When others talk about things they cherish, they often show great enthusiasm. Madam smiled and said, “Oh? Your mother also had a string of prayer beads like this? Well, these prayer beads aren’t particularly valuable, so it’s not unusual that your mother had one too.”

Adam Sullivan said, “It’s just a pity that my mother has passed away. That was her most treasured possession, and I buried it with her. Thinking back now, I feel it was a mistake. If I had kept it by my side, I could at least look at it and remember her.”

Madam’s eyes reddened, and she said with deep emotion, “Is that so? You really should have kept it. To tell you the truth, don’t laugh at me—this string of prayer beads was also part of my dowry, given to me by my mother when I got married. Sadly, my dear mother has also passed away. I remember back then, our family was poor, and my mother loved these prayer beads most of all. When I married into this noble house, my mother could only give me her most beloved prayer beads as part of my dowry.”

Just moments ago, everyone had been cheerful, but seeing Madam’s sorrowful expression, no one could laugh anymore. The few cunning stewards all put on mournful faces.

That Miss Clark was the most surprised. Her mother had always been reserved—why was she sharing such personal feelings with a man today? She glanced at Adam Sullivan, thinking to herself, “This man is quite scheming.”

Adam Sullivan said, “Did Madam also come from a humble family? No wonder Madam treats the servants so well. Having experienced the hardships of life, you naturally understand the difficulties of the servants.”

Generally speaking, Madam’s background was not from a wealthy family, and many people were somewhat sensitive about this topic. Madam herself felt a bit inferior about it, but Adam Sullivan spoke openly, steering the conversation toward Madam’s kindness. Not only did this not offend her, it actually made her feel a sudden sense of pride. Although she came from a poor family, she treated people kindly and had accumulated much goodwill—how was she any less than those wealthy Madams?

Madam became much more amiable toward Adam Sullivan, asking about his hometown and where he had studied.

Adam Sullivan answered each question, but only perfunctorily. As they talked, Madam couldn’t help but bring up Buddhist teachings, which was her interest. Unexpectedly, Adam Sullivan also knew a bit about Buddhism and shared some insights in line with her temperament. Madam nodded with a constant smile and said, “Good, good. Since you understand these great principles, your character can’t be too bad.” Then she asked, “Where did you learn these teachings?”

Adam Sullivan said, “My mother was also a devout believer, so I picked up some understanding from her influence.”

Madam nodded, “I see. Your mother must have been a kind-hearted person as well.”

Adam Sullivan shamelessly said, “Meeting Madam today is like seeing my late mother—both are equally kind and compassionate.”

Madam’s eyes reddened again. “My dear mother was the same. When I married into this household, I had hoped to let her enjoy a few years of comfort, but who would have thought she would…” She took out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears, looking very sad.

The two of them—one asking, one answering, one reminiscing about the past, the other sighing over the passage of time—seemed like old friends despite the age gap, completely forgetting the presence of others. This made everyone feel awkward, especially William Harris, who, from beginning to end, never had Madam’s attention turn to him.

The more Madam looked at Adam Sullivan, the more pleasing she found him. Many of Adam Sullivan’s words had struck a deep chord in her heart, bringing back many memories.

After talking for a long time, Madam, her eyes still red, finally noticed the people around her. She gave a reserved smile and let her gaze fall on William Harris: “I’ve neglected William. William, have some more pastries.”

William Harris, looking refined and courteous, nodded in agreement. At this moment, his feelings were anything but calm. From the start, he had felt he held the upper hand, but then Adam Sullivan turned the tables. Madam’s initial favor toward him had shifted more and more to Adam Sullivan. He already sensed that if he didn’t produce a trump card, he would surely lose this competition.

With this in mind, William Harris hesitated no longer. He took out a brocade box from his sleeve. “For Madam’s birthday, I have nothing worthy to offer. Please accept this small gift with a smile.”

Perhaps feeling she had been too warm toward Adam Sullivan and had neglected this prodigy scholar, Madam smiled as she personally accepted the brocade box. “William’s family is not well-off either. There’s no need to go to such expense.”

Miss Clark smiled gently and said, “Mother, why not open it and have a look?”

Madam nodded. Under everyone’s gaze, she opened the brocade box. A pair of dazzling pendants shone with a soft glow in the dim light.

“Oh my!” Madam’s eyes lit up with delight. “I just happened to be missing a pendant to match my clothes. I didn’t expect William to be so thoughtful.”

All women love jewelry, especially when it suits their taste. Madam held the pendant up to her ear and asked Miss Clark, “Ruo’er, does this look appropriate?”

Miss Clark said, “Mother, it couldn’t be more fitting. It’s as if it was made just for you.”

“Good, very good. I’ll accept this gift.” Madam showed a rare smile, put the pendant back in the brocade box, then, feeling she had been too unreserved, restrained her smile and said, “Mr. Harris, go to the treasury and give William twenty strings of cash. I’ll accept this gift, but I can’t let William spend so much. William is also a sensible and unfortunate child.”