A Tale Of Redemption And Passion by Isidore Walsh (Chapters 331, to 340) – Daisy Novels

Chapter 331

Kelvin said, “You still want to speak for Kate? Who would dare treat you like this?”

“Kelvin, you don’t understand,” Elijah said.

With Kelvin’s support, Elijah made his way to the bathroom. Despite the pain making it hard for him to walk, he still managed a sweet smile and softly said, “If she doesn’t care about me, she won’t even spare me a glance.”

Kelvin was speechless.

Kelvin felt that Elijah was under Kate’s spell. And he had become obsessed.

Kelvin couldn’t help but worry about Elijah’s stubbornness regarding Kate, fearing he might stay single for life.

Elijah was the type to fall deeply in love. Once he felt something genuine, it was for life. He’d rather remain single than settle for less.

If Kate were still unmarried, regardless of her feelings for Elijah, they would have helped him win her back, even forcing her to marry him.

But Kate was now Alfred’s wife. It was public knowledge in Sherpsel.

Elijah and Alfred were bitter rivals, always competing over everything, but trying to take another man’s wife was crossing the line. Elijah would be condemned by everyone if he did that.

As the bathroom door closed, Kelvin waited outside.

After soaking for a while, Elijah felt somewhat better and more alert.

However, when he stood up and caught sight of his bruised body in the large bathroom mirror, he paused in shock.

It was Alfred’s doing. He was brutal.

Elijah thought, ‘But wait, Alfred was on his feet.’

Elijah cursed, “Why didn’t that car accident take that bastard’s life? Without Alfred, I could do whatever I wanted in Sherpsel, and Kate would be mine. If I had planned it, I’d have made sure he was done for.”

The accident involving Alfred was purely coincidental. Elijah hadn’t had a hand in it.

Though they were rivals, Elijah wouldn’t stoop to murder over it. Elijah thought it was a waste to risk his own life for a bitter enemy, so he wouldn’t impulsively seek Alfred’s demise.

“Elijah, are you done?” Kelvin knocked on the door, worried Elijah might fall due to his knee pain.

Elijah didn’t respond. Instead, he leaned against the wall and slowly made his way out.

“Elijah, Elijah!” Kelvin knocked frantically on the door.

There was no movement inside.

When he was about to ram the door, it finally opened.

Elijah got out of the bathroom wearing only a pair of shorts, his body covered in bruises, causing Kelvin to feel both heartbroken and furious. “Let me go report this to the Davidson family and seek justice for you.”

Elijah’s gaze darkened.

Kelvin sighed, “If you don’t want me to report it, I won’t. But Olivia is protective is protective of Alfred. Even if I did, I might not get any results.”

Alfred had the upper hand, thanks to the strong support of the Davidson family.

“This is my debt to Kate. Kelvin, if you dare hide from me and cause trouble for her, don’t blame me for being rude,” Elijah warned Kelvin sternly.

Even if Kate beat him, it was still his debt to her. Elijah didn’ t blame her.

As long as she was calmed, he’d be grateful.

Kelvin opened his mouth, wanting to say something but didn’t know what to add.

“Kelvin, take a picture of me with my phone,” Elijah said.

Kelvin was taken aback.

He guessed Elijah’s intent and began taking pictures while saying, “If she can hurt you this badly, she won’t care seeing your bruises. Do you really expect her to come and take care of you?”

That wouldn’t be possible.

If Kate saw Elijah in this condition, she might think she hadn’t been harsh enough.

Ignoring him, Elijah quietly sent the pictures of his bruises to Kate.

After sending the pictures, he didn’t expect Kate to reply. Kelvin’s phone rang.

He answered it and soon said to Elijah, “Elijah, Russell is here.”

“Let him come upstairs.” Elijah sat down on the sofa.

Kelvin passed the message along.

Before long, Russell appeared in Elijah’s room, and when he saw Elijah’s injuries, he almost dropped the medical kit he was carrying.

“Mr. Purchas, how did you get these injuries?” Russell asked.

Russell approached and placed the kit on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

Kelvin wanted to speak but was silenced by a look from Elijah. He kept his thoughts to himself.

“Help me apply some medicine, something that’ll reduce swelling quickly.” Elijah felt he looked terrible.

Elijah had always cared about his appearance, and he could tolerate Kate’s treatment of him, but if anyone else had done this, he would have already given them a good beating.

Without receiving a response, Russell understood it was best not to pry. After checking Elijah, Russell said, “Luckily, while it looks bad, nothing vital is damaged. If you keep applying the medicine daily, you should improve in ten days to two weeks.”

Kelvin finally relaxed.

After Russell treated Elijah’s wounds, leaving some

medicine behind and giving a few reminders, he packed up and left.

Kelvin personally saw Russell out. “Russell, is Elijah really fine?”

“He didn’t injure his organs, but these wounds will certainly be painful for him for a while. Kelvin, do you know who hurt him like this?”

Kelvin sighed and shook his head. “A tragic fate.”

He didn’t clarify further.

If Elijah hadn’t told Russell, Kelvin wouldn’t speak out either. Russell asked, “Is it related to a woman? Does he have someone he likes? Is she not interested in him? Which lady is so composed that she can resist Mr. Purchas’s charm?” Elijah was incredibly handsome, with captivating eyes that could make anyone’s heart race just by looking at him.

“Better not ask, Russell. Just thinking about it makes my heart ache for Elijah,” Kelvin said.

Russell tried to console him. “Mr. Purchas may lack dating experience and inadvertently startled the girl. He just needs to adjust his approach. Girls need to be wooed.”

Kelvin forced a smile.

The problem was that Elijah had fallen for a married woman.

After seeing Russell off, Kelvin lingered at the villa entrance for a while before turning back inside.

By the time he entered, Elijah was already sitting on the sofa in the living room.

Still feeling a headache, he leaned back against the couch, rubbing his sore temples, and instructed Clint, who had been called in, “Go to the Phillips family and bring Xena here. Be polite and don’t scare her.”

Clint respectfully replied, “Yes.”

He looked at Elijah with concern, hesitating to speak. “Mr. Purchas, I’m not sure if I should say something.”

“If you’re unsure, don’t say it. Think it over before you speak,” Elijah coldly replied. “I’m not in the mood to help you analyze it.”

Clint quickly added, “I’ll go get Miss Phillips right now.”

With that, he hurriedly left, afraid that a moment’s delay would earn him a scolding from Elijah.

Chapter 332

Kelvin watched as Clint slipped away.

He walked over, glanced at Elijah for a moment, and asked, ” Mr. Purchas, did you send Clint to fetch Miss Phillips?”

Kelvin had some impression of Xena. She was sweet-looking and seemed timid, but she was bold enough to take sneaky photos of Elijah, mainly because Xena was good friends with Kate.

Kelvin knew Elijah was getting close to Xena for Kate’s sake.

Elijah was going to great lengths for Kate.

“Why ask if you already know? I’m hungry,” Elijah replied flatly.

Kelvin immediately instructed a servant to bring up the breakfast that had already been prepared.

Having it now, he didn’t know if it was breakfast or lunch.

Elijah received a new message on his phone.

He quickly picked it up from the table, only to find a message from Alfred. It was a GIF showing one man pinned down by another, taking a beating.

Elijah’s expression hardened.

He had sent a picture to Kate, but Alfred was the one who responded.

‘The newlywed couple is together at that moment?’ Elijah thought.

It made him feel jealous. But there was nothing he could do.

On the other side, in the VIP room on the top floor of the Sutton Group, handsome men and beautiful women were squeezed onto one chair.

“It was you who replied to him, not me. Don’t accuse me of being in touch with him,” Kate said as she took her phone back from Alfred.

Alfred remained silent.

He knew Elijah wouldn’t give up easily.

