Chapter 471I Want to Leave and Never Return
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“Alright, alright, stop crying for a second. Let’s figure out what actually happened–start from the top. What’s going on here?”
She almost killed Fictor?
If what Tessa said was true, this was a serious mess
Still sobbing and gasping for air, Tessa choked out the details of what had happened the night before, her words coming out in broken pieces
The gist was, she had to change Victor’s dressing and give him his medication.
In the process of preparing the medicine and pouring water, she’d gotten confused–because the internal and external meds looked somewhat similar.
In the end, she mixed them up.
She mixed them ap? Stella looked at Tessa. “That’s not that big a deal, right? Just the wrong meds.”
Tessa whispered, “And then he swallowed the topical one–the one for wounds. It’s really potent.”
That “really potent” part said it all–this wasn’t some harmless mistake.
And it definitely showed how serious things could’ve been.
Stella was stunned.
Listening to Tessa explain everything, she was speechless. She just stared at her in disbelief. That’s just dumb Really dumb
Tessa wiped her tears. “Am I stupid?”
Stella silently nodded. Seeing how hard Tessa was crying, she didn’t have the heart to say more.
But she still asked, “And then? Nothing serious happened, right?”
Tessa was still alive, which meant Victor must’ve come out of it okay.
If something had happened, knowing Victor’s people, there was no way Tessa would still be breathing.
Tessa sniffled. “In the end, nothing really happened–it was scary, but he was okay. Still, I was terrified. Everyone around him locked like they wanted to tear me to pieces.”
At that moment, Lewis had already gone to find Victor.
If he had been in the room and heard Tessa say that, he’d probably retort that he hadn’t even started yelling yet.
And if just looking angry scared her this much, what would she have done if he had yelled?
Stella sighed. “If it were me, I’d want to tear you to pieces too.”
He was just injured, and now she’d almost taken his life.
Tessa
looked up. “So what do I do now? Can you take me with you?”
As she said it, her eyes were full of hope while looking at Stella.
Clearly, she wanted to leave.
Stella was stunned.
The second ‘Tessa asked that, Stella knew–there was definitely more to the story.
“You’re not telling me everything, are you?”
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Chapter 470 I Want to Leave and Never Return
Tessa shook her head. “Nope.”
She really is Abraham’s girl, nothing gets past her.
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Thinking about what Victor had said to her earlier. Tessa didn’t dare say a word. She could only hope Stella would talk to him. for her.
That he might show mercy and let her go.
Stella raised a brow. “Really?”
ΠΠΕ
Tessa nodded quickly. “Really. Totally true. Please go talk to him and ask if I can leave. I don’t want to stay here even or more second.
Stella was stunned.
Watching how desperate Tessa looked, she still felt like it wasn’t that simple.
But Stella didn’t press further. “Where is he?”
“In his room.”
“Alright, let’s go. We’ll go together.”
If he was in his room, Stella definitely couldn’t go alone. If Abraham found out,
he’d flip
Abraham had made it clear–she wasn’t allowed to be alone in any man’s private space.
Tessa stepped back. “You go.”
“Hey, come on
“He’s got that low–12 guy with him. I’m not going
Just thinking about Lewis made Tessa even more reluctant. She could tell he was scary
smart, but super intense!
Not very sm
And people like that? You never knew what they’d do if they go
emotional.
“Someone else is there
“Yeah, he just went up. Didn’t you see him?”
She had only glanced at him briefly, but after all that had happened, Tessa was seriously spooked by the people around
Victor.
push Tessa any further.
When Stella heard someone else was up there too, she didn’t pu
She nodded. “Alright then. I’ll go talk to Victor. You tidy up a bit. We’ll leave once I’m back.”
“I don’t have anything to pack
She’d been taken by Nie Jiang so suddenly, she hadn’t even had time to gather her things.
The more she thought about her situation, the more wronged she felt.
Her mother was still missing. Sending her to Falvaria had been meant to keep her safe.
