A Tale Of Redemption And Passion by Isidore Walsh (Chapters 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50

Chapter 41

Chris pulled up to his house and gave the horn a quick honk. Not long after, someone came out to open the gate.

A few minutes later, he walked into the house, hearing the buzz of conversation and knowing Aura had friends over for roulette.

His eyes flickered with annoyance, but as he approached Aura, his handsome face broke into a smile. He bent down to check the numbers she’d bet on and asked, “Mom, how much have you won today?”

“Just enough for an LV bag,” Aura replied, glancing up at Chris. “Why are you back so early? No business dinner tonight?”

“I’ve got a meeting with a client at nine, so I swung by to see you first,” Chris said.

“You’re always full of sweet talk, Aura replied, smiling even though she knew he wasn’t being entirely honest.

“Mom,” Chris called again.

“Hold on, let me finish this round,” Aura responded.

Chris grinned. “Alright, I’ll head upstairs and grab a shower.”

Aura nodded. He straightened up, gave a nod to the other women, and went upstairs. The moment he was out of sight, the gossip started.

One lady jumped in. “Mrs. Cohen, I heard Chris is planning to marry that Ms. Sutton who just got back in town. Is that true?”

“You’ve got it all wrong,” another woman interjected. “It’s Ms. Sutton who’s desperate to marry Chris.”

“Chris is just too nice to hurt her feelings, so he agreed,” another lady chimed in.

Aura waited until they were done before speaking. “Kate’s a good girl. Even though she didn’t grow up with the Suttons, she’s exceptional in every way. If Chris wants to marry her, I’ve got no objections.”

Leland and Celia only had one biological child, Kate. So Aura thought most of the Sutton Group’s assets would eventually be Kate’s.

‘If Chris marries Kate, given how much she cares for him, the Sutton Group would likely end up in Chris’s hands, she thought. That was the main reason she was on board with the marriage.

“Mrs. Cohen, they’re not even married yet, and you’re

already singing her praises,” the lady teased. “I’ve met Kate. She’s very pretty and has a good presence. Based on looks alone, she’s a great match for Chris.”

“Chris has always had good taste,” the ladies agreed, adjusting their opinions to align with Aura’s.

“Absolutely. Chris has always had good taste,” Aura said with a smile. “I spoke with Mrs. Sutton this morning about the marriage, but I haven’t heard back yet. She probably needs to check with Mr. Sutton.”

Just then, Aura’s phone rang. Seeing who it was, she told her friends. “Speak of the devil, it’s Mrs. Sutton.”

One of the ladies said with a smile, “She’s probably calling to nail down the wedding date.”

Aura had the same thought. In high spirits, she answered the call and put it on speaker for everyone to hear.

“Hello, Mrs. Sutton,” Aura said. “Had dinner yet?”

“Yes, we’ve eaten. What about you?” Celia replied politely.

“Same here. Mrs. Sutton, about what we discussed this morning, have you had a chance to think it over? Let me know so I can start planning,” Aura said.

Celia chuckled awkwardly. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Cohen. I’ve been busy today and just remembered to talk to Leland. He feels that Kate just got back, and he doesn’t want her to rush into marriage. So, we’re gonna hold off on the wedding for now.”

Celia had never been fully on board with Kate marrying Chris, and today had only strengthened her resolve. She thought Chris was too deceitful.

“What?” Aura couldn’t believe the Suttons were turning down their proposal? ‘Isn’t Kate supposed to be head over heels for Chris?’ she thought.

“Mrs. Sutton, did you ask Kate? This sounds more like a decision you and Mr. Sutton made. Are you suggesting that our family isn’t good enough compared to yours?” Aura pressed, feeling the sting of embarrassment under her friends’ curious gazes.

She picked up the phone, switched off the speaker, and walked away to continue the conversation in private. “Mrs. Sutton, you know how Kate feels about Chris. I can’t believe this is what she really wants. She loves Chris so much she even went to the Davidsons to refuse their marriage proposal.”

Celia kept her tone light. “Mrs. Cohen, this is exactly what Kate wants. She’s told me multiple times she doesn’t want to marry Chris right now. She’s focused on her career, and I respect her decision. I owe Kate too much not to support her in whatever she chooses. I’m really sorry, Mrs. Cohen.” “Kate wants this?” Aura still couldn’t wrap her head around it.

Celia didn’t push any further. “Mrs. Cohen, I heard you’re playing roulette. I won’t keep you. Let’s grab a meal sometime, my treat.”

“Sure,” Aura said, knowing Celia didn’t want to continue the conversation.

After she hung up, Aura’s face darkened. She thought for a moment and then told her friends. “Let’s call it a day. I’ll invite you over again sometime soon.”

She then called for the butler to see the ladies out. They had all heard Celia’s words and could tell Aura was in a foul mood, so they left without lingering.

“Mrs. Wright, please keep what you just heard to yourself,” Aura suddenly said. “Only the four of you know about this. If it gets out, I’ll know who talked. I don’t want to ruin our friendship.”

The ladies assured her they wouldn’t breathe a word about what had happened.

Aura then hurried upstairs to Chris’s room. She pushed the door open without knocking.

Chris had just stepped out of the bathroom, still shirtless. Startled, he quickly crossed his arms over his chest. “Mom, could you knock?”

“You’re my son. I used to bathe you, remember? No need to be shy. Chris, I’m so mad I could scream,” Aura said, dropping onto the sofa, her face full of fury.

“Mom, what happened? Who the hell pissed you off? Tell me, and I’ll take care of it,” Chris said, quickly pulling on a shirt and walking over with concern.

He then asked, “Did you lose at the casino? If it’s about money, don’t worry. I’ll transfer some to you right now so you can win it back tomorrow.”

Aura snapped, “It’s not about the money. Mrs. Sutton just called. She said Kate doesn’t want to marry you, and they’re rejecting our proposal.

“Kate really thinks she’s something, huh? If she weren’t the Suttons’ biological daughter, set to inherit their fortune, she wouldn’t be worthy to carry my shoes. And she has the nerve to turn you down?”

Chapter 42

“About that…” Chris had already put it all together.

He tried to calm Aura down. “Mom, don’t get worked up. Think about it this way: Kate even turned down the Davidson family’s marriage proposal. How can we compare to them? It’s totally normal to get rejected.”

Aura shot back, “That’s not the same. The Davidsons are the top family in Sherpsel, but Alfred’s a cripple and can’t even get it up. Marrying him would be a one-way ticket to celibacy for Kate. If she didn’t refuse, she’d have to be out of her damn mind.

“But you? You’re good-looking and talented. If you’re willing to marry her, the Suttons should be counting their blessings. And yet, she still turns you down? That ungrateful brat, it pisses me off.”

Chris sat down and put an arm around her shoulders.” Mom, don’t be mad. It’s my fault. After Kate tried to kill herself, I didn’t go see her. She’s still pissed at me, hasn’t called or messaged in ages. When I do see her, she’s cold, distant, like a different person.”

He was too embarrassed to admit she’d even slapped him. Chris went on, “Mom, it’s okay. I’ll cheer her up, and give her some gifts to make her happy. Once she forgives me, we can talk about marriage again. I’m sure I can win her over.”

