You old coot, go look at your own granddaughters at home," Mr. Ashworth said with a smug expression.
"Mr. Ashworth, Aunt Ashworth." Following Mr. Reginald were his wife, the Reginald family's third son, Tobias Reginald, and his wife, Wanda Blaine.
"Ah, come in, have a seat," Miss Ashworth said, ushering them in. She and Mrs. Reginald began to chat about household matters, while Tobias Reginald and Paul Ashworth discussed recent events.
"Sylvia, how are you feeling?" Wanda Blaine asked, sitting down beside Sylvia Blaine. She took her hand, studying her complexion.
"I'm fine, Sis. I've made a full recovery," Sylvia Blaine replied softly, patting Wanda Blaine's hand.
"That's good to hear. You really scared me. Oh, speaking of which, where's my little niece? I haven't even seen her yet!" Wanda Blaine relaxed a bit, seeing that Sylvia's complexion was indeed looking much better.
Sylvia Blaine pointed toward Mr. Ashworth. "There, Dad's got her."
"Wow, she's gorgeous! Sylvia, how about you let me borrow the baby for a couple of days?" Wanda Blaine's eyes lit up when she saw Seraphina Ashworth's delicate little face.
"..." Sylvia Blaine was rendered speechless.
"So, Ashworth, still no leads?" Mr. Reginald asked while sipping his tea.
"That's right. That's why we're not planning a big event for Seraphina's full moon celebration. Just a meal with our three families will do," Mr. Ashworth said, gently patting the baby. As a newborn, Seraphina Ashworth's spiritual power was limited, and she'd drifted off to sleep in her grandfather's arms while listening to the adults talk.
"Mm, that's for the best. It minimizes any unnecessary risk, especially since the culprit still hasn't been caught," Mr. Reginald agreed.
Mr. Reginald's tone suddenly shifted. He grinned and said, "Ashworth, my friend, this granddaughter of yours is truly exquisite and peerless, brimming with Spiritual Energy. How about we arrange a childhood betrothal?"
"Get outta here! In your dreams, you shameless old coot." Mr. Ashworth hugged Seraphina Ashworth even tighter, shielding her from Mr. Reginald's view.
Everyone else just laughed as they listened to the two old men bicker, the heavy atmosphere that had hung over the living room for the past few days finally swept away.