Chapter 204 Underhanded Tactics
Christopher, always so proud, now stood before me in casual clothes. What had I done to deserve this upheaval?
The situation we found ourselves in wasn't one easily changed. And it certainly had nothing to do with his choice of attire. Even if he dressed exactly like Jerry, he would still be Christopher.
"I just realized that dressing like this is quite comfortable," Christopher explained, trying to appear nonchalant. Despite his laid-back clothes, his innate nobility remained undiminished. His eyes fell on the suitcase in my living room, and his gentle expression turned grim. "Are you going to Maple Valley?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"To find Jerry?"
"Yes." I answered crisply. There was no use in explaining my motives to Christopher; if he believed I was rushing into Jerry’s arms, perhaps it would finally loosen his grip on me.
Anger flashed in Christopher’s blue eyes, but he restrained himself. "The situation in Maple Valley is complicated right now. Going there won’t make a difference. Give me some time, and I’ll deal with Kimberly and Skylar."
"And then?" I asked, not bothering to hide my skepticism.
"And then you can be Mrs. Valence in peace," Christopher replied, as if it were the most logical conclusion.
I was momentarily at a loss for words. "Christopher, why are you acting like a child who doesn't understand the meaning of divorce?"
Divorce meant that we were two unrelated people from now on, and we should not disturb each other anymore.
Christopher stared at me unblinkingly. "I know you're angry about how I handled the Kimberly situation last time. If you need to vent or take time to calm down, I can accept that. But one thing's for sure: your wanting to leave me is impossible. I promise, from now on, I'll discuss everything with you."
I felt like laughing but couldn't muster the energy. To Christopher, it seemed as if he still thought I was simply throwing a tantrum. In his mind, if he coaxed me and held me just right, I would return to him, quiet and understanding, just like countless times before.
Seeing my silence, he pressed further, his voice warm and deep. "Hope, you've loved me for so many years. Feelings like that don't disappear so easily. We can start over; it's not too late."
I took a deep breath. "Yes. I loved you for many years, since I was eighteen. Loved you enough to marry you willingly, care for your family, and quietly become the secret Mrs. Valence. Loved you enough to get pregnant with your child and dream of a future together. But, Christopher..."
I looked at him steadily, enunciating each word. "That was the old Hope Royston. The current Hope Royston just wants a clean break from you."
Christopher's Adam's apple bobbed as he fought to control his emotions, his thin lips parting slightly. "What if I don’t want that?"
"It's not up to you!" With that, I decisively closed the door.
I didn't give a damn if he was still outside; I swiftly packed my bags.
When I left, the hallway was empty. Breathing a sigh of relief, I took the elevator downstairs, only to run into Cecil.
I smiled lightly. "Cecil, are you here to see me?"
"Yes." Cecil smiled back, glancing at the suitcase I was pushing and looking slightly confused. "Are you going on a business trip?"
"I'm going to Maple Valley," I explained. "There's some unfinished business I need to take care of."
Cecil nodded slightly, pointing towards the underground garage. "I saw Christopher's car when I came in. Did he come to see you?"
I nodded. "Yes."
Cecil's eyes flickered with an emotion I couldn't quite place. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "He... didn’t seem off, did he?"
"No."
Christopher's refusal to let go was his usual demeanor; there was nothing out of the ordinary about that. However, curiosity got the better of me. "Cecil, is there something you want to say?"
Cecil shook his head. "No, nothing."
I smiled and glanced at my watch. "Okay, I need to get going. It's time to head to Maple Valley."
Cecil hesitated again before asking, "Is there any chance for you and Christopher to reconcile?"
I gave a helpless smile. "Cecil, I really can't think about that right now. If you're here to mediate, please don't."
"I'm not here to mediate," Cecil said, studying my expression carefully. "But there's something I’m not sure I should tell you."
I was puzzled. "What is it?"
Cecil seemed to choose his words carefully. "I heard about the Harris family’s fake daughter situation from Avery. Have you ever wondered how she managed to replace you? Who was behind it?"
I speculated, "It must be Kimberly."
Maybe there were others, but I had no leads for now.
This matter was clearly aimed at me. Ordinary people wouldn't dare meddle in the Harris family. But those with power and influence... I couldn't think of anyone else I had offended.
Thinking of this, I suddenly looked at Cecil. "Do you know something?"
Cecil avoided my gaze. "Forget it, I'm just speculating."
The more he evaded, the more curious I became. "What speculation?"
Cecil looked troubled, and after a long time, he said, "Promise me you'll handle it calmly. I might be wrong."
I agreed, "I'll try."
"Look at this." Cecil handed me two photos. "I stumbled upon these a few days ago and heard them talking about 'marrying Jerry.' I couldn’t fathom how Christopher knew her until Avery told me she had taken your place."
I looked at the photos and immediately grasped Cecil's meaning.
Both photos were of Christopher and the fake Bella in a café.
Clenching the photos tightly, I said, "Thank you, Cecil."
"Hope, things might not be as they seem." Cecil urged, worried I’d act on impulse. "Even if Christopher did orchestrate this, maybe he did it out of fear of losing you. Don’t be too angry."
I pursed my lips. "Stop explaining for him. I'll ask him myself."
While I was furious about this revelation, it didn’t seem like something Christopher would do.
Cecil asked cautiously, "If Christopher is behind this, what will you do?"
I was surprisingly calm. "There’s nothing to do. We’ll remain strangers."
Cecil's expression froze, hiding his surprise at my coldness. "What about me? Would we also become strangers?"
I looked at him and smiled lightly. "Probably. I can’t accept anyone manipulating my life or using deceit. It’s too frightening. But, Cecil, you’re not that kind of person."
Cecil smiled warmly. "Of course not. I'll always be your friend."
Driving to the Valence Group, numerous scenarios ran through my mind. Yet, I still felt it wasn’t Christopher. The tactics used in this scheme were beneath him.
"You’ve overstepped, Cecil Lewis. Even if I did it, you have no right to question me about the Harris family’s matters." I was just about to knock on the CEO's office door when I heard Christopher’s cold voice from inside.
"Besides, what are you pretending to be so selfless for? You should be even less willing than I am to see her with Jerry, right?"
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