Chapter 112

Agnes's eyes were cold, sharply locking onto Grace. "How do you know about Dustin?"

Perhaps after spending so much time with Leopold, her gaze had unconsciously gained a sharpness rarely seen in others. Grace, once again intimidated by her aura, explained guiltily, "I just overheard my parents talking. I do know that Dustin was taken overseas by your grandparents."

The forbidden door in her heart was once again quietly touched.

Agnes suddenly grabbed Grace's collar, her tone harsh. "What else do you know?"

"Let go! What are you doing, Agnes? I thought you had really changed, but it turns out it was just a facade!" Grace struggled to break free, adjusting her collar with displeasure.

The campus was abuzz with talk of Agnes's transformation, and Grace knew better than anyone that Agnes had indeed changed, becoming not only better but also more outstanding.

"Speak!" Agnes commanded coldly.

Grace, ultimately intimidated by her, reluctantly answered, "Alright. Grandparents were firmly against your parents' union, even taking Dustin away because of it. A year later, shortly after you were born, your mother was also taken away by Grandpa. That's all I know." She knew only this much; after being discovered by the servants, she had to pretend she had just arrived home to cover up, missing Jeffrey and Marissa's conversation.

A few simple words, and Agnes pondered for a long time.

Why did Grandpa prevent her parents from being together? Even with the two kids, they couldn't reunite? Was her mother forced to leave her?

Just as she was about to snap back and ask more questions, Grace spoke first, "You tell me your relationship with Leopold, and I'll answer your questions."

Grace thought about it for a moment. "What you see is true, I do like him."

Grace covered her mouth in shock. "You're married and you dare to like Mr. Neville. Agnes, that's cheating!"

Agnes glared at her. "Don't talk nonsense! Liking someone is one thing; I haven't been unfaithful to my husband!"

"I don't believe you!"

"Believe it or not, it's my turn to ask now. Who is my mother?" Grace said.

"I really don't know."

Agnes kept asking, and Grace looked genuinely confused. Clearly, Grace didn't know, so Agnes had to let her go.

Sitting back in the car, she fell into deep thought.

Should she tell Leopold about Dustin and ask for his help in finding him?

But she was afraid that Leopold would find out everything, including her mother's identity and why her mother abandoned her and Henry.

She wasn't ready to face all of this.

Back at the villa, Agnes didn't go inside, just stood in the snow, her mind filled with images of her mother and Dustin.

Henry, even on his deathbed, didn't reveal any information about their mother, fearing she would go looking for her.

As for Dustin, Henry only told her a name, but what good was a name? Dustin might not even know he once had the surname Tudor.

Until a beam of car lights illuminated her, Agnes hadn't noticed Leopold's car slowly pulling up.

Leopold got out, wearing a knee-length black cashmere coat paired with matching leather boots, his steps firm in the snow. Leaning casually against the door, every detail from his tie to his shirt reflected his meticulousness in dressing, exuding maturity and nobility, every move filled with inherent dignity and aristocratic aura.

His handsome and aloof figure once again captured Agnes's heart; having a good-looking partner was truly wonderful!

He walked towards her, took her hand, and pulled her into his arms, slightly reproachful. "Why are you standing out here in such cold weather?"

Her hands were cold, so he unbuttoned his coat, wrapping her hands around his warm waist, then enveloping most of her body in his coat.

In the snow, standing so close, she could clearly hear his heartbeat, her eyes moistening as she gently placed his hand on her lips, a delicate fragrance emanating from his fingers. "Leopold."

"Yes?" he responded softly.

She smiled brightly, a beauty tinged with subtle seduction. "Have I ever told you something?"

"What?"

"I really love you," Agnes replied. 'From that kiss in the bar, from the moment we met, I've loved you.'

His thick eyebrows, resolute nose, and especially those deep eyes, like deep, inviting pools that one couldn't help but get lost in, capable of capturing any woman's heart.

Leopold's eyes were filled with joy and surprise. He gently brushed his nose against her cheek, placed her hand on his face, and, overflowed with emotion."I love you too, Agnes."

A fitting phrase came to her mind, and she whispered against his chest, "I like you, like the cool breeze of a summer night; I like you, like stars shining in a tranquil night sky, unafraid of loneliness; I like you, like the inevitable prelude to a storm."

In the snow, he quietly listened to her confession, responding deeply, "I like you too, like the spring wind awakening all things, endlessly; I like you too, like stars traversing the dark night for eons, silently."

If her confession was beautifully poetic, his was dominantly tender.

Her slender fingers gently traced his well-defined features. Leopold was always so proud, even his confession was full of a quiet strength.

"Leopold."

"Yes?"