That guy was persistent. When Elijah first targeted Alfred, Alfred didn’t compromise or admit defeat. He kept at Alfred until they became sworn enemies.

Actually, before Alfred, Elijah had targeted quite a few people, but those people all gave in, making it too easy for Elijah to win and fostering his arrogance, leading him to believe he was unbeatable.

Finally, facing Alfred, Elijah knew he met a real opponent. Alfred wounded Elijah’s pride, and Elijah was unwilling to accept it.

He had been at it for over a decade. If it weren’t for Kate’s appearance, Alfred would have suspected his rival had fallen for him.

“Alright, I won’t stray, don’t be angry. I just won’t pay him any mind,” Kate said with a smile, planting a kiss on Alfred.

She was soothing him.

Alfred was the type to respond better to gentleness than force.

With Kate’s kiss, his mood softened.

“Mr. Davidson,” Kate called out to him.

“Call me ‘darling’,” Alfred said.

“Doesn’t that feel embarrassed?”

“No.”

Kate laughed, “Darling, I have to tell you that starting tomorrow, I’ll be going with my dad for business. I won’t be able to have lunch with you every day anymore.”

At her words, Alfred’s expression darkened again.

“I’ll still make time for you.” Kate affectionately wrapped her arm around his.

Alfred felt a bit unhappy, but he didn’t voice any objections; he had always supported Kate’s career.

He simply pinched her cheek lovingly and said, “Make sure you learn well for when you go out on your own.”

“I’ll do my best,” Kate said.

Up close, looking at Alfred’s handsome face, Kate couldn’t resist the temptation. She kissed his cheek, and noticing him flinch, she chuckled softly, teasingly touching his lips before pulling back as he slightly parted them.

Alfred turned to look at her.

His gaze was fiery.

After a moment of eye contact, Kate succumbed and buried her head in his embrace, too shy to meet his gaze again.

Alfred pulled Kate closer, whispering in a husky voice, “I won’t let you off even when you beg for mercy.”

Kate’s face flushed crimson.

After a while, Alfred gently pushed her away, adopting a serious expression. “It’s not quitting time yet. You go ahead and get busy. I’ll go in to see Dad.”

He had arrived early at the Sutton Group.

“Okay.” Kate stood up, helping him up and trying to guide him back to his wheelchair, but he said, “I can manage. I can already walk about ten feet on my own.”

“Go for it, Mr. Davidson,” Kate said.

Alfred smiled. “Give me another month or two, and I’ll be able to stand in the church like a normal person, waiting for you to link arms with your dad, walking down the red carpet towards me.”

He still couldn’t walk normally and couldn’t hold a wedding yet.

“I believe you can do it. Keep it up!” Kate encouraged him.

He was patient. Once he decided to do something, he would ensure it was done well.

There were many things she could learn from a successful person like Alfred, someone so much more experienced than her.

“Kate, how about a bit of tangible encouragement?” Alfred’s eyes locked onto her lips.

“Here is the office,” Kate replied.

“Are there cameras?” Alfred asked.

“Not in here.” As soon as she said that, he pulled her into his embrace, capturing her soft lips with urgency.

Kate let him kiss her twice before quickly pushing him away and whispering, “I need to get back to work. You take your time.”

She hurriedly slipped out of the VIP room.

Fortunately, the only ones on the top floor were her father and Claire, who were both in their offices.

Once outside the VIP room, Kate touched her lips, chuckling softly to herself, then casually returned to her workstation.

Seeing her back, Claire casually asked, “Has Mr. Davidson left?”

Kate said, “Not yet. He’s discussing something with Mr. Sutton.”

Claire nodded, glancing at Kate again, teasingly saying, Kate, you seem to be happy lately. A woman nurtured by love is just different.”

Kate felt a bit guilty. “What’s different? It’s just the same as usual.”

Claire said, “I think you look even better now than when you first came back to the office this morning.”

Kate deliberately touched her face. “I haven’t changed at all.”

Claire laughed, and Kate inexplicably blushed.

Meanwhile, after Kate had “fled,” Alfred calmly wheeled himself out of the VIP room and slid over to the president’s office door, knocking lightly.

“Come in,” Leland said.

After receiving Leland’s response, Alfred pushed the door open.

Upon seeing Alfred enter, Leland immediately stopped his work, got up, walked around his desk, and quickly moved to wheel Alfred inside.

“Why did Kate let you come in alone?” Leland’s tone had a hint of reproach.

Alfred was mobility-impaired and hadn’t brought a bodyguard upstairs. Kate hadn’t even helped him in.

“I asked her to finish what she was doing first so she wouldn’t keep complaining about unfinished tasks during lunch,” Alfred said.

This was praise for Kate’s dedication.

Leland’s reproach vanished without a trace.

He wheeled Alfred to the leather sofa in the guest area and helped him sit down.

“Mr. Davidson, would you like a cup of coffee or warm water?” Leland said.

“Just a cup of warm water will do.” Alfred’s tone and demeanor were both gentle. His usual arrogance and coldness were nowhere to be seen.

Chapter 333

Leland poured Alfred a glass of warm water and then sat down across from him.

“Dad, Martin has come to see you a few times, right?” Alfred asked.

Alfred didn’t beat around the bush in front of Leland.

“Yes, he has. Thank you.” Leland expressed his gratitude. “If it weren’t for your help in seeking justice for the Sutton Group, we would have been completely suppressed by the Weaver Group.”

The Purchas Group was also pushing back against the Weaver Group. Leland sensed that Elijah was also trying to help the Sutton Group but didn’t dare say it in front of Alfred, fearing Alfred would misunderstand and think Kate was disloyal.

Kate was preoccupied with Alfred now.

Leland thought, ‘Well, at least she’s no longer thinking about Chris. It’s a new beginning. That scumbag Chris always causes trouble. I haven’t seen him lately, but if I did, I’d definitely throw a punch.’

Kyla had insisted that her adoptive parents stay out of her business with Chris, but even so, Leland still wanted to stand up for her.

He could barely tolerate not going to the Cohen family. If he encountered Chris on the road, there was no way he could hold back.

Alfred said, “Dad, you’re being too formal. We’re family. There’s no need for pleasantries.”

Leland chuckled, “Well, I’ll take that. But Mr. Davidson, the Weaver Group has been entrenched in Sherpsel for decades. They have deep roots. While we won’t lose in a confrontation, winning would come at a heavy cost. At the right moment, let’s give Martin a way out.”

Alfred silently took a sip of water.

After a moment, he said, “Next time Martin invites you to dinner, just accept. I’ll handle the rest.”

Unless absolutely necessary, Alfred wouldn’t go to the mat with the Weaver Group.

It was just enough of a lesson for the Weaver Group to understand that the Sutton Group had backing and should not be trifled with.

Leland nodded. “Okay.”

He asked, “Has Kate mentioned going with me to negotiate business deals? Since her return, her mother and Kyla have taken her to various events, but she’s struggling to fit in. It’s not that she lacks social skills. It’s just difficult to truly integrate into this circle. I thought it best to help her develop her social skills before letting her go off on her own.”

Alfred recalled that after marrying him, Kate had only attended Grace’s birthday party.

He wasn’t fond of socializing and rarely attended events. The women of the Davidson family didn’t think much of Kate and naturally didn’t invite her to gatherings.

Alfred said, “Dad, whatever Kate decides to do, I’ll support her unconditionally, as long as she wants to.”

With that, Alfred reassured Leland, sparing Leland the worry of having to consider his feelings constantly.

Leland studied Alfred for a while, recognizing his sincerity, and smiled with satisfaction. “Kate really has good judgment.”

Being able to do this much for Kate would be impossible without love.

“I’ll have a word with Cynthia. From now on, she should take Kate to any event she attends. With Cynthia around, no one would dare to bully her,” Alfred said.

