The Sleeper's Wrath and His Wife's Strike novel Chapter 53

Lindsay caught every flicker of anxiety on Lester’s face, and suddenly burst out laughing. “I’m just messing with you,” she teased. “Your mother dotes on you—she’d never say anything out of line.”

Lester’s expression was all the confirmation she needed: he knew about the sandalwood. In fact, it seemed all three of them were guilty.

His face turned icy, jaw clenched. “You think it’s funny to play with me? How childish.”

“It actually is kind of funny.” Lindsay glanced at her phone. “Anyway, your mother’s situation is in your hands now. I hope she makes it through.”

If she just died like that, it would be far too easy for her.

With that, Lindsay spun on her heel and strode away.

……

The next morning.

Breakfast was simple and mild—deliberately prepared for Yves.

After they ate, Yves' gaze softened as he looked at Lindsay. “I’m heading to the office. Call me if you need anything.”

He wondered how badly Lester had mismanaged the company while he’d been out of commission.

“Alright. Drive safe,” Lindsay said, waving goodbye. The two of them seemed polite and distant, as if acting out a formal partnership.

Mr. Quigley Sr. watched them, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Maybe, just maybe, he’d live to hold a grandchild in his arms.

“Lindsay,” he said as Yves left, “now that Yves will be busy at the office, you’ll have more free time. If you get bored, why not find something to do? If you want to open a shop, I’ll help fund it.”

That was exactly what Lindsay had hoped for—she’d just been wondering how to bring it up.

“Mr. Quigley, I’d like to join Bloom.”

Lindsay was genuinely pleased and thanked him quickly. Just then, Lester walked in from the hall. He looked exhausted, with deep circles under his eyes and stubble darkening his jaw.

He’d spent the whole night at the hospital with Althea. She’d survived, but her spinal injury meant she was paralyzed from the chest down—confined to bed for life.

“I’m against Lindsay working at Bloom,” Lester said suddenly.

Lindsay frowned at him. Is he out of his mind? Who was he to object?

Mr. Quigley looked baffled. “Against it? Why? Give me one good reason.”

Lester’s tone was somber. “Bloom’s only a subsidiary, but they still hire experienced professionals. Lindsay’s just a recent graduate. If she joins Bloom, she’ll be taking the spot of someone more qualified.”

He’d just arranged for Naomi to join Bloom the night before, and Lindsay had never liked Naomi. If Lindsay started working there, Naomi would definitely suffer for it.

“Lindsay’s a top university grad—she’s qualified,” Mr. Quigley said firmly, clearly on Lindsay’s side. After all, she was asking for so little.