But once she got here, it turned out someone had been waiting for her–and Nie Jiang disappeared too.
Stella said, “Okay then. Just wait here for me.”
“Mm.”
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Chapter 470 I Want to Leave and Never Return.
Tessa nodded firmly, looking so obedient and sweet.
Right now, all she had was Stella. And Stella was the only one she could wait for
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Chapter 472 She’s Not an Undercover
Chapter 472 She’s Not an Undercover
Stella pondered. Undercover? Could they exaggerate Tessa’s capabilities any more?
+10 Free Coins
Back in Rivermount, she’d had a little courage, but ever since arriving in Falvaria, she’d been scared out of her mind.
The kind of person who cried several times a day.
Who in their right mind would recruit someone like that as an undercover agent?
She couldn’t even handle the mission, let alone the emotional meltdowns that came with it.
Lewis was s
stunned by Stella’s sudden outburst. “Wait, I… I’m just telling the truth.”
Stella shot back. “She’s not cut out to be an undercover agent.”
Lewis replied. “But you can’t ignore the fact that she almost got the boss killed yesterday. That’s still the truth.”
Bottom line–Tessa had landed herself in deep trouble with Victor.
Stella huffed. “Bottom line is, I’m taking her with me today.”
After hearing everything Tessa had said earlier, she’d already known it wouldn’t be easy to take her away today.
But she hadn’t expected Victor to refuse so flatly.
Even though he hadn’t said a single word yet, the fact that he allowed his subordinates to speak to her like this, it was clear. Taking Tessa today wouldn’t be easy.
So Stella hardened her stance as well.
Thinking of how desperately Tessa had cried just now, there was no way she could leave her behind.
And now, they even suspected her. I walk out now, who knows–Tessa might be dead the moment I turn my back!
Which only made Stella dig in her heels even more. “I have to take her with me.”
Seeing Victor still silent, Stella’s tone grew more forceful.
Lewis tried to reason with her. “Ms. Dawson, we know she’s your close friend from Rivermount, but what if she got close to you for a reason?”
He didn’t sugarcoat his words anymore.
Stella snapped, “She didn’t.”
Lewis said, “You can’t say that for sure.”
“You-
Stella was about to blow,
Just then, Victor shot her a glance and finally spoke, “You’re not taking her.”
His words were cold and resolute, each one sharp and firm.
Stella’s lips twitched. “Victor, this isn’t-”
“She may be connected to Ashen Pact.”
Stella froze. Ashen Pact?
Hearing that name made her chest tighten….
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Chapter 472 She’s Not an Undercover
She wasn’t unfamiliar with it; two years ago. Derrick had seemed to have some ties to Ashen Pact.
And it was precisely because of that connection that she’d been terrified it would cause Abraham problems he couldn’t get
out of
That’s why she’d compromised and listened to Derrick back then.
Now, hearing Victor mention Ashen Pact again, Stella’s face paled.
But when it came to Tessa…
She still shook her head. “No. There’s no way she’s involved with Ashen Pact.”
Victorraised his eyes, cold as ever. “Whether she is or not, we’ll wait for the investigation to decide.”
Stella couldn’t say a word.
very
Victor picked up the glass of water on the nightstand and took a sip. Even sitting on the bed, every move he made carried a jdangerous authority that left no room for debate.
Stella parted her lips, as if to argue again.
Lewis had seen enough to understand what was happening.
He quickly stepped up, “Ms. Dawson, come on, come on; let’s talk outside. The boss needs rest”
“Tessa has nothing to do with Ashen Pact.”
“Sure, I know you
u trust her, but trust and truth aren’t the same thing.
While he spoke, Lewis gently but firmly nudged Stella out of the room, leading her toward the stairs.
Stella didn’t back down. “I’m taking her no matter what.
Crying three times a day back in Rivermount–it was obvious the girl had been completely terrified. If she stayed here with Victor, who knew what kind of disaster might come next?
was out of it.