“Thank you, Mr. Davidson, for everything you’re doing for Kate,” Leland said.

“She’s my wife. I’d do anything for her willingly and happily.”

Leland thought, ‘How did I get the feeling that this cold-faced Alfred was increasingly showing signs of becoming a devoted husband?’

He couldn’t imagine Alfred turning into a doting husband.

Leland poured himself another glass of water, downing it before refilling.

After drinking, he felt much calmer.

Once back at the table with Alfred, Leland cleared his throat.

Alfred noticed he had something to say, and with his dark eyes fixed on him, Leland felt a bit tense under Alfred’s intense gaze.

Leland cleared his throat again and, under Alfred’s piercing gaze, steeled himself to say, “Mr. Davidson, I understand that you and Kate aren’t in a rush to have the wedding. However, since our families are becoming in-laws, we should make an effort to get to know each other better, right?”

Seeing Alfred pursing his lips in silence, Leland continued, What do your parents think? It’s been quite a while, and there’s been no movement.”

Many people were watching the two families’ interaction. But many were just waiting for a spectacle.

They were eager to see the Davidson family humiliate the Sutton family.

Even if Alfred publicly acknowledged Kate’s legitimacy, the Davidson family was a big family, the wealthiest in the city, with many rules. If the seniors didn’t accept Kate, she would just be a joke.

They thought Alfred wouldn’t stand against all the seniors on his own.

Olivia was still very robust. Alfred had been raised by her and held her in high regard.

Rumor had it that Olivia harbored resentment toward Kate for initially rejecting the marriage proposal.

Alfred looked apologetic. “Dad, I overlooked that.”

Leland said, “No. You’re busy with work and distracted

helping the Sutton Group. Understandably, you wouldn’t think of this. We are just anxious, which is why we brought it up in front of you. Is it, Olivia…”

Leland knew that within the Davidson family, Olivia was

hard to deal with. If Olivia disliked Kate, Kate would struggle to find her footing in the family, and Alfred couldn’t constantly oppose all the seniors for Kate.

Alfred said, “Grandma mentioned to my mom that she should visit, so both families can sit down for a meal and discuss the marriage. Don’t worry; I won’t let Kate become a joke.”

Alfred would have a long talk with Lena when he got home. Last time, things had turned sour between them because of Kate.

Recently, to avoid further conflicts, Lena hadn’t initiated contact with him, and he hadn’t gone to see her either.

He could only learn through Cynthia and his father that Lena’s prejudice against Kate still ran deep.

Leland guessed that Alfred and Lena had likely clashed over Kate. Speaking as a parent, he advised Alfred, “When you talk to your mom, be gentle in your approach. Don’t come on too strong. Parents can’t handle being pressured by their children. You may not think you’re wrong now, but when you become a parent, you’ll understand.”

After speaking, Leland recalled Alfred’s situation and worried that his final comment might hurt Alfred’s feelings. Seeing that Alfred was deep in thought and not showing any signs of being offended, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Alfred was great in many ways, but there was always something lacking.

Leland sighed inwardly and thought, ‘Nothing is perfect. There are always some shortcomings. Perhaps this was just the fate of Kate.’

After all, it was Kate who insisted on rejecting the marriage proposal, only to later relentlessly push Alfred to marry her. Now, she had to face the consequences of her mistakes on her own.

Leland and Celia found it hard to stand up for Kate. First, marrying into the Davidson family was already reaching above their station. Second, it was Kate who forced Alfred into marrying her.

As parents, Celia and Leland wanted to support her but felt too weak to do so.

“Dad, I’ll keep your words in mind,” Alfred said.

Persuaded by Leland, Alfred realized he had been too domineering in front of his mother, pressuring her to unconditionally yield, which was his mistake.

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Chapter 334

Leland nodded with satisfaction.

It was good that Alfred was receptive to his advice.

The two chatted a bit more about business, and as quitting time approached, Alfred excused himself to go pick up Kate at Cheval Blanc.

Leland walked him out of the office.

He also called for his daughter, reminding her to take good care of Alfred.

Once the couple got into the elevator, Kate became playful and said to Alfred, “As soon as my parents see you, they forget I’m their biological child.”

Alfred bragged. “That’s because I’m loved by everyone.” “Yes, you’re always adored. I have tons of rivals!” Kate said. “My rivals are no fewer than yours.” Alfred’s retort made Kate feel too shy to laugh any longer.

“Alright, we’re even.”

Alfred lightly flicked her forehead. “If our children resemble you, they’ll definitely be troublemakers.”

“They have to resemble me. If they take after you, they’d be cold and unlovable,” Kate said.

Alfred thought, “Seems like I prefer a lively child over a quiet, cold one.”

He liked that if the children would take after Kate.

*****

Xena stepped out of the car with trepidation, following the Purchas family’s bodyguard into the lavishly decorated house.

She had been confined by Elijah last time, leaving her with a shadow over this place.

‘What did Elijah want with me this time?’ Xena thought.

She hadn’t seen him lately, nor had she taken any secret photos.

Clint led Xena inside, turning back now and then to politely say, “Miss Phillips, please come in.”

Kelvin soon appeared from within.

“Why are you back now?” Elijah asked.

Clint explained, “Miss Phillips wasn’t home.”

They had checked with Marjorie and learned where Xena was. After searching for a while, they finally found her, hence the delay.

Kelvin didn’t say more, forcing a smile at the anxious Xena and saying, “Miss Phillips, don’t be afraid. Elijah asked you over for a favor.”

He then told Clint, “You can leave. I’ll take Miss Phillips in.” Clint couldn’t be happier to have Kelvin take Xena inside, especially since they were late and worried Elijah might be angry.

Clint slipped away quickly.

Seeing Clint retreat, Xena thought, ‘Even Elijah’s bodyguards are afraid of him. He must be hard to please.’

She had really been bold to have taken secret photos of Elijah before.

“Miss Phillips, please come in.” Kelvin again squeezed out a smile, inviting Xena inside.

Holding her bag tightly, Xena gave a weak smile and

followed Kelvin in.

Once inside, there was no escaping. Despite her fear, Xena had to face Elijah.

To her surprise, she found him painting at the easel.

Xena thought, ‘His focused demeanor is captivating. But what is up with his face?’

Kelvin approached respectfully, saying, “Miss Phillips is here.”

Elijah didn’t stop painting and, with a slightly swollen face, coldly asked, “Why are you only just arriving?”

“Clint said they first went to the Phillips family, but Miss Phillips wasn’t home. They had to look for her, which took longer,” Kelvin said.

Elijah fell silent.

After a moment, he said flatly, “Please have Miss Phillips sit down and bring her some coffee and snacks. Then you can leave.”

“Understood,” Kelvin said.

Listening to their exchange, Xena grew even more anxious.

Once Kelvin left, the spacious hall contained only her and Elijah.

Kelvin politely served her coffee and snacks, but Xena didn’t dare eat or drink anything.

She felt so uncomfortable just sitting on the single sofa.

At first, she only dared to sneak glances at Elijah.

Gradually, she cautiously stood up and tiptoed over, wanting to see what he was painting, so engrossed was he that he hadn’t glanced her way since she entered.

Though Elijah didn’t look at her, he was aware of her movements.

“If you want to see, just look openly instead of sneaking around like a thief,” Elijah mocked coldly.

Xena froze and said, “Um, Mr. Purchas, I…”

Now that he had called her out, she had nothing to fear.

Thinking this, Xena found her courage and boldly walked over, standing behind Elijah to see his painting.

To her astonishment, she exclaimed, “Mr. Purchas, this little girl you painted looks so much like Kate. I can tell at first glance.”

It was strikingly similar.

