Chapter 406 Whose Lover Do You Want To Be
Andrew spotted Celeste.
He was pretty shocked and kinda ticked off.
He thought he'd made things clear with her. If she still showed up, it was definitely to mess with Chloe.
Given his status, Andrew couldn't just tell her to scram.
He ditched his coat, rocking just a gray shirt and dark wool pants, looking all classy and handsome.
A servant handed him a hot towel, and Andrew used it to wipe his hands.
He grinned at Nathan and said, "Nathan, why don't you stick around for dinner? Bring your wife too."
Nathan was always good at going with the flow.
He took the used towel from Andrew and smiled. "I wouldn't want to impose. I'll just head home; my wife and kids are waiting for me."
Andrew also gave a faint smile.
He leaned inside and called out, "Chloe, Nathan's heading home soon. Aren't you gonna see him off? You usually call him so sweetly."
Chloe inside was fuming.
He must be doing this on purpose!
He knew she didn't like Celeste, yet he still asked her to come out and see them off.
But since Andrew had spoken, she couldn't refuse, nor did she want to seem petty.
Chloe ran out, still clutching the tube of ointment in her hand. Her mouth was smeared with a patch of it.
Celeste watched quietly, feeling a weird sensation in her heart.
She knew Andrew; he was a perfectionist.
Seeing Chloe lose her cool like this, she thought Andrew would be unable to tolerate it, at least feeling embarrassed.
Sure enough, Andrew frowned.
He pulled Chloe over to his side. "What's going on?"
Chloe was close to him.
She could even clearly see the small bite mark she had left on his neck last night, making her blush and whisper, "I burned myself eating."
Andrew, however, took out some ointment and personally applied it for her, scolding her gently, "You can't even apply medicine properly."
Though he was scolding, his actions and gaze were incredibly gentle.
Chloe wasn't afraid of him.
At this moment, she even forgot there were others around, putting her hand in his pocket and acting spoiled.
Celeste watched quietly, feeling as if she had fallen into an ice cave.
Andrew was actually indulging her like this.
Chloe had nothing going for her besides being pretty, not suitable at all to be the mistress of the Devereux family.
Andrew was the heir to the Devereux family. How could Chloe be worthy?
At this moment, Nathan took out a gift from his briefcase. "This is for you, since I gave one to Gavin last time!"
Chloe was embarrassed to take his gift.
Andrew patted her head and said, "Take it! He's just trying to get something in return!"
Nathan laughed. "You know me well!"
Chloe accepted the gift.
The butler spoke to him.
After a moment, he suddenly thought of something; he turned to Chloe and said, "What are you standing there for? See Nathan off, and also see Celeste off while you're at it."
Celeste's face turned grim.
With just a few words, Andrew had made clear the difference in status between her and Chloe.
She forced a smile. "No need to trouble Miss Hawkins!"
Chloe clung to Andrew's arm, reaching for the coat on the sofa, which was Andrew's.
She threw on the coat and tightened it. "Nathan, I'll walk you out!"
Nathan grinned. "In this weather, walking with a beauty like you is a pleasure just to think about!"
He tucked his briefcase under his arm.
Chloe followed him out, and Celeste had no reason to stick around.
She looked at Andrew, feeling a mix of sadness and frustration.
Andrew had plenty of flings, and she was one of them.
She didn't need a title by his side, just hoped that one day he'd settle down, and she believed she was the one for him.
She never thought he'd fall for Chloe, to the point where he'd leave his beloved career for her.
Celeste's lips trembled. "I heard you're going into business?"
Andrew finished giving instructions.
He dismissed the butler and then looked at Adeline sitting nearby, helplessly taking out a cigarette and slowly taking a puff. "How'd you find out?"
Celeste held back her emotions. "I have my ways! Someone saw your resignation letter."
After the mission was over, Andrew would quit all his positions.
This shocked and angered her.
How could he love Chloe so much, willing to leave his career just to be with her and marry her?
"Andrew! You're perfect for your current job. Going into business for someone who doesn't get it; isn't it too late? Can you do better in business than the Hawkins family? Without your status, why would she still want to be with you?"
Andrew took a drag of his cigarette and said softly, "None of this concerns you! Celeste, let me go and let yourself go too! Chloe's youth doesn't mean she's immature; she's chosen me more firmly than anyone else!"
And he had chosen her too.
Celeste wanted to say something, but Chloe came back.
Andrew took her hand and looked at the wound on her mouth, greeting Adeline, "Adeline, please entertain our guest. I'll take Chloe to change clothes!"
Adeline nodded.
Chloe walked beside him. "Aren't you afraid of neglecting your guest?"
Andrew hadn't seen her all day and missed her.
He pressed her against the hallway wall, gently touching her wound, and asked softly, "Does it still hurt?"
"It doesn't hurt anymore!"
Andrew chuckled lightly, his voice even softer. "I meant there; didn't you say it hurt last night?"
Chloe blushed.
She leaned against the wall and lightly hit his chest.
Their playful banter was sweet, making them forget Celeste's presence.
Andrew was always considerate and didn't go too far. They changed clothes and came out.
Celeste was already gone.
Gavin was busy around Adeline.
Adeline was cooking. She used to be a bit lazy, but this year she was surprisingly diligent.
Seeing his mother's gentle expression, Andrew's heart softened. He picked up his son. "I'll take you to the yard to set off fireworks."
Chloe actually wanted to go too.
She loved to play, but considering her current status, she said, "I'll help Adeline with the cooking!"
Adeline pushed her, scolding, "No need. Your youngsters should go play!"
Once she was allowed, Chloe ran quickly.
Adeline teased Andrew, "She is so cute!"
And she was so beautiful.
Andrew just smiled.