Aura wasn’t completely convinced but remembered how devoted Kate used to be to Chris.

She softened a bit and said, “Just make sure you find the time to make her happy. Oh, by the way, I have two sets of jewelry I don’t care for. You can give them to Kate. She loves you so much, she’ll be thrilled to get a gift from you and forgive you.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Chris replied…

“What are you thanking me for? I just want the best for you.

If you can secure the Sutton Group, it’ll be like having a tiger in its tank.” Aura smiled.

With Chris’s reassurances, Aura’s anger faded. She went to her room, brought out the two sets of jewelry, and handed them to Chris. “You need to act fast. Take these to Kate now and make her happy.”

Chris took the jewelry and, after checking them out, hesitated. “Mom, these are really expensive. Are you sure I should give both to Kate? Maybe I could give one to Kyla?” Aura frowned slightly. “Chris, focus on winning over Kate first.”

‘As for Kyla, she’s only useful if she can bring in substantial assets from the Sutton Group. Without that, no matter how great she is, she can’t compare to Kate, she thought.

Just as Chris was about to leave with the jewelry, Aura called him back. She whispered, “When you find Kate, take her to the business dinner, get her drunk, and then have sex with her.”

Chris’ mouth twitched. “Mom, do I need to resort to such low tactics?”

Aura rolled her eyes. “It’s the most effective method. Who cares if it’s low? I originally thought proposing would be a surefire way to win over the Suttons, and Kate used to dream about marrying you. But now something’s changed. I don’t buy Mrs. Sutton’s excuses. Something’s off.

“Chris, if you’re determined to marry Kate, follow my plan. If not, just pretend I never said anything.”

Chris fell silent. He didn’t love Kate; in fact, she annoyed the hell out of him. Marrying her was just a strategy to team up with Kyla and get control of the Sutton Group.

But now that Kate’s attitude toward him had changed, he felt a strange sense of loss and couldn’t stand her coldness. After a pause, he said, “Mom, I’ll think about it.”

“Chris, there’s nothing to think about. Act decisively. Do as I said. Go to Kate now and ask her to accompany you to the dinner. She’ll agree for sure,” Aura urged impatiently.

“Alright, Mom, I’ll do as you say.” Chris decided to follow Aura’s advice.

Aura smiled and patted his shoulder. “Go ahead, and stay at a hotel with Kate tonight. Don’t come home. Good luck, Chris.”

With Aura watching, Chris left with the two sets of jewelry. He had arranged a meeting with a client later, so he had some time.

He headed to the Filolia Estate to find Kate and persuade her to join him. On the way, he called Kyla and told her about his plan.

“Chris, what did you say?” Kyla was still working late at the office. Hearing Chris’ plan, she exclaimed, dropping her pen and standing up, her face full of disbelief and anger.

Chris knew this would hurt Kyla, so he tried to soothe her.” Kyla, it’s for our plan. Kate has changed; you know this better than I do. My family wants me to get married as soon as possible, but your mom and Kate rejected the idea. This is the only way to make it happen.”

“Chris, if you have sex with her, I swear I’ll make you pay,” Kyla growled. “You’re mine. You promised never to touch Kate!”

“Kyla, I have no choice. Tell me what else I can do,” Chris said, regretting his honesty with Kyla.

Though Kyla seemed agreeable, she was very domineering and had long considered him hers. There was one child in the Sutton family before Kate returned.

And raised as the cherished daughter of the Sutton family, Kyla had grown up with a strong personality. Before, she had the power to be aggressive. But now, knowing she wasn’t their biological child, she had less leverage.

Kyla suggested, “You take Kate to the event, get her drunk, and then send her to someone else. Once it’s over, then show up. When she wakes up, let her see you come out of the bathroom. As for other things, don’t need you to deceive her, she will think she slept with you naturally. So, what do you think?”

This way, Chris wouldn’t have sex with Kate but could still finish the plan. Chris found the idea brilliant and laughed.” Kyla, you’re so smart. I’ll do it your way. I’ve arranged to meet the client at The Broadmoore, which is perfect for our plan.”

“Don’t you dare flirt with her, or else,” Kyla warned.

“Kyla, don’t worry. I’m yours, always yours.” Chris promised. Wait for my good news.”

“I’ll finish up soon and head to the Broadmoore. I need to watch over you,” Kyla said.

Chris laughed, doting. “Alright, you can keep an eye on me.” Kyla’s possessiveness was something Chris liked. It made him feel loved and boosted his ego. ‘If someone as outstanding as Kyla loved me deeply, surely I could win over Kate. She’s just a country girl, he thought confidently.

Chapter 43

Kate had just finished washing her hair and stepped out of the bathroom when she saw Alfred sitting on her bed. He was holding the photo frame she had placed on the nightstand.

The picture was a family portrait of her adoptive parents. When she left them, her mother didn’t let her take anything except for that photo. She said she would buy Kate new ones when she returned.

“Alfred, not asleep yet?” Kate asked.

Alfred put the frame back in its place and turned to look at her. Noticing her wet hair, he frowned and said, “Couldn’t you at least use a dry towel to dry your hair?”

“It’s fine, I’ll use the hair dryer; it’ll be dry soon enough,” Kate said as she reached for it.

She glanced at Alfred and asked tentatively, “Alfred, how about giving me the pleasure of your company?” She handed him the hair dryer. “Could you help me dry my hair?”

“My legs are paralyzed, and your hands are paralyzed too?” Alfred shot back.

Kate pouted, already knowing she wouldn’t get his help. She withdrew her hand and started drying her hair herself.

Alfred watched her in silence. After a couple of minutes, he moved, wheeling himself over to her and holding out his hand for the hair dryer.

Kate turned it off and said, “Alfred, I’ve almost dried my hair. No need to trouble you again. You should go back to your room and rest.”

“This is my room too,” Alfred said.

Kate laughed. “Yeah, right. You’ll be out of here faster than a rabbit. I don’t understand why you’re so shy. You can’t even get an erection; what are you afraid of, that I’ll flirt with you?”

Alfred glared at her. “Girls should speak more gracefully.” “I didn’t say anything inappropriate,” Kate replied.

Alfred was at a loss for words. She had indeed only mocked him without using any foul language. He snatched the hair dryer from her hand and grabbed a section of her hair.

Kate lowered her head quickly, afraid he might pull it out. Don’t use this as an excuse to get back at me. If you don’t want to help, I won’t push you.”

Before Alfred could respond, Kate’s phone rang. “Loving you is easy cause you’re beautiful…” The new ringtone echoed through the room.

“When did you switch your ringtone?” Alfred asked, recognizing the old tune.

“I just did. I love this song, it’s great, right?” Kate responded.

Alfred said nothing.

Kate saw the caller ID-it was Chris-and she shot Alfred a quick glance. Even as he dried her hair, his keen gaze didn’t miss the name.

He snapped, “You say you’re over him, swear you’d never marry the guy, and yet his number’s still in your phone?” “I’ll block him right after this call,” Kate shot back.

“No need. Blocking him just makes it a pain in the ass to snoop when you gotta,” Alfred said, his voice even.

Kate figured he had a point. ‘I’m never marrying Chris, but I still need to catch him and Kyla plotting behind my back. Can’t do that if we’re not in touch.”‘

Deciding, she picked up the call, already planning to rename Chris’s contact to “Asshole.”

