Chapter 254: You Drugged Me
Christopher rarely heard Hope speak in such a carefree tone. When she was with him, she was mostly calm and gentle, always composed. She was adept at her work, had her life meticulously organized, and rarely spoke with the playful energy that now colored her voice.
In a sudden rush of emotion, Christopher hung up the phone hastily, his large hand fumbling so that the phone slipped and thudded onto the carpet. He sat there, feeling a strange sense of helplessness.
He had wanted to ask her about Jerry—what was the nature of their relationship? But hearing that joy in her voice, he couldn't bring himself to ask. He didn't want to spoil her happiness, nor was he brave enough to confront it. Deep down, he knew he had no right to know, and even if he did, it wouldn’t change anything.
Hope was wonderful. She deserved to be cherished and adored by anyone.
Christopher's instant surge of regret seemed insignificant compared to Jerry’s unwavering dedication over the years. Yet, despite everything, Christopher clung to a small sliver of hope. As long as they didn’t marry, he believed he still had a chance.
In another part of the story, Micah had other plans. Despite agreeing to Daniel's request, he couldn’t resist pursuing Christopher to gather information. Micah was known for his thick skin and unscrupulous methods, traits that had helped him succeed in business. He saw the expression on Christopher's face, noted his rushed departure, and followed him discreetly.
Approaching Donald with a fawning smile, Micah asked, “What’s going on? Why does Mr. Valence seem to be in a bad mood?”
“Mind your own business,” Donald replied curtly and walked away. He had been by Christopher’s side for many years and had learned to keep Christopher’s private matters strictly confidential.
Feeling slightly embarrassed but undeterred, Micah decided to prowl more shrewdly. He casually phoned his girlfriend. “Hey, babe, has Donald ever mentioned Mr. Valence to you?”
"Mr. Valence? Christopher?"
"Yes, yes."
"What about him?"
Micah sensed an opportunity and pressed on. “Like, has he mentioned Mr. Valence’s private life?”
Given Christopher’s earlier reaction, Micah instinctively suspected it involved a romantic issue, and for someone like Christopher to show such emotion, the woman involved had to be extraordinary.
His girlfriend thought for a moment. “Mr. Valence is very traditional when it comes to relationships; none of that messy stuff you're thinking.”
“No, no, not that,” Micah quickly clarified. “Isn’t Mr. Valence known for doting on his wife? How’s his relationship with her?”
She hesitated before divulging, “Oh, you mean that! I overheard Donald on the phone once. Mr. Valence and his wife got divorced. It was quite recent, and apparently, it was she who initiated it. Seems odd to give up such a lavish life.”
“Divorced? When?” Micah pressed further, his interest piqued.
“Just recently, I believe. Why do you ask? Remember, I overheard this. Don’t make things awkward for me.”
“Don't worry, you know me,” Micah reassured her, turning his attention back to his intrigue. “Do you know who Mr. Valence’s wife is?”
“Well, I heard she’s the founder of ElevateJoy, the clothing brand that has been all the rage the last two years.”
“Elissa?” Micah asked, connecting the dots. He had encountered Elissa at numerous business functions. She was strikingly beautiful, and it made sense how ElevateJoy had skyrocketed under her helm.
The person on the other end said, "No, the other one."
Micah racked his brain, trying to recall, but no specific person came to mind. Realizing he had extracted all the information he could from his girlfriend, he decided not to linger on it too long. "Alright, I got it. Thanks, babe. Love you."
After some sweet talk, Micah hung up and immediately called his assistant. "I need you to get me everything on the founders of ElevateJoy. Profiles, photos—the works."
He knew that if he managed to help Christopher reconcile with his ex-wife, his status with the RF Group would skyrocket. And Micah was never one to miss out on an opportunity.
The next day, as Jerry prepared to return to the Hammer Mansion, I felt a wave of unease wash over me after finishing Madison's dress. Elissa, with her keen sense, noticed my agitation and pulled me aside. "Worrying won't solve anything, and do you really think Jerry is the type to make the same mistake twice?"
I sighed, "I'm just worried."
"Worried about what?" she asked, guiding me to sit on the sofa. "Is it you or something else that's truly important to Jerry?"
Her words struck a chord, leaving me momentarily speechless.
Elissa chuckled, "Realize something? He's put in so much effort to win you over. He wouldn't risk it all unless he was certain. He's usually fearless, but everyone has a vulnerable spot."
Reflecting on Jerry's assurances from the night before, I began to calm down. Elissa gave me a playful poke on the head. "That lab explosion two years ago has made you overly cautious."
I nodded, acknowledging the truth. "You're right."
Fear of losing something or someone important could be paralyzing. Yet, I knew I couldn't hold Jerry back. He had to reclaim what rightfully belonged to his family, not just for himself, but for Molly and Avery as well. It was his duty.
Elissa's teasing voice broke my reverie. "If you're that worried, you could drive him there and wait in the car."
I briefly considered this, but my phone buzzed, showing Madison's name.
I answered, and Madison's gentle voice greeted me. "Hope, what are you up to?"
I smiled, my earlier anxiety dissipating. "I just finished your dress. Are you in Maple Valley? I can bring it over whenever you're free."
Her happiness was evident. "Yes! I'm free today. I've just moved into a new place. Would you like to come see it?"
"Today?" I hesitated but quickly agreed. "Sure. Where do you live? I'll bring it over this afternoon."
After hanging up, Elissa raised an eyebrow lightly. "No worries for Jerry anymore?"
I laughed softly. "Jerry said last night that he didn’t need me to accompany him."
Given that, keeping busy seemed preferable to stewing in anxiety at home. Besides, spending time with Madison always brought me peace—she was like my personal therapist.
Serenity Manor was an exclusive, serene community—an ideal match for Madison. After reporting her building number at the gate, I drove to her house. Exiting the car with the dress in hand, I rang the doorbell, but it was Sarah who answered.
She gave me a cursory glance and extended her hand. "Just give me the dress—you can leave now."
I didn’t budge, maintaining a polite smile.
On the phone, Madison had invited me to see her new place. She probably wouldn’t be so rude as to turn me away.
Sarah's eyes narrowed. "It doesn’t matter whose idea it is."
Lowering my gaze slightly, I met Sarah's eyes and said softly, "Was it you who drugged me at the banquet?"
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