Chapter 268 Richard Has Escaped
Todd snapped back to reality and stared at the door Lori had just disappeared through. It felt like a dream he couldn't shake off. He looked around at John and Aurora. "Did she just confess to me?"
In his thirty-something years, it was the first time a woman had confessed to him. Honestly, it felt more like a bandit's demand than a heartfelt confession. More like a notice.
John and Aurora nodded, smirking. "Yep," Aurora said. "We all heard it."
Todd turned to Sam and Tyler for confirmation. "You guys heard it too?"
Both brothers nodded. Sam chimed in, "I've been saying it for years. Ms. Hernandez only picks on you. She must have a thing for you."
Tyler added, "Makes sense now. She's been trying to get your attention in her own way. Probably too shy to be straightforward."
Then, Tyler suggested, "Mr. Smith, she made the first move. You should follow up with flowers and gifts. Miss this chance, and you may never get another."
After their analysis, it did seem to make sense. Aurora and John exchanged glances. Were two single guys really trying to teach another single guy how to court a girl? It was almost comical.
Feeling a surge of confidence, Todd straightened his clothes and cleared his throat, "A man as charming as me, it's her good taste to fancy me."
Aurora and John exchanged amused glances. Todd was clearly lacking self-awareness.
Todd turned to Aurora. "Mrs. Lewis, you know Lori well. Do you think she's serious?"
Aurora shrugged and didn't respond, heading toward the stairs. "I'm going to take a nap," she announced.
Before Todd could ask John anything, John quickly followed Aurora. "Honey, I'll join you," he said.
Left alone, Todd muttered to himself, "It seems to be true. This is troublesome. I never thought of marrying Lori. What should I do?" Wandering outside, Todd's mind raced.
For the next few nights, Lori's bold confession haunted Todd, giving him sleepless nights punctuated by vivid nightmares of Lori brandishing a machete, demanding marriage. It was enough to make anyone uneasy.
After the confession, Lori also instinctively avoided Todd. They were quite in sync on this, avoiding each other whenever possible.
One day, Todd suddenly realized he hadn't seen Lori for a while. He couldn't help but ask Aurora, who was trimming flowers, "Mrs. Lewis, where's Lori? I haven't seen her for days."
Without looking up, Aurora replied, "Weren't you avoiding her? Why ask now?"
Todd scratched his head awkwardly. "Just asking. By the way, the flowers you're trimming look beautiful."
Aurora glanced at the nearly bare branches and shot him a look. "Are you mocking me?"
"No, absolutely not," Todd said hastily, his eyes darting around. "Is Lori still in the training room?"
Aurora said, "She left. They went to Aurora Isles yesterday for a job to earn some extra money."
Surprised, Todd asked, "What job? Why didn't I hear about it?"
Aurora gave him a pointed look. "Why should she tell you? You're not anyone special to her."
Todd muttered under his breath, "She just confessed to me. A heads-up would've been nice."
Aurora retorted, "It was just a confession. You didn't accept it, so you two have no relationship."
Todd grumbled, "She has a bad temper. Whoever marries her will have a chaotic household..."
Aurora snipped a branch, her smile turning icy. "What do you mean by that, Todd?" The warning was clear: Todd should watch his words.
Todd glanced at the ruthlessly cut branches, gulped, and said, "She's not my type. She's too tough. I like gentle women. Mrs. Lewis, I didn't want to hurt her pride. Women can get hurt easily. Could you pass the message for me?"
Aurora understood. It wasn't that Todd had an issue; he simply didn't like Lori. Aurora wouldn't force them to be together.
"You don't have to take the confession seriously," she said, revealing that the confession was part of a bet Lori wasn't serious about.
Todd didn't get it and pressed, "What do you mean?"
"Figure it out yourself," Aurora added, leaving Todd puzzled. "I'm going to the hospital," she said, signaling for her driver, Gideon.
Every afternoon, Aurora would go to the hospital to accompany Helen.
Sam, returning home, caught Todd. "Mr. Smith, why don't you come to Aurora Isles with me? We have a shipment to oversee the day after tomorrow. Mr. Lewis wants someone there."
At the mention of Aurora Isles, Todd shook his head. "I'm very busy. Find someone else."
Todd was clearly avoiding Lori. Aurora observed the exchange, thinking it fortunate neither Todd nor Lori was serious about the confession; otherwise, things could have gotten messy.
Aurora arrived at the hospital and, as usual, headed straight to the inpatient department. Her belly was getting bigger, and because of the twins, it looked much larger than others at the same stage.
When John was busy with work, Gideon usually escorted Aurora everywhere.
Aurora was waiting for the elevator. Gideon hadn't arrived yet when a familiar face appeared. It was Paul, a senior Aurora had met before.
Paul greeted, "Aurora, what a coincidence, we meet again."
Paul had changed a lot. He had worked hard to lose over thirty pounds in the past few months, looking much younger and somewhat like his old self.
Aurora looked Paul up and down. "What happened to you?"
"I lost weight. Isn't that enough sincerity?" Paul said confidently. "I'm here in Silvercrest City to visit a client. I was planning to see you in a couple of days. Aurora, I'm serious. Can we start over?"
Aurora chuckled dryly. "Are you joking? I'm expecting twins with my second pregnancy."
Paul's eyes widened as he noticed Aurora's noticeably larger belly. His expression shifted to one of anger. "Are you freaking kidding me?" he snapped. "I busted my butt losing thirty pounds for you. Do you have any idea how tough that was?"
Aurora's voice grew louder as she retorted, "That's funny, we have nothing to do with each other. What exactly did I lie to you about? I never asked you to lose weight."
Aurora had never consented to be with Paul. He likely followed her, driven by the sight of her in a luxury car. His intentions were now apparent.
Just then, Gideon approached. "Mrs. Lewis," he said, gently guiding Aurora into the elevator. Paul's anger and resentment were evident as the doors closed.
Paul's determination to lose weight stemmed from seeing Aurora in a luxury car. He had believed that by transforming himself, he could win her over and advance his career. However, upon learning that she was about to have twins, he felt his efforts had been in vain. Frustrated, he clenched his fists and vowed revenge.
Aurora spent the afternoon with Helen before heading home. John returned late, visibly exhausted. Aurora, concerned, began massaging his temples.
"Busy lately?" she asked softly.
"A lot of things going on," John murmured, just as his phone rang.
John answered, and his expression turned grave as he listened.
"What's wrong?" she asked, concern etching her features.
John's reply was curt. "Richard has escaped."
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