Chapter 157
288 Wouchers.
Cedrick: …
He contemplated whether to replace this driver!
“I know they went to dinner!
Didn’t you already report that?”
The driver blinked, his expression clear: Exactly, so why ask?
Cedrick: …
“Still not back?”
Cedrick pressed.
The driver looked utterly baffled, scratching his head: Isn’t it obvious they’re not back?
Since when did the boss get so slow?
Cedrick instantly read the driver’s gaze, momentarily choked into silence.
Where did they go to eat?
He actually didn’t know?
Since when did he lose track of Lucille’s whereabouts?
Harlan’s words echoed in his ears: You spoil her too much. Cut off her funds, freeze her cards–see how long she lasts then.
He smiled bitterly.
He could never do that.
He owed her a leg–a lifetime debt. Money was all he could offer; there was nothing else.
He dialed Lucille five times in a row. Still no answer.
He tried her grandmother’s number–already powered off.
He texted Lucille: Still at dinner?
No reply.
Clutching at straws, he considered calling Mylee to ask if Lucille had returned home. But as he dialed, he suddenly
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remembered–the housekeeper was still hospitalized.
He got in the car, heading home.
“Mr. Maynard, 1-” The driver chased after him, asking where to go next.
“Stay here. Call me if they return.”
Cedrick drove off toward home.
En route, Harlan called again. “You paid yet?
Picked them up?
When you coming back?”
“Not coming. You guys have fun.”
Cedrick replied without hesitation.
“What’s wrong?
Something else came up?”
“No. Just tired today.”
“We’re switching venues later–heading to Maricela ‘s new place. Join us if you want!”
“Okay.”
Cedrick hung up and drove straight into the garage.
288 Vouchers
For five years, he’d walked this path from the underground garage to his home. Each elevator ride felt like wading through mud, an invisible wall forcing him to steel himself before stepping inside.
Today felt easier–probably because he knew the house was empty.
The elevator ascended. He unlocked the door with his fingerprint. As light spilled into the entryway, his heart settled. He couldn’t help but laugh: Where else could she go?
Where besides home?
“Lucille?”
He called out from the entryway.
She peeked out from the bedroom. “Huh?
You’re back?”
Not a trace of anger in her tone.
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Chapter 157
288 Vouchers
So he’d overthought it. Just as Harlan said–she’d starve without him. What could a dancer do when she couldn’t dance?
“When did you get back?
Why no answer? No reply?”
He walked toward the room as he spoke.
“Oh. Didn’t see it.
Didn’t hear it.”
She kept folding clothes.
“Since Mylee’s in the hospital, let’s hire someone else. Why are you doing all this work yourself?”
He loosened his tie.
“I’m not useless. I can handle these small tasks.”
She efficiently folded each piece of clothing.
“By the way, where’s Grandma?”
Cedrick noticed she was the only one home.
“Oh, Grandma got fed up with my parents‘ bickering and wanted some peace. Out of sight, out of mind. After dinner,
I bought her a ticket to visit her old friend in the neighboring city. She’ll relax there for a while.”
“That’s wise.”
Cedrick nodded. “But she’ll miss our trip then. When’s she coming back? Should we wait?”
He actually remembered the trip?
She thought he’d forgotten!
“We’ll see,” she brushed him off.
Why wait?
The journey was indeed coming—but it had nothing to do with him. This was her solo adventure.
Cedrick watched her pack clothes into the evening.
“Why so much packing today?” he asked, puzzled.
“Putting away winter clothes, bringing out summer ones,” she answered vaguely.
No way she’d tell him these were being sold. Too much to carry.

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