Chapter 604 She Is by My Side, Sleeping Peacefully
Jennifer returned to the villa really late. She stumbled out of the car, her steps shaky as she made her way to the hall, her sobs echoing through the night.
Her crying was truly heart-wrenching.
Jennifer's dramatic entrance caught the attention of Brian, Donny, and Amarantha, who were still awake in the living room. Seeing Jennifer in tears, Brian put down his magazine and turned to look at her.
His expression hardened with displeasure. "What's going on? Why are you crying so late at night?"
Jennifer didn't respond to his concern; instead, she cried even harder. "It's just so infuriating, so infuriating."
Repeating her frustration, Jennifer collapsed onto the sofa, rubbing her eyes as tears streamed down her face. Her eyes, already swollen, were now even redder and puffier.
Amarantha and Donny exchanged a glance and moved to sit beside Jennifer. Amarantha spoke softly, "Aunt Jennifer, what happened? Why are you crying like this? Your eyes are so swollen. Who upset you?"
Seeing Amarantha's seemingly sincere concern, Jennifer buried her face in her niece's shoulder, sobbing, "Amarantha, you understand. You're a sensible child. But the woman Sebastian married... she's just... so infuriating."
She didn't explain further, only emphasizing how upset she was, which piqued everyone's curiosity.
Amarantha glanced at Brian's reaction and gently asked, "Aunt Jennifer, tell us what happened. Did Brooklyn upset you?"
Drawn by the commotion, Quinn emerged from his bedroom to see Jennifer's tearful complaints and the implied criticism of Brooklyn.
Quinn, hands in his pajama pockets, descended the stairs silently, waiting to hear what Jennifer had to say.
Brian's patience wore thin. "What exactly happened? Tell us, what did Sebastian's wife do to you?"
Jennifer's swollen eyes were filled with tears that wouldn't stop. She choked out, "Sebastian went to Aqua Vista City for a few days, and I was worried about Brooklyn being alone, so I went to check on her. But she accused me of trying to break them up, of sending Sebastian to Aqua Vista City on purpose. She even brought up the past, accusing me of trying to separate them like before..."
The more she spoke, the more upset she became, nearly collapsing on the sofa. "She even brought up Megan, and I just don't know what to do."
"Sebastian's been in Aqua Vista City for so many days. I know she's upset, but Brooklyn shouldn't take it out on me."
"Besides, Sebastian isn't the CEO of MBK anymore. Her company is being bullied, and she blames me. I'm just a housewife; I don't know anything about business."
Jennifer's words finally brought the conversation around to Sebastian, revealing the underlying tension between the women.
"Aunt Jennifer, don't cry. Brooklyn is really out of line. Sebastian went to Aqua Vista City because Uncle Brian arranged it for work," Amarantha said.
Donny added, "Aunt Jennifer, don't stoop to her level. Brooklyn is nothing special. Only Sebastian treats her like a treasure!"
Quinn scoffed, "Donny, I don't like what you're saying. And I bet Sebastian wouldn't either."
Donny looked up sharply, seeing Quinn standing at the bottom of the stairs.
Brian's gaze grew sharper. He pressed down on the sofa armrest. "Enough! She's just a woman; what does she know? This matter is over. No one is to bring it up again!"
His command silenced the room, abruptly ending Jennifer's crying.
Quinn clenched his fists. With Sebastian temporarily out of his CEO position, someone was making things difficult for Brooklyn's company?
And... thinking about it, Quinn felt guilty. He really needed to find a way to bring Sebastian back soon.
As everyone dispersed, Quinn helped Jennifer up. They rarely had such close interactions, and Quinn awkwardly lowered his head. "Mom, don't worry. I'll make sure Sebastian gets his CEO position back. I never intended to compete with him. It's always been his."
Jennifer wiped her eyes and patted Quinn's hand, nodding appreciatively. "Quinn, thank you. I didn't know Brooklyn would..."
"Mom, you don't have to explain. I believe Brooklyn isn't like that."
He believed that while some of what happened tonight might be true, much of it was likely exaggerated.
As dawn broke, Aucester was bathed in a soft, fresh light, giving the bustling city a serene atmosphere.
