Chapter 396 Evade
In a restaurant in the country of Phoenixia, Samuel and Jennifer sat across from each other.
"Hey, Mr. Taylor, thanks for squeezing me in. I know you're super busy."
"Ms. Johnson, you're too kind. Margaret spoke highly of you, so I had to make time. Plus, you came all this way, which shows you're serious."
They raised their glasses.
"Mr. Taylor, I've come here not only to express my sincere desire to collaborate with you, but also to inquire about something."
Samuel raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What's on your mind?"
Jennifer clinked her glass with his again. "I did some work for Margaret, and now Michael's got it out for me. He thinks I took something of his."
Samuel leaned in, intrigued. "What did he lose?"
Jennifer shrugged, playing it cool. "How should I know? He claims it's a red box and insists I took it. He wants it back, but I have no idea where it is. Speaking of boxes, didn't you mention you might have something like that?"
She looked at Samuel, her eyes probing.
Samuel immediately became cautious. "Jennifer, it sounds like you've got quite the mission here in Phoenix. Are you after that box too?"
He paused, then continued, "Unfortunately, I only heard about it from the old gardener of the Thomas family. I've never seen it myself, nor do I know what's inside."
"Mr. Taylor, from what Michael said, that box must be really important to him. It might even have some of his secrets. If we find it, we could use it to our advantage."
Samuel nodded. "Exactly what I was thinking. My business is all here in Phoenix. As for Celestria, I'll rely on you, Ms. Johnson. You have more chances to get close to Michael's people and find out where the box is."
Jennifer agreed. "No problem. As soon as I have any news, I'll let you know right away, Mr. Taylor."
They quickly reached an agreement and toasted. "To a successful partnership!"
Jennifer sat on the plane back to Celestria.
Her assistant asked, "Ms. Johnson, are we heading back just like that?"
Jennifer smiled knowingly. "I've already got the info I needed. Staying longer would be pointless. This place isn't great; let's head home early."
It seemed the box wasn't in Samuel's possession after all.
Once Michael found out that Samuel didn't have the real evidence, Samuel wouldn't be able to stay smug for long.
She could use this to her advantage to control Samuel and make him work for her.
At Whispering Pines Estates.
Francis had been discharged from the hospital. Dean and Elizabeth brought him home.
Pearl and Nolan curiously watched Francis.
Pearl's eyes widened. "Mom, why is Francis so small? Was I this small when I was born?"
Elizabeth held Francis, who was quietly sleeping in her arms.
"Pearl, you were a bit bigger than Francis when you were born. Francis was born prematurely, which is why he's so small. But if he eats and sleeps well, he'll grow bigger."
Pearl was relieved to hear that Francis would grow.
Elizabeth had been constantly on the move since giving birth, and her milk supply was very low. Francis had been mostly fed through IV nutrition and formula.
Susan came out of the kitchen.
"Elizabeth, I just made some soup. You should have a bowl. Women need to take good care of themselves after giving birth, or they'll have health issues later."
"Plus, drinking soup can help with milk production. Now that Francis is home, you can breastfeed him yourself."
Elizabeth nodded. "Thanks, Susan."
She placed Francis in the cradle and gently rocked it, looking at him lovingly.
"Susan, now that Francis is home, I won't be going to work and can take care of him myself. You've worked hard during this time."
Susan understood her meaning. "Elizabeth, are you suggesting I go back to Mr. Thomas?"
Elizabeth nodded. "He hasn't pressured me, but I can't pretend to be ignorant. I can't keep you here forever."
Susan shook her head. "I'm not leaving, Elizabeth. Mr. Thomas specifically told me to stay and take care of Francis. No matter what happened between you two, that was his order. I will stay and watch Francis grow up."
Susan was reliable and knew Elizabeth's habits and preferences well. Elizabeth naturally wanted her to stay. Since Susan insisted, Elizabeth didn't say anything more.
Susan walked over. "Elizabeth, Francis is sleeping soundly. You should rest too. I'll take care of things here."
Elizabeth nodded, glanced at Francis, and went upstairs. She had been severely sleep-deprived lately and needed to catch up on rest.
As soon as she went upstairs and entered her room, Susan quickly took out her phone, snapped a photo of Francis' sleeping face, and sent it to Michael.
In a certain city, in a penthouse suite of a five-star hotel.
Michael, back in his room, saw an unread message on his phone. He opened it; it was from Susan.
He looked at the picture of Francis' little face, and his heart tightened.
This was his son, his and Elizabeth's son. He carried their blood.
Now, he also had Eloise's blood.
He closed the phone and lay back on the bed, feeling deeply conflicted.
He wanted to see Francis' sweet face in person, to gently touch his delicate cheeks, to watch him grow up.
But the thought that his existence had caused Eloise's death made it impossible for him to face Francis.
At Whispering Pines Estates.
With Francis home, Elizabeth's house was lively tonight.
Daniel, Matthew, and David came to celebrate.
Since Eloise's fate was still unknown, Elizabeth didn't want to have a big celebration and vetoed Dean's suggestion of a party.
The chef prepared a sumptuous meal to entertain Elizabeth's guests.
Since she had started breastfeeding, Elizabeth no longer drank alcohol. Dean drank with the guests.
Matthew raised his glass to Elizabeth. "Ms. Jones, I once spoke harshly to you and misunderstood you deeply. Although I've apologized, I still feel I owe you."
Elizabeth smiled calmly. "It's all in the past."
Matthew shook his head. "Ms. Jones, you say it's in the past because you're generous. But for me, it's not over. I owe you a favor. If you ever need anything, just call me, and I'll do it for you."
Elizabeth smiled and didn't comment.
Matthew was someone from Michael's side. Even though he said that, what could she really ask him to do?
Daniel asked, "Matthew, where has Mr. Thomas been lately? He hasn't given me any tasks. I've been a bit idle these days."
Dean teased him quietly. "Isn't having no tasks better? It means your boss finally learned to care for his employees. He's giving you a break, so you can spend more time with me."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