“Kate.” Chris’s voice came through as soon as the call connected.

Alfred turned off the hair dryer, straining to hear the conversation.

“Why’d it take you so long to pick up? You sleeping?” Chris grumbled, annoyed she hadn’t answered immediately like before.

“Just cut to the chase,” Kate said icily.

Chris didn’t appreciate her tone but kept his smooth. “Kate, you still at Filolia Estate? Join me for a business dinner tonight? I’ve got a client meeting at nine. There’s still time for me to swing by.”

Kate immediately thought of a similar dinner from her past life. The only one she attended was with Chris. She had gotten drunk, and when she woke up, saw Chris emerging from the bathroom, thinking they had slept together.

Back then, she was thrilled, thinking Chris would be forced to marry her. Little did she know, she was reliving some moments in this life.

Before Kate could answer, Alfred turned the hair dryer back on and yanked her hair, causing her to yelp.

“Kate, what’s going on? Where are you? Why’s it so noisy all of a sudden?” Chris’s voice was filled with curiosity.

“I’m not going, and I won’t go,” Kate snapped.

She knew tonight was a set-up, and she wasn’t falling for it again. Though she might never find out who stole her innocence in her past life, it no longer mattered. She was on a new path now.

“Kate, come on. I’ve brought you a gift. You’re still at Filolia, right? I’ll come pick you up,” Chris tried to coax her, his voice soft.

“Chris, aren’t you tired of this act? Scared Kyla will get jealous? You think I’m that gullible?” Kate’s voice was thick with scorn. “Don’t bother coming here, or you’ll regret it.”

“Kate, don’t misunderstand. The one I love is you, really you. Kyla and I are just friends,” Chris replied softly.

Then Kate hung up. And Alfred turned off the hair dryer again. “Chris wants you to accompany him?”

“I refused,” Kate said quickly. “Alfred, I know my place. Don’t worry, I’d rather live as a widow forever than cheat on you.”

Alfred stared at her intently.

“Alfred, I know you have some fierce dogs. Can I borrow a few?” Kate asked.

“For what?” Alfred looked puzzled.

Kate’s eyes glinted with hatred. “Even though I refused Chris, he’s always so self-centered. He’ll probably still come to pick me up. I want to set the dogs on him.”

At Davidson’s place, Chris wouldn’t dare hit up Alfred for compensation if the dogs bit him, not with his ass-kissing habit. He’d just chalk it up to shit luck.

“My dogs are vicious as hell. You really wanna sic ’em on Chris? Just don’t come crying to me later, or worse, off my dogs behind my back,” Alfred said, eyeing her skeptically.

“Alfred, you think I’m that low?” Kate’s voice held a teasing lilt.

Alfred snorted. “What kind of person are you, anyway?”

Kate pouted. “Haven’t you dug up everything about me already? What, need more dirt? Or just wanna get closer?”

She edged nearer, her freshly washed hair cascading before Alfred. He inhaled the clean scent, his gaze darkening.

“Alfred, how deep you wanna go?” Kate murmured, her tone playful.

Chapter 44

Kate’s delicate fingers brushed Alfred’s neck, then settled on his collar.

Out of nowhere, Alfred shoved her to the floor, making her yelp. He almost reached out to help her up but held back, glaring at her from his wheelchair.

‘She’s a total vixen,’ he thought.

Kate rubbed her sore hip as she stood, shooting him a fiery glare. They locked eyes, each challenging the other. Suddenly, Kate lunged, throwing herself into his lap, grabbing his face, and biting his lip hard.

The pain shocked Alfred. ‘She bites me. Always biting, like a damn puppy,’ he thought.

Yet, he didn’t push her away immediately, letting her get bolder. As her hands wandered over his chest, he felt a twisted mix of shame, anger, and an odd thrill. ‘What the fuck? Why am I into this?’ he wondered.

“Kate!” he growled, pushing her away again, this time with more force.

Kate, ready for his reaction, managed to keep her balance and didn’t fall. She noticed the redness spreading across his face and ears, and couldn’t help but laugh.

She thought, ‘He’s such a boy scout. The dude’s in his thirties, for fuck’s sake.’

Seeing her amused expression, Alfred was torn between pulling her back to lecture her or just going along with her game. ‘Vixen. She’s a goddamn tempting vixen, he muttered to himself.

“Don’t laugh. If you laugh, I’ll tape your mouth shut.” Alfred warned.

Kate dismissed his threat, laughing. “Alfred, you’re the most innocent man I’ve ever met. Tape? I thought you’d use your lips to silence me.”

“Kate!” Alfred’s face turned from red to black in a flash, like a color palette.

 “Fine, I’ll zip it. Don’t get so worked up; you’re scary when you’re mad,” Kate said, her voice sugary sweet, her demeanor suddenly meek, which both annoyed and captivated Alfred.

In his eyes, Kate looked timid but acted so bold, getting braver by the minute. ‘But isn’t this because of my own soft spot for her?’ Alfred frowned, surprised at his own thoughts. Just then, Kate’s phone rang, slicing through the tension. “Alfred, could you ask James to bring around those fierce dogs? Chris is here,” she said, eyeing the caller ID but not picking up. She knew Chris was close by.

Alfred wheeled out of the room silently and instructed James in a low voice. “Bring out some dogs and follow Mrs. Davidson outside.”

Ten minutes later, Chris spotted Kate standing at the gate of Filolia Estate. A smug smile spread across his face. He was sure that persistence would win her over eventually. ‘There she is, waiting for me despite her earlier refusals, he thought.

Then Chris quickly dialed Kyla. “Everything’s on track. Kate’s waiting for me. We’ll be at the Broadmoore soon.”

“That’s good,” Kyla replied, feeling pleased.

Lately, because of Kate, everything had been going wrong for Kyla. Her foster parents’ suspicious looks were hard to ignore. They seemed to believe Kate’s claims and doubted Chris loved her not Kate.

Hanging up, Chris glanced at the flowers and the jewelry on the passenger seat, his smile widening.

Instead of driving up to Kate, Chris parked about a hundred meters away from the gate. He wanted to walk up to her with the flowers, under the moonlight, like a romantic hero. After parking, he got off first. And he grabbed the bouquet from the passenger seat, still roses with baby’s breath, even though he knew Kate didn’t care for roses. He still thought he should send Kate with roses.

Turning around, Chris held the flowers and smiled as he walked towards Kate. And for the jewelry, he chose to wait until Kate got in the car. He wanted to give her a surprise.

Chris called out with a smile first, “Kate.”

Kate smiled back. Her attitude towards him had been cold recently, so seeing her smile made Chris feel almost victorious. Then he jogged up to her.

As he approached, several large dogs charged out from the estate suddenly. Chris stopped dead in his tracks, his face paling.

And then the dogs rushed him while barking ferociously. Dropping the bouquet, he turned and ran for his car.

He didn’t get far before tripping and falling. The dogs were on him in seconds, tearing at his clothes. That fierce looks, like Chris would be cut up and eaten. Terrified, Chris screamed for help.

“Kate, help! Help!” he shouted, struggling with the dogs.