As far as Stella was concerned, Tessa w
When someone’s mind was that foggy, they might do something totally out of their control.
At this point, whatever Tessa did, it could go horribly wrong.
Bun Stella i Dilch stance meant nothing in front of Victor’s men
TEST “You can’t take her.”
ok off Lewis‘ hand and turned to head back upstairs. “I’m not talking to you–111 talk to Victor.”
wasn’t getting anywhere with Lewis.
Only Victor’s word–mattered now.
But the moment she turned around, Lewis grabbed her arm again. “Talking to the boss won’t change anything. This is his decision. You can only take her after the investigation’s done, okay?”
Victor’s decision.
So no matter what Stella said today, she wasn’t leaving with Tessa.
Frustration boiled over. “Then how long are you planning to investigate?” “We don’t know yet.”
Chapter 473 If She’s Stuck Then So Am I
Stella was stunned. Can’t say for sure! Can’t say for sure!
They might as well scare her to death right in front of them; once she was dead, suddenly everything would be “for sure.
“Then let me make it clear–I’m taking her with me today.”
Lewis shook his head. “You really can’t”
Back and forth they went.
One insisted on taking her; the other refused to let her go.
Tessa sat in the living room, overhearing the exchange between Stella and Lewis. Her nose twitched; tears slipped down her cheeks uncontrollably again.
She had believed–truly believed–that once Stella came back, she’d finally be free from this den of lunatics;
But now. not even Stella could get her out.
That thought sent her spiraling: despair washed over her as she burst out crying. “Wah…”
The sudden wailing brought an immediate hush to the argument between Stella and Lewis; both turned to look at Tessa.
Seeing her cry l like that made Stella even more anxious. She turned on her heel and rushed down the stairs toward Tessa. “Tessa, don’t worry; I will take you with me today.”
Lewis objected, “You really can’t.”
Tessa sobbed louder.
“Shut up,” Stella snapped.
Back and forth again.
The truth was, Stella couldn’t take Tessa; Victor had made that crystal clear, and Lewis‘ obnoxious mouth wasn’t helping.
Frustrated, Stella plopped down onto the living room sofa.
Tessa sat beside her, clinging to her arm; she looked completely traumatized,
Right now, what scared her the most–was Stella leaving
Lewis crossed his arms and said sternly, “Ms. Tessa, clinging to our little princess won’t help; the investigation’s going forward no matter what.”
Stella, seeing how they were treating Tessa, instantly flared up.
“Eddie already went to Mambia Desert, you know that?”
Lewis was caught off guard. What’s that supposed to mean?
“Ms. Dawson, what are you implying?”
Stella narrowed her eyes. “I’m implying that if you say one more word, I’ll tell Victor to send you there too.”
Lewis froze.
Holy hell, that godforsaken place? No way he was going there.
Tessa, who had been terrified just moments ago, started to feel a little better now, clearly, Stella held real weight in Falvaria.
With just one sentence, she’d shut Lewis right up.
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Chapter 473 If She’s Stuck Then So Am I
Smiffling pitifully, she whispered, “Stella, you can’t leave me here.”
If Stella left now, “Tessa was certain she wouldn’t survive. This place was terrifying.
One word, and they slapped her with a criminal charge.
And here on their turf–no matter what she said, even if she had a hundred mouths, she couldn’t explain herself.
Stella nodded. “Mm, don’t worry. I’m not leaving you,”
Lewis tried again, “Ms. Dawson, the boss told me to escort you home personally. Why don’t you get in the car!”
“I’m not going. Stella shot back.
“Then what are you doing here? No matter how long you sit around, you’re still not taking Ms. Tessa with you.”
Hearing that, Tessa clung even tighter to Stella’s arm.
If I’m stuck here, she thought, then Stella’s not going anywhere either.
Lewis saw Tessa’s reaction and got anxious. “Ms. Tessa, please let go of Ms. Dawson.”
“I won’t! Stella, don’t leave me!”