Elijah didn’t look at her or respond. He continued to focus on the portrait of his daughter.

Xena habitually reached for her phone but remembered the incident and quickly shoved it back into her bag.

‘No photos. This man is someone I can’t provoke.’ Xena thought.

“You think this child resembles Kate?” Elijah suddenly said.

“Yes, she looks just like a mini version of Kate, as if stamped out from a mold,” Xena said.

Elijah broke into a smile.

Although his face was still swollen, affecting his usual good looks, his smile made Xena lose her train of thought, realizing he looked even better when he smiled.

Perhaps he always had that serious demeanor.

Elijah said, “This is my and Kate’s daughter. Her nickname is Rowena. I haven’t decided on a full name yet, but I’ll look through some books later to find a nice meaningful name for her.”

Xena was stunned, so shocked that her bag slipped from her hands and fell to the floor.

Xena was so frightened she couldn’t form a complete sentence.

Xena thought, ‘Elijah and Kate have a daughter? When did Kate have a child with Elijah without me knowing?’

They had become such good friends and talked about everything, except for Kate’s marriage to Alfred.

“Our daughter is quite adorable, isn’t she?” Elijah set his brush down and turned to Xena.

“Isn’t it better that she resembles Kate? Do you see any features of mine in Rowena?” Elijah hoped their child would inherit some traits from him as well.

Xena was left utterly flabbergasted. Her mind went blank, and she was unable to respond.

Elijah didn’t care whether Xena could answer him.

He took the finished painting off the easel.

Having painted Rowena numerous times, Elijah was very adept at it and only improved with practice.

After admiring the painting for a moment, he rolled it up and turned to hand it to Xena.

“Miss Phillips, since you and Kate are good friends, I thought you’d love to be Rowena’s godmother. So I’m giving you this painting,” Elijah said.

Xena was speechless.

If Kate really had a child, Xena would definitely want to be her godmother.

But Xena didn’t know where the child was.

If she was to be a godmother, she at least needed to meet the child.

Xena thought, ‘Would the child even like me as a godmother?’

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Chapter 335

As Xena took the painting, she asked, “Mr. Purchas, when did you and Kate have a child? And what about Rowena now? Is she with you or with Kate? Wait, I haven’t seen the child with Kate. Did Kate leave her with a foster mother?”

Kate had deep feelings for the Garcia family.

She often sent money and gifts to her foster parents. Previously, Xena thought Kate was simply sentimental and grateful for her upbringing, so even though her biological parents didn’t like her getting too close to her foster family, Kate continued to do her own thing, visiting her foster parents whenever she could and sending money regularly. Now, just a few words from Elijah made Xena think that Kate had left Rowena with her foster parents for raising. Elijah pressed his lips together and said, “I wish Rowena were with the Garcia family, but she’s not.”

After seeing Kate in the hospital for the first time, he sent someone to investigate her past thoroughly, checking the relatives and friends of the Garcia family, but found no sign of Rowena.

“Rowena hasn’t been born yet,” Elijah finally explained. Xena was stunned.

That bastard made her overthink, leading her to believe Kate had been with Elijah before marrying Alfred.

All Xena knew was that Kate had once liked Chris. She had no idea about anything involving Elijah.

The last time Xena got caught taking a photo of Elijah, he mentioned Kate, and she thought he was just trying to vent his anger on her friends.

At that moment, Xena finally realized that Elijah wasn’t angry at Kate. He was fixated on her and seemed to want to use her to get closer to Kate.

Xena was filled with anger and wondered if it was too late to escape now.

She had to tell Kate to stay away from Elijah.

Moreover, she needed to make sure Kate didn’t spend time alone with him. Xena was afraid that Elijah might do something to hurt Kate.

Xena thought, ‘Right, I should tell Kate to bring Yael along. Yael is beautiful, and I like having him around.’

With Yael around, Kate would be safer.

“Mr. Purchas, I don’t know why you took a fancy to Kate. She’s married now. If you truly want her to be happy, you should leave her alone,” Xena said.

Summoning her courage, Xena continued, “Kate isn’t interested in you. I believe a smart man like you can see that.”

Kate would only love Alfred.

Elijah looked at her coldly.

Xena felt scared inside but straightened her back, forcing herself not to back down.

“Only I can give Kate true happiness. She’ll only be truly happy with me. Once Rowena was born, our family would be united. That’s what real happiness looks like,” Elijah said.

“You’re shameless.” Xena’s instinctive response darkened Elijah’s expression.

Realizing what she had said, Xena panicked, her legs trembling slightly.

“Mr. Purchas, the man Kate loves is Mr. Davidson, and they are a loving couple. You shouldn’t… Mr. Purchas, is your interest in Kate because she’s Mr. Davidson’s wife? You’ve been targeting Mr. Davidson. If you can’t win her, you’re trying to ruin her instead,” Xena said.

Everyone in Sherpsel knew about the rivalry between Alfred and Elijah.

Elijah coldly replied, “Shut up. My affairs are none of your business.”

“Do you think I want to meddle in your affairs? If it weren’t for my good friend, I wouldn’t even be interested in your gossip,” Xena said.

“Then why did you take photos of me?” Elijah asked.

Xena replied, “Hasn’t that been resolved? I’ve apologized, and you destroyed the photos. What more do you want?”

Elijah walked over to the sofa and sat down.

Coldly, he said, “You still owe me a meal.”

“I can invite you to dinner anytime as an apology,” Xena said.

Last time, Kate had avoided him, and she had planned to invite Elijah to dinner, but as soon as Kate left, Elijah did too. Xena had felt confused.

Now she realized that Elijah was after Kate.

Elijah looked at her and said slyly, “Interest accumulates. Three meals a day- how many days have you been delinquent? By my calculations, you owe me a month’s worth of meals.”

Xena was speechless and thought, ‘What a schemer.’

“Come here.” Elijah suddenly ordered.

Xena asked defensively, “What for?”

“I said come here. Don’t make me say it three times.”

His voice turned colder, and seeing her defensiveness, he added with sarcasm, “What, afraid I’ll take advantage of you?”

Xena didn’t fear that.

Everyone in Sherpsel knew that Elijah wasn’t seeing anyone. Occasionally, some celebrities would try to tie their names to his for publicity, only to have him quickly clarify things and use his influence to ruin their careers.

He wouldn’t directly blacklist ambitious stars. Instead, he would make them lose resources bit by bit, turning them from being adored to being ignored, giving them enough time to regret their choices.

Even if those people apologized and begged for his forgiveness, Elijah wouldn’t soften.

After a few instances, no celebrity or model dared to associate with Elijah anymore.

People always said that Elijah had his nose in the air and that the woman who could catch his eye probably hadn’t been born yet.

Xena just couldn’t understand why Elijah fell in love with Kate, even fantasizing about having a baby with her. He had even drawn a picture of Rowena.

Xena thought, ‘What a terrifying man.’

Elijah said, “Do you believe I’ll have someone come in and break your legs so you’ll have to crawl over?”

Anger and hatred surged in Xena as she clutched the painting tightly.

In a disadvantageous position, she had no choice but to submit.

Seeing her grip tighten on the painting, Elijah coldly

threatened, “If you dare destroy my daughter’s portrait, I’ll ruin your family.”

Xena’s hand loosened, and the painting fell to the ground.

Thinking about how much the baby resembled Kate, Xena hurriedly bent down to pick it up.

She wanted to take the painting back to show Kate and warn her to be cautious of Elijah.

In the past, she only knew that Elijah was stunningly handsome yet cold, with charming eyes that easily captured women’s hearts.

“Mr. Purchas, what do you want from me?” Xena asked.

Elijah raised his hand and unbuttoned his shirt.

Seeing this, Xena turned pale with fear, grabbed the painting, and ran toward the door.