Kate watched the scene, but her mind was taken back to her last life. The moment she saw Chris and Kyla drop her daughter. She had gone mad, grabbing Rowena and crying out for her. But Rowena didn’t even cry. How terrified she had been.

She had even knelt, begging them to take the baby to the hospital, but they just stood there, indifferent. Her baby was only seven months old.

After being dropped a few times like that, even though Kate had rushed her to the hospital, the doctors had been powerless.

Though now, in this life, none of those tragedies had happened yet, Kate still hated them. She hated Chris and Kyla with all her heart.

Watching Chris being torn at by the dogs now, she felt the same cold detachment he had shown in her last life. She watched him cry for help, watched his helpless struggle.

The dogs, though fierce, were well-trained. James had instructed them to tear at Chris’ clothes but not to cause serious harm or even kill him. So he would be fine, just scared out of his wits.

Alfred, having observed Kate’s reaction silently, frowned.’ What did Chris do to make her hate him so much?’ he wondered.

“James, call the dogs back,” Alfred ordered. Any more of this, and Chris might die of fright.

Hearing this, Kate looked back. “Alfred?” she called.

Alfred stared at her for a moment, then let his guards push

him away without responding. Kate followed quickly, pushing his wheelchair.

As they walked, Alfred asked to stop suddenly.

“What’s wrong?” Kate was confused.

“Is this path to our place?” Alfred asked, looking up at her.

‘Do I take the wrong path again?’ Kate thought. She laughed nervously. “Alfred, it’s dark, and my vision isn’t great. Now you lead the way, please. You’re the boss here, everything revolves around you.”

Chapter 45

Alfred looked at Kate in silence. Finally, he flicked her forehead twice more, making Kate wince and pout. His heart softened after that.

Under Alfred’s guidance, Kate managed to push her husband in the right direction towards home.

“I’ll give you a week to get familiar with the route. If you still can’t remember, you will be punished.” Alfred trailed off, leaving the threat unspoken.

“Okay, I’ll try my best to remember our way home,” Kate replied.

Alfred didn’t say anything more, and Kate wasn’t sure what to talk about either.

She wondered what he thought when he saw her

indifference and even satisfaction as the dogs attacked Chris. ‘Will he think I’m cold and heartless, especially since I used to like Chris so much?’ she thought.

“Alfred,” she called. He didn’t ask, but she wanted to tell him. She didn’t want him to misunderstand her as a ruthless person. “Do you think I’m being too harsh on Chris?”

“Not harsh enough,” Alfred responded.

Kate was surprised to hear Alfred say she wasn’t harsh enough.

“If you really want to take revenge, you’ll make him lose everything. You destroy his family, make him wander the streets, and get bullied and humiliated, so he’d wish he were dead,” Alfred continued.

Kate said, “Well, I guess I’m still quite kind.” She couldn’t match his level of harshness.

“Kate, I want to know, why do you hate Chris so much? Your hatred for him seemed to start around the time you slit your wrists to reject our marriage,” Alfred said, genuinely curious.

Recalling her reaction after waking up from her suicide attempt, Alfred felt that she was full of secrets. Even though he had investigated her past thoroughly, she still baffled him.

As someone who used to be in control, Alfred didn’t like this at all. He wanted her to be an open book, with no secrets, so he could fill in the pages himself.

“Alfred, I’m sorry, and I can’t tell you now. When the time is right, I will tell you everything,” Kate answered calmly.

Right now, they were still adjusting to each other as a couple. Without a deep emotional foundation, Kate didn’t dare to reveal everything to him. The concept of reincarnation was too bizarre.

She couldn’t just outright tell him she was reborn. She needed to figure out a way to explain it convincingly enough for this sharp man to believe her.

Since Kate didn’t want to talk, Alfred didn’t press further. Everyone had secrets, and he respected hers.

They hadn’t even reached their residence when they saw Harper standing at the door. She was pacing back and forth, looking anxious.

When she saw them, she seemed relieved and eager to approach but stopped after a few steps, waiting for them to come closer obediently.

“Mr. Davidson.” Harper greeted Alfred respectfully, then turned to Kate with a hint of reproach in her eyes.

Alfred asked coldly, “What message did Grandma send you this time?”

“Mr. Davidson, Mrs. Olivia asked me to invite Ms. Sutton over,” Harper replied.

Kate pointed to herself, confused. ‘Mrs. Olivia is looking for me again? At this late hour?’

But she realized the reason. The incident where she had James release the dogs on Chris must have reached Olivia’s ears.

In the Davidson family, except for Alfred, Olivia probably saw everything everyone did. It was just a matter of whether she chose to intervene.

“Harper, I’ll go see Mrs. Olivia after I take Alfred back,” Kate said, not daring to refuse Olivia’s summons.

But Alfred declined on her behalf. “Tell Grandma I gave permission. Kate, let’s go.”

Kate didn’t expect him to refuse Olivia’s summons for her. Stunned for a moment, she pushed him inside quickly, glancing back at Harper as they went.

Harper didn’t dare force her to go but watched Alfred’s retreating figure respectfully.

A few minutes later.

“So, Alfred gave it the green light,” Olivia drawled.

Lena stared at her mother and said, “Mom, you can’t be okay with this. Kate sweet-talked Alfred into siccing the dogs on some poor bastard. Even though the Davidsons fear no one, we can’t just run around terrorizing people like that.”

Olivia didn’t even glance at Lena as she replied, “If Alfred approved it, he can deal with the fallout. It’s late, go back to your room and rest. I’m too old for these late nights.”

With that, Olivia got up. Lena quickly stood too and moved to support her.

Olivia didn’t turn down the help. Her decision not to intervene left Lena seething. She was pissed at Kate for manipulating her son but held her tongue in front of Olivia.

After seeing Olivia return to her room, Lena returned to her own room. She found her husband, Austin, still reading a magazine. She snatched the magazine from his hands and threw it back at him.

“What’s got your panties in a twist now?” Austin asked, propping himself up and setting the magazine on the nightstand. “Who ticked you off this late? Spill the beans, and I’ll sort it out.”

“Get over to Alfred’s place right now and kick Kate out of Filolia Estate. She got our son to unleash the dogs on someone. Alfred’s reputation is shitty enough without her dragging it through the mud,” Lena yelled.

Indeed, Alfred’s reputation was not good.

“Oh, that mess? If Alfred said he’s okay with it, why the hell are you meddling? Since when did we start poking our noses into his business? He’s been groomed by our folks since he was a kid. He respects us, sure, but we don’t get a say in his business,” Austin said calmly.

“Lena, I get you’re concerned, but you’re just making yourself miserable with all this worrying,” he continued.

Then he pulled her to sit and whispered, “Trust Alfred. He’s the head of this family and wouldn’t do anything to fuck it up. Whatever’s going on between him and Kate is their circus. We should just sit back and watch.”

“You think he wouldn’t do anything to harm the family? Kate got him to set the dogs on Mr. Cohen. That’s just asking for trouble. We’re not chummy with the Cohens, but we’re not their enemies either. Now, thanks to those two, we might be,” Lena griped.

She also vented about Kate. “Who the hell knows if that country girl is out of her mind? She was so head-over-heels for Chris that she almost offed herself to dodge marrying Alfred. And now, she’s weaponizing dogs against him. I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t seen the damn footage myself.”

