How the Ice King Became my Doting Billionaire Husband

Stuart had just finished freshening up when he noticed Morwenna looking particularly vexed. "Princess, are you hungry?" he asked, using the playful nickname he had affectionately bestowed upon her.

Morwenna, her thoughts preoccupied with worries, nodded absently, not fully catching Stuart's question.

Seeing her apparent hunger, and without even changing out of his robe, Stuart strode over to Morwenna and, with one arm, scooped her up and headed for the door.

"What are you doing, Stuart? Why are you carrying me?" Morwenna exclaimed, a mix of surprise and embarrassment coloring her tone.

"It's because you've twisted your ankle. I'm taking you downstairs," Stuart explained as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Morwenna's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Put me down, what if Norbert Hetfield sees us?"

"I won't," Stuart replied, his tone firm.

Morwenna's frustration turned to shock when she noticed someone standing downstairs.

Why was Adelaide here?

Adelaide's gaze locked onto Stuart carrying Morwenna down the stairs, her nails digging into her palms with barely concealed jealousy. Stuart, typically reserved and distant, now seemed approachable and relaxed in his robe, which only served to intensify Adelaide's feelings.

Sensing Morwenna stiffen in his arms, Stuart followed her gaze, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Adelaide.

"Adelaide, what are you doing here?" His voice was cold, hinting at danger.

Adelaide stepped back, looking somewhat forlorn, as if Stuart's presence intimidated her.

Rose quickly intervened. "Cousin,

Adelaide came because I asked her.

My little sister has a piano exam coming up, and Adelaide has won international competitions before. I thought she could give some lessons for a couple of days. You don't mind, do you?"

"I do mind. If she needs lessons, take her elsewhere," Stuart said curtly.

"Cousin, why do you have to be like this? This is the family home, not just yours. Besides, Adelaide is practically family; she even saved your life once. Without her, where would you be today?"

Morwenna felt even more uneasy hearing this.

Just then, Norbert descended the stairs, quickly grasping the situation. Adelaide, with her eyes filled with greed, had once saved Stuart. Some things needed to be settled cleanly and clearly while he was still around.

"Let her stay and teach. Now, let's have breakfast," Norbert declared, ending the discussion.

With Norbert's word as final, Stuart held his peace.

Morwenna remained silent, her head bowed slightly.

The breakfast table was unusually crowded today, with several members of the Hetfield family making a point to show up, some even setting alarms to ensure they wouldn't miss it, all in a display of filial piety towards Norbert

Stuart, without releasing Morwenna, seated her on his lap. His tall frame enveloped her petite form perfectly, as if she belonged there.

"Stuart, let me down. I can sit by myself," Morwenna whispered, trying to maintain some semblance of independence.

"Princess, stop fussing. You're not wearing shoes," Stuart dismissed her protests with a gentle firmness, showcasing his affection for her in front of the entire Hetfield family, a sight they had grown accustomed to since the day Morwenna was injured and Stuart took it upon himself to care for her. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

With Stuart flanked by Ryan and Norbert, leaving no seat for Morwenna except his lap, it was a silent declaration of his protective stance towards her, endorsed by Norbert Hetfield himself.

Feeling the warmth of their support, Morwenna's heart swelled with gratitude.

However, across the table, Adelaide struggled to contain her envy, her grip on her utensils betraying her inner turmoil at the sight of Stuart's open display of affection for Morwenna.