In her panic, she bumped into things, tripped several times, and hurriedly got back up to continue running outside.

“If she runs out, break her legs,” Elijah said.

Elijah’s knee hurt, so he couldn’t chase Xena. He wasn’t going to pursue her himself. Xena wasn’t Kate. She was just a pawn in his game.

She wasn’t even worthy of his personal pursuit.

Xena stumbled over something else and fell forward, landing at the door.

She awkwardly raised her head and saw several pairs of

black shoes in front of her. Looking up, she saw several of

the bodyguards standing there, all with serious

expressions and cold gazes.

曲

Chapter 336

One of the bodyguards was holding a thick steel pipe. Startled, Xena crawled back into the room.

Rowena’s painting had fallen at the doorway, and while keeping an eye on the steel pipe, Xena crawled out to retrieve Rowena’s portrait.

Getting back up, Xena turned to look at Elijah who had frightened her, leaving her in such an awkward state, and saw that he had undone all the buttons of his shirt.

Xena thought, ‘He seems to have multiple bruises on his body. Could it be that my eyesight is failing her?’

Xena blinked and focused on Elijah again.

“Come over and help me apply the medicine,” he coldly commanded.

Xena thought, ‘Apply for medicine? He is injured, so the bruises are real, not a figment of my imagination? So, he has undone his buttons to ask me to help him with the medicine.’

Xena’s feelings were complicated. She didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, feel relieved, or be embarrassed.

Just moments ago, she had run and stumbled multiple times, and it turned out she had been overthinking.

Under Elijah’s pressure, Xena reluctantly went back in front of him.

“Go to that cabinet and get the medicine.” Elijah directed Xena to fetch the medicine.

Russell had told him to apply the ointment several times a day to reduce swelling and bruising.

Russell had helped him apply it before leaving, and now it was time for a reapplication.

Xena complied and brought over several bottles of medicine. At Elijah’s request, she put on disposable medical gloves and carefully helped him apply the ointment.

She wondered, ‘Who has hurt Elijah like this? Elijah has summoned me to apply medicine and deliver a painting. What is his intention?’

“It was Kate,” he suddenly explained, catching Xena off guard. She looked up at him, and he coldly met her gaze. Xena couldn’t hold his gaze for long and quickly lowered her head to continue applying the medicine.

“Go back and tell Kate that if she and Alfred dare to lay a hand on me again, you’ll pay the price for her, and I’ll treat you like a maid,” Elijah said.

Xena was speechless and thought, ‘So he is venting his anger on me. What a twisted man.’

“You have to come and take care of me every day for the next few days. If I feel you’re not taking good care of me, don’t blame me for being rude,” Elijah said.

Xena couldn’t help but say, “Mr. Purchas, don’t you think it’s inconvenient for me to take care of you? If rumors start circulating, don’t blame me.”

“If rumors spread, it will be your doing. I’ll cut out your tongue and destroy the Phillips family,” Elijah said.

Xena wanted to dump the bottle of ointment on Elijah’s head.

She had seen unreasonable people, but none like Elijah. After holding back her anger, Xena refrained from acting out.

Unlike Kate, Xena wasn’t equipped to defend herself and found it hard to carve a path to escape.

Without the courage to confront Elijah directly, Xena became a bit rough while applying the medicine.

Elijah winced in pain, suddenly grabbing Xena’s hand, causing her to accidentally knock over the bottle of ointment she was holding.

By a stroke of bad luck, the ointment spilled onto Elijah’s pants, right between his legs.

Elijah’s face darkened instantly.

Xena froze.

Elijah pushed her back, and Xena fell onto the floor.

Xena said, “I’m sorry…” It was Elijah’s fault for suddenly grabbing her hand. When he touched her, her hand shook, and the ointment spilled. Xena said, “I… I’ll help you clean your pants.”

Under Elijah’s fierce glare, Xena felt increasingly flustered and embarrassed.

Xena thought, ‘Oh God, please send a bolt of lightning to knock me out so I won’t have to see Elijah’s terrifying expression.

Elijah wanted to chop off Xena’s hand, but thinking of Kate and his own intentions, he forced himself to suppress the urge and coldly called out, “Get two people in here.”

Soon, two bodyguards entered.

Upon seeing the scene in the room, the bodyguards were slightly shocked, but their faces showed no emotion.

“Drag this woman out,” Elijah ordered.

“Yes.” The two bodyguards stepped forward and lifted Xena away.

Startled by Elijah, Xena’s legs turned to jelly, leaving her with no strength to walk. Since Elijah “kindly” had the bodyguards “escort her out, it made things easier for her. She curled up her legs, and she was carried away.

Kelvin watched as Xena was carried out by the bodyguards, unsure of what to say.

After a moment, Kelvin sighed and went inside to see what was going on.

Upon seeing Elijah shirtless, with many wet spots on his pants and several bottles of ointment on the coffee table, Kelvin quickly understood.

He walked over and said with concern, “If you need to apply medicine, just tell me. No need for all this fuss.”

Elijah remained silent, his face stiff.

Kelvin sighed again and pushed over a wheelchair, the same one he had bought after Elijah pretended to be seriously injured when Kate stepped on his foot.

Now it was genuinely needed.

The pain in Elijah’s knee was particularly noticeable.

Kelvin said, “Mr. Purchas, go upstairs, take a shower, and change your clothes.”

Elijah did not refuse Kelvin’s kindness.

Xena, thrown out of the villa by the bodyguards, had scrapes on her hands and feet.

It seemed she felt no pain. As soon as the bodyguards left, she quickly got up, not forgetting to take the painting with her, and ran away.

*****

“Kate!” When Xena appeared in Claire’s office, it was already evening.

There was half an hour left before Kate would get off work.

“Xena, quiet down.” Kate knew her friend was looking for her, as the front desk had informed her.

Seeing Claire, Xena quickly covered her mouth, then

released her hand and apologetically said to Claire, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

Claire saw her looking flustered and in a hurry, realizing she had urgent business with Kate. She kindly said, “It’s fine. Kate, take your friend to the VIP room.”

“Okay, Xena, come here.” Kate got up, took Xena’s hand, and led her out of Claire’s office to the VIP room.

Once inside, Xena plopped down in a chair and said to Kate, “Kate, get me a big glass of water. I’m dying of thirst. Also, do you have anything to eat? I haven’t eaten and I’m starving.”

“There is, just a moment.” Kate went to pour her a glass of water and brought over some pastries and fruit.

Xena was indeed both thirsty and hungry.

After being tormented by Elijah, she loses her senses and only realizes after fleeing the Purchas family that she had left her bag behind.

This left her penniless and unable to make a call, and she couldn’t hail a taxi near the Purchas family, so she had to walk.

Her feet were sore from walking until she finally managed to hail a car, asking the driver to take her to the Sutton Group. She borrowed money from a duty security guard at the Sutton Group to pay for the fare.

That was why she had come to find Kate at this point.

Chapter 337

Kate didn’t rush to ask Xena what had happened, letting her eat and drink slowly.

When Kate noticed the rolled-up painting Xena had placed on the table, her curiosity got the better of her.

As she unrolled it, Kate froze. It was a painting of Rowena.

“Kate.” Xena took a sip of water and nibbled on some pastries, easing her hunger.

Seeing Kate staring at the painting, she explained, “This is a drawing by that creep Elijah.

“That doll looks just like you, or rather, it looks like how

Elijah drew you. That creep said it was you and his daughter, and it freaked me out. I asked when he had a kid with you, and he said Rowena isn’t born yet.

“He also said we’re good friends and asked me to be Rowena’s godmother, then he gifted me this painting.

“Kate, Elijah is definitely thinking about competing for you because of your relationship with Mr. Davidson. That jerk. I would never think that the prestigious head of the Purchas family is such a weirdo.

