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Chapter 368

Author: Bello Rivera
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56
Abigail tapped her gently on the forehead. "Little missy, what on earth is going on in that pretty head of yours? What could possibly happen between your brother and me? Worst case scenario, he fires me, or takes away my salary. Would I dislike you for such petty matters?"

"Just remember what we said today; our bond won't change because of my brother." Esther was not worried about the scenario Abigail proposed; what she feared was Abigail learning the truth about Xander and deciding to divorce him, eventually hating her as well for being a part of the deception.

When someone repeatedly emphasizes something, it shows insecurity. Abigail did not want to pry into Esther's fears but she could not let the girl continue to dwell on her worries. "Essy, are you scared of your brother, or are you scared of being confined?" Esther froze for a moment, then shook her head vigorously. Abigail asked while looking into Esther's eyes and caught a flicker of panic that passed through them. Esther's r
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    Abigail would have liked to sneak away as well, but Xander did not give her a chance."Remember when Jane humiliated you last time? Don't you want to exact some revenge?" Xander asked.Abigail did, of course, but despite the gap between Jane and Xander, they were still mother and son, bound by blood. She, Abigail, was the outsider here. Unless she was a fool, she would not admit to her boss that she harbored thoughts of revenge against his mother.Silence."You're not saying anything?" Xander prodded."What do you want me to say?" Abigail replied.Xander looked at her reddened nose. "Does it still hurt?"Abigail, taken aback by the sudden question, quickly shook her head. "No, it doesn't hurt anymore.""If you truly don't want to be in the same space as Jane, you can leave after she apologizes," Xander added.Abigail did not believe that Jane, with her superior airs, would ever lower herself to apologize to a mere assistant. She did not want to put Xander in a tough spot. "Mr.

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    'So many years have passed, and this woman remains the same as always, with not a word of truth escaping her lips.' Xander's brows arched slightly, his voice deep and steady. "Save your lies for yourself. Don't try to fool me.""Oh, Xander," Jane began, always skilled at steering the conversation. "I'm your mother. When have I ever deceived you? If you don't want to discuss your wife, let's talk about Essy. That girl is all grown up and still doesn't know how to behave herself. You need to guide her. She can't rely on you forever, can she?"Xander did not have the patience to engage in petty squabbles with her. 'She had no interest in Esther's wellbeing before, and now that Esther has grown, she suddenly wants to intervene. What right does she have?' Without mincing his words, he fired back, "Enough. What's your true purpose for coming here?"Jane laughed. "Today is Easter Eve. Naturally, I came to spend time with you and Essy. In the past, you were always too busy and not in Pleasi

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    Abigail had been working alongside Xander for quite some time, but this was the first time she had seen him like this. The look in his eyes, peering through the silver-rimmed glasses, was turbulent, like a lost soul. Something must have happened between him and his mother. What it was, Abigail did not feel it was her place to ask. Since joining Zane Corporation, the family affairs of the Zanes rarely came up among employees. The only rumors were about Xander wresting control of the corporation through extraordinary means, leading to the tale of him turning his back on his kin.She had been working close to Xander for quite a while without paying much attention to his private life. Only now did she realize how fraught the relationship between Xander and his sister, and their mother, Jane, truly was. Describing it as fraught did not even seem accurate. They were at complete odds with Jane. 'What could lead a blood-related family to such animosity?' she wondered. Unaccountably, she felt

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    After a moment's hesitation, Abigail nodded in agreement. "Alright then. Could you hand me the minced garlic, please?""Sure," Xander replied.Abigail fired up the stove, and once the oil was bubbling, she threw in the garlic, pepper, and other seasonings. A plume of smoky aroma burst forth, enveloping the kitchen despite the exhaust fan's best efforts. The fumes made Abigail's eyes water profusely, and Xander immediately offered her a tissue to dab at her tears."From now on, let me handle the cooking. You just focus on the eating part," he suggested.The sizzle of the frying pan and the roar of the exhaust fan drowned out Xander's words, causing Abigail to miss what he had said. "Mr. Zane, what did you say?"Xander just shook his head. "Nothing important.""Alright." Abigail moved on. "The dish is almost ready. Could you get a plate for me?"Turning, Xander retrieved a plate from the sterilizer. "Does it need to be washed?"Given the question, Abigail's patience remained inta

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    Abigail, startled, dropped the piece of pork she was about to feed Xander straight onto the floor.Xander, robbed of his bite, shot Esther a glance, his body radiating dissatisfaction. "Esther, no more blurting out like that. Don't scare Abigail.""Sure, sure, from now on, I'll tread lightly so as not to startle her." Esther moved in to hug Abigail. "Abigail, my brother can be considerate when he wants to be, right?""Mhm," Abigail replied, a bit embarrassed. She had been casually tasting the dish, and when Xander expressed interest, she naturally offered him a bite without considering the implications. "Essy, the food is ready. Let's go eat."Esther shoved the plate full of food at Xander. "Brother, you go ahead. Abigail and I have some girl talk to do."Surprisingly, Xander complied, although he moved slowly."Essy, what's up?" Abigail asked.Esther bit her lip before asking, "Abigail, if you weren't married and neither was my brother, would you like him?""No." Abigail remem

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    Esther poured herself a glass of wine. "I seldom drink, but tonight's selection is a prized collection of my brother's. This wine can't be bought in the markets anymore. They're all acquired from auctions at high prices. It would be a waste if I didn't take a sip."Keith added, "I've been working with Mr. Zane for a decade, and spent Easter Eves with him more than once. But those times were always full of work. This is the first time we've sat at a table together, enjoying dinner, watching television, and savoring his exceptional wine.""Let's toast to Mr. Zane and Abigail. We're grateful for Mr. Zane in providing this wonderful gathering place, and for Abigail's preparation of this splendid Easter Eve meal," Dr. Sander proposed, and Paxton could not agree more. Wherever Xander went, they followed. If Xander spent Easter Eve working, they naturally could not sit still and enjoy the holiday. The only consolation was that they were always together."The credit for this feast doesn't s

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