“Alright, don’t be mad. Let’s sleep. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to our island for a few days. We’ll surf, fish, sail, -whatever you want, I’ll be with you,” he soothed.

Lena glared at him. “You make it sound like I’m being unreasonable. I’m just worried about our son.”

“I know, you would never be unreasonable. But our sons are all outstanding. We don’t need to worry about them,” he replied.

Thinking of her three excellent sons and beloved daughter, Lena felt a surge of pride.

♡

Chapter 46

Chris bolted from the estate like a bat out of hell. He drove so recklessly that he nearly clipped several streetlights. Only when he considered himself safe did he pull over and slump back in his seat, shaking.

His clothes were ripped to shreds by the pack of dogs, leaving him practically naked. Beneath, his skin was scored with claw marks.

After a moment, he shakily pulled out his phone and called Kyla.

“Hey, Chris, how’s it hanging? Where are you?” Kyla asked brightly, clearly amped up. She was on a high from scheming against Kate.

“Kyla, I need you to buy me a new set of clothes and meet me at the hospital,” Chris said quickly.

The dogs hadn’t bitten him, but their claws had left him marked all over. He needed to get his wounds cleaned and a rabies shot. Luckily, he had shielded his face from those dogs, or he could have been disfigured.

Kyla’s smile disappeared. “What happened? Why do you need to go to the hospital?” she asked with concern.

“I’ll explain when I see you. Just hurry. I’m heading to the hospital now. And cancel tonight’s plans. I’ll tell my secretary to reschedule,” Chris replied anxiously.

Kyla grew more worried. “Chris, what’s going on? Tell me now, or I’ll be worried sick.”

After a few deep breaths, Chris explained, “Nothing major. I didn’t catch Kate, and the Davidsons’ dogs chased me down. I’m all scratched up, and my clothes are in tatters. I need to hit the hospital to sort out my wounds and get a shot.”

“What the fuck!” Kyla exclaimed, stunned by the escalation.” Okay, I’ll grab some clothes and meet you at the hospital soon.”

“Alright.” Chris hung up and sat silently for a couple more minutes before starting the engine again.

*****

Kyla had just bought new clothes for Chris and was stepping out of the store when her phone rang. It was Celia. “Mom,” Kyla answered as she walked to her car.

“Kyla, come home,” Celia ordered over the phone, her tone brooking no argument. “Come back right now.”

“Mom, what’s going on? I’m busy right now. I’ll come back once I’m done.” Kyla lied, wanting Celia to believe she was still working late at the office.

“I said come home now. Don’t you hear me?” Celia snapped, hanging up.

“Mom!” Kyla called out, but Celia had already ended the call. Celia’s urgent tone left Kyla anxious. ‘Should I go home or head to the hospital?’ she hesitated.

In the end, she called Leland. “Dad, are you home? Mom just called and told me to come back immediately. What’s happening?”

“I’m still out on business. If your mom says it’s urgent, you should go home right away,” Leland replied.

Kyla hesitated for a moment. “Alright, I’ll head home now.”

Kyla couldn’t afford to alienate her adoptive parents. She couldn’t disappoint them. So, she decided to have Vita meet Chris instead.

Before heading home, she called Vita and arranged for her to rush to the shopping district to deliver the clothes to Chris.

*****

“Kate, I did as you asked,” Celia said, sitting on the sofa and talking to Kate on the phone.

“Thanks, Mom,” Kate replied with a smile.

“There’s no need to thank me. You’re my cherished daughter. For the past twenty-five years, I haven’t fulfilled my duties as a mother to you. I raised someone else’s daughter and helped her succeed. If you and Kyla don’t get along, I’m on your side,” Celia said lovingly.

Celia had raised Kyla for twenty-five years, so it’s inevitable to feel some attachment. That’s why when Celia discovers the truth about the switch, she still doesn’t want to let Kyla return to her biological family.

To Celia, both girls were her daughters, but there was a difference in how she felt about them.

Kate really valued Celia’s unwavering support. Knowing Chris was bound for the hospital and would call Kyla straight away, Kate had cleverly had her mom ask Kyla over, making sure she wouldn’t be there to comfort Chris.

She wanted Chris to be pissed off at Kyla-and Celia didn’t even ask why before jumping on board.

“Kate, did you talk to Alfred about joining the Sutton Group? I just don’t get why Leland’s hell-bent on Alfred’s nod. Is he running our show now?” Celia grumbled, still puzzled by Leland’s and Kate’s compliance.

“And when does Alfred say you can come back? You’re my girl, yet he treats you like some kind of underling. It’s killing me-I want you back home now,” she added.

“Mom, Alfred doesn’t treat me like-” Her words were cut short when a large hand snatched the phone away.

Alfred’s tone was icy. “Kate is my wife, not my servant.” The shock made Celia drop the phone.

“What the hell are you doing, Alfred?” Kate protested, scrambling to retrieve her phone, having forgotten he was still in her room. He’d been so silent, that she assumed he’d left.

He handed back the phone, his look frosty. “Are you embarrassed by me, or do you think I’m some dirty secret? You haven’t even told your mom we’re married.”

Kate replied, “Aren’t we hidden marriage clans?”

‘He doesn’t even let her call him husband, she thought. Alfred’s lips tightened, but his gaze remained icy.

“Kate, Kate,” Celia called out as she picked up the phone, her voice shaking. “Does Alfred mean what he just said? Is it true? Does your father know about this? How can you two keep this from me?”

Celia was both shocked and angry. No wonder Leland insisted on Alfred’s approval. No wonder Kate rushed back to the Davidson family immediately after Alfred’s call.

“Mom, I’ll explain everything when I come home tomorrow,” Kate replied.

Chapter 47

Kate noticed Alfred’s grim expression as he wheeled himself to the bed.

It was obvious he planned to stay in her room. Quickly, she cut off her conversation with Celia and hung up the phone. There were things between them that needed addressing.

“Alfred, let me help you,” Kate said, pocketing her phone and stepping forward, but Alfred brushed her off, his face tight with effort as he perched on the edge of the bed. Without sparing her a glance, he lay down, turning his back to her. “Are you mad again?” Kate sat on the edge of the bed, pushing him lightly. “Can you tell me why you’re mad?”

‘He always looks so gloomy. Honestly, if he went out like this, he’d scare even ghosts away, she thought.

“Don’t touch me,” Alfred said coldly.

Kate pursed her lips, pulling back her hand. She stared at his back for a moment before getting up and heading to the bathroom. She still hadn’t showered.

The sound of water running soon filled the room. Alfred, lying there with his eyes closed, tried to fall asleep, but the noise kept him awake.

He was furious with himself. Marrying her hadn’t been his decision; it was more like a move to control her. They had agreed to keep their marriage a secret, yet hearing Celia’s whining over the phone had set him off, and in his anger, he had blurted it out.

Turning over, Alfred glared at the pillow beside him. He recalled that James had suggested that Kate’s presence might be behind those damn dreams.

‘Fine, tonight I’ll stay here, or rather, this is my room, I’ll sleep wherever the hell I want, he thought. Feeling justified, Alfred sprawled across the bed.