“And you must have given him a good beating. He’s all bruised. He actually had me tend to his wounds and said I have to take care of him for the next few days since I’m your friend and you hurt him. What a threat that scared the life out of me.”

Kate slammed her hand on the table, standing up ready to confront Elijah.

Xena quickly grabbed her, swallowing her pastry with effort, and said, “Kate, don’t go looking for him. If you do, that’s exactly what he wants. The way he treated me was just to provoke you into confronting him.

“If you go, he’ll definitely… That will make Mr. Davidson misunderstand you. Even if Mr. Davidson believes you, his family won’t”

Kate angrily replied, “That paranoid! I wish I had beaten him to a pulp, the kind that lands him in the hospital.”

“Calm down.” Xena gently patted Kate’s shoulder and said, ” Don’t be mad. Since we know his scheme, let’s not fall into his trap. He’ll do anything to get at Mr. Davidson.”

In the past, Elijah couldn’t find Alfred’s weakness, but now that Alfred was with Kate, she had become his vulnerability. Elijah, Alfred’s enemy, wouldn’t let this opportunity slip. Naturally, he would seize on Alfred’s weakness and launch an attack. If he could hurt Alfred, Elijah would be very pleased.

“Xena, he’s so insidious and shameless. He targets me, yet uses you to threaten me. What a jerk!” Kate shouted.

Kate felt both angry and guilty towards her friend.

Xena grabbed an apple and bit into it, continuing to analyze, “I’m fine, don’t worry about me. The worst he can do is treat me like a maid for a while. As long as you don’t walk into his trap, he’ll eventually let me go when he sees he can’t use me to threaten you.”

Although Xena had a point, Kate felt guilty for putting Xena through this.

But confronting Elijah, as Xena said, was risky. They didn’t know what he might do to Kate.

Elijah had said he wanted her to divorce Alfred and marry him.

To achieve his goals, he could be ruthless, possibly even resorting to force to break her and Alfred apart, which would hurt Alfred and serve his purpose.

Thinking back to when Elijah took advantage of her while sober, only to abandon her later, leading to Rowena’s death,

Kate felt immense hatred towards him.

Kate said, “Xena…”

“Kate, you don’t need to feel guilty towards me. We’re good friends. I’m happy if I can help you avoid danger. I won’t be trouble, and I won’t blame you.”

Elijah was just trying to use her. She could endure it.

Xena continued, “Kate, we both need to hold firm. If you harden your heart and ignore what happens to me, that’s the only way to save me.”

Kate took Xena’s hand, filled with guilt and gratitude, saying, “Xena, I’m so sorry for dragging you into this. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

This friend was worth having.

“It’s no problem. We’re friends,” Xena said.

Xena took another bite of the apple, chewing as she smiled, “If you really want to thank me, just borrow that man from Alfred next time we meet. Let him come with you to see me.”

Kate asked directly, “Xena, have you developed feelings for Yael?”

Xena wasn’t shy at all, nodding. “I’m interested in him, which I guess is what you’d call liking someone. As for how it’ll develop, I don’t know yet.”

This was the first time she felt interested in a man.

Kate said, “Xena, Yael is…”

Xena said, “Mr. Davidson’s bodyguard, I know. I won’t look down on his job as long as it’s a legitimate one. Besides, Mr. Davidson’s bodyguard shouldn’t be underestimated. My parents aren’t too strict about social status, so they probably won’t object.”

Xena thought her friend was worried about their different backgrounds.

Xena absolutely wouldn’t dismiss Yael just because he was a bodyguard.

Kate said, “Xena, I’m not saying you have prejudice. When you offered to treat me to dinner with Alfred, I figured something out. I asked Alfred about Yael, and he said although Yael is his bodyguard, he comes from a good family. Yael is Alfred’s bodyguard because he has impressive skills and enjoys the job. Plus, Alfred saved Yael’s life once, and Yael became his bodyguard out of gratitude.”

When she heard, Xena’s eyes lit up. “I didn’t expect the person I’m interested in to have such a mysterious background. That’s even better. If I do fall for him, I won’t have to worry about my parents opposing us.

“Kate, can you help me find out more? I need to get a clear understanding of Yael’s family background. Oh, and what’s his real name?”

Kate hadn’t asked about Yael’s real name.

Kate asked, “Do you really want to pursue something with Yael?”

Xena said, “Right now, I’m just very interested in him. The more we meet and spend time together, the better I’ll understand how he feels about me. If he feels the same way, then we can be together. If not, then I’ll just appreciate him as a beautiful man to admire.”

Xena believed in mutual feelings in love and disliked being one-sided.

If Yael didn’t have the same feelings about her, Xena wouldn’t cling to him, even if she liked him a lot.

Seeing her friend so serious, Kate said, “I’ll help you find out more. In the future, when we meet, I’ll bring Yael along so you two can have more opportunities to interact.”

Chapter 338

“Kate, you’re too good to me. Thank you! When we’re together, I’ll give you a big gift,” Xena said with a playful grin. Kate smiled back and said, “You’re the one being good to me. Just now you said we shouldn’t keep thanking each other, and here you are, being polite again.”

Xena stuck her tongue out cheekily.

Kate said, “Alright, let’s agree not to thank each other anymore.”

“Deal,” Xena said.

Seeing Xena reaching for more pastries, Kate stopped her, saying, “Dinner will be ready soon. Don’t spoil your appetite with all those sweets.”

“They’re so good. Maybe I’m just really hungry. When you’re starving, anything edible tastes amazing,” Xena replied.

“Let me call Mr. Davidson and let him know we’re having dinner,” Kate said as she picked up her phone.

Xena said, “Wait! Kate, are we having dinner together, or am I going to be a third wheel?”

Kate chuckled, “Do you want to have a moment alone with me or be a third wheel?”

Xena said, “Of course, I want to be alone with you, but I’m afraid Mr. Davidson will get jealous. Plus, I want to meet Yael, so I’ve decided to be a third wheel between you and Mr. Davidson. I hope he doesn’t mind.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Davidson wouldn’t mind. He cares about me too much.”

Xena sighed enviously, “Kate, marrying Mr. Davidson is really marrying for love. He treats you so well. Although, I do feel a bit sorry for you two. If you both don’t mind, then it’s all good.”

Kate said, “Mr. Davidson is amazing. This time, I’ve truly married the right person.”

After making a mistake, Kate corrected it now and found happiness.

Kate dialed Alfred’s number. “Hey, honey.”

Kate’s sweet voice made Xena secretly shiver. She had known Kate for over a year, and while Kate had always come across as carefree and bold, hearing her talk to Alfred was like witnessing a softer side of her.

“Is there something you need?” Alfred asked in a deep voice. “Just tell me. If there’s anything I can help with, I will.”

Even if it was not within his power, he would find someone who could help.

“Um, I just wanted to invite Xena to dinner with me,” Kate explained.

“Oh? Planning to ditch your husband and have dinner with your best friend?” he teased.

“Of course not. I would never abandon you. It’s not just Xena and me. I’m bringing her over. I just wanted to let you know in advance so you wouldn’t mind.”

Understanding that Kate wasn’t leaving him for Xena, Alfred smiled softly. “It’s great to have her dine with us. I won’t mind one or two times.”

But they couldn’t do this too often. Alfred had a strong possessive streak and didn’t like sharing Kate.

“Xena is quite perceptive,” Kate added.

“Yeah, I’ll finish up some work here. By the time you both arrive, I’ll be done for the day.”

“Great.” Kate affectionately hung up the phone.

Once she finished the call, Xena teased her, “You usually seem so carefree, but I didn’t expect you to have such a tender side.”

Kate said, “He is willing to share his tenderness with me for the rest of his life, so naturally, I want to share mine with him as well.”

