Chapter 584 Is This the Man You Want?
A familiar face popped up in the hall.
Francis, tall and as good-looking as ever, turned his head, his eyes twinkling like stars.
Harper was in a daze; tonight's dream had turned real.
Their eyes locked for a second, and without thinking, Harper spun around and walked away.
Her mind was racing, 'Why is Francis here? Is his leg better?'
She didn't see a cane, so maybe he was fine, or maybe he wasn't fully healed but still came to find her.
Harper stopped, hearing no sounds of pursuit behind her, and after a moment's thought, looked back.
Francis's face was blank; he didn't call out to her and just stood there.
"Mr. Getty," Harper started.
After mulling it over, she decided to speak her mind. Even if he came, she wouldn't get tangled up with him. Especially since he hadn't fully recovered, she didn't want to feel guilty.
Harper thought for a moment and said, "I thought I made myself clear last time."
Francis's voice was calm, "I came because I have something to discuss."
Harper didn't buy it.
What could be so important that a sick, not fully recovered person would come to this freezing Emerald Isle?
Harper was already stressed out every day because of her pregnancy and Elodie's situation. She really didn't need another worry.
It felt like everything was piling up, suffocating her.
Harper blurted out, "Mr. Getty, you're really annoying. Can you stop doing things that only make you feel good about yourself?"
Francis' face turned pale after he heard it. After a long silence, he finally spoke, with a hint of self-mockery, "It's not what you think."
Harper thought Francis was still making excuses and shouted, "Then what is it? I'm not moved; I'm just annoyed. Please, stop doing things that lower your dignity!"
Seeing her emotional state, Francis pressed his lips together and didn't say anything to provoke her further.
Harper was about to turn and leave when she heard a cheerful call.
"Harper." A pretty girl in a white fur coat ran over, her face clean and pure, very young.
Harper was stunned for a moment, and the girl enthusiastically approached Harper and said, "Harper, don't you remember me? I'm Lily!"
Harper ran the name through her mind and finally remembered who Lily was—Francis's former blind date.
It had been a long time since they last met, and Lily's enthusiasm towards Harper was a bit strange.
Harper asked, "What are you doing here?"
Lily didn't notice the awkward atmosphere and said, "I came with Francis. His company is working on a project here, and I..."
Lily suddenly blushed, looking very embarrassed, and after a pause, she said, "I just came with Francis."
Harper understood the first part.
The leaders of Emerald Isle have announced their intention to build the first international road, connecting them with Dreamlandia.
This was a clear sign to the international community that Dreamlandia's economy was catching Emerald Isle's eye.
It was a lucrative project, and what company in Dreamlandia wouldn't want in? With government subsidies and a chance to earn a stellar reputation, it was a golden opportunity!
So, it made sense that the Getty Group was all over this project.
But Harper was puzzled by what Lily said next. Did Lily come with Francis?
Harper suddenly felt her cheeks heat up. Francis wasn't here for her; he was here for the project and had brought his girlfriend along.
Harper felt even more awkward when she realized she had mistakenly thought Francis was there for her.
Just then, Rhodes showed up.
Seeing Harper, Rhodes walked over and said, "Harper, Francis came to discuss the project. When he heard about Jasper, he came with me to check on him."
Then Rhodes introduced, "This is Lily Sullivan, remember?"
Rhodes recalled that Lily had gone camping with Harper before, so he didn't think further introduction was needed.
Harper had never felt so crushed. For the first time, she realized that her anxiety about her impending childbirth had clouded her judgment. Francis had already told her several times that he wasn't here for her, but she hadn't believed him.
Harper was beyond embarrassed and just wanted to bolt.
Lily, not picking up on the tension, continued enthusiastically, "Harper, I hope I'm not bothering you. Francis said not to bring me, but I insisted on coming."
"No, thank you for coming to see Jasper." Harper's face went from red to white. Forcing a smile, she said, "Sorry, I'm a bit tired. I need to rest."
After that, Harper nodded to everyone and headed straight back to her room without even checking on Jasper.
Lily looked a bit confused and helplessly turned to Francis, "Did I say something wrong?"
After a brief silence, Francis's eyes darkened as he said, "It's not your fault. I'm just not welcome."
Back in her room.
Harper buried her head under the covers, feeling more and more mortified. She had even loudly told Francis not to do things that lowered his dignity, but now it seemed she was the one doing that!
What would Francis think? He was probably extremely frustrated, not expecting her to think so highly of herself.
Harper buried her head in the pillow, not wanting to face reality. She could pretend it never happened. After all, she wouldn't see Francis every day in the coming days.
But then she remembered, wasn't it Noah who was with Lily at the camp? How come Lily was now with Francis?
Noah had said they were just drunk and kissed, nothing more. So it wasn't impossible for Lily to be with Francis.
After all, the Getty family had always favored Lily's background.
Harper suddenly realized she was still thinking about Francis, even though she had promised herself not to.
That night, Harper didn't sleep well. The incense had fallen to the floor, and she had forgotten to pick it up.