“Okay, I won’t go, I won’t,” Stella reassured her.
-Lewis insisted. “The boss said you must be escorted back.”
And once she was gone, she wouldn’t be allowed back in–not even half a step.
They hadn’t anticipated Stella would show up like this today. If they’d known, they would’ve stopped her at the gate.
Now, things were a mess–Tessa was terrified; Stella refused to leave; Victor wanted her gone; Lewis was stuck trying to enforce it.
In short, it was an ugly scene.
“I’m not leaving.”
Feeling Tessa’s fear only made Stella more resolute. Her voice grew firmer–unshakable.
Lewis rubbed his temples. “Fine; then wait until the boss comes to get you himself”
She didn’t want to go, and they didn’t dare use force.
She was Abraham’s dearest; anyone who laid a hand on her might as well kiss their life goodbye.
Lewis went upstairs to report to Victor.
That left Stella and Tessa alone. Tessa’s tears flowed again, moved to the core. “Stella, you really can’t leave me.”
Stella nodded. “Mm, I won’t leave you.”
“I love you so much. You’re all I’ve got left,” Tessa said, nuzzling into her arm.
Tears and snot smeared all over Stella’s sleeve.
Stella didn’t mind; she handed her a tissue. “Alright, stop crying now.”
Tessa took it and wiped her face. “I really didn’t mean it. The meds just looked way too similar.”
Chapter 474 Did You Just Call Her My Woman
Stella nodded. “Mm, I believe you.”
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Tessa whispered, “You’re probably the only one who does. You have no idea–last night, the people around him looked like they wanted to cat me alive.”
Especially what Lewis had said; the moment those words hit her, Tessa’s mind just went bang–it felt like nothing she said could ever clear her name again.
Stella gently comforted her, “Alright, alright. It’s okay now.”
Bottom line was if Victor didn’t give her the green light to take Tessa, then Stella wasn’t leaving either.
Upstairs, when Victor heard that Stella had planted herself here because of Tessa, his expression darkened further.
His eyes narrowed slightly, “Call the boss. Let him come take her himself.”
Lewis twitched at the suggestion of having Abraham come in person. “If the boss comes, he’s probably taking your girl with him too, huh?”
Victor was stunned Lewis‘ words made his expression freeze for a moment.
He shot Lewis a cold look–but oddly, it wasn’t quite as icy as before.
Lewis blinked, confused by that look. “What? Did I say something wrong?”
If Abraham came to pick up the little princess in person, there was no way Tessa wouldn’t be taken too.
Everyone knew how ridiculously pampered she was; if she wanted stars from the sky, Abraham would probably haul down at meteor for her.
Now that she was just asking to take someone away, he couldn’t j
just say no.
Victor echoed, “My woman?”
Lewis stammered, “Uh? Isn’t she?”
They were living under the same roof–no maids, no cooks. Just the two of them, alone in every sense.
If she wasn’t his woman… then what was she?
Lewis wondered if he’d misread something, but Victor didn’t say anything to refute it.
Lewis scratched his head. “So… should I call the boss now?”
He had no idea what was going through Victor’s mind, but getting the boss over here seemed like the smart move.
Otherwise, if the little princess insisted on staying here… that wouldn’t look good at all.
Victor replied, “Go ahead.”
“So… should the boss come pick up one person or two?”
Lewis was starting to get confused.
Clearly, he hadn’t fully understood what Victor meant just now.
That question earned him a look–Victor stared at him like h
You think it takes the boss himself to come get one person?” Lewis blinked, “Right.. only one, then.”
is a total idiot.
he was i
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Chapter 474 Did You Just Call Her My Woman
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person.
So the boss still wasn’t allowing Ms. Tessa to be taken. If he were, they wouldn’t need Abraham to show up
Downstairs, Stella picked up a call from Abraham. His voice on the line was calm and warm. “Did you get Tessa?”
Clearly, Abraham still didn’t know what was happening on Victor’s end.
