Belinda said, “I’m not hungry. I don’t feel like eating. Don’t mind me and go on. I’m heading home soon. You shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach while socializing for work tonight.”Since Caroline had gradually gotten the hang of handling the company, Belinda rarely attended business engagements unless they were important. Other than that, she left everything to Caroline. “Are you still mad at Dad, Mom?”Caroline poured her some tea and gave it to her while asking with a concerned voice. “I heard from Emma that Dad isn’t eating anything either. However, I think it’s not because he doesn’t want to eat. He’s probably in too much pain to do so. Celine is worried about him. She brings food to him every meal. I wonder why she isn’t as concerned about you when you love her so much.”Caroline took the opportunity to badmouth Celine. “Do you think Celine hates you, Mom? She’s used to being spoiled, yet you were suddenly so stern with her and even punished her. She might be criticizing y
The mother and daughter had the same personality. After some time, Belinda said, “Liberty is in Jensburg.”“I know.”Caroline was not surprised. Belinda was taken aback before she let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Oh, right. You have an assistant now. They’re really capable. I don’t know which ancestor of ours thought of establishing a base to train the best assistants for us.“I thought you knew nothing. This is good.”After speaking, Belinda drank a few sips of tea. She held onto the cup and leaned against the chair. Then, she turned the chair and had her back face Caroline while she looked outside the window. The city was illuminated. She said, “I suddenly thought of Tiara’s assistant, Patrick. He was competent and even better than my current assistant. Not only that, he had a good personality and looks to match. I saw him often because I was raised by Tiara.“Time passed, and I found myself falling in love with him. However, the assistants are not allowed to marry or ha
“Is Aunt Tiara’s assistant still alive, Mom?”Caroline changed the topic. She knew Belinda would not agree to amending the family rules. “Patrick went missing after Tiara’s accident. I don’t know whether he’s dead or alive.”Belinda had sent countless people to look for him after she became the matriarch. Alas, it seemed as if he had evaporated into thin air. She was still searching for him. Patrick probably knew something about the incident. He could have some evidence too. He was a ticking time bomb if she did not find him and destroy the evidence. Who knew when he would suddenly resurface and testify that she had killed her sisters?Even if Belinda had a crush on him when she was young, she had to think long-term for her descendants. She would kill him once he was found. There had been no news about Patrick or her nieces for decades. She thought she could hand her position over to Caroline smoothly if her nieces died or never appeared. However, the heavens left Beli
Belinda said, “I truly don’t feel like eating. You should go. I’ll head home shortly. I promise I won’t fall. This is a small matter. I’ll get better after being in a bad mood for a day or two. I’ll be myself again tomorrow.“I won’t be devastated over an old man. I want to hear your thoughts. How do you plan to tackle Liberty now that she’s here?”“I’ll just remain calm and make thorough preparations just in case.”Belinda smiled. “That’s good. As expected of my daughter.“I met my niece, Audrey, when I was in Wiltspoon. There was some tension between us. She thinks I’m a murderer no matter what I say, so she’s hostile toward me.“She suggested I give Liberty a chance and train her so you and Liberty can compete fairly. If Liberty loses, Audrey will accept you as the matriarch. If Liberty wins, we’ll have to give up on all our power.”Audrey was not forthright about it but her intention could be read between the lines. Belinda added, “Why should we give up on what’s ours, Caro
Meanwhile, in the presidential suite on the top floor of Fortress Hotel, Liberty and Hayden sat on the sofa in the living room while Kevin poured water for them and served them a fruit platter.“Liberty, how about staying with me? I live alone, the house is big, and there are many rooms. If you move in, we can also keep each other company.”Hayden invited Liberty to stay at her private villa.While smiling, Liberty turned her head to look at her. “Hayden, if I move into your place, the tabloids here will report that you and Kevin have a relationship breakdown. They might even say that Kevin is delusional and that you prefer women.”Hayden choked for a moment.She was still dressed as a man now. If Liberty stayed with her, it could easily lead to misunderstandings and cause unnecessary trouble.Liberty had just arrived in Jensburg and it would not do her well to be gathering hate when her footing in Jensburg was still weak.Hayden had too many admirers. Though they could not comp
Hayden glanced at Kevin.Kevin rubbed his nose and smiled. “You cooked well. It’s delicious.”“Then, I’ll shamelessly mooch some of it. I won’t disturb you two anymore. I'll rest up downstairs.”Liberty tactfully made space for the young couple to have their alone time.She had just returned to her room and sat on the sofa without the chance to reply to Duncan’s messages when she heard a knock on the door.“Who is it?” Liberty asked while getting to the door.It was someone from the hotel.Upon seeing the door open, the hotel staff smiled and said, “Ms. Liberty? Here’s a letter for you.”With that, Liberty was handed a letter.She took the envelope and thanked the staff member.Back in the room, she curiously opened the envelope, finding only a small note inside.The content of the note was simple, stating a certain address in Jensburg.Below the address was a sentence: [Ms. Hunt, go alone. I will ensure your safety. Don’t let anyone find out.]The letter was signed by “Fl
Soon, Liberty drove out of the underground parking lot.Following the address Mr. Fletcher provided, she navigated her way there.Duncan called.Liberty slowed down before answering the call.“Duncan, I’m out to buy something. I’m driving now. I’ll call you back when I return.”Duncan acknowledged with a sound and reminded her, “Drive safely.”“I will.”Liberty did not drive like her sister; she was not fond of speeding.Thankfully, they lived in a city where traffic was heavy. Serenity could not speed, so she drove diligently. She would drive like an F1 driver if they were in the suburbs with light traffic. Unfortunately, Zachary had not witnessed Serenity’s driving style, or else he would not have let Serenity behind the wheel.Duncan did not want to disturb Liberty while she was driving. He quickly ended the call.If he knew that Liberty was driving alone in her disguise to meet Caroline, he might worry and rush over on the next flight.Liberty knew he cared about her, so
“Miss, take care of yourself. If anything happens, call me immediately,” Darren advised.Caroline smiled and replied, “I can’t rely on you for everything. Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”Even if she encountered an assassination attempt, she had some self-defense skills. Without them, she would not have survived the abuse of her foster mother’s family.After ending the call with Darren, Caroline drove directly to the rendezvous.When she arrived, Liberty was already there. She had not gotten out of her car. Seeing another car approaching, Liberty lowered her car window, watching as Caroline parked the car beside hers.Caroline was the first to take off her sunglasses and then peel off the human mask on her face, revealing her true appearance. Smiling, she greeted Liberty as she got out of her car.Seeing this, Liberty also got out, asking, “How did you know it was me? Weren’t you afraid it might be someone else?”“At this hour, in such a remote place, with no houses around, ev