"Promise me you'll always stay by my side."

She longed to let go of her strength, to nestle in his embrace, letting him shield her from the storms of life.

"Of course," he replied softly, pulling her closer. "I'll always be here for you."

The next morning, Agnes groggily felt someone whispering in her ear, "Agnes, it's time to get up and go to the airport."

Agnes turned over, resting her head in the crook of Leopold's arm, her cheek pressed against his chest, her long legs draped lightly over his abdomen, lost in her dreams.

Leopold gazed at her sleeping face, his eyes inadvertently showing tenderness. "Agnes, you can sleep a little longer later."

"Just a few more minutes," Agnes mumbled drowsily, her cheek still buried in his chest.

"Agnes, our mom's plane is about to land!"

This sentence jolted Agnes awake. She opened her eyes to see Leopold holding her, captivated by his appearance. "That's wonderful."

"Why do you say that?"

Agnes wrapped her arms around his neck, half-lying on him. "Waking up every morning to see a strong, handsome, and wealthy you, isn't that a great thing?"

"Of course, it's wonderful," he replied, smiling. "But you need to get used to it. From now on, you'll wake up in my arms every morning."

"I hope so, but it seems unlikely! As a CEO, you're always busy and traveling. How can I wake up in your arms?" She said.

She nestled against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, feeling a sense of security.

Leopold's large hand gently caressed her, kissing her forehead. "From now on, wherever I go, you'll come with me. Even on business trips, you'll be with me, okay?"

His touch made her giggle. "Alright, I'll be your shadow, always by your side."

"I'd love for us to be inseparable," he said with a mischievous grin.

Agnes caught the double meaning in his words and his playful actions made her exclaim. "Get up, we need to pick up Mom! We're going to be late. Oh, Leopold, that tickles. Stop it!"

The sky was clear, the sun bright, and birds were chirping outside the window. Agnes's crisp laughter echoed through the villa.

Outside the airport arrival hall, two Bentleys slowly stopped. Kevin, the driver of the front car, quickly got out and walked to the rear. The car door opened, and a pair of brand-new black leather shoes touched the ground. Leopold, dressed in a brown overcoat and wearing sunglasses, stepped out, exuding an understated elegance.

He turned, extending his right hand into the car. "Be careful."

Agnes, also wearing sunglasses and a camel coat, stepped out with his help, amused by his focused expression. "I'm wearing sneakers; I won't fall!"

Leopold just smiled, and Agnes took his arm as they walked into the hall.

The timing was perfect. After a short wait, just as Agnes was feeling anxious, a middle-aged woman in a limited-edition Armani white mink coat, Teresa, walked out of the VIP passage, flanked by two bodyguards.

"Mom's here!" Leopold's simple words made Agnes's heart tighten.

Agnes watched as Leopold and Teresa embraced and exchanged greetings.

Teresa's luxurious attire clearly indicated her extraordinary background and noble demeanor.

Was she Leopold's mother? Her presence was impressive! When she spoke with Leopold, her eyes were filled with love and tenderness.

Leopold hugged Teresa. "Mom, welcome back."

Teresa noticed Agnes behind Leopold, took off her sunglasses, and exclaimed in surprise, "Leopold, is this Agnes? Introduce us!"

Leopold pulled Agnes forward, introducing them one by one, "Mom, this is Agnes. We are already married. Agnes, this is Mom!"

Teresa's smile froze. They were already married? How could she not know about such a big event?

Agnes, unaware of the tension, smiled and greeted, "Mom, I'm Agnes. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Teresa, ever composed, quickly regained her smile and hugged Agnes. "I'm very happy to meet you too, Agnes. You're so beautiful; Leopold has excellent taste!"

Agnes blushed at the compliment. Leopold, noticing her nervousness, pulled her back into his arms. "Mom, it's not convenient to stay here. Let's talk in the car."

People were already starting to notice them. Teresa, aware of Leopold's influence, nodded and led everyone outside.

Agnes moved to open the front passenger door, intending to let Teresa and Leopold chat in the back seat.

But Teresa held her hand gently. "Agnes, let's sit in the back together and let Leopold take the front."

Agnes was flattered and reflexively looked at Leopold.

Leopold nodded helplessly.

The car slowly left the airport. Along the way, Teresa held Agnes's hand, asking questions non-stop, and Agnes answered respectfully.

"Has Leopold treated you well since you got married? If he ever gives you trouble, just let me know, and I'll take care of it," Teresa said.

Agnes nodded slightly, and Leopold laughed. "Mom, you might not know, but usually, it's me who gets 'trouble' from her!"

Hearing this, Teresa was surprised. Was Leopold getting trouble from Agnes?