Stella replied, “I saw her, but I couldn’t take her.”
“What happened?”
The moment Abraham heard that, he knew something had gone wrong.
His voice carried a note of displeasure.
Stella explained, “They’re insisting that Tessa has ties to the Ashen Pact. They won’t let me take
“Well let me tell you–if they won’t let me take her, then I’m not going either. I’m staying here. I’ll out–stubborn all of them.”
She huffed indignantly.
And just like that, the air on the other end of the line turned ice–cold.
Tessa heard Stella say that and was overwhelmed with emotion; this was her Stella. No wonder she’d always protected her so fiercely back in Rivermount..
Stella repeated. “If I can’t take Tessa, then I’m not leaving”
Her tone was unshakably firm.
In her heart, she was thinking about all those times in Rivermount when Tessa had stood by her–fighting the Reed family. confronting Ethan.
Even when the Reed family had tried to shut down her studio, and Tessa–who hadn’t known Abraham’s background- thought Stella had no one to rely on:
She’d even begged Diana, her mother, to step in and help.
Hearing Stella so worked up, Abraham gently reassured her, “Tm–coming now. Wait for me.”
The call ended
Stella turned to comfort the still–clinging Tessa. “Alright… it’s going to be okay
“Stella, thank you.” Tessa choked up.
So much had happened in her world lately, and the only thing keeping her grounded was Stella’s support.
Even when she was still back in Rivermount, the hope Stella gave her had helped her survive.
Stella replied, “Don’t be silly.”
“I actually need your help with something too.
“Finding your mom?” Stella asked.
She didn’t even need Tessa to explain; she already knew what this was about.
Tessa nodded. “Mm. I need to find my mom’s whereabouts as soon as possible. And Nie Jiang too…”
That day, she’d been taken away by those people.
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Chapter 475 Victor’s Bad Cop Isn’t Fooling Her
Tessa was worried–she was just one girl, and in those people’s hands, no one knew what could happen to her.
Stella nodded. “I’ve already sent people to look for her; there’s just no news yet.”
Back in Rivermount. Stella had already begun investigating the whereabouts of Tessa’s mother
But days had passed now, and still, no updates had come through.
+10 Free Coins
She had no idea what kind of trouble she had gotten into this time–whoever it was, they clearly weren’t ordinary people.
If necessary, they might have to tap into Abraham’s connections.
Hearing that, Tessa felt even more touched.
But before she could say anything, Lewis came down the stairs and looked straight at her. “Ms. Tessa, the boss wants to see you you upstairs.”
The moment she saw Lewis, Tessa instinctively shrank behind Stella
And after hearing his words, she clung even tighter to Stella’s arm, refusing to let go.
“I’m not going.”
Stella could clearly hear the edge of distress in her voice; it was obvious–Tessa had been thoroughly shaken by Victor.
Lewis called again, “Ms. Tessa.”
“I’m really not going. I can’t cook, and I don’t know anything about medicine! You’re the ones who insisted I take care of him Now something goes wrong and suddenly I’m the one who tried to kill him? Who even thinks like that?”
The longer she talked, the more wronged she sounded.
She had told them she couldn’t do any of it. She’d ruined that bowl of noodles beyond recognition.
Forcing someone to do something they’re not capable of who does thatt
Stella looked at Lewis. What does Victor want with Tessa? Say it clearly, and don’t try to intimidate her.”
Tessa was terrified; but Stella–Stella wasn’t afraid of any of them.
Lewis looked annoyed at the word intimidate. “Alright, I was in a bad mood last night. I spoke harshly; don’t take it out on me.”
Stella went quiet.
Tessa was stunned “What do you mean?”
Lewis replied, “I mean, I’ve always treated you pretty well. Don’t let one bad night scare you off.”
What? Treated her well? Was he hearing himself?
Victor’s treatment of her could hardly be called “good”
Stella and Tessa were dumbfounded.
