Chapter 222 Who is the Father of the Three Children?
In the grand mansions of the wealthy, there always seemed to be secrets more shocking than those of ordinary families.
The matriarch of the Remington Family had two sons and a daughter. The daughter had been kidnapped when she was eighteen and held for a hefty ransom.
During that time, someone from the Remington Family called the police, angering the kidnappers. So, they assaulted her as revenge. When the Remington Family found her, she was in a negative mental state, and two months later, it was discovered she was pregnant.
The Remington Family initially wanted to terminate the pregnancy, but Bella's uterine wall was too thin for such a procedure without costing her future fertility.
Reluctantly, they decided to let Bella carry the child to its full term. Perhaps the thought of becoming a mother was a catalyst, for Bella's mental health had gradually improved.
However, no one expected the child to be stolen by the criminals as soon as the baby reached a month old.
The event triggered Bella once more, causing her to become unhinged, and she has been living in a mental health facility ever since. For many years, the Remington Family searched for the child but never found them.
"It was all a big misunderstanding. I thought she was being held against her will. That's why I reported a fake crime, claiming she was a thief," Howard apologized to the security personnel.
After realizing it was a mix-up, the security staff said a few words and left.
Evella looked at Howard with a twinkle in her eyes, "So that's what happened? Howard, you're still as kind-hearted as ever!"
Remembering his good intentions had inadvertently caused trouble for Evelia, Howard's expression soured.
Beckett glanced back and forth between them, asking, "Do you know each other?"
"We do."
"Not well."
One was innocent and genuine, the other stone-faced.
Howard, clearly detached despite admitting to an acquaintance, told Beckett, "Beckett, I have a flight to catch. I should head out."
Beckett chuckled, "Howard, are you on this flight too? It seems destiny keeps intertwining you and Evella."
'If I had known, I wouldn't have meddled.' Howard blamed himself internally, spinning on his heel in a hurry to leave.
The butler's voice followed him with a cheerful call, "You know, our matriarch and the Hamilton family's matriarch made a pact in their youth for our families to become closer through marriage. I reckon you and Evella would make a fine pair, well-matched in both age and appearance."
Howard gave Evella a frosty look.
"Beckett," he snapped sharply, "you should know that someone of my standing usually favors the more sophisticated delights over crude offerings," a clear jab suggesting she was the latter
Until that point, Evella had held a decent opinion of Howard, but she had no desire to engage any further. Still, she wasn't one to take an insult lying down.
She faced Beckett firmly, "Beckett, please refrain from making such hasty matches. I prefer the company of gentlemen, not those who are boastful and narrow-minded."
Howard was at a loss for words. 'She dared to call him boastful and narrow-minded! Women of wit and sharp tongue,' he thought, his scowl growing heavier.
At that moment, his phone rang. It was Suzy on the line. "Suzy."
"Are you all set? We need to hurry. It's almost time to board," Suzy urged.
"Just a second," Howard responded as he ended the call, giving Evella a deep glance before striding forward.
Evella sighed and smiled at Beckett. "We should get going, too."
Beckett liked this Evella he had recently reconnected with and thought she and Howard made a great pair. He had to report it back to the matriarch posthaste.
"Evella, tell me, how did you and Howard meet?" he inquired.
Evella proceeded to narrate the whole story from start to finish.
Meanwhile, at Gordon Group, Aaron had ended Suzy's call, and his thoughts drifted to Nora, softening his expression.
He had intended to call her directly but ended up dialing Frederick's number instead.
The call was promptly answered. "Mr. Gordon."
"What's Nora up to?"
"She's getting ready to head back to the lab."
'Returning to the lab? So, she's not with the film crew anymore?' A flicker of curiosity crossed Aaron's face. "Put her on the phone."
"Sure thing." On set, Frederick quickly handed the phone to Nora. "Nora, it's Mr. Gordon for you."
Nora took the phone and greeted, "Hello?"
"Why the sudden return to the lab? You're not with the crew anymore?" Aaron asked in a gentle tone.
"The crew has Jack, so there's no need for me to stay," replied Nora.
'I see. Less time at the filming location means less contact with Baldwin, which suits me just fine.' A small smile played on Aaron's lips. "Let's have lunch together."
Nora blinked. "There's no need for that. I'll just grab something quick."
"That's settled, then. Noe will pick you up later," he declared decisively, leaving no room for her to argue.
Nora listened to the beeping on the other end of the line, somewhat speechless. After packing her things, she bid farewell to Jack and Sue, preparing to leave.
Becky frowned upon seeing her departure. "You're leaving?" she asked.
"Yes," Nora affirmed.
"When will you be back?" inquired Becky.
Nora looked at her, surprised to see a hint of reluctance in her eyes. 'Maybe it’s because she's the closest person to me here?'
"I'll come by when I have some free time. Don't slack off. Remember what you said about beating Suzy," Nora reminded her.
Becky glared at her. "Quit nagging and just go. Better yet, don't let me see you again."
'That's more like the Becky I know.' Amused internally, Nora didn't linger any longer and made her exit.
At that moment, Baldwin approached. "Nora, are you leaving?"
"Yes, I'm heading back to the lab," Nora said with a smile.
"What about my mom's leg?" he asked, anxious,
"I'll treat her after I get off work today," Nora replied.
Baldwin looked at her gratefully. "Thank you."
"It's nothing." Nora chuckled and glanced at Becky. "Of course, if you truly want to thank me, try to teach Becky some acting skills when you have the time. I wonder if she'll ever make it," she joked.
At those words, Baldwin couldn't help but laugh. "All right, I'll do my best."
Becky realized she was being mocked by Nora and blurted out, "Nora, are you calling me a loser?"
Nora raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you?"
Becky was at a loss for words.
"Cut the excuses. Prove me wrong with your achievements," Nora interrupted her sharply.
Becky, full of indignation, protested, "Just, wait and see!"
"I will be waiting," Nora replied with a smirk, giving Baldwin a nod before leaving.
Baldwin kept his eyes on her slim figure as she walked away, his smile deepening.
Seeing his expression, Becky inquired with a hint of curiosity, "Baldwin, do you like Nora?"
Caught off-guard by the question, Baldwin raised his eyebrow. "Is it that obvious?"
'He honestly likes Nora?' Becky rolled her eyes, saying disdainfully, "Do you truly like her? Do you know she's a single mom with three kids?"
"Who's the father of her kids?" He couldn’t help his curiosity and asked.