Chapter 557 My Wife Is Trying on a Wedding Dress
As Cecily entered her room, she noticed a servant preparing to unpack her suitcase. She raised a hand to stop the servant, insisting she wanted to do it herself.
What she didn't realize was that Percy was monitoring every word she spoke.
Once she finished organizing her things, Karen approached and said, "Let's take a little tour of the Lockwood Manor so you can get familiar with everything."
Before stepping out, Cecily slipped a few small black objects into her pocket, then followed Karen as they wandered through Lockwood Manor.
Eventually, her gaze landed on a closed door at the end of the hall. Curiosity piqued, she pointed and asked, "Aunt Karen, what's behind that door?"
"That's Percy's study," Karen replied, walking over to push the door open. "But he has a nasty habit of not allowing anyone else in there."
Cecily's mind raced with the possibility that the evidence she sought might be hidden away in that very room.
"Is he really into books?" she asked, noticing the entire wall lined with shelves. "Looks like he has a whole wall of them."
Karen smiled. "He loves reading, especially historical biographies and philosophy. If you're into that sort of thing, you could ask him for recommendations. He'd be more than happy to share."
Just then, Percy strolled in, catching the tail end of their conversation. "What are you two chatting about?"
Karen replied with a smile, "I was just showing Cecily around the house. Are you heading out?"
"Not right now. I need to choose a hotel for the wedding. Can you call Landon and have him come to my study?" Percy instructed.
Before leaving, he turned to Cecily. "If you need anything, just let Karen know. Treat this place like home."
"Got it," Cecily said, nodding obediently.
"Oh, and remember to try on some wedding dresses when you get the chance. The sooner you settle on one, the better."
"Sure!"
After Percy left for his study, Cecily quickly calculated her next move. Taking a deep breath, she walked into the study. "Uncle Percy, when will Evander be back? It'd be best if we could pick out his suit and my dress together to save time."
Mentioning Evander made Percy frown slightly, but he didn't catch on to Cecily's unusual tone. "He's busy with some things. Just go ahead and try on the dresses. You can take him shopping once he's free."
"Alright, but could you let me know when he's back? The wedding date is approaching fast, and I'm worried we won't have enough time for the suits."
"I'll keep you posted."
"Thanks! I'll head out now."
"Go on."
As Percy turned to rummage through the papers on his desk, Cecily discreetly affixed a small device to the underside of the table before calmly walking out.
Her heart raced in her chest from the thrill of the risk she had just taken, but thankfully, she hadn't raised any suspicions.
In Percy's study, Landon raised an eyebrow as he entered. "Dad, you called for me?"
Percy set his headphones aside. Landon glanced around and asked, "You're not eavesdropping on Cecily, are you?"
"She's a clever one. I need to be cautious, don't you think?" Percy replied, his tone serious.
Landon chuckled lightly. "If you're that wary of her, why let her into the house in the first place?"
"Because we needed to wrap this up quickly," Percy said, narrowing his cold eyes. "Regardless of whether she's putting on an act, once she's in Lockwood Manor, there's no way she'll leave unscathed. Make sure to keep an eye on Evander; I don't want him wandering off."
Landon nodded. "So, that's why you called me. What else do you need?"
"For the wedding, I want you to handle the venue and the guest list. Just remember two things: first, we need a larger security detail to ensure nothing like what happened on the proposal day occurs again. Second, make it a grand affair—invite all the notable people from Silver Frost Capital, especially the Fitzgerald family."
Landon smirked slightly. "Aren't you worried you might provoke Josep with all this?"
"Worried? I have all the evidence linking him to Patrick's death right here. Does he really think he can go to Cecily and spill the beans? If he tries, he'll be the one to face the consequences."
Landon couldn't help but caution him, "Dad, it's always wise to be careful."
"Josep doesn't have the guts to go all out against me," Percy replied, fully aware of Josep's limitations. "Now, go take care of your tasks."
"Understood. I'm on it."
Once Landon left, Percy cast a glance at the safe in the cabinet. He felt secure knowing he held all the evidence against Josep. He thought no matter how angry Josep got, Josep wouldn't dare confront him openly.
All he needed to do was organize the wedding and fully integrate Cecily into the Lockwood family. Once that was accomplished, his plan would be complete.
During lunch, the Lockwood family members were overly attentive to Cecily, showering her with faux concern, and she played her part well, expressing gratitude as if she were genuinely touched.
After the meal, Cecily returned to her room, quickly putting on her headphones and booting up her laptop. The device she had secretly installed that morning in Percy's study was now her lifeline.
Time was of the essence; she had just five days to obtain the evidence she desperately needed.
