Chapter 407 Return
"Kieran, I..." Phoenix's voice trembled a bit over the phone.
"Just come to the airport tomorrow."
"Okay, got it! Thanks, Kieran!"
As soon as Phoenix hung up, she was practically bouncing with joy.
Kieran had agreed. She could finally tear off her human mask and face the world!
Tomorrow would be the day she made her grand return to Lakeside Haven!
The next day.
The VIP entrance at the airport was a madhouse, with camera flashes going off. People stopped in their tracks, pulling out their phones with curious looks. "Who is it? Must be someone really important!"
"No clue, but with all this fuss, they've gotta be famous!" someone nearby whispered.
Just then, Phoenix stepped out of the entrance. She was rocking a sleek, white suit, striding confidently in high heels, a self-assured smile on her face. The reporters crowded around her, jostling to get their microphones and cameras as close as possible.
"Ms. Lewis! Ms. Lewis! Are you back for something big this time?" one reporter shouted, trying to be heard over the chaos.
Phoenix paused, tilting her head slightly with a composed smile. "Thank you all for your concern. I'm back to participate in the national jewelry design competition. While I was in Sunterra, I dedicated myself to learning design, and this is my chance to show what I've learned."
She was thrilled. The reporters Kieran had arranged were definitely doing their job well.
She still wasn't sure who Kieran really was.
But now that George and the Russell Group were out of the picture, maybe it was time to set her sights on someone new?
Though, she had to admit, it was hard to forget George's cool, handsome face and commanding presence.
"Ms. Lewis, do you have confidence in this competition?" another reporter asked.
Phoenix smirked, "Absolutely. I have full confidence in my work and look forward to exchanging ideas with other talented designers in the competition."
Every word she spoke was perfect, showcasing her professionalism while skillfully avoiding any controversial topics. These were answers she had prepared well in advance.
She silently recalled the questions she had prepped with the reporters earlier.
Now, it was time to address the main issue she wanted everyone to know about today.
"Ms. Lewis, there have been rumors that you defrauded your aunt Scarlett. Do you have any response to that?" The reporters relentlessly bombarded her with questions.
She took a deep breath, her tone firm. "These rumors are completely unfounded. My relationship with Aunt Scarlett has always been good. She is one of the elders I respect the most. As for the so-called fraud incident, I have no knowledge of it and have never engaged in any unethical behavior."
She paused before continuing, "In fact, I will be meeting with Aunt Scarlett tonight. Everyone can see for themselves. I believe the truth will come to light."
The reporters buzzed with excitement, clamoring for more details. "Ms. Lewis, can you share the time and place of your meeting with Mrs. Russell?"
Phoenix smiled calmly. "I can't give you the details, but I promise the meeting will be open and transparent. Hopefully, this will put those false rumors to rest once and for all."
With her bodyguards flanking her, Phoenix made her way to the airport exit, each step measured and confident, as if she was born to be in the spotlight. The camera flashes continued behind her, and the reporters trailed, hungry for more news.
Meanwhile, in a quiet hospital room, Emma was carefully tending to the recently awakened Charles.
Though Charles was awake and could open his eyes, think, and even sit up with help, the damage Phoenix had done to his throat meant he could no longer speak. He could only communicate with Emma through his eyes and faint gestures.
Emma sat by the bed, holding a bowl of warm oatmeal, gently blowing on it before offering a spoonful to Charles. "Grandpa, have some oatmeal. The doctor said you need to regain your strength."
Charles nodded slightly, opening his mouth to slowly swallow the oatmeal. Though his movements were labored, it was clear he was trying his best. Emma watched him, her eyes misting up, but she quickly smiled warmly. "Take your time, Grandpa."
A nurse nearby couldn't help but softly praise, "Mrs. Russell, you're so attentive. Mr. Russell is lucky to have a granddaughter-in-law like you."
Emma looked up and smiled at the nurse. "It's what I should do. Grandpa has always taken care of me, now it's my turn to take care of him."
The nurse nodded, her eyes full of approval. "You're very devoted. Mr. Russell's recovery is much better than we expected, thanks to your careful care."
Emma didn't say much, just continued to focus on feeding Charles the oatmeal. Charles's eyes never left her, filled with love and gratitude, though tinged with a sadness only he understood.
The nurse stood by, moved by the scene.
She thought, 'Emma is wronged by the Russell family, yet she is still willing to care for her husband's grandfather. She is truly kind-hearted.'
Just then, the door to the room opened gently, and George walked in, holding a bouquet of vibrant roses. His usual stern demeanor softened as he spoke warmly, "Emma, I'm here. You should rest, I'll take care of Grandpa."
Emma looked up, surprised. "George? What are you doing here? Is everything at the company sorted out?"
George placed the flowers on a nearby table, his tone casual. "No matter how busy the company is, it's not more important than Grandpa." He walked to the bedside, looking at Charles with concern. "Grandpa, how are you feeling?"
Charles nodded slightly, a hint of a smile in his eyes, seemingly comforted by his presence.
Seeing this, George rolled up his sleeves, ready to take over. "Emma, you go rest. I'll feed Grandpa the oatmeal."
Emma hesitated. "Are you sure? It's not as easy as it looks."
George raised an eyebrow confidently. "Don't worry, I got this."
Emma smiled, handing him the bowl. "Alright, give it a shot."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