When Kate came out of the bathroom, she saw him sprawled across the middle of the bed again. She approached and nudged him. ” Alfred, are you sleeping inside or outside? Move over and give me some space.” “How wide are you?” Alfred asked.

Kate looked down at her frame. “Maybe about twenty inches.”

“I’ve left you twenty inches. Isn’t that enough?” Alfred said.

Kate was speechless. She put her hands on her hips, glaring down at him.

He narrowed his eyes, wondering, ‘Is she about to argue with me?’

“Alfred,” Kate smiled sweetly, dropping her hands. “I have terrible sleeping habits, you know. I grind my teeth, talk in my sleep, snore… oh, and sometimes when I dream about a hot guy, I’ll jump on him and rip off all his clothes.”

Now it was Alfred’s turn to be speechless.

She added, “Alfred, you’re just so damn good-looking. Seeing you makes me drool. Tonight, I’ll definitely dream about you. So, if by morning you’re naked, don’t blame me. I tend to go wild with handsome guys in my dreams. But

don’t worry, I’ll take responsibility.”

“You have already taken responsibility.” Alfred reminded her.

Kate chuckled. “Oh, right. I have.”

“Let’s just sleep,” Alfred muttered, shifting over to give her more room.

“Are you really gonna sleep here with me?” Kate asked, teasing.

“What? Scared?” Alfred shot back.

Kate laughed. “Why would I be scared? I’m just worried that you’ll run off again. That’d hurt my pride, you know. I’m a beautiful woman, and you treat me like I’m some kind of monster. Doesn’t that mess with my self-esteem?”

She lay down beside him, adjusting the lamp to its lowest setting. Yawning, she felt content. “I bet I’ll have a nice dream tonight.”

She turned on her side, one hand resting on Alfred’s waist.

She even pinched him a couple of times, feeling satisfied.” Alfred, even though you’re unpredictable, have a terrible temper, and are so proud, I still like you a lot. Hugging you to sleep makes me very happy.”

Alfred didn’t say a word. When her hand touched his waist, his whole body tensed. He had no idea if she was used to sleeping beside a man, but he sure wasn’t.

Her bath soap scent was intoxicating, and every now and then, her long hair would brush the back of his neck.

“Kate,” Alfred said after a long silence, calling out to the woman beside him. She didn’t respond.

“Kate,” he called again, louder this time.

Still nothing. He gently moved her hand off his waist and turned over, realizing she’d already fallen asleep.

‘She adapts faster than me,’ he thought bitterly. ‘I’m not used to sharing my bed with a woman, but here she is, passed out, clutching my waist like it’s nothing.’

Feeling a bit annoyed, Alfred thought the situation was unfair. He pinched her cheek, but she swatted his hand away, treating him like a pesky fly.

Then he pinched her nose, and she mumbled something before snuggling closer to his chest, making it impossible for him to continue pinching her.

‘What the hell… She’s even throwing herself at me now!’ Alfred wanted to push her away. But with her soft body pressed up against him, he couldn’t seem to summon the strength to do it.

After a long moment of stiffness, Alfred relaxed, holding her soft body gently. He muttered, “You’ll have to face the consequences tomorrow.”

*****

At the Center Hospital, Chris’ car was parked in the lot. Because his clothes were torn, he didn’t dare to go in and waited for Kyla to bring him new ones.

‘Why isn’t she here yet?’ he wondered. As he was about to call Kyla, his phone rang. It was a somewhat familiar number.

He answered, “Who is this?”

“Mr. Cohen, it’s me, Vita.” the voice on the other end said. Chris paused for a moment. “Vita? What’s going on?”

“Mr. Cohen, I’m at the hospital. Where are you? Ms. Sutton has an urgent matter and can’t bring you the clothes herself, so she asks me to bring them,” Vita replied.

“Kyla has an urgent matter? What is it?” Chris was unhappy. ‘Something more important than me?’ He needed her comfort after his ordeal, and she wasn’t there.

“I don’t know. Ms. Sutton doesn’t say. All I know is that Mrs. Sutton tells her to go home immediately,” Vita explained.

“Alright, I got it. I’m still in the car. Stand at the hospital entrance, and I’ll call you when I see you,” Chris said.

Vita nodded. After hanging up, Chris called Kyla. “What’s going on? Why does Mrs. Sutton call you back?”

“I don’t know. I just got home. Chris, how are you doing? I sent Vita to bring you the clothes. Chris, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there when you needed me,” Kyla replied quickly.

Knowing that Kyla still couldn’t defy her adoptive parents, Chris suppressed his irritation and replied considerately, “It’s okay. Mrs. Sutton must have called you for something important, and I don’t blame you for going home.” “Chris, if there’s nothing major, I’ll come over after I’m done here. Be careful when changing clothes around Vita,” Kyla reminded.

Chapter 48

Kate’s firm words seemed to lift Chris’s spirits, even if just a little.

He gave a slight nod and said, “Don’t worry. Besides you, I won’t let anyone else see me like this.”

“Chris, I’ve gotta go inside now. I’ll call you later.” Without waiting for his response, Kate quickly ended the call, worried that Celia might overhear. She hurried inside, clutching her car keys…

“Ms. Sutton, you’re back,” a servant said as she descended the stairs, holding a glass of milk.

“Is Mrs. Sutton upstairs? Hasn’t she had her milk yet?” Kate inquired.

The servant replied respectfully, “Mrs. Sutton is in a bad mood. She hasn’t touched her milk.”

“Do you know why she’s upset? Is it about Kate?” Kyla wanted to understand why Celia had called her home so urgently.

The servant shook her head, indicating she didn’t know. Seeing no answers forthcoming, Kate said gently, “You can go rest now. I’ll take the milk to her.”

The servant handed the milk to Kate quickly. Celia had trouble sleeping and drank a glass of milk every night to help.

Holding the glass of milk, Kate approached Celia’s room and knocked on the door. “Mom, it’s me, Kyla.”

“What’s wrong?” came the voice from inside.

“Mom, didn’t you call me home?” Kyla asked, a bit confused.

After a moment’s silence, Celia replied, “There’s nothing now.”

Kyla’s grip on the glass tightened in frustration. ‘She has summoned me urgently, and now I am brushed off like this?’

“Mom, you haven’t had your milk yet. Drink it before bed. You know you sleep better with it,” Kyla said, keeping her patience in check.

“I don’t want it. Kyla, I’m in a shitty mood right now. Just leave me alone and go do your thing,” Celia snapped.

“Mom, if something’s bothering you, you can tell me,” Kyla gently insisted.

Celia didn’t respond. After a few minutes of silence, Kyla called out to her again but got no answer.

Left with no choice, she turned and headed downstairs. Just as she reached the bottom, Leland came rushing home.

“Dad,” Kyla greeted him, standing up from the couch where she’d been messaging Chris. She felt slightly more at ease knowing he had changed his clothes, gone to the hospital, and gotten treatment.

“Kyla, where’s your mother?” Leland asked.

“She’s in her room. I knocked, but she won’t come out, and she hasn’t touched her milk. Dad, did you piss her off?” Kyla asked, raising an eyebrow.

Leland looked a bit sheepish. “No, nothing like that. I’ll go check on her.”