Marriage requires effort from both partners to thrive. Otherwise, when one person became disheartened from a lack of care, it would lead to their separation.

“I’m really envious of you two. I think I’ll keep my distance from you in the future to avoid being bombarded with couple’s affection,” Xena joked.

Then Xena asked, “Do you have any makeup? I need to freshen up a bit before I meet Yael so I don’t scare him away.”

Kate said, “I didn’t like makeup before, but I started carrying a few items after taking an etiquette class. Let me grab them for you.”

Before returning to her real family, Kate had never worn makeup or even skincare products. Since her life had changed dramatically, she found herself doing things she didn’t particularly like but had to do.

“Thanks,” Xena said.

Kate retrieved her bag and handed it to Xena, saying, “You can freshen up in the restroom.”

Xena took the bag and disappeared into the restroom to do her makeup.

When she finished and stepped out, it was just the right time for the end of the workday.

She bumped into Leland coming out of his office.

“Leland.” Xena greeted him sweetly.

Seeing her, Leland smiled, “Xena, are you here to see Kate? She just finished work.”

“Yes!”

“Young people should enjoy yourselves. I have a client to meet, so I’ll be busy,” Leland said.

Xena nodded quickly and said, “Take care of yourself. You’re busy every day.”

Leland chuckled and walked away.

*****

In the general manager’s office at the Cheval Blanc, Theo was peeling a water lily pod.

Across from him on the couch, a woman lay propped on one hand, watching him intently.

“What are you looking at? You brought all these water lily pods, but you’re not helping me peel them.”

Theo shot a glare at her.

He knew trouble was brewing with Lindsay around.

Renee didn’t mind, letting Lindsay cling to him and tease him.

He couldn’t rely on Olivia. She was eager to push him into Lindsay’s arms so she could have a great-grandchild. Theo grumbled to himself. He wasn’t worried about not getting a partner. But his parents and Olivia were very anxious. Theo was angry that his family was on his side. In his frustration, he tossed a water lily seed at Lindsay.

Lindsay caught the fresh seed effortlessly, sitting up straight. She skillfully peeled the seed and popped it into her mouth.

“Peel more for Kate. That way, she won’t have to do it and can make desserts for Mr. Davidson,” she instructed.

Theo protested, “Do you have any conscience? I’m the manager of Cheval Blanc, and you have me peel water lily pods for you? What will people think?”

He was complaining, but his hands didn’t stop.

“You always nitpick. If you want something to eat or drink, just tell the chef. There’s no need for you to come pick water lily pods yourself,” Theo said.

“You’re not busy anyway. Helping me peel a few won’t hurt. I’ll make some soup and share it with you,” Lindsay replied playfully. “When I brought in all the water lily pods, I felt embarrassed. But I didn’t care. I swaggered in and took the elevator up to find you.”

Chapter 339

Theo recalled Lindsay’s earlier antics as she struggled with a bundle of water lilies, unable to help but laugh. He said, ” Lindsay, you’re the heiress of the Mccoy family. Can’t you pay a bit more attention to your image? Aren’t you worried your future husband might think you’re a bit rough around the edges?

“Speaking of which, Lindsay, we’ve known each other since we were kids. Even if we don’t always get along, it has been over twenty years. So who’s your fiancé? Tell me, and I will help you check him out.”

If Theo knew who was going on a blind date with Lindsay, he’d definitely tell them all sorts of bad things about her, making sure they wouldn’t dare marry her.

“What, are you trying to find out who my date is so you can crash the meeting, spread rumors about me, and ruin my image so they’ll back off?” Lindsay smirked.

They were childhood friends, after all. Lindsay could see right through Theo’s thoughts.

“I’m not telling you. Let’s see how long you keep wondering,” Lindsay said.

“If you could get married, you wouldn’t be causing trouble for me anymore. I’d be too happy to even think of ruining it for you. Don’t make me sound so bad. Come on, Lindsay, give me a hint. What’s the guy’s last name?” Theo said. Lindsay grinned mischievously. “I already told you, I’m not saying a word. Keep wondering. Go ahead and shell your water lily seeds, I’m heading downstairs for dinner. The food in your hotel’s buffet is pretty good.”

Theo boasted, “Do you even know who’s running Cheval Blanc? it’s me. The reason it’s famous around here is not just the top-notch service, but the food that wins over the guests.”

And there was also the fact that Alfred dined at Cheval Blanc every day, attracting many patrons hoping for a glimpse of Alfred.

As Lindsay stood up, she gave Theo a thumbs-up.

With such a picky and skilled chef as the owner, the pressure on Cheval Blanc’s kitchen staff was enormous. They wouldn’t dare show up at Cheval Blanc unless they were exceptionally talented.

“By the way, Mr. Davidson and Kate should be arriving soon, right?” she casually remarked.

Theo shot back. “You planning to be a third wheel?”

“Am I that oblivious? Mr. Davidson isn’t single anymore. He’ s Kate’s love now. We should steer clear,” Lindsay responded.

Theo chuckled. She was smart about these things, much like Cynthia. No wonder the two ladies got along so well.

Theo paused his doing, and Lindsay said, “Are you stopping now?”

“I need to eat.” Theo shot back.

Lindsay was speechless.

“There are enough fresh seeds here for both you and Kate,” Theo complained. “I’ve been at your beck and call all afternoon and haven’t accomplished anything.’

Lindsay said, “But you peeled water lily seeds, didn’t you? That counts as doing something!”

Theo opened his mouth to retort but realized she had a point.

*****

At the Sutton family, Kyla bought two sets of clothes and a set of jewelry for her foster mother.

“Mom?” Kyla called out excitedly.

Celia’s voice was heard from upstairs. “I’m up here.”

Kyla rushed upstairs, ready to show off her gifts. When

Celia saw her, and the smile faded slightly. “Oh, it’s you. I thought it was Kate.”

Only Kate would call Celia in that anxious tone.

Kyla had been raised to be more reserved than Kate, who often expressed her feelings openly.

Kyla said, “Mom, I bought you two outfits and two sets of jewelry. What do you think?”

Kyla seemed to ignore Celia’s earlier comment, her bright smile unwavering as she laid out the clothes.

Celia replied coolly, “I have plenty of clothes. You should take those back for your biological mother instead.”

“Mom, those clothes won’t suit her. She works in the dirt every day. Wearing something like this would be a waste. It wouldn’t show off their elegance,” Kyla said with a hint of disdain for her biological mother’s lifestyle.

The Garcias were better off in the countryside, but they paled in comparison to the Sutton family. Raised in the Sutton family and treated like a noble lady, Kyla had long looked down on her biological mother.

“Plus, she doesn’t even need new clothes. You might not know this, but Kate used to sneak away to visit Anna and always came back loaded with gifts and money,” she added. “I never saw her buy anything for you,” Kyla replied, a hint of defensiveness in her tone.

Celia was displeased with Kyla’s complaints about Kate and instinctively defended Kate. “Kate has bought me. clothes and other gifts too, you just didn’t notice.

“She was raised by the Garcia family, and they were kind enough to take care of her. Now that she’s back with me and living a good life, she still remembers the Garcia family’s kindness, sending them gifts and money. This shows that Kate is a person of deep gratitude and loyalty. She’s devoted to both me and her father, while also honoring the Garcia family’s parents.”

Celia felt uneasy about Kate’s close ties with the Garcia family, fearing it could threaten the bond she had with Kyla, which she had worked so hard to establish.

Celia couldn’t help but feel even more pleased with Kate for being so loyal and compassionate.

If Kate had been cold and ungrateful, cutting ties with the Garcia family after being reunited with her biological parents, that would have made Celia truly upset.