He definitely hasn’t been kind. And Victor, he scared me too. He said plenty of awful things last night. She thought bitterly.
All she wanted now was to leave with Stella.
“I’m not going upstairs, no matter what”
That kind of subbornness…
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Chapter 475 Victor’s Bad Cop Isn’t Fooling Her
Hack then, she never would’ve dared. But now that Stella was here, she finally found some backbone.
Lewis looked at her pathetic attempt at defiance–it was soft and flimsy: like paper, easy to tear through.
“Alright then.” Lewis said, “but you said it. Don’t blame us later when the boss loses interest in telling you anything about your
Tessa’s eyes widened..
My mom? Wait…
“I’ll go right now!”
News about my mother? That tough stance vanished in an instant? Stella was stunned.
Tessa couldn’t afford to care anymore. No one knew just how much she’d been suffering these past few days; every second, her mind had been consumed by thoughts of her mother and Wesley,
Still… Victor? Helping her find someone?
That can be real, she thought. But whatever–I’ll ask first and figure it out later.
Just as she reached the stairs, Abraham walked through the front door.
He arrived so quickly that Stella froze for a second; even Lewis‘ expression faltered.
Then he quickly snapped back to attention. “Boss.”
Abraham asked. “Where’s Victor?”
“In his room. Still a little weak; he’s lying down”
That word made Tessa’s guilt surge. She instinctively turned her face away.
Abraham glanced over at Stella.
Stella rose from the sofa and muttered, “If Tessa doesn’t leave, then I’m not leaving either.”
Same line, same stance.
They were leaving together–or not at all.
Tessa looked up at her, teary–eyed. “Stella…”
her.
Stella raised a hand to stop h
Men think differently from women. Now that Victor suspected Tessa, if he mentioned anything to Abraham, there was a chance Abraham would start doubting her too.
And if she lost Abraham…
Then getting Tessa out of Victor’s grasp would be nothing short of impossible.
Seeing Abraham stay silent, Stella walked over to him, tugged softly at his sleeve. “Brother.”
Lewis went quiet What kind of bond must this be to go this far for someone?
It was clear she was terrified Stella might leave her behind.
“Alright.”
“And what about Susan? Would she really go along with it? She used to protect Lillian so fiercely, I even suspected she was her real mom! Now she’s just letting her get thrown out like that?”
Each one more shocked than the last.
And judging by her excitement, all traces of fear from earlier–especially from being near Victor–had completely vanished.
Gossip really is her ultimate cure.
Tessa went on, “Yeah, I mean–what’s there to even fight over in Keene Group anymore? Isn’t it practically falling apart?”
“What? They’re still fighting like cats and dogs over it? That’s savage!”
Stella was stunned again.
Is this what she meant before? That when she got too scared, gossip helped her shift focus? Well, it’s working… probably a little too
“What? Mrs. Keene got hospitalized again? And Sutton didn’t do anything? Then Ethan’s totally finished!”
If Madeline was so upset she ended up in the hospital, then Judson probably was planning to hand the company over to Horgan
To be fair–credit where it was due–Ethan war a genius when it came to running the company; under him, Keene Group had grown significantly.
It was just a shame..
Even if Keene Group was now in ruins, he’d poured so much into it–his blood, sweat, and tears–only to have it ripped away.
Then again, he kind of deserved it. Over the past two years, he’d pulled so many shady moves; it was hard to keep track.
Not just against her–Stella–but against his peers too.
As those thoughts swirled. Tessa finished her call and returned to Stella’s side. “Stella, karma–this karma hit hard.”
She glanced at Tessa, who now looked completely fine–not a trace of the earlier panic remained.
Tessa leaned in and whispered, “Lillian’s been completely kicked out of the Reed family.”
“Someone spotted her last night sitting on a bench under the Bridge. Looks like Jonathan took back everything–she’s homeless now.”
The thought of Lillian put on the streets gave Tessa a satisfying jolt of schadenfreude.