After getting up and grabbing some breakfast, she went to check on Jasper.
Jasper was lying in bed, having just finished his morning routine. Seeing Harper's pale face, he asked, "Didn't sleep well last night?"
Looking at Jasper's concerned eyes, Harper said, "I haven't been sleeping well lately."
Jasper thought about it and nodded; it must be tough to sleep well so close to the due date.
"Don't worry about anything else. The most important thing right now is having your baby," Jasper said.
Harper felt a bit guilty because her impending childbirth had put many things on hold.
Jasper, sensing her thoughts, said, "It's not your fault. Don't overthink it. We're still working on cracking that defense system. Arthur hasn't been going out lately and has increased security. We can't sneak in, nor can we force our way in. We're still figuring it out."
"Okay, I understand," Harper said.
Jasper reassured her, "It's not urgent. It's been so many years; Arthur won't suddenly go crazy and harm Mom. His behavior suggests he's aware of something. Let's wait and see what he's planning."
Jasper made a good point.
According to Clayton, Arthur had emotional ties to Elodie, so he wouldn't easily harm her.
But Arthur was a bit unhinged. If they didn't plan well and forced their way in, Arthur might really go down with everyone inside, including Elodie.
Jasper casually asked, "Did you see Francis yesterday?"
Harper thought of the awkward scene and nodded.
Perhaps to ease Harper's mind, Jasper explained, "He came to discuss that international road project."
"I know," Harper said.
"Vincent told me about his confession to you yesterday," Jasper mentioned.
Harper's face turned slightly red, thinking Vincent was too honest.
"What do you think?" Jasper asked.
Before Harper could answer, Jasper rephrased, "When you said you'd consider it, were you sincere?"
"I haven't decided yet," Harper said honestly.
Harper's past failed relationship made her overly cautious, especially considering the children. No matter how she thought about it, it didn't seem right.
Vincent was someone Jasper had his eye on, and his character had stood the test. If she was just considering a stepfather for the children, Vincent was a great choice.
Jasper said softly, "Harper, if you haven't made up your mind, don't let other thoughts influence you. Consider everything based on your own well-being. The children or our family should not become your burden, understand?"
Harper was stunned for a few seconds.
Jasper's tone seemed like he didn't want her to be with Vincent.
Harper couldn't help but ask, "Why? Didn't you want to set me up with Vincent before?"
Jasper raised an eyebrow, "I can't even figure out my own feelings. What I recommend may not be right. Vincent is a good person, but you shouldn't consider him just because of that. Do you understand?"
Jasper observed Harper's expression.
After all, they had been apart for many years, and Jasper couldn't fully guess Harper's thoughts.
But Harper's happiness was paramount. Jasper believed marriage wasn't just about completing a task or finding a father for the kids.
Harper shouldn't settle.
Jasper tried to explain clearly but feared he couldn't. He thought about what Elodie would say in this situation.
After a moment, Jasper sighed and said, "You need a partner who can walk through life with you, someone you see as an inseparable part of your life. It's not about him being good to you or the kids. Our family can take care of those things. You just need to consider whether this man is the one you truly want."
Harper had never thought about it this way. She was the type to prioritize others, first considering those she cared about most, then herself.
When considering finding a partner, she purely looked for a good father, not someone she liked.
Jasper said, "Harper, though I don't understand feelings well, I don't think your relationship with Vincent is right. Vincent is indeed good to you, but I don't want you to feel obligated to repay him by being with him."
Harper's childhood experiences had shaped her into someone who would repay kindness doubly. If she couldn't repay the kindness, she might sacrifice her own desires to satisfy everyone else.
Jasper didn't want Harper to make a decision without understanding her heart.
He continued, "Don't settle. Don't let our opinions influence you. In your life, what you think is most important."
Harper didn't expect Jasper to say so much, and it seemed he had matured overnight. If she didn't understand now, she'd be a fool.
Rather than finding a standard good man to marry, Jasper cared more about whether Harper felt a soul connection with that person.
Harper suddenly understood. She had fallen into a trap, thinking she should find a father for her kids to measure Vincent.
She nodded, "I understand, Jasper. I'll think it through."
Jasper's intention was for Harper to consider her own feelings first and foremost.
Jasper gently said, "No matter what you decide, Dad and I will unconditionally support you and always be your backup."
Harper's eyes reddened, and she hugged Jasper, "Jasper, our family will be reunited and happy."
"Yes, we will," Jasper said firmly.
The next day, Vincent came to see Harper and suggested going for a walk.
Harper agreed.
Vincent, always considerate, said before Harper could speak, "Harper, what I said the other day was a bit rushed. I didn't consider that you're still pregnant. Your emotions now might be different later, so let's discuss it after some time?"
Perhaps due to a lack of maternal love, Vincent had always been sensitive. He could quickly sense Harper's emotional changes, like now, feeling her hesitation.
So, Vincent wanted to delay and try to win her over.
This approach might not be honorable, but in matters of the heart, who wasn't selfish?
This was the only time in his life he would be unscrupulous.
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