Chapter 2The Genius Slacker

It was almost ten o'clock by the time we got back to the Sterling mansion, past my usual bedtime. My eyelids were fighting each other, and I could practically fall asleep standing up.

But as soon as I walked in the door, I heard an overly dramatic voice that startled the sleep bugs right out of me.

"Big brother, you're finally back! Maria, hurry up and bring out the chicken congee I asked you to prepare. Big brother has been traveling all day, he must be exhausted and probably hasn't eaten well on the road."

A girl in a white dress fluttered over, fluttering around Arthur, expressing her concern with a slight frown.

After a long speech, her gaze drifted toward me, and she covered her mouth in shock: "Oh my... Sister, I'm sorry, I forgot about you."

She carefully glanced at me, then back at Arthur: "Big brother, is this Mia? So Sister... Sister Chloe really isn't coming back?"

Arthur's face was expressionless: "Where she wants to go is her business. From now on, Mia is your sister."

He turned to me and said: "This is Grace Sterling. Mom sponsored her, and now she's considered adopted."

Grace looked at me timidly, her expression quite awkward: "Mia... Sister, I didn't know you were coming back today, so I didn't prepare anything for you. You... you won't blame me, right?"

I covered my mouth and yawned.

My body was still standing there, but my soul had long since drifted away.

Are you done talking?

If you're done, hurry up and find me a place to sleep.

Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose, a hint of exhaustion showing on his handsome face.

"She's tired from traveling all day. Take her to her room to rest."

Grace bit her lip: "...But the room isn't ready yet."

Arthur lowered his hand, his frown deepening: "What's going on? Wasn't this settled before I left?"

His stern gaze swept toward Maria, the housekeeper, nearby.

Grace frantically explained: "Don't blame Maria, it's me. I thought since sister was coming back, I'd give up my room, but... but there was too much stuff, and I couldn't finish packing it all at once."

Saying this, she looked like she was about to cry.

Arthur's frown deepened even more: "There are so many empty rooms upstairs. Just prepare another one."

"But my room has the best lighting. Sister should have the best when she comes back.

"It's all my fault. I should have moved out earlier. I shouldn't have stayed in such a nice room in the first place... Why don't I let sister sleep in my room tonight? I can sleep anywhere, Sis..."

Grace, wiping her tears, looked at me resiliently, and the words in her mouth came to an abrupt halt.

Arthur followed her gaze, and his calm expression cracked a little.

He saw me leaning against the wall with my eyes closed, having been sound asleep for a while.