Chapter 409 Evaluate
Francis showed up uninvited and took the main seat without a second thought. He grabbed the tea the butler had brought for the head of the family, his long fingers lightly scraping the cup before taking a sip.
After setting it down, he looked at the people in front of him, his tone playful as he revealed their secrets, yet he remained calm and composed.
Aiden sat to his right, lower down, drinking his tea in silence, his expression unchanged. But hidden in his eyes was a fierce killing intent that no one noticed. The members of the Baker family had all changed their expressions.
The head of the Baker family had no dealings with the Peterson family and had never offended them. But he knew why Francis had come.
By allying with their biggest enemy, the Wright family, through marriage, it was clear to the world that they were now opposed to the Peterson family. Even so, he couldn't afford to fall out with Francis.
The Peterson family and the Wright family appeared to be equally matched in strength, but in reality, the Peterson family had the upper hand. Francis's great-grandfather was a notable figure in history.
"I don't quite understand. When have you ever met my daughter?" the head of the Baker family asked.
Francis raised his hand, lightly pointing with his index finger. Hayden understood and turned the tablet around, playing a video.
"Do you know who I am? I'm Veda Baker, daughter of the Baker family from Emerald City. How dare you kidnap me!" In the video, Veda kept shouting, revealing her identity.
Francis's eyes flickered, "This is interesting."
The head of the Baker family was now more worried about Veda's safety than the Wright family finding out about their deception. "Mr. Peterson, if you have any requests, please speak directly. I will do my best."
Francis's gaze fell on Aiden's face, seeing his slightly twitching mouth, knowing he was holding back his anger.
He smirked, "Mr. Wright is already forty-five years old. It's rare for him to fall in love, and he likes Veda. Yet you let the younger twin daughter marry in her place. Isn't that breaking Mr. Wright's heart?"
The head of the Baker family had heard of Francis's prowess, but seeing it firsthand was different.
He hurriedly explained, "There was no substitution. Veda just happened to be unavailable, and the younger daughter looks identical, so we took a photo."
Francis merely chuckled, saying nothing, but the sarcasm was palpable.
Aiden knew about the deception, but it didn't matter which Baker daughter he married. As long as it was a Baker daughter, it was fine. He had only one true love in his life and would marry her sincerely. Thinking of this, he could barely suppress his killing intent.
Despite their similar status, Francis had found another way. At his age, Aiden still needed a marriage alliance to solidify his family's and his own position, losing his true love. But Francis could choose a woman with no background without any concerns. He didn't hide it, announcing it to the world. He did everything to protect her, and he succeeded. Not everyone could do that. It was said that the Peterson family had already accepted this. How could Aiden reconcile his feelings about this?
"Thank you, Mr. Peterson, for coming all this way to remind me," Aiden said.
Francis waved his hand casually, "I'm here on behalf of Mr. Larson to congratulate Mr. Wright. After all, you're getting married, and he should show his appreciation. This bride swap just happened to coincide."
Could Aiden believe that? Unless he was a fool.
"Mr. Peterson, as you can see, the wedding didn't happen, so we won't accept the gift," the head of the Baker family said, trying to keep his voice steady.
Francis's words were loaded with meaning, "How can you say you didn't accept it? I already delivered the gift to Mr. Wright."
Willard and Francis were good friends. Delivering the gift was just an excuse for Francis to threaten him. Veda was clearly in his hands.
"Thank you, Mr. Peterson," the head of the Baker family replied, trying to mask his anxiety.
"You're welcome. We've known each other for years," Francis said, his tone casual but with an underlying menace.
Hayden noticed Aiden's hand gripping the mahogany armrest, his knuckles turning white. If it were glass, it would have shattered by now. Francis was indeed infuriating.
"Mr. Peterson..." The head of the Baker family spoke cautiously, "Could you please tell me where Veda is? I'll go get her back so she can marry Mr. Wright. This is a settled matter, and there's no room for reneging."
Francis took out a cigarette, and when he looked for a lighter, the head of the Baker family immediately offered his. But Francis bit the cigarette and slightly turned his head, lighting it with the incense behind him. The head of the Baker family froze with the lighter in his hand.
Francis glanced at him casually, his voice indifferent, "Sorry, I didn't see you offering the light."
He saw it but didn't want to use it. But they didn't dare say anything.
