Chapter 23
Serenity Residence sat nestled at the foot of Serenity Mountain’s golf course, just a short walk from Silvergrove Park.
The estate featured six luxury villas, each with its own private courtyard and a dedicated medical team.
Anyone wealthy enough to buy property here for “health purposes” was either filthy rich or highly influential.
This was where Jeremy had been staying during his recovery.
Irene didn’t even have clearance to drive into the estate, so she parked at the open–air lot by the wetland park nearby.
She had just reached the estate gates with her small basket in hand, still wondering how she’d get in, when a car horn sounded
behind her.
“Miss Jackson?” Aiden had just returned and was surprised to see her. “Here to see Mr. Tucker? Did he know you were coming?”
Meeting his curious gaze, Irene stayed calm. “He doesn’t. I made the decision last minute.”
She lifted the basket slightly. “My grandma just got into town from the countryside and brought me a few wild matsutake mushrooms. I heard from Dorian that Mr. Tucker really likes them. I didn’t want them to lose freshness overnight, so I figured I’d deliver them today.
Aiden’s expression softened. “That’s very thoughtful. Just the other day, Mr. Tucker was saying how he’s been craving mushroom soup with all this rainy weather.”
“Come on, hop in. He’s staying in number 6 manor–it’s a bit of a walk from here.” He got out and opened the back door for her himself
As Irene got into the car, she noticed Aiden was holding an aromatherapy oil. “Mr. Tucker’s into aromatherapy oil?” she asked, surprised.
“It’s a calming blend, Aiden explained. “He just moved in yesterday and forgot this at home, so I went back to get it.” Apparently, Jeremy couldn’t even sleep without aromatherapy–his condition was clearly more serious than she’d thought.
A number & manor, Aiden pushed open the uniquely crafted wooden gate to the front courtyard.
As Irene stepped inside, she immediately noticed discreet surveillance cameras tucked into the shadows around the yard.
and entered the main hall. “Mr. Tucker is meeting a guest in the
She followed behind Aiden, holding her basket pro wait here for a moment.
coffee room,” Aiden said, glancing back at her, “Please
“Yes, sir.”
He took the aromatherapy oil upstairs and returned quickly, then disappeared into the coffee room next door.
It was Irene’s first time visiting, so she sat politely on the living room sofa, keeping still and quiet.
A few minutes later, Aiden came back. “Miss Jackson, Mr. Tucker will see you now.”
Irene stood, picked up the basket, and followed him.
The coffee room was hidden behind an ornate folding screen. At its center was a carved opening, inlaid with a beautifully embroidered silk panel depicting two cuddly cats.
Irene paused for a second to admire the craftsmanship, then followed Aiden into the room.
The moment she stepped inside, her eyes were drawn to Jeremy, seated at the head of the room in a traditional armchair.
He wore a black suit, a string of beads wrapped around his wrist–symbolizing peace and health. From her angle, she could only see his side profile.
He appeared to be listening intently to the man speaking across from him, head slightly lowered in polite attention. But Irene
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Chapter 23
could tell–his focus was elsewhere
The man had been talking non–stop, his throat nearly dry from the effort, but none of it seemed to register with Jeremy.
Irene tightened her grip on the basket handle. After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke softly, “Mr. Tucker.”
The TOOM went silent for a beat.
The guest immediately stopped talking, and both men looked up at her.
It was only then that Irene clearly saw the man’s face–and blinked in surprise.
It was Simon, the same man she’d met briefly at the train station earlier that day.
Funny how fate worked.
After all that back and forth, the matsutake mushrooms still ended up in Jeremy’s hands.
Simon recognized her too.
A girl like Irene wasn’t someone you easily forgot. He wasn’t the type to chase women, but he did have an appreciation for beauty.
He raised his brows, surprised. “You know Mr. Tucker?”
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