Chapter 80 Is There a Copy of the Divorce Settlement?
<Chapter>Chapter 80 Is There a Copy of the Divorce Settlement? </Chapter>
The metamorphosis in Paige was undeniably foreign to all who knew her. Even to Raymond, this facet of Paige was an enigma. Bradley, taken aback, drew a deep breath to steady himself. He might have been quick to regain his composure, but Sean was entirely thrown off balance. His gaze, fixed on Paige, seemed incapable of processing the transformation.Paige, who used to arrive at the villa for work in simple attire, carrying an inexpensive purse one might find at a farmer's market, was a stark contrast to the woman standing before them. Now, she was dressed in a high-end designer suit, adorned minimally with jewelry, save for a wristwatch that was beyond the reach of an average worker's lifetime earnings. Sean could somewhat comprehend these outward changes, given Paige's marriage to Raymond and her new status as the Madam of the Carnegie family. However, the authoritative aura Paige exuded was something Sean found hard to comprehend. The air around her was familiar, akin to Bradley's, yet there was an indescribable difference. It was formidable, the kind of commanding aura associated with those in power. Sean was at a loss as to why Paige, of all people, possessed such an aura and how naturally she wore it without a hint of discordance. It was as if she was born to command. This was not something one would expect from a girl who had grown up in the countryside, let alone one so young and recently released from prison. Prison leavers are often more ruthless, resentful, and possibly even insecure. But none of those traits were visible in Paige. What was evident instead was her formidable presence, an aura that commanded respect from all quarters.Julian's gaze swept over the faces of the Carnegie family members. He had an inkling of what they were all thinking; after all, they were oblivious to Paige's other identity. With a slight tilt of his chin toward the gate of the Sackler family mansion, Julian hinted, "They won't go in on their own. They said they're waiting for you." Paige gave a slight nod, stepping forward to ring the Sackler family's doorbell herself. Her team had merely surrounded the Sacklers' home; someone from the Sackler household still needed to open the door from the inside.After ringing the doorbell, Paige's gaze drifted toward Bradley and Raymond. She was acutely aware of Raymond's gaze, which had been unwaveringly fixed on her, clearly filled with a myriad of questions. She had abruptly ended several calls with Raymond that afternoon, and when she finally did answer, she didn't engage in more than a brief conversation before hanging up without any follow-up. Faced with Raymond's probing look, Paige couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. After all, she hadn't known who Raymond was before, but now she did, along with the realization that she had been in his room, surreptitiously gathering clues. If Raymond were to discover these things, she had no idea how she would justify her actions.Bradley, however, seemed to have recovered the quickest, his fondness for Paige still evident in his smile. "Paige, who knew you were such a good driver?" he said. In front of the older gentleman, Paige toned down the commanding presence that usually surrounded her. Although Bradley was officially her father-in-law, he was old enough to be her grandfather. Ah, Raymond, the family darling, no wonder he's spoiled."Dad, I'm sorry. There were so many things I didn't get a chance to tell you guys. I got my driver's license when I was in prison, and I guess I drive pretty well," she admitted. Bradley should have dwelled on these details. His son was clearly smitten, practically drowning in love, leaving him no room to concern himself with what Paige knew or was skilled in.Even noticing that the car wasn't a gift from Raymond, Bradley didn't question where Paige had acquired the vehicle or the money for it. He must have known Paige was no ordinary woman; otherwise, why would his son Raymond fall for her?Eagles didn't fall in love with sparrows. They would find their kind, one who could soar alongside them and was worthy of them.
Bradley spoke with a quickness that betrayed his age, "Paige, don't fret over the details. My years have left me with little else to worry about. You're a good soul, I can see that. As long as you and Raymond find happiness, that's all that truly matters."His words hung in the air, a clear indication that he had no intention of delving into her personal matters. Paige's gaze flickered between Bradley and Raymond, surprise etched on her face.Suddenly, Raymond interjected, "Father, Frances, perhaps you should check on Mrs. Sackler?"Bradley's understanding was immediate, catching the unspoken request in Raymond's words - he wished for a private conversation with Paige. A knowing glance passed between Bradley and Francesca. Subtle nods and silent greetings were exchanged between Francesca and Paige before they followed the Sacklers inside, the doors opening to welcome them.Paige had hoped to sidestep this entire situation, yet here she was, face-to-face with Raymond, thanks to the Sacklers' meddling. Evading Raymond was becoming increasingly difficult. She was already burdened with her own problems and felt it unfair to entangle Raymond in her chaos, not for her benefit nor for his. If Raymond had been a simple man, a handsome but insignificant accessory, then yes, Paige could have kept him close, creating a comforting sanctuary where she could escape to simplicity on her wearied days. But that was no longer an option. Raymond was not merely a decorative piece; he was a Carnegie. As Paige approached, she noticed Raymond's eagerness to speak. Preempting him, she lowered herself to his eye level, her hand resting on his knee, her gaze meeting his as he sat in his wheelchair. She offered a smile and asked, "I'm curious, Mr. Carnegie, do you still have that divorce agreement you drafted? Would you mind if I expedite things a bit?"Raymond's expression froze instantly. He had suspected it. The moment this cunning woman achieved her goal, she would flee! She had once vowed to care for him, and now that her cover was exposed, she was prepared to run. Was she fearful of him uncovering the truth and holding her accountable? Or was there another reason? Raymond's face darkened. The words he had intended to say lodged in his throat, and he swallowed them down forcefully. His hand landed on Paige's, not gripping it but gently pushing it away from his knee. In a tone as cold as ice, he declared, "Divorce? Wishful thinking! Remember, you're the one who pledged to care for me for life. You won't be rid of me that easily, Paige."Following his pronouncement, Raymond glanced at Charles, standing a few steps away, and ordered, "Push me inside."Charles hurried to assist with the wheelchair. Paige watched Raymond's retreating figure, a sense of helplessness washing over her as she realized his staunch opposition to the divorce. She couldn't comprehend it. Hadn't he been the one to initially suggest divorce? Why was it that when she finally broached the subject, he resisted? What was happening? Julian, known for his acute hearing, sauntered over to Paige, a smirk dancing on his lips. "Ms. Young, wise choice! The relationship between Universal and Hawke Corporation is murky at best. It's difficult to discern whether they're allies or adversaries! But it seems Mr. Hawke has no intention of leaving this marriage."Paige turned slowly, her eyes sweeping over Julian with a warning glare. Her voice dropped to an icy whisper, "What did you call him?"Unfazed, Julian repeated, "Hawke the cripple."Paige's voice turned frosty, "That had better be the last time I hear that nickname from you."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