"Alright," Francis's thin lips parted, white smoke drifting out, gradually disappearing into the air, yet it left a strong presence, just like him.
"I have a meeting," he tapped his watch, "I won't stay long."
With that, he strode away. The head of the Baker family quickly followed, "Mr. Peterson, about my daughter..."
Francis chuckled lightly, "Aren't you supposed to have only one daughter? Where's the other one?"
He clearly didn't intend to release her. Though they were twins, the head of the Baker family preferred Veda. The one who returned from the countryside was a troublemaker. If not for marrying in Veda's place, she would have died in the countryside.
"Mr. Peterson..." the head of the Baker family pleaded.
Francis took the cigarette from his lips, held it between his fingers, and patted the head of the Baker family on the shoulder. The head of the Baker family felt the cigarette burn his hair, the smell of singed strands. Suddenly, his ear hurt, like a bee sting. But it was actually the cigarette brushing against his skin.
"Congratulations," Francis said, his smile cruel, like a hunter playing with a dying prey.
The head of the Baker family broke out in a cold sweat. They said the new head of the Peterson family was hard to read. Indeed. He didn't show his emotions, making him even harder to read. He came aggressively, exposing their deception, but not to ruin the marriage alliance between the Baker and Wright families. He captured his eldest daughter to facilitate the younger daughter's marriage to Aiden. After all this, Francis casually offered his congratulations, as if he had nothing to do with it. The head of the Baker family could only swallow his bitterness.
"I accept Mr. Peterson's congratulations," the head of the Baker family said, defeated.
Hayden opened the car door, and Francis bent down to get in. He sat in the back, and Felix started the car.
"Mr. Peterson, will you release Veda?" Hayden asked.
"In a couple of days," Francis replied.
Hayden was puzzled, "Mr. Peterson, are you sure Aiden won't seek another family for marriage?"
With the leverage in hand, the Baker family was completely under Aiden's control. He had no reason to refuse this marriage. Finding another family might not have such good leverage. The Baker family was doomed to be cannon fodder.
"Absolutely," Francis said confidently.
Hayden was impressed by Francis.
Francis extinguished his cigarette and gave a calm order, "Send out the people who seduced Veda, make sure there are no traces. And then, find some new ones and spread Veda's identity as widely as possible."
"Yes, Mr. Peterson."
This way, the Baker family's deception would eventually be exposed. Although Aiden would have ways to handle it, marrying a woman who looked exactly like Veda, with Veda's scandals everywhere, would still leave a stain on his life.
Elissa received a message from Francis inviting her to dinner. She was about to tell Hope when Jerry showed up and took her away. Perfect timing. She called the hotel front desk and ordered a few dishes. She tidied up the room a bit, set flowers and candles on the dining table. Then she opened a bottle of red wine to let it breathe.
She had just settled into the sofa and opened Francis's chat window to ask where he was when she heard a beeping sound at the door. She got up and walked over. Seeing the familiar figure entering, she was a bit surprised, "So fast?"
Francis closed the door behind him and pulled her into his arms. They had recently reconciled and were in the honeymoon phase. But his behavior was still a bit off.
Elissa patted his back, "I can't breathe..."
Francis loosened his grip a bit but didn't let go completely. He still held her, his face nuzzled into her neck.
Elissa was puzzled, "Did someone bully you?"
Francis responded, "Are you going to help me get justice?"
Someone bullying Francis and making him feel wronged? Since she had known him, Elissa had never seen that.
"Are you lying to me?"
Francis leaned on her shoulder and chuckled softly. Then he said, "We're not staying at the hotel anymore. After dinner, we're moving somewhere else."
"So suddenly? And I'm going back to Maple Valley in a couple of days. Moving around is such a hassle."
"Aren't you coming back?"
Elissa pulled away from his embrace, cupping his face and looking him over. "Did you really get bullied?"
"No." Francis held her hand, "For safety's sake."
Elissa understood, "I'll be back here after a while, when there's an event."
"Can't we wait a couple of days to move?"
Francis said, "There's not much stuff, and there are people to help you. It won't be tiring."
So it was urgent. Elissa didn't say anything, "Okay."
Their eyes met. Their heads gradually moved closer. Just as they were about to kiss, there was a knock on the door.
"Mr. Francis Peterson, Mrs. Elissa Peterson, room service."