Even Stella couldn’t help but crack a small, pleased smile. Honestly, wasn’t this harsher than sending her to jail?
She’d done so many cruel, vicious things–surely she didn’t think karma would never catch up to her.
Stella said. “The Reed family’s tearing each other apart now. No one has time to worry about her. Jonathan’s taking all his frustration out on her.”
So much for “family bonds…
Back in Rivermount, Jonathan had always clung to the idea of his sibling ties with Lillian.
Tessa nodded. “Exactly, Susan got arrested, the Reed Group went bankrupt, and Patrick probably can’t even afford to keep that other family of his afloat.”
“The entire Reed family’s down to just Jonathan now. And Lillian’s in the worst shape of all.”
“And then there’s Ethan–used to treat Lillian like she was his true love. Look at them now; what a perfect pair,”
The Keene family and that snob Madeline used to think Lillian wasn’t good enough for Ethan.
Now things were different. They’d both hit rock bottom—neither one had any room to look down on the other.
Stella took a sip of water and said, “Back then, Ethan was their only son, so Mr. Judson had no choice but to go along with him. But now that there’s another son, he actually has options.”
Even if it meant handing Keene Group over to Sutton, anyone would’ve been better than Ethan.
But now, with Sutton in the picture and eligible for a share of the inheritance, Ethan had become irrelevant.
Downstairs, the gossip was flying fast and loud….
Upstairs, Abraham was seated in a chair beside Victor’s bed.
Honestly, after overhearing Marie mutter her doubts about Victor’s performance in that department over the years. Abraham had started to wonder himself if there was something wrong.
y? He knew Victor had issues in that area; Silas just wouldn’t believe him.
And now it turned out that tiny little woman had cured him.
that was the case.
Before Abraham could say anything. Lewis suddenly dropped to his knees with a loud thud. “Mr. Abraham, please don’t take that little girl away!”
He kept going, “Mr. Abraham, Victor’s condition used to be really serious. He never reacted, no matter how stunning the girl was right in front of him. And now, finally, someone actually gets a reaction out of him. Please, help him out; let her stay
was so tiny.
Next to his brother’s towering frame, she looked like a little bun.
“Dude, she’s way too small, don’t you think? At least-”
And the way Victor was staring at him–it looked like he wanted to eat him alive.
Lewis‘ brain short–circuited, and he turned to Abraham for help.
“Looks like you haven’t been raising him properly all these years. After all this time, and his spine’s still so soft.”
Wait a minute–when he’d first met Abraham, he’d knelt just like this, begging him to take him in.
Abraham had refused, and this exact act of kneeling had only made him more unwilling
Later, when Victor had walked by, he’d paused and said, “You’ll follow me from now on.”
That was the only reason Lewis had been allowed to stay….
Which was also why he’d always been willing to risk everything for Victor.
Lewis lowered his head, “I just wanted Ms. Tessa to stay.”
He wasn’t like this when facing enemies. How could he drop to his knees so easily? Was he even a man?
“Out”
Victor wanted nothing more than to sew his mouth shut with a needle.
Victor’s eyes landed on the string of prayer beads that had somehow appeared in Abraham’s hand. He frowned. “Since when did Mr. Abraham start liking that kind of thing?*
At Victor’s question, Abraham looked at the beads in his hand and a faint, indulgent smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
He glanced at the beads again. “Is that the first gift she’s ever given you?”
She’d given him gifts before too.
But back then, he’d never been there in person; he had no idea how she chose those things.
This time, he’d been right there–he’d seen firsthand how seriously she’d taken it.
Victor didn’t respond. God. I feel like a kicked puppy.
A sudden wave of dissatisfaction swept over him.
Tessa was saying. “Honestly, if things go south, the Keene family might end up just like the Reeds. Mark my words, Madeline is not one to mess with.”
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to step into
But Madeline was different. Whether it was the company or the family, she had held real control for years.
If this blew up, it’d be way more dramatic than the Reed family’s downfall–by miles.
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