Mr. Warner, Your Wife is Running Away Again!-Chapter 455: A Promising Chess Piece

The Sterling family has always placed great importance on ancestor worship, holding grand annual ceremonies. Even descendants abroad must return to participate. During her childhood at The Sterling residence, Vanessa Sterling witnessed these events regularly, although Miles Sterling’s mother never allowed her to enter the shrine.

Every year during the ancestor worship, she was assigned to do miscellaneous chores in the kitchen, and no one in the family sympathized with her youth. Instead, the servants bullied her, leaving the dirty work for her to do.

Therefore, after leaving The Sterling, Vanessa felt no attachment and had no desire to return.

Quentin Sterling is now considered the head of The Sterling family. His presence always draws a crowd, and his management skills since taking over the family are endlessly praised.

As for Miles Sterling, considered the good-for-nothing son of the family, he can only gain a little attention due to his status as the Sterling heir.

He has always been disdainful of everyone’s praise for Quentin Sterling.

Vanessa Sterling actually believes that Miles Sterling’s current character is closely linked to his upbringing.

From a young age, his family indulged him, allowing him everything and shielding him from criticism. The constant comparisons to Quentin Sterling by those around him fostered his rebellious nature.

The more they accused him of being useless, the more he gave up on himself, leading a life of indulgence and bringing disgrace to The Sterling family.

"Son, you’re finally back. How long has it been since you came to see your mother?" Wendy Jennings approached Miles Sterling from afar.

Despite his shortcomings, Miles Sterling remains their only son. Even if they are disappointed, they must still cherish him.

Faced with Wendy Jennings’ enthusiasm, Miles Sterling coldly replied, "Out of sight, out of mind."

"What kind of talk is that, son?" Wendy Jennings said, glancing at Vanessa Sterling.

Vanessa had been away from the family for eight or nine years, and no one had given her a proper look when she lived with them. Wendy Jennings didn’t recognize her and thought she was Miles Sterling’s girlfriend.

Considering her son’s usual indulgence, bringing a girlfriend to the ancestor worship could mean he’s serious, giving them hope that Miles might settle down, study under Quentin Sterling, and establish himself within The Sterling family.

Ms. Jennings was internally delighted about this prospect, smiling as she asked Miles, "Whose girl is she? So pretty, aren’t you going to introduce her to your mother?"

Miles Sterling sneered, walked directly past Wendy, and said, "Vanessa Sterling" as he moved forward.

Vanessa Sterling looked awkwardly at Wendy Jennings, then glanced at the steps-ahead Miles Sterling, and hesitated before deciding to follow him.

Realizing the situation, Wendy Jennings hurriedly caught up and blocked them, dropping her earlier warm demeanor. She grabbed Vanessa’s arm and with a sharp tone said, "So it’s you, the jinx?! What are you doing here? Get out!"

Wendy Jennings was quite strong, and Vanessa, unprepared, stumbled when pulled by her.

Miles grabbed Vanessa’s other arm, pulling her behind him and said flatly to Wendy Jennings, "I asked her to come."

Wendy Jennings retorted, "That won’t do! What day is today? It’s The Sterling family’s major ancestor worship day, not a place for strays like her!"

Miles Sterling reminded, "Mom, don’t forget, she shares the Sterling last name."

Wendy Jennings snapped, "She has nothing to do with The Sterling family! Tell her to leave! All the elders are here today, she can’t embarrass us!"

With a raised voice, Wendy Jennings could be heard by Quentin Sterling and some surrounding relatives from a short distance away.

Most chose to observe from afar. When Quentin saw, he and Clarissa Morgan turned and headed toward them.

Now holding the family power, Quentin Sterling, except from the family elders, commands a certain level of respect.

Seeing Quentin Sterling approach, Wendy Jennings contained her temper, whispering to Vanessa, "Hurry and leave! Go stay in the kitchen!"

As Vanessa Sterling hesitated and started to move toward the kitchen, Miles grabbed her wrist, whispering with authority, "Don’t go anywhere."

Vanessa truly couldn’t understand the purpose behind Miles Sterling bringing her here, yet didn’t dare defy him.

She would rather hide in the kitchen, enduring the servants’ cold stares and mockery than be on edge in her current uncertain situation.

As Quentin approached, the argument over Vanessa’s presence stopped between Wendy and Miles.

Wendy greeted Quentin first, "Chase, hurry inside the shrine, everyone is waiting for you."

Quentin smiled lightly, glanced at Vanessa and coolly responded to Wendy, "Sister-in-law, let Vanessa join us. She’s like a child I’ve watched grow, and though she hasn’t lived with The Sterling for years, she does have the ’Sterling’ name, and as a younger member, such an occasion shouldn’t be missed."

Since Quentin spoke up, Wendy had no room to argue and simply nodded in agreement, "Chase is right, let’s all go in together."

Quentin smiled and nodded, softly speaking to Clarissa, "Let’s go."

Clarissa smiled with her lips closed, nodding, and as she turned, she glanced at Vanessa.

She hadn’t interacted much with Vanessa, but as a fellow woman, she could sense Vanessa’s admiration or affection for Quentin.

She wasn’t interested in delving into the ethics of it, but saw Vanessa as a potential piece on the chessboard.

Watching Wendy chatting up Quentin while walking ahead, Miles Sterling sneered, lowered his head to glance at Vanessa, and sarcastically said, "Touched, aren’t you? Your dear uncle intervened for you again."

Vanessa found it peculiar, looked up at Miles, choosing not to respond.

She believed Miles brought her here to test if she remembered the lesson from last time, to see if she’d actively approach Quentin Sterling or use an opportunity to get close to him.

Indeed, Vanessa had not let go of Quentin, but she understood her place and knew Quentin was married. She also knew Miles would rage over such matters, so she aimed to avoid Quentin as much as possible, not even speaking to him.

Because Miles’ imagination was frightening, and even scarier was his firm belief in his anticipated conjectures, leading to irrationality.

The shrine was crowded, and naturally, no one noticed Vanessa, who had been away for years and never held any importance—"The Sterling Miss." Vanessa herself lacked presence, simply standing quietly in the corner, carefully responding to Miles Sterling.