Francis quickly kissed Elissa on the lips and turned to open the door. The waiter pushed the cart in, quickly and efficiently setting the dishes on the table, seeing the romantic setup.
"Enjoy your meal." With that, he left immediately.
Francis noticed the setup and raised an eyebrow. "So romantic?"
Elissa lit the candles, turned off the main lights, and turned on the warm, dim lights. She pulled out a chair, inviting Francis to sit.
"Feeling flattered," Francis said.
He walked over, and Elissa adjusted the chair for him. Once he was seated, she poured two glasses of wine, handed him one, and leaned on the table in front of him, slightly bending to clink glasses.
The dim lighting always seemed to foster a certain atmosphere. Francis's gaze fell on her chest. After the waiter left, Elissa had taken off her robe, leaving only a red lace lingerie. With a slight bend, her chest was fully exposed.
"How do you like it?"
Francis's Adam's apple moved slowly, "Beautiful."
Elissa covered his eyes and blew gently into his ear. Francis's muscles instantly tensed.
Francis's voice was slightly hoarse as he spoke, "Are you trying to seduce me?"
Elissa laughed, then turned and sat across from him. "Let's eat first. I ordered all your favorites."
Francis glanced at the dishes, "Are you sure they're not your favorites?"
"You never show a preference, except for Mexican food," Elissa handed him a piece of roast meat. "So, whatever I like, you like."
Francis's eyes sparkled with amusement, his lips curving slightly, "Alright. I'll do as you say."
After dinner, Elissa packed her luggage. Francis had a phone call, and after finishing, he came over and hugged her from behind.
"You're already wearing this outfit, don't waste it."
Elissa held his hand, "This is my regular sleepwear. I always dress like this for bed."
Francis lingered on her neck. "Candlelight dinner, sexy lingerie, isn't that a hint?"
"No!" Elissa elbowed his abdomen, "Did you forget? We just made love this morning. Move, help me pack!"
Francis kissed her cheek, then let go and helped fold her clothes. Elissa went to the bathroom, changed out of her lingerie, and packed it in her suitcase. She checked the room to make sure nothing was left behind, grabbed her phone, slung her bag over her shoulder, and opened the door.
Hayden, who had been waiting, came in to take the suitcase. In the underground garage, Elissa saw Hope.
"Are you going back to Maple Valley or moving like me?"
Hope said, "I have to attend an exhibition in a couple of days. How could I go back to Maple Valley now?"
Even Hope was moving.
Elissa asked Francis, "Did you completely fall out with Aiden?"
Even if they had, it shouldn't be this bad.
Francis said, "Just being cautious. Preventing a mad dog from biting."
When they arrived at their new place, Willard was already waiting. Elissa looked at the bodyguards around and whispered to Francis, "Is this Willard's place?"
Francis nodded.
Elissa asked again, "Are we really in such a dire situation?"
Willard's place was so secure, not even a fly could get in.
"Better safe than sorry," Francis replied.
Elissa understood. Preventing her from being used as a weakness allowed Francis to act freely. But she still felt a bit anxious. If she had a powerful family behind her, she might be braver.
Francis held her hand and led her to their room. "Don't worry. Do what you need to do. I've got everything covered."
Elissa hugged him, her ear against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. She didn't like being sentimental, but she still said, "I'm causing you trouble."
Francis patted her head, "That's an excuse for incompetent men. How can a loved one be trouble?"
Elissa stepped back, teasing, "Never thought I'd say something like this, or that someone as emotionally reserved as you would be so good at sweet talk."
Francis bent down to her level, seriously asking, "Am I reserved?"
Elissa turned and ran, "I'm going to talk to Hope."
Francis watched her leave with a doting smile, chuckling softly.
Willard appeared, teasing, "You two are being way too lovey-dovey!"
Francis gave him a cold look, "You're jealous."
Willard gritted his teeth and got to the point. "The girl who brought Ivan to Elissa was definitely Aiden's person. Their relationship is unclear, but from the investigation, the girl has special feelings for him and follows his every command."
Francis went to the small balcony and lit a cigarette. Smoke drifted as he spoke, "I remember, doesn't he have a woman he loves deeply?"
"Yes," Willard leaned against the railing, his eyes showing some depth. "Similar to your situation. Except..."
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