Listening to the conversation playing through her headphones, Cecily was both shocked and relieved. It seemed Percy, that sly fox, hadn't entirely let his guard down.
She saved the recording just as a knock came at the door.
Startled, Cecily removed her headphones. "Who is it?"
"It's me, Cecily."
It was Karen's voice. Cecily tidied up quickly and went to open the door. Karen greeted her with a warm smile. "Were you planning to take a nap?"
"No, is there something you need?"
"Not really. I just wanted to ask when you're planning to go for your bridal fitting."
Cecily glanced at her watch. "If you're available, we could go later today. An afternoon should be enough for the fitting."
Karen's eyes sparkled with delight. "Great, then. Get ready, and I'll arrange for the driver. I'll wait for you downstairs."
Cecily changed into a new outfit in her room and, in the bathroom, quickly sent a few messages to Darian.
At his office, Darian's expression darkened as he read Cecily's messages. His response was swift and terse: [Bridal fitting? How many people?]
Cecily could almost picture the stormy look on Darian's face through the screen.
She quickly typed back: [Two.]
Darian: [With Evander?]
Meanwhile, two managers presenting reports to Darian felt the temperature in the room drop sharply. Darian's mood had soured, and they exchanged anxious glances, wondering if they'd said something to provoke him.
After a tense pause with no reply, Darian's long fingers drummed forcefully on the desk. He shot a cold glance at the nervous managers. "Continue."
The two men continued their report, their voices shaky with uncertainty.
Darian, however, seemed completely distracted, his eyes glued to his phone. His handsome face was taut, betraying a mix of anger and anxiety.
The two men exchanged glances, seeking help from Larkin, who was equally perplexed by the situation. He wiped the sweat from his brow.
Then, the sound of a phone ringing broke the tension.
Darian straightened up and immediately grabbed his phone to check the message.
Cecily's reply popped up on the screen: [I'm with Karen.]
Darian's expression didn't soften; he quickly typed back: [Address.]
Cecily responded almost instantly: [Are you coming over?]
Darian shot back: [You're trying on wedding dresses. Why wouldn't I go?]
Cecily fell silent for a moment.
Larkin couldn't help but sneak a glance at Darian's phone. He thought, 'Is he really chatting with Cecily during work hours?'
Just as Cecily was about to decline, Darian seemed to read her mind, sending a chilling message: [I'll find out anyway. I need to be the first to see you in that wedding dress.]
Cecily couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
She had never had a wedding ceremony before, so this was her first time trying on a wedding dress.
Cecily wanted say something but ultimately decided against it.
Suddenly, Darian stood up, grabbed his coat, and headed for the door. Larkin called after him, "Boss, where are you going?"
"Trying on wedding dresses," Darian replied curtly.
Larkin blinked in surprise. "Are you going alone?"
Darian paused for a moment, as if reminded of something. "Go pick up Freya from the hospital."
Larkin hesitated, wanting to mention that Freya wasn't fit to be out and about, but Darian had already turned away, striding into the elevator.
Meanwhile, Karen led Cecily to the largest bridal boutique in Silver Frost Capital. The store was closed to the public today, allowing Cecily to browse the entire collection at her leisure.
As soon as they entered, a staff member greeted them warmly.
"Cecily! Go ahead and pick out some dresses. You'll look stunning in anything! I wanted your mother to join us, but she said there's someone at home who's not feeling well and needs her attention," Karen said, leaning closer to Cecily. "That person must be Aurelie, right?"
Cecily realized that since Karen was Lillian's niece, she must have heard about Aurelie's situation from her.
Karen continued, "Cecily, I know you're close to Aurelie, but it might be best not to get too involved in her family matters. After all, they're her personal issues, and overstepping might backfire."
Karen had echoed what Darian had said, both of them clearly wanting to shield Cecily from Aurelie's troubles. But after what had happened yesterday, there was no way Cecily could just walk away from Aurelie's plight.
As they were talking, a commotion at the entrance startled Cecily. She thought it might be Darian, but to her surprise, it was Nathaniel and Lillian, who seemed to have come for the same purpose.
"What is she doing here?" Karen muttered under her breath. The memory of Lillian brandishing a knife at her the day before still haunted her.
Cecily glanced at Nathaniel and Lillian. Despite Aurelie's serious injuries from yesterday, Nathaniel appeared in good spirits, accompanying Lillian as she picked out wedding dresses.
"Aunt Karen, Miss Watson! What a coincidence! Are you both here to try on wedding dresses too? No wonder the sales associate wouldn't let us in earlier; I thought the place was booked for someone special. Aunt Karen, Miss Watson, do you mind if I join you?" Lillian said, looking surprisingly normal, at least for the moment.
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