Chapter 221
Lillian pointed at John, but before she could curse him, saliva dribbled from her mouth. Seeing her husband’s disgusted gaze, she hurriedly wiped i away, shocked to realize the aftereffects of her stroke had resurfaced.
“So you’ve been pining for Fiona all this time.” Lillian pounded her chest angrily and shouted, “I’ve spent half my life with you, borne you two sons, yet you still think of that barren bitch!”
John said coldly, “She couldn’t bear children, but she knew how to raise them. Gabriel’s rank is far higher than mine. Not one of your two sons
succeeds!”
Lillian’s eyes widened in shock and felt struggling to breathe.
Gabriel had been constantly suppressed by John when he first entered government. She’d assumed it was because Gabriel was competing for resources, but later, after Gabriel worked as a driver for a senior official, got promoted, and even ran against John for a representative position.
She never guessed Gabriel was the adopted son of Fiona and her husband. John had targeted him for no other reason than lingering affection for Fiona, The realization caused Lillian to faint abruptly.
By the time John noticed her distress, it was too late. Lillian’s head slammed hard against the floor.
On Monday, Zoe, having just started work, received a visiting request from Jocelyn addressed to Yann.
The families Zoe had worked for before were all middle–class. She didn’t know the rules of wealthy households.
But she often watched TV. When visiting a wealthy family, one generally needed to greet them in advance. Only after the host agreed could the guest arrive, so as not to catch the host when they were busy.
Since Zoe didn’t have a good impression of Jocelyn, she deliberately put on airs. “I’ll pass this to Mrs. Winifred. We’ll call you if she approves the visit.”
Jocelyn forced a smile. “Thank you.”
Once Jocelyn left, Zoe immediately called Audrey. “Mrs. Winifred, that woman is back. She wants to visit you tonight. I bet she’s trying to seduce Mr. Winifred–should we refuse?”
Audrey, flipping through the feedback of those facial masks, replied calmly, “Why refuse guests?”
Zoe hesitated and said, “But even newlyweds need to guard against home–wreckers.”
“Don’t worry. If they could seduce him, he never would’ve fallen for me in the first place.” Audrey set down the documents. “Just prepare some fruit and pastries for tonight.”
“I got it,” said Zoe.
After hanging up, Audrey called Emilia to inquire about Clayton’s case.
Emilia sighed and said, “We might need to wait. Someone in Ashbourne needs Clayton’s bone marrow, and he agreed to donate. They’re protecting him.”
Audrey frowned. “So his trial is on hold?”
“Not entirely, but enforcement will be delayed until after the surgery,” said Emilia. It might take six months since doctors needed to ensure the recipient recovers without rejection.
Clayton’s illegal detention charge carried a short sentence, but a six–month delay could mean he avoided prison altogether.
Audrey remembered the online buzz about the abused child being a table tennis prodigy. Emilia added, “Be patient. With Valerie’s debts, his life will
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Chapter 221
implode even without prison.”
“I’m in no hurry.” Audrey leaned back in her chair.
The prison offered routine and meals; a few months would only affect Clayton’s job–seeking in the future and nothing else. She decided to let him face Valerie’s betrayal, loan sharks, and physical decline first–then drop the final blow.
As she resumed reviewing facial mask efficacy, she heard a knock on the door. “Come in,” she said without even raising her head.
“Join me for dinner tonight?” Paul stood in the doorway. “Mr. Kent has a new production line we could check out.”
“Can’t tonight. I have plans.” Audrey looked up.
Disappointment flickered across Paul’s face, but he pressed on, “Luther sent Flora away, and his wife wants to thank you in person. I swear it’s a pure business dinner party.”
Audrey smiled, “I really am busy. Someone’s trying to steal my husband, and I need to deal with it.”
Paul perked up, shutting the door as he entered. “Who’s stupid enough to steal from you? Tell me I’ll divert her attention.”
“Jocelyn,” she said.
Paul froze. So that’s why Jocelyn had made bold demands during her investment–she’d been eyeing Audrey’s husband all along.
Audrey continued, “If you want to help, invite Jocelyn tonight. Just keep her occupied until 10 PM.”
Paul slid closer, tilting his head. “How will keeping her busy’stop her?”
Audrey didn’t explain and implied that he didn’t need to worry about the details in a teasing way.
After a long pause, Paul extended his hand. “I’ll need a reward if this works.”
Audrey shook it firmly, “If she leaves early, I’m cutting you off.”
Talia spent hours styling her hair and choosing a designer dress, elegant but understated for the visit. Then, she put on faint but stylish makeup.
As she finished her makeup, Jocelyn still hadn’t arrived. Before she could call, a courier delivered a gift box and said, “Ms. Clark had an emergency but sent this ahead. She’ll come to you soon.”
Before Talia could inquire, a white Range Rover passed her door, Grabbing the gift, she hurried to Villa No. 16.
From the outside, it looked no different from other villas–nowhere near as lavishly decorated as hers, leading Talia to suspect Audrey was just a fake wife Yann had hired to fend off suitors like her.
He announced his marriage on Twitter but didn’t reveal any information about his wife. Whether his wife is Audrey remains unknown. In fact, Talia thought Aurey might be a fake hired by Yann to reject people like her.
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