He hurried upstairs, leaving Kyla with her suspicions. ‘Dad must’ve done something. Maybe he has a mistress? An illegitimate child?’

Kyla was curious but pretty worried that if there was another illegitimate child, she might get nothing as Suttons’ adopted daughter.

Out of curiosity, Kyla followed Leland upstairs quietly, stopping outside her parents’ room to eavesdrop.

She heard what sounded like an argument, with her mother crying, but couldn’t make out the words. After a while, realizing she couldn’t hear clearly, she returned to her room.

Inside the room, Leland sat beside Celia, offering tissues as she cried. “Honey, I didn’t mean to hide it from you. Alfred was adamant we couldn’t tell you.”

“How could both of you hide something this huge from me? Kate’s stuck in this mess. She’s practically doomed to live like a Widow,” Celia sobbed, her voice shaking. Thinking of her only daughter married to Alfred, a disabled, impotent man, made her heartbreak.

Celia continued, her voice rising in anger. “She’s only been back with us for a year, and we haven’t even made it up to her. And now she’s stuck in this mess. Leland, this is all your fault! If you’d just rejected the Davidson proposal, she wouldn’t have ended up with Alfred.”

Leland wrapped an arm around her, trying to soothe her. “I know. It’s my fault. But Kate’s not a pushover. If she married Alfred, she must’ve agreed to it.”

He paused for a second and added, “Haven’t you noticed she’s different since then?”

Celia stopped crying for a moment. “What do you mean? She’s our daughter, our real, biological daughter.”

“I’m not saying she’s not. I’m just saying she’s a lot more determined than we thought. She wouldn’t have made this decision lightly.”

“Honey, don’t worry. As long as Kate’s okay with it, let’s support her. And hey, Alfred’s condition might improve. If it does, maybe everything will work out,” Leland said softly.

Celia pushed him away. “You’re just thrilled to have an alliance with the Davidsons. You don’t care how Kate survives in that family. She grew up in the countryside; she’s not crafty enough to deal with them.”

“Alfred will protect her. No one’s going to mess with her,” Leland replied.

Celia glared at him, thinking, ‘If only Alfred weren’t disabled and impotent…’

“Fine, whatever. Let’s just ask Kate when she gets back. If Alfred forced her into this, we’ll bring her back, no questions asked. And don’t tell Kyla about any of this, okay? Alfred doesn’t want it public, so we can’t spill the beans,” Leland warned.

Hearing this, Celia’s heart broke even more. ‘So pitiful. I could accept her marrying a heartless man, but this secret marriage? No,’ she thought.

She decided to ask Kate when she came back. If Alfred forced her into this, Celia vowed to do everything to get Kate out of it.

*****

At three in the morning, Alfred woke up in a cold sweat from the same dream, drenched.

It was always the same, he’d be having sex with some woman, but he could never see her face. It was driving him insane.

After a while, he tried to sit up, but he felt a hand resting on his waist. It was Kate’s. ‘Looks like she doesn’t even let go in her sleep,’ he thought with annoyance.

Irritated, he pushed her hand away, half tempted to shove her off the bed, but his legs were too weak. Instead, he just sat up, glaring at her, seething.

“Alfred…” she murmured softly just as he was about to stand up.

Chapter 48

Alfred looked back at Kate, thinking she must be dreaming, as she, still with her eyes closed, whispered his name.

But then her expression twisted in sorrow, and she began to wave her hands frantically, screaming in agony, “Rowena, my dear!”

Alfred frowned, trying to figure out who Rowena was.

Seeing tears slip from the corners of Kate’s eyes, he couldn’t help but give her a gentle nudge. “Kate, wake up.”

Kate jolted awake, her eyes locking onto Alfred’s. She froze for a moment, still shaken from her dream. It had felt so real Rowena’s death, the helplessness, and the grief.

“Nightmare?” Alfred asked.

Kate sat up, wiping her tears. “Yeah,” she admitted, then quickly added with a hint of defiance, “What? I’m not allowed to have nightmares or something?”

Alfred just looked at her quietly. Kate, feeling awkward under his gaze, was about to crack a joke to break the tension when Alfred suddenly knocked her on the head twice. “Alfred! You hit me again!” Kate protested.

Kate, furious, impulsively pounced on him. Alfred, caught off guard, was instantly pinned down onto the bed by Kate. She climbed on top of him, and they nearly rolled off the bed, but she managed to give him a few knocks on the head.

“I used to be pretty smart, but I swear I’m getting dumber because of you always knocking on my head,” Kate complained.

Satisfied with getting even, she got up. But when she saw Alfred lying there, she felt guilty and quickly helped him sit up, mumbling, “You started it. Just say what you mean-no need for all this playful stuff. And keep it simple, okay? I’m not exactly a genius.”

“Who’s Rowena?” Alfred asked.

“My daughter,” answered Kate.

Alfred was stunned. “You have a daughter?” That was something his people didn’t find out about.

“In my dream, yeah. They took her from me right after I gave birth, and I was crying and screaming to get her back. But you woke me up before I could,” Kate said, not worrying about stretching the truth.

Alfred let out a sigh of relief. For a moment, he thought he was going to have to raise someone else’s child.

“Go back to sleep. I’m heading to the study,” Alfred said and left the room.

Kate had considered offering to wheel him out, but when she heard he was heading to his study, she decided against it. James had mentioned that Alfred’s study was a highly restricted area.

Alfred rolled himself into the elevator and made his way up to the study on the second floor on his own. Once inside, he settled at his desk, pulled out a faceless portrait, and stared at it for a long time before setting it aside. After a moment of contemplation, he booted up his computer and began drafting a life plan for Kate.

Kate wanted to become a successful businesswoman and take over the Sutton Group, but she didn’t have a solid plan. Alfred couldn’t bear it.

As the sky began to lighten around five in the morning, Alfred finished drafting the plan and glanced at the time. He picked up the phone and dialed Oswald.

“Mr. Davidson?” Oswald answered groggily, having been jolted awake by the early call. “What’s the emergency?” “Oswald, dig into Kate and Chris’s past,” Alfred instructed. Oswald was puzzled. “Alright. Is there anything else, Mr. Davidson?”

“That’s all for now. Go back to sleep,” Alfred said and hung up.

Oswald, wide awake, couldn’t shake his curiosity but knew better than to pry. Alfred was notoriously tight-lipped, and getting anything out of him was a long shot unless he chose to share.

Kate found herself unable to go back to sleep after being awakened. She ended up spending time reading through a story on her phone until she finally dozed off. The next thing she knew, James was knocking on her door with the sun high up in the sky.

“Mrs. Davidson,” James called out respectfully outside the door. “Are you up?”

“Yes, James. I’ll be out in a minute. What’s going on?” Kate asked as she sat up, grabbing her phone to check the time. It was already past nine.

“Ms. Weaver is here. She wants to see you,” answered James.

Kate, quickly throwing on her clothes, responded, “Ms. Weaver?”

James paused for a moment before answering, “Ms. Grace Weaver.”

Kate’s memory jolted. ‘How could I forget her? Kyla’s best friend, the one who embarrassed me at her birthday party. Kyla probably let her know I’m here. But why would she want to see me? Is she one of Alfred’s admirers?’ Kate pondered.

