Hi Ex, Your Uncle Is My Hubby Now - Chapter 122: Chapter 122

Jeremy entered the living room just as Zelda emerged from the prayer room.
"Mom."
Jeremy gave her a respectful nod and a slight bow of the head, the gesture so poised and measured as if an invisible line of etiquette guided his every move.
As soon as they entered the pavilion, Aiden's entire demeanor became rigid with formality.
Zelda gave a slight nod and extended her right hand toward Jeremy.
An imperial jade bangle rested elegantly on her slender wrist.
Jeremy lightly clasped Zelda's hand in a formal, restrained manner as he escorted her to the dining room.
Only after Zelda was seated did Jeremy walk to his own place, pull out his chair, and sit down properly.
His posture was both elegant and precise, every movement measured and correct.
Back at the Tucker family manor, Jeremy embodied aristocratic perfection. Every movement, breath, and blink measured with impeccable restraint, like a nobleman straight out of a period drama, flawless in his etiquette.
Zelda studied him for a moment, then said gently, "You've lost weight again, but your complexion looks rosier than last time."
"Have you been resting better lately?" She easily picked up on the subtle changes in Jeremy.
Jeremy didn't hide the truth. "I switched to a new calming aromatherapy blend. It's been working pretty well."
Zelda smiled gently and said, "That's good to hear."
"You're far too thin, you must eat more," she said as she placed a bit of each dish onto Jeremy's plate.
For the past few years, Zelda had followed a strict vegetarian diet.
The vegetarian dishes were beautifully prepared and looked appetizing, but Jeremy's sense of taste had dulled so much that he could no longer truly savor their flavor.
Though eating felt like a mechanical act, he dutifully finished every food that Zelda picked out for him, not wanting to let her down.
Zelda was very pleased.
After dinner, Zelda drew Jeremy aside for a heart-to-heart talk.
She started by asking about his health, then moved on to his work, and eventually circled back to the old, familiar topic.
"So, Jeremy, when are you finally going to get married?"
Jeremy frowned and blurted out, "With my health like this, marrying anyone would just ruin her life..."
Zelda offered Jeremy a knowing smile. "There's no shortage of fine young women in Eldraeth City who wouldn't mind becoming a Tucker widow. If you're willing, I could find you dozens, even hundreds of girls perfectly suited to your taste."
Jeremy's brow furrowed.
"Jeremy."
Zelda gently stirred her tea with the lid, her gaze fixed on the rippling liquid. In a cool, measured tone, she said, "A century ago, the Barnes family exploited the Tuckers' vulnerability—when our lineage was dying out and your great-grandfather was left defenseless in his old age. They seized everything, leaving our family name on the brink of extinction."
"Your grandfather could never let go of it, not even until his dying day."
"Jeremy, are you really going to let the Tucker family suffer the same tragedy as a century ago? Do you want me to be the one who failed our family? How could I face your father, your grandfather, and your great-grandfather in the afterlife?"
Ever since Jeremy's health took a turn for the worse, Zelda had been urging him to get married at every family dinner.
In the past, she'd just mention it in passing, never really pressing the matter.
But never had it felt as serious as it did today.
Realizing there was no way to avoid the issue, Jeremy conceded. "I'll give this matter serious consideration."
"Enough with the consideration." Zelda set down her teacup with deliberate calm. "We've been talking for over twenty minutes. The drugs should have taken effect by now."
"Drugs?" Jeremy's face darkened instantly.
"Mom, you drugged me?" He had expected Zelda wouldn't give up easily, but he never imagined she'd personally spike his drink.
"Jeremy, your dulled taste buds couldn't even detect the drug," Zelda stated coolly. "I've already dosed you. By now, even if you rushed to the hospital to purge it, it would be too late."
"In your room here and at the Serenity Residence, there are beautiful young ladies of impeccable background waiting for you, just for you."
Zelda rose from her chair, gripping the armrest firmly. She declared, "Tonight, no hospital in this city will treat you. Jeremy, don't break your mother's heart."
Without another word, Zelda swept out and returned to the prayer room, not once looking back.