Kyla said, “Mom, I didn’t mean anything by it. Why don’t you try on these two outfits to see if they fit?”

Celia cast a glance at the clothing and pushed Kyla’s hands away dismissively. “You don’t know my size? Just leave them here.”

Seeing that Celia wasn’t interested, Kyla murmured an “Oh” and set the clothes down.

Before long, she smiled again and said, “Mom, take a look at these two jewelry sets. They’re the latest styles, and I think they’d suit you perfectly. You’d look even more elegant and refined with the jewelry, and when Dad gets back, he’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Kyla opened the jewelry box, showcasing the pieces.

Célia glanced at them and replied blandly, “I received two identical sets from your father a couple of days ago. You should take these back. If you don’t want them for yourself, you can give them to your biological mother.”

This time, Kyla didn’t argue about her mother being unworthy of such jewelry. Instead, she smiled and said, ” Mom, I’ve got her something special already. I plan to visit her this weekend since she’s been home for a while now. I gave her some money to buy some nice meals to help her recover.”

Celia considered this and picked up a necklace to examine it. “I already have two identical ones.”

“Mom, the jewelry Dad gave you represents his thoughtfulness, and what I’m giving you represents mine,” Kyla said with a cheerful smile, a hint of flattery in her tone.

After all, Kyla was the child Celia had raised for over twenty years. Though she had been hurt by Kyla before, she couldn’t bear to blame Kyla.

“Alright, I’ll accept it,” Celia said, closing the jewelry box. “I’ll wear it tomorrow when I go play roulettes with my friends.”

Chapter 340

Celia’s life as a wealthy lady was particularly dull. Every day, she either went shopping, played roulettes, or met friends to soak in hot springs or go on spontaneous trips.

Since she had reconnected with her biological daughter, she had traveled very little, always staying home to accompany Kate and strengthen their bond.

“Have you eaten?” Celia asked proactively.

“I rushed back from work just to have dinner with you, Mom. Since Kate got Mr. Davidson, she hardly spends time with you anymore. She comes back less often, and every time she does…”

Kyla thought, ‘Every time Kate comes back, there is definitely trouble. She always exposes my secrets.”

Celia said, “Kate is busy. I told her not to come back home all the time, so she doesn’t tire herself out.”

Kyla said, “Even when she’s busy, she has to eat. Every day, she’s dining at Cheval Blanc with Mr. Davidson and hasn’t even thought about coming back to spend time with you.” Celia glared at Kyla, displeased.

“Alright, I won’t say anything more.” Kyla quickly backed down.

After all, Kate was Celia’s biological daughter.

After more than a year of living together, the scales of affection had long tilted in Kate’s favor.

“Kyla, it’s not that I favor Kate. If it’s about having dinner with me, Kate has accompanied me more often than you have,” Celia said.

Kyla, realizing this was indeed the case, fell silent.

Kyla said, “Mom, I’m sorry. I’m unfilial. I want to spend more time with you, but I have work, and it’s busy for me…”

Celia said, “When you haven’t done well yourself, you shouldn’t criticize others for not doing well.”

Kyla appeared humbly to accept the lesson. “Yes, I understand.”

Celia looked at her for a moment, then took her hand and patted it, saying, “Kyla, even though you aren’t my biological daughter, you have lived in our home for over twenty years, and we have always treated you as our own. Kate didn’t grow up with us, and we feel guilty towards her, so we may have favored her a bit.”

“In serious matters, we try to be fair. You don’t need to be jealous of Kate. Opposing her will only make us sad,” Celia said.

Kyla sneered inwardly and thought, ‘Now that you know I’m not your daughter, you clearly favored Kate.’

If Kyla did nothing, she would end up with nothing.

Kyla had invested so much effort into the Sutton Group and couldn’t just watch her adoptive father hand it over to Kate. She couldn’t accept that.

“Mom,” Kyla said with a hint of grievance, “it’s not that I want to oppose Kate. It’s that Kate is against me. Ever since she went to the Davidson family to find Mr. Davidson and came back refusing marriage, it’s like she has a grudge against me, making things difficult for me, both at work and at home.

“You know, Mom, when Kate first returned, we got along really well. She respected me, and I took care of her, prioritizing her needs.”

“Even Chris… Mom, I admit that I had feelings for Chris long before. We were about to go public when Kate returned, and she fell in love with Chris at first sight. I couldn’t bear to compete with her, so I stepped back and let Chris go to Kate.”

Kyla was being honest about her past with Chris.

Now, she was carrying Chris’s child, and her affair was known to her adoptive parents. If she continued to hide it, they would think she was keeping secrets from them.

Kyla continued, “I don’t know what I did wrong to offend Kate, making her target me like this. Mom, I feel like Kate wants to force me out of the Sutton family, away from you, and even away from Sherpsel.”

Celia released Kyla’s hand.

This action made Kyla realize Celia was angry.

Unable to help herself, she sneered again in her heart.

Celia pretended to be fair, but when it came to criticizing Kate, she always favored Kate.

Since it was out in the open, Kyla decided to voice her suspicions, since she had already angered Celia.

Kyla said, “Mom, there’s something I’ve been holding back for a while. I don’t know whether I should say it. If it’s true, I’m afraid you and Dad would be hurt and unable to accept it.”

Celia replied calmly, “Just say it. We’ve seen all kinds of storms.”

She shot Kyla a glance and continued, “As for you and Chris, we won’t interfere anymore. If you regret it in the future, don’t blame us for not warning you. You didn’t listen to us. Right now, I’m grateful that Kate left Chris.”

Kyla pursed her lips and thought, Kate left Chris to marry Alfred just because Alfred has a fatter wallet. Did they really think Kate loves Mr. Davidson? How could someone as smart as Mr. Davidson not suspect Kate’s intentions?’ Kyla said, “Mom, I’m an adult. I’ll take responsibility for my decisions. Have you considered that this Kate isn’t the same as the previous Kate?”

Celia suddenly glared at her, her expression darkening as she angrily said, “Kyla, what do you mean by that?”

Kyla said, “Mom, please don’t be angry. Let me analyze this for you.” Kyla quickly soothed Celia. “Think about it, Mom. The previous Kate was so well-behaved and kind. But ever since she returned from the Davidson family, she’s completely changed.

“She’s deliberately trying to please you and Dad while targeting me. I suspect this current Kate isn’t the real one. Her goal is to destroy the relationship between me and you, so she can please you both, learn to manage the company, take over the Sutton Group, and monopolize everything in the Sutton family.

“This current Kate might just be an impostor. It’s a conspiracy. Someone used Kate’s trip to find Mr. Davidson as a cover and replaced her. The real Kate might…”

“Kyla!” Celia suddenly stood up, pointing at Kyla and scolding, “I think you’re the one deliberately trying to destroy Kate and our relationship. Kate is my biological daughter. It’s natural for her to care for her parents, but you turn it into her trying to win favor.

“You say Kate is targeting you, but it’s clear you’re seizing the opportunity to slander Kate in front of me.”

Celia was quite angry and continued, “Kyla, I don’t care if you resent me. No matter how much you criticize Kate in front of me, she will always be my biological daughter.” Celia had given birth to Kate after ten months of pregnancy, only to have her maliciously swapped by bad people, leading to a separation of twenty-five years.

Celia had always felt guilty towards Kate, wanting to make up for it. No matter how Kate turned out, she was still Celia’ s child.

It was only natural for Celia to be upset at Kyla questioning whether Kate was real.

Kyla stood up and said, “Mom, please don’t be angry. Think about how Kate has treated you and Dad since she returned. How is she treating you now?

“She changed overnight. Also, she was so in love with Chris and wanted to marry him desperately, but suddenly she figured it out, distancing herself from Chris and marrying Mr. Davidson. Don’t you find all this suspicious?”

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