Chapter 552 Smith's Substitute
The person Allegra was talking about wasn't Smith at all.
Smith was not only considerate but also helped her with many things. During meals, he almost fed her himself.
Why was Allegra badmouthing him like this?
Allegra looked surprised. "Isn't he like that?"
Bianca chuckled. "No, he's a very caring husband. He's always been good to me. I don't understand why you're saying these things about him."
Hearing this, Allegra clenched her fists tightly. "Don't be fooled by his facade. He's not really like that. He..."
Just as she was about to say more, the conference room door swung open.
Smith stood at the doorway in a black suit, his eyes cold and sharp.
He looked at Allegra, his tone unfriendly. "Mother, are you here to undermine me?"
He walked over to Bianca and handed her a bouquet of fresh flowers.
The coldness in his eyes softened instantly when he looked at Bianca.
In a low, husky voice, he said, "I heard you like the daisies from the west hill, so I picked some for you. Do you like them?"
Seeing the vibrant flowers, Bianca's mood lifted immediately.
She smiled at Smith and nodded. "The daisies from the west hill have a unique scent, a bit bitter with a hint of sweetness, especially under the sunlight. The fragrance becomes more pronounced."
Smith gazed deeply at her. "If you like them, I can pick them for you every day."
"No need, it's too much trouble. We can have the servants do it."
Smith gently brushed her cheek. "Making you happy is my greatest joy. After all, you're my wife."
Then he turned to Allegra, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Isn't it a husband's duty to be good to his wife? Don't you agree, Mother?"
Allegra watched their sweet interaction, biting her lip hard.
But she kept her facial expressionless. "As long as you two are happy, I'm relieved. I was just worried you might upset Her Majesty."
"Don't worry, Mother. I cherish her too much to ever upset her."
"In that case, I'm relieved. I should be going now. Smith, could you see me out?"
Bianca could tell Allegra had something to discuss with Smith.
She quickly said, "Smith, go ahead and see her out. I'll head back to my room."
Smith kissed her forehead and said in a husky voice, "I'll join you for lunch."
With that, he turned and left with Allegra.
As soon as they stepped out of the meeting room, Allegra's face darkened.
"Don't forget your place. You're just a stand-in. Once Smith recovers, he'll replace you."
Smith chuckled lightly. "Do you think he can? Once water is spilled, it can't be gathered back."
Allegra glared at him fiercely. "What do you mean? Do you intend to completely replace my son? Dream on! You're just a bastard, an illegitimate child. How dare you think you can be with the Queen? She will always belong to my son. You'd better stay away from her and not let her get too familiar with you. Otherwise, when my son recovers, your cover will be blown."
Smith sneered. "Do you think the Queen is a fool? That she wouldn't notice a different person? Besides, your son is a useless fool."
"Who are you calling a fool? If it weren't for taking his place, you wouldn't even be with the Queen. Don't forget, your mother is still in my hands. If you don't behave, I'll send her to hell."
Smith's smile turned sinister. "If you dare touch her, I'll make sure the William Family pays dearly."
"Big talk. Do you think a small-time actor like you can bring down the William Family? You're overestimating yourself."
"Overestimating or not, you can try. We'll see who has the last laugh."
Seeing the ruthlessness in his eyes, Allegra didn't dare say more.
She knew the person by Bianca's side was him.
But he was impersonating Smith.
If this were discovered, it would be considered deception and subject to military punishment.
Allegra gritted her teeth. "You better behave and play your part as a stand-in."
With that, she turned and left.
Watching her retreating figure, Smith's eyes grew colder.
An assistant approached and reported, "Our people have investigated. Your mother is likely being held on the island by the William Family. We've sent people to search. We should have news soon."
Smith's voice was icy. "I understand. What about the other person?"
"Still unconscious. He was shot in the head, damaging his brain nerves. Waking up won't be easy unless a miracle-working doctor intervenes. Rest assured."
"I see. How's the investigation into the William Family's assets going?"
"We've made some progress. Results should come soon."
"I want to find a way to bring down their entire family."
"I understand. Your wound needs dressing. Let me take care of it."
Smith hadn't noticed the pain until now. The past few days, he'd been holding Bianca too tightly, causing the wound to tear.
Plus, he had exerted himself picking flowers on the hill.
Smith nodded slightly. "Follow me."
They went into Smith's bedroom.
Removing his shirt, the assistant saw the red bloodstains on the bandage and couldn't help but speak up. "It looks like the wound has torn again."
Carefully unwrapping the bandage, he saw the wound still oozing blood and said, "The doctor advised against exertion. Otherwise, the wound will heal slowly. Look, it's bleeding again and seems to be infected."
"Stop nagging and just treat it. I have lunch with the Queen soon."
The assistant, frightened, said no more. He cleaned the wound with a disinfectant swab and applied some ointment.
Smith winced in pain, sweat forming on his forehead.
He looked at the wound and asked, "How much longer until it heals?"
The assistant shook his head. "A normal gunshot wound takes about three weeks to heal. But since you've been tearing it, it's hard to say. It looks like it might take six weeks."
Six more weeks. He needed six more weeks to fully recover.
As long as he wasn't fully healed, he couldn't truly be with Bianca.
Thinking about this, Smith frowned. "I'll be more careful. Bandage it up."
The assistant took out fresh bandages and was about to wrap his waist when the door opened.
Bianca stood at the doorway, her eyes wide with surprise at the sight of Smith's wound.
"When did you get hurt?"