Chapter 417 Back Already?
Phillipe's gaze remained steady, his silence prompting the club manager to continue. "Abella has always been a beacon of kindness," he said, his voice full of admiration. "She's the kind of woman who stands up against injustice whenever she encounters it."
"Quite the Good Samaritan," Phillipe remarked, his concern narrowing down to a single point. "Did she sustain any injuries?"
"Far from it," the manager reassured him. "It was the other man who ended up worse for wear..." He paused, a hint of amusement creeping into his voice. "Especially that Felix, who Abella left in quite a state."
Phillipe's voice took on a dangerous edge as he asked, "Who was the man you said insulted her?"
"Felix."
"And the one who tried to flirt with her?"
"Lee Shawn."
"Do you know what needs to be done?"
"Rest assured, Phillipe. Both men have been added to the club's blacklist tonight. They won't be stepping foot in here again."
"Understood."
After the call ended, Phillipe delegated the task of dealing with the two men to his secretary. Soon after, the sound of a car pulling into the garage reached his ears. Abella had returned.
As she stepped out of the car, Phillipe was there to envelop her in his arms. Was he overreacting to their brief separation? He took a deep breath, inhaling her scent, then examined her from head to toe. Her feet, hands, face - all were as they should be. The club manager had been truthful; Abella was unscathed.
Once they were settled in the living room, Abella's phone vibrated with a new message from the club manager.
"Abella, have you made it home safely?"
"I'm home," she replied, nestled comfortably in Phillipe's embrace.
"Was everything okay on your journey?"
"Safe and sound."
"That's good to hear. I won't keep you from resting. Oh, and Jay's fine. He got patched up and went home to rest."
"That's great."
Phillipe watched her typing away and asked, "Who are you talking to?"
"The club manager."
"Does he need something?"
"He's been acting strangely today, overly concerned about my safety on the road..."
A chuckle escaped Phillipe's lips as he put two and two together. Did the club manager think he was some lecherous old man, inquiring about the club's most beautiful woman with the intent of intercepting her journey home? Had his reputation among the staff really fallen so low?
Just then, Phillipe's phone rang. After a brief conversation, he looked down at the woman in his arms and said, "My parents have returned to the country and they want me to visit tomorrow. I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to them."
His parents' visits were rare, and it was impossible to predict when they would next be in town. He wanted them to meet the woman he loved, the woman he planned to propose to once she graduated.
But the decision to meet his parents was ultimately hers. "If you're not ready, we can arrange it for another time," Phillipe said, careful not to pressure her.
"What do they like?" Abella asked suddenly.
Phillipe was taken aback for a moment before responding, "Your presence is the best gift. Just showing up is enough."
"I can't come empty-handed to a first meeting. Do they have any hobbies, like collecting anything?"
"My dad is quite fond of a calligrapher named Early," Phillipe said, his fingers threading through her hair tenderly. "I'll buy some of his work."
"Early's artwork?" Abella arched an eyebrow. "I have some."
She could provide as many pieces as needed, or even create more on the spot.
"And your mom?"
"Mom has many interests, but none outweigh her love for beauty."
A love for beauty? That was something Abella could easily cater to.
"I'll take care of the gifts. You decide on the time."
Phillipe's gaze softened at her straightforwardness. "How about dinner tomorrow night?" he suggested gently.
"Sure."
With that, Phillipe cradled her face and kissed her, his heart filled with joy.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bourbon, upon hearing the news of his son and daughter-in-law's return, furrowed his brows and grumbled, "Ah, they finally remember to come back!"
His son, sauntered in with a jovial demeanor, retorting, "This is our home. Where else would we go?" He greeted his father, "It's been a while, Dad. I heard you've been gaining strength, and seeing you tonight, it's evident."
Mrs. Bourbon, his daughter-in-law, handed her gift to Scott, the butler, and slipped into a pair of slippers. She chimed in, "Dad, you seem much more spirited than before. Your robust voice could echo a mile away."
Mr. Bourbon, unable to suppress a smile, feigned a complaint, " Claire, you've been away far too long!"
Mrs. Bourbon elegantly approached him, replying, "If we didn't venture far, we'd want to meddle in every minor company matter, and Phillipe would have his reservations. Besides, dealing with our two-faced relatives would tempt me to punch each one I encounter. It's better to maintain our distance and avoid unnecessary vexation."
"I think you two just wanted to relish some couple time," Mr. Bourbon grumbled.
"We are a couple, isn't it natural to desire that? Didn't you and Mom crave your couple time?" Andrew retorted, settling onto the couch. He couldn't resist asking, "Where's Mom? I heard she's recuperating..."
"Is that my son and Claire I hear?" A voice echoed from the elevator.
With a soft ding, the elevator doors parted, revealing Madam Bourbon, assisted by a maid. Her smile radiated warmth, her demeanor exuded elegance, and her presence emanated a serene beauty.
"Mom??" Mrs. Bourbon’s voice quivered as she caught sight of Madam Bourbon. It had been years since she'd seen her in such a state.
She remembered her mother-in-law lying motionless in bed, unresponsive to calls and conversation. But now, standing before her, so vibrant and rejuvenated... "Mom..." Mrs. Bourbon moved swiftly towards her, her emotions overwhelming her as she embraced Madam Bourbon tightly, tears streaming down her face, "It's wonderful, you've finally recovered..."
Years ago, when Madam Bourbon first slipped into a vegetative state, their entire family was engulfed in sorrow. Especially Mrs. Bourbon. Her bond with her mother-in-law was even deeper than that of many mothers and daughters.
"Seeing you standing before me, healthy and strong... it's just so wonderful."
"There, there, no tears," Madam Bourbon said with a gentle smile, patting Mrs. Bourbon's back. "I know you care deeply for me. But look at you, you’ve hardly aged a day..."
"That's not true," Mrs. Bourbon chuckled through her tears. "But you, it's as if time has stood still for you. You haven't changed at all."
"Mom." Andrew couldn't help but step forward too, joining their embrace. He had never dared to dream that this day would come, when his mother could stand before them and converse with them.
"Alright, alright, let's sit down to talk," Mr. Bourbon interjected, rushing to support his wife with a concerned look. He feared she might tire from standing too long. "She just recovered and shouldn't stand for too long..."
Mrs. Bourbon hastily helped steady her. "I heard it was the young lady recently discovered by the Medici family who saved you?"
"Yes, that child is a brilliant physician, the famed Dr. Abbott who is praised by everyone..."
Mrs. Bourbon and Andrew were somewhat taken aback to hear this; they hadn't expected the legendary doctor, whose tales bordered on the miraculous, to be a young woman.
"I hear Phillipe is quite taken with her?" Mrs. Bourbon probed further.
"Not just Phillipe. Your father and I, we both really like her..." Madam Bourbon did not hide her affection for Abella.
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