“James, tell Ms. Weaver I’ll be out in about ten minutes,” Kate called out.

“Got it,” James replied and then went to relay the message. Ten minutes later, Kate walked out of her room. With her mother not around to fuss over her, she dressed casually- like she used to at her adoptive parents’ place. She wore a black and white striped T-shirt with black leggings. It was simple but looked great on her.

As she stepped out, James was already at the door with the others.

“Good morning, Mrs. Davidson,” a dozen voices chimed in unison, catching Kate off guard.

“Good morning.” Kate greeted back with a smile, thinking to herself, ‘Isn’t this a bit much?’

“Go ahead and have breakfast, Mrs. Davidson, James said, gesturing towards the dining room.

“Didn’t you say Ms. Weaver wanted to see me?” Kate asked, a hint of confusion in her voice.

“Mr. Davidson said you should have breakfast first. You can see her afterward if you’re up for it. No need to push yourself,” James explained.

Grace showed up with some bad intentions. With Alfred out of the house, and no one else around to back Kate up, James had decided to get a firm directive from Alfred. That way, he could properly advocate for Kate if needed.

Kate weighed her options should she have breakfast first or deal with the woman who had made her life difficult in the past? She chose breakfast. ‘Grace can wait anyway! she thought.

Outside, Grace was growing impatient. She turned to the two bodyguards in black who were blocking her way. “What’s taking James so long? I just asked him to get Kate out. Where are they?” she asked.

If this weren’t Alfred’s place, Grace would have barged in without a second thought.

In Sherpsel, the Weaver family was right up there with the Cole family, both trailing just behind the Davidsons. Grace was as spoiled and pampered in the Weaver family as Cynthia was in the Davidson family.

Used to getting her way and being showered with flattery, Grace found James’s delay infuriating. All she wanted was to see Kate, yet she was being kept waiting.

Chapter 50

The two men in black did not respond to Grace’s question. Grace felt that she was being ignored, and her face dropped even more.

She got really impatient, so she called Alfred. The call went through, but Alfred didn’t pick up, so she tried calling him several times in a row. No luck. Grace was furious.

Kate could imagine how mad Grace would be after being kept waiting for so long, but Kate just couldn’t care less.

In her last life, she hated Grace for making a fool of her at the banquet, but she never dared to confront Grace. Grace had been spoiled by her many brothers. She would end up miserable if she dared to bluff with Grace.

But Kate was different. She had a new life. Grace was nothing but a spoiled girl to her now. She no longer feared Grace, even if Alfred didn’t back her up.

The Davidsons’ chef cooked well, and Kate enjoyed her breakfast.

“Mrs. Davidson, this letter is for you,” James said.

“My letter?” Kate took the envelope with a curious look. People hardly wrote letters anymore in the age of smartphones.

“Mr. Davidson told me to give it to you before he left this morning,” James was full of relief as he said this. ‘This has to be a love letter from Mr. Davidson to Mrs. Davidson,’ he thought.

James knew Alfred and Kate had spent the night in the same room the previous night. Even if nothing had happened between them, James thought it was a good start for them to live in the same room.

“Alfred left it to me?” Hearing that it was given to her by Alfred, Kate immediately put down her fork. Her curiosity was piqued. All the food on the table did not seem so appealing now.

I can’t believe Alfred would write me a love letter. Will it be cringy? Or will it be as serious as he is?’ Kate wondered.

Kate was curious as she opened the envelope and took out the folded paper. She casually put down the envelope, and carefully unfolded the paper, only to find just one page.

‘That’s not very satisfying, but as long as he filled it up, I’m okay with one page, thought Kate.

James was still standing at Kate’s side. He didn’t want to peek, but he couldn’t help but glance at the love letters written by Alfred.

Life Plan. Those were the two words that first popped into Kate and James’s sight. Kate read with a smile, and as she proceeded, her smile subsided and was replaced by a thoughtful look.

As for James, after reading a couple of lines, he knew he was so wrong. It was not a love letter at all. James had no desire to read. Although he still stood beside Kate, he didn’t peek at the letter again.

Kate finished reading the revenge plan that Alfred drafted for her and suddenly felt her vision of her future was clear.

He wanted her to learn how to run the company before she took over from Kyla. Since she was the real daughter of the Sutton family, her parents were emotionally biased in her favor.

All she had to do was work hard to learn to manage the company and be capable of leading the Sutton Group. Then, the Sutton Group would be in her pocket.

Kyla would be out of the game, and her efforts and accomplishments over the years would be handed to Kate on a silver platter.

Kate stuffed the letter back into the envelope and continued to eat the breakfast.

By the time Kate had done eating and came out of the house, Grace simply wanted to tear her apart.

“Kate,” Grace sarcastically said, “Nice of you to keep me waiting in the sun for so long.” Grace was itching to

confront Kate, but she held back her anger due to her good manners.

Kate smiled, “You could’ve waited under a tree, but you didn’t, and now, you’re blaming me. Seriously, I’m really not that close to you, Ms. Weaver. What do you want from me?” Grace was annoyed by Kate’s words, especially since Kate said them with a smile. Before, when Kate saw her, Kate would hardly say anything because she didn’t mix well with real rich women. It was the first time Grace knew that Kate could also be sharp-tongued.

“James,” Grace turned to look at James, who was standing behind Kate. “Kate’s attitude could cause trouble for Mr. Davidson. As the housekeeper here, you should try to keep her temper under control.”

She was being nice to James, and her tone was gentle.

She thought Kate was a maid here. Kyla had told her all about how Kate had offended Alfred, so Grace naturally thought Alfred made Kate work at his house as a maid to humiliate her.

When Grace thought that Kate dared to slit her wrist in front of Alfred, she was even more grossed by Kate. ‘If it were not for… Kate is no match for Alfred. He should’ve been mine,’ thought Grace.

Grace thought of Alfred’s current state and was again pained.

“Thank you for the reminder, Ms. Weaver. But it’s not my duty to teach Kate. Mr. Davidson is teaching her in person,” James politely said.

James made sure not to call Kate “Mrs. Davidson” in front of Grace since Alfred hadn’t announced Kate’s identity at Filolia Estate, ensuring that no one spilled the beans about Alfred being married.

Grace looked at Kate with suspicion and chuckled. “Kate, it’s a blessing that Alfred could personally teach you,” she said, knowing that Alfred would make it hard for Kate.

“That’s true. What a glory to me and even my whole family,” said Kate. She had always been bold-faced.

Grace was speechless.

“If there’s nothing else, I’m going on a house tour now,” Kate said. Alfred gave her a week to get to know Filolia Estate. If she didn’t, there would be consequences.

‘How will he punish me if I can’t remember the routes?’ Kate wondered.

“James, let’s go,” Kate said.

“Okay.” James nodded at Grace and then passed her, following Kate up.

Before Grace could realize it, Kate and James had walked away.

Grace tried to give Kate a hard time, taking advantage of her being the important guest of the Davidson family. But Kate just walked away after they exchanged a few words.

Grace instantly felt that Kate had fooled her. ‘That bumpkin had slipped away while I was in a daze, Grace thought, totally pissed off.

After staring at Kate’s distant back for a long time, Grace left Alfred’s residence and headed to the main house.

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