Zach woke up groggily. After sweating through the night, his fever had broken, but he still felt weak.
As he pulled back the covers to get up, he noticed Brooklyn curled up on the double sofa, a flannel blanket draped over her.
But clearly, Brooklyn didn't sleep very soundly. She had tugged most of the big blanket off the sofa so that it was hanging down to the floor, with only a small part left, pinned under her hand on her stomach.
Zach lifted the corners of his lips in a faint smile. Because of his fever, his throat felt scratchy, and his lips were dry. He pressed his fist to his nose and stifled a cough, then quietly walked over, bent down, and gently picked up the blanket, carefully covering her with it again.
Then, looking at her sleeping face, he couldn't help but smile again.
Brooklyn's sleep was restless. Despite Zach's careful movements, she woke up.
"Zach? Why are you up? Are you feeling better?" She asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
Zach smiled warmly. "I'm much better. If I didn't get better, you'd be the next one to fall ill. Why did you sleep on the sofa? There's a bedroom next door. Ophelia and I aren't sharing a room right now. The room next door is mine."
Was that explanation really necessary first thing in the morning?
Brooklyn rolled her eyes, folded the blanket, and put it away. "Living together but sleeping separately? Zach, you really are... something else."
Zach, feeling a bit unsteady, leaned against the doorframe. "She didn't come back last night?"
"No, she was probably busy with something at the police station. She called last night, said she was looking for evidence."
"Are you hungry? There are toiletries in the kitchen. I'll make you breakfast," Zach offered.
"Don't be ridiculous! You're still recovering. You rest, and I'll make breakfast. You're the patient, so let me handle everything else, okay?"
Zach didn't argue, nodding gracefully. "Alright."
Brooklyn quickly washed up and started cooking.
Zach watched her from the kitchen doorway, her slender figure busy at the stove.
The woman he had once longed for was now in his kitchen, cooking. He had imagined this scene countless times.
He never expected that after letting go, fate would grant him this moment.
Even though there was now a chasm between them, she was so close, yet so far.
Brooklyn turned, holding an egg. "Do you prefer scrambled or boiled eggs?"
Zach was momentarily stunned, almost thinking she was his wife. He quickly corrected himself. "I'll eat whatever you make."
"Alright, boiled eggs it is. I'll keep it light. Go check your temperature. If you still have a fever, I'll give you another shot."
Hearing that, Zach hesitated. "No need. My temperature is normal."
In Aqua Vista City, the morning sun struggled to break through the clouds, leaving the city under a gloomy sky.
Sebastian sat in a chair in his bedroom, reading a report, looking exhausted.
Catherine woke up groggily, rubbing her forehead. When she saw Sebastian, she was instantly wide awake.
The gloomy sky outside seemed to brighten at the sight of him.
"Sebastian... what are you..."
Hearing her voice, Sebastian put down his work and asked, "How are you feeling?"
Catherine, excited by his concern, reached out to grab his arm. Sebastian smoothly handed her a glass of water. "You drank too much at the concert last night. When I arrived, you were already drunk."
Catherine tried to remember. Had she really gotten drunk?
"You came later?" She asked, her eyes bright with hope.
Sebastian nodded, placing the water in her hand. "Yes, I had a meeting and arrived late. You were drunk, and I didn't want to worry your parents, so I brought you to the hotel. I hope I didn't offend you."
"No!" she quickly denied, smiling. "I'm happy you brought me here. Did you stay with me all night?"
"You drank a lot, and I was worried you'd feel sick, so I stayed in the room. I'm glad you're okay," Sebastian replied calmly.
Catherine held the glass, feeling his warmth. "I'm sorry for drinking so much and missing the concert. I won't do it again."
Sebastian didn't care about her promises. "It's fine. As long as you're happy. I have a meeting at the company. The hotel has prepared breakfast for you. Eat before you go home."
His indifferent words meant the world to Catherine.
"I'll listen to you. I'll do whatever you say."
Sebastian closed his file, his cufflinks catching the light. "You'll do whatever I say? Really?"
"Of course! I'll listen to everything you say!"
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