My Milf Harem Conquest System In A Women's World-Chapter 30: Family Bonding [I] [Bonus - For 50 PS]
[This is a Bonus Chapter celebrating the completion of the 50 Power Stones goal, so family bonding it is.]
The laughter had barely faded when Catherine leaned forward, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek.
"Another round before we stop?" she asked, already gathering the scattered cards into a neat stack.
Regina’s eyes lit up instantly.
"Yes, of course we play again. I must reclaim my throne after that catastrophe."
Jason rested one arm across the back of his chair, watching her shuffle with deliberate care.
"You mean after you were crushed by your own student."
Regina shot him a mock glare.
"That was a fluke. Beginner’s luck never lasts." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎
Daisy smirked faintly as she adjusted the pile of chips in front of her.
"It will be interesting to see how long your confidence holds this time."
Marinette laughed softly, her tone light but measured.
"Please, try not to start another quarrel before the cards are even dealt."
Jason leaned forward again, his expression exaggeratedly stern.
"I agree. Peace at the table, or I confiscate your deck."
Regina puffed her cheeks in protest but returned to dealing without another word. The steady rhythm of the cards brushing across the table filled the room with a quiet sense of anticipation.
Once everyone had their hand, she placed the remainder of the deck aside with a dramatic sweep and declared,
"Alright, may the luckiest mind win."
Jason lifted an eyebrow.
"Luckiest mind? That sounds absurd."
"It doesn’t," Regina replied with smug certainty. "In poker, you win with intelligence, not muscle."
He regarded her with a playful grin.
"Tell that to people who actually understand the game."
Her eyes narrowed while Daisy hid a quiet laugh behind her hand. Catherine shook her head with mock exasperation.
"I swear, this house will never know peace with both of you in the same room."
Marinette studied her cards before asking calmly,
"Jason, how much do you plan to bet this time?"
He placed a modest pile in the middle.
"Let’s start small. I am still learning."
Regina instantly doubled the amount.
"Then I will raise."
Daisy followed suit, adding an equal number of chips. Catherine and Marinette exchanged amused glances before joining in as well. The game resumed with everyone watching one another carefully, though their eyes often drifted toward Jason as he struggled to keep a neutral expression.
He tried to read Regina’s face, but her concentration was unexpectedly sharp. She tapped her fingers on the table, smiled faintly, and tossed another chip forward.
"Your turn, old man."
Jason blinked, then let out a low chuckle.
"Old man? You are one insult away from losing your allowance forever."
The girl snickered.
"You never gave me one in the first place."
Laughter filled the room again, even Daisy letting out a brief chuckle. Catherine smiled warmly at the sound, and for a fleeting moment, the air felt lighter.
They continued for several more turns, bluffing and teasing until the final reveal. Catherine won that round with a flush, gracefully pulling the chips toward her as Regina groaned in disbelief.
"I had almost everything!" she cried theatrically. "This is betrayal by destiny."
Jason folded his arms with a faint sigh.
"Or maybe you were just defeated by experience."
Catherine looked up from her winnings, her expression calm and proud.
"Age grants wisdom, Regina. You will see that once you stop rushing through everything."
Regina pouted but nodded in acceptance.
"Fine, you win this time, Aunt Catherine."
Marinette placed her cards aside, clearly satisfied.
"That is enough poker for now."
Daisy stood, beginning to gather the empty mugs and plates from earlier.
"It was enjoyable, though somewhat chaotic."
Marinette joined her, collecting stray chips that had rolled off the table, while Jason watched them briefly before rising to assist. He stacked the cups neatly and followed them toward the kitchen.
Regina lingered behind, still staring at the deck as though willing it to change her fate. Jason glanced back at her from the doorway.
"Reg, you can stop glaring at the cards. They are not going to apologize."
She sighed and rose reluctantly.
"They should. I deserved better luck."
In the kitchen, quiet chatter filled the air as everyone worked in an easy rhythm. Catherine rinsed the dishes while Daisy wiped the counter. Marinette packed the leftover snacks into small containers, and Regina stood beside Jason, drying the plates he handed over.
"You are surprisingly organized for someone who loses so easily," he teased.
She rolled her eyes.
"You are surprisingly confident for someone who barely understands what a full house means."
Jason grinned and set another plate beside her.
"Kid, I learn quickly. Maybe tomorrow I will start teaching you."
"Teaching me what?" she asked, feigning curiosity.
"How to accept defeat with grace."
Regina groaned dramatically, drawing laughter from Marinette across the room.
With fond amusement, Marinette remarked,
"You two could turn any task into a debate."
Daisy looked over her shoulder.
"Well, it keeps the day interesting, at least."
Catherine nodded with a gentle smile.
"They remind me of Angela and her father. Always competing, never truly upset."
The mention of Angela softened the mood, not with sorrow but with quiet reflection. Jason looked down at the towel in his hands, then smiled faintly.
"She would have joined this game and beaten everyone within five minutes. She always had that edge."
Daisy paused briefly, tilting her head before resuming her task.
"She had a sharp mind. Nothing ever slipped past her."
Of course, she told herself she did not care why Angela had really left. Watching Jason act like he did amused her slightly, though she chose to ignore it for now.
Marinette placed the final container in the refrigerator and turned toward them.
"Speaking of returning, have you decided if you will finally redecorate your room, Jason? It has looked like a retired soldier’s quarters for far too long."
Jason chuckled.
"I have plans. I might even make it livable soon."
Regina’s grin turned mischievous.
"Add some color. Maybe pink curtains or something cheerful."
He pointed at her with the towel.
"Say that again, and you are sleeping outside tonight."
Her laughter echoed through the kitchen, prompting more smiles from the others. Catherine placed the last dish on the rack and dried her hands.
"A little color would not hurt. The place could use some warmth."
Jason gave her an exaggeratedly thoughtful look.
"I will consider beige. It is neutral enough."
Marinette sighed with mock disappointment.
"You are hopeless."
Together, they left the kitchen and returned to the living room. Regina dropped onto the couch with a dramatic exhale, stretching her legs across the cushions. Jason settled beside her, while Daisy and Marinette took the seats opposite them. Catherine sank into the armchair with graceful composure.
Regina glanced around the room with sudden excitement lighting her eyes.
"Since poker ended too fast, why not play something else?"
Marinette smiled warmly.
"You never run out of ideas, my darling."
"Of course not, Grandma," Regina replied with pride. "I am imaginative."
Jason crossed his arms with mild suspicion.
"What kind of game now? Please do not say truth or dare."
Regina’s grin widened instantly.
"Exactly that."
He stared at her in disbelief while Catherine’s laughter filled the room once more. Daisy appeared quietly entertained, her gaze carrying a faint glimmer of curiosity.
"Fine," Jason said with a weary sigh. "But I am not doing anything foolish."
Regina’s smirk deepened.
"We will see about that."