He took Gavin to the warehouse, grabbed more than ten fireworks, and set them up.
The sky had just turned dark.
There was only a hint of white on the horizon and a few small lights in the yard.
Andrew wore black trousers and a dark blue cashmere sweater, his figure tall.
The dim light cast a glow on his profile.
His features were not as chiseled as Frederick's; he was even gentle.
Fireworks soared into the sky, exploding at their peak.
It was Gavin's first New Year with his dad, and setting off fireworks made him naturally happy, jumping and clapping.
Chloe was too.
She looked up at the colorful display, then lowered her gaze to look at the man she loved.
Unexpectedly, Andrew was also looking at her.
His gaze was indescribably focused and gentle.
Chloe felt her cheeks heat up.
But she couldn't bear to look away.
Andrew smiled lightly, took a deep drag on his cigarette, and went to light more fireworks.
The sky full of fireworks was all for her.
Finally, he came to her side, picked up Gavin with one hand, and held Chloe with the other.
Chloe leaned gently on his shoulder, thinking that in the past 30 years, she had never had a family party as lively and fulfilling as this one.
Andrew whispered in her ear, "I hope we can be together every year."
He didn't say he loved her, but Chloe felt sweet.
She quietly wrapped her arms around his waist, feeling very moved.
The atmosphere at the Devereux Mansion was very lively.
But Andrew didn't rest.
He was busy outside; many people came to the house to deliver gifts and greetings. Adeline usually met with them, but this year she uncharacteristically declined them all.
Chloe found it strange.
Adeline said, "Andrew might not be in his position after the New Year."
These people came only to ask for favors. There was no need to see them anymore!
Chloe had heard him mention it before, and now hearing Adeline say it so casually, she felt a bit uneasy.
She felt that Andrew resigned because of her.
Her thoughts are written all over her face.
Adeline smiled. "I wish he would step down! I never see him all day, and I think he's just using you two as an excuse to slack off!"
Chloe laughed. "You always know how to comfort people!"
She blushed, looking very beautiful.
Adeline was pleased and joked with her, "I'm not as good at comforting people as Andrew! I've been watching these past few years, and I can tell he's definitely set on you."
Chloe was even more embarrassed!
Just as she was about to retort, the butler came over respectfully. "Adeline, Chloe, a man named Matthew is here with his son and would like to see you."
Matthew? Who was Matthew?
Adeline felt a headache, resting her head on her hand. "The Devereux family doesn't have a daughter anymore, and the only one we had is already married. Why is this man bringing his son here? I don't need more workers."
The butler smiled. "He looks very distinguished!"
He leaned in and whispered, "He is a well-known businessman from Bostan. I heard he has some connections with Charlotte."
Adeline wasn't aware of outside matters.
But Chloe suddenly remembered.
She exclaimed, "His son is Landon. He even sent flowers to Charlotte, but she threw them away. He's just wishful thinking!"
Adeline found it amusing.
Now she understood why her high-minded son was so fond of Chloe.
Chloe was different!
Adeline composed herself and told the butler, "Let them in!"
The butler left.
She then said to Chloe, "When they come, don't offend them easily."
Chloe wasn't angry. Taking advantage of the time before they arrived, she snuggled up to Adeline and acted spoiled. "I know."
Adeline had to deal with people, but she was happy at the moment.
Adeline was young and simple-minded, like having a little daughter back, which made her very happy.
While they were talking, Matthew arrived with Landon.
The attendants carried gifts and luggage. As soon as they entered, Matthew took off his scarf and warmly greeted, "Hello, Ms. Bennett. It's lovely to meet you!"
Then he called to Landon, "Quick, call her Grandma! Charlotte is your sister; Charlotte's grandma is your grandma too!"
Landon felt somewhat embarrassed.
Adeline was smart. She called Landon over and touched his hand. "You look very good!"
Then she seriously asked, "Does William have other children? I never heard Maria mention it!"
Matthew was a bit confused.
Adeline was not easy to deal with, pretending to be clueless!
At this moment, Adeline pointed to the things and said, "If he's William's child, then quickly prepare a guest room. We can't let family stay in a hotel."
She asked Chloe to prepare.
Chloe was smart and followed the lead. "His last name is Carter. He is not William's child."
Adeline smiled. "I got confused. When I heard he was Charlotte's brother, I thought he was William's child! Since he's not, let's call Charlotte and see what she says."
Matthew was all smiles. "Ms. Bennett, no need to trouble her! Landon and I are just here to check things out; we'll definitely stay in a hotel!"
Adeline nodded. "Oh! I see! I thought you were staying here because you brought the luggage."
Matthew looked uncomfortable.
Adeline didn't invite them to stay, but she ordered a meal and asked Andrew to come back early to entertain the guests.
As for the expensive gifts, they would wait for Charlotte to handle.
It was only three in the afternoon.
The Carter family father and son were touring the garden, and Chloe, feeling bored, followed them.
Up front, Adeline was chatting idly with Matthew.
Behind, Chloe glared at Landon.
She snorted. "What are you doing here? Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Frederick and Charlotte are in love; there's no place for you as a lover!"
Landon knew she was Frederick's sister.
He liked Charlotte and enjoyed teasing her, but he couldn't be a lover.
Thinking of Frederick, Landon felt annoyed. So he wanted to tease his sister as revenge.
So Landon said cheekily, "I do want to be a lover!"
Chloe flared up. "You are shameless! Charlotte will never like you!"
Landon crossed his arms. "Wanna bet?"
"Bet on what?" A voice came from the garden gate.
Turning around, it was Frederick.
He was wearing an elegant coat, exuding an elite aura.
Knowing there would be snow in Syeattel tomorrow morning, he brought his wife and kids to Copenhegan early. Unexpectedly, the first thing he heard was Landon's words!
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