Cynthia’s mind suddenly went blank. This was impossible. Absolutely impossible!If North was someone Pete knew, then what would become of Cynthia? She would be a joke!Pete faked ignorance and slowly said, “Mr. Gerald, why has it suddenly gone quiet over there? Did I say something wrong?”Gerald slowly smiled as he waited for Pete’s next words.As expected, Pete told everyone in a very natural yet sheepish tone who he meant.“Or perhaps she’s offended Madam Bracken? North is a little willful. I’ll need to trouble you to look out for her, Mr. Gerald.”…North!That name made Cynthia go deathly pale. She swayed violently, and it looked like she would fall at any second.Eleanor’s and Daniel’s faces were as white as a sheet. They were filled with terror.They were done for. If North was someone Pete knew, then her painting had to be real. In that case…“Uncle Pete,” North suddenly went forward and said dejectedly toward the phone. “I’ve brought the birthday present, and Madam B
Chasing North away was akin to offending Pete Reuben. Thus, there was no way they could let North leave.The faces of those of the Bracken family went pale. “Miss North, please come back. Let’s talk things through!”North turned around. Her expression was confused. “Really? Maybe you should ask Miss Bracken first if she’s alright with me coming back? She might ask me to leave again. That would be awkward.”Daniel had no other choice. He smiled sheepishly and said, “Miss North, Cynthia lost her temper just now. She didn’t really want you to leave. Cynthia, stop messing around. Apologize to Miss North.”North chuckled. The Bracken family was really interesting. They knew just when to bend so as not to break.Cynthia’s expression turned stiff. That b*tch had already been chased out. But now her own father was lowering himself to invite her back!However, with so many people looking at her, she would be in trouble if she did not apologize.Cynthia was resentful as she clenched her
Patricia was outraged. “North is no member of the Bracken family! Besides, the heart of the matter is that Cynthia simply loves you too much. How could you be so heartless? If the person North had put in such a place was me, would you have punished me too?!”Gerald replied slowly, “If you’d like that, Ms. Patricia, I can certainly make it happen.”“The world has gone nuts! You’ve gone crazy! You wouldn’t dare!”Patricia was overcome with anger. How could Gerald do this because of this vixen? And she was Estella’s daughter, too. How could her own son go against her?!Indeed, North was just as shameless as her mother!“Ms. Patricia, haven’t you always known what I dare and dare not do?”Gerald was playing with a dagger as he said casually, “I don’t care for anyone in the Bracken family, much less Cynthia. Or would you rather Cynthia come to an earlier end?”Patricia was shaking all over. “How could I have a son like you? You’re such a wretch! North, if you have any self-respect, y
Sharon’s tone was smug. She seemed to be saying, “I know what your wife doesn’t. I’m your closest confidante.”“Gerald, it’s not easy to investigate something that happened four years ago. I have the right connections, so I can…”Gerald looked at her blandly. “Sharon, you’ve overstepped your boundaries.”Sharon’s expression froze for a moment before quickly returning to her usual gentleness.“I’m sorry. I’m just so used to worrying about my friends. Since you mind, I won’t keep talking about it. By the way, Gerald. When I passed through the mall, I saw this and thought it suited you very well. What do you think?”An intricately packaged box was presented to Gerald.North narrowed her eyes. Sharon was doing this on purpose, was she not? She had clearly seen North, yet she insisted on giving Gerald a gift and acting intimate with him.But that was no matter. North was not afraid of such a two-faced woman.A hint of impatience flashed past Gerald’s eyes. He was about to reject the
“I didn’t mean anything by it.” North came back to herself and turned her wrist. She was intentionally showing off her watch. “Gerald only wears a couple’s watch with me, Miss Sharon. So, please do keep your intentions clean. You wouldn’t stand a chance even if I weren’t in the picture.”Sharon’s expression became darker and darker.Although North seemed to be talking about the watches, she was clearly mocking Sharon and saying that she would not become Gerald’s wife even if North and Gerald divorced!What gave North the right to be so arrogant?! Did she really think that she would remain Gerald’s wife forever?Gerald had only married her because he had not found that person from four years ago!Sharon regarded the gazes of everyone there who were looking at her suspiciously. She took a deep breath and said, “North, you’ve really misunderstood things. Gerald and I are friends. How could I have any intentions toward him?“If you don’t like it, then it’s okay to get rid of the watc
Things heated up between them.North’s brain was blank, and she was breathless. She panted rapidly.“North.”Gerald immediately brought his face away. He felt a lingering desire and bit her lip. At her hiss of pain, he held her face in his hands.“We are husband and wife. There is naturally no one else I like but you. I don’t want to hear you say anything like that again. Got that, Mrs. Howard?”North suddenly felt out of breath. What did Gerald mean by this? …Other than her, he would not like anyone else?Did that mean that he liked her?But what was there about her to like…?Before North could wrap her mind around it, Gerald’s phone suddenly started to ring.Connor’s grim but agitated voice came through the line. “Sir! I’ve found out that the person from four years ago went to Seatown after leaving. I’m sure she must be…”North did not catch the rest of his words clearly.Gerald’s fingers left her face. His thoughts were in turmoil. After a long while, he spat out, “I go
“This is Gerald’s fault, too. He should still prioritize you even though he’s married.”Sharon looked down and said, “That’s right… Maybe North is prejudiced. She might think that men and women can’t be just friends. I told her I was just friends with Gerald, but she didn’t believe me.“Why doesn’t she consider the fact that I could have married Gerald if we did have anything between us? After all, we were friends for so long.”These words made Joe feel upset. It felt like he would lose his temper as soon as he spotted North.He comforted Sharon, saying, “Cheer up, Sharon. By the way, didn’t you invite a renowned pianist here tonight? You were going to play ‘Homecoming’ with them as a gift to Madam Bracken, right?“Gerald will be touched to know you’re doing so much for him.”Sharon’s face reddened. “What nonsense are you spouting? Who said I’m doing this for Gerald? I’m just trying to make Madam Bracken happy.”…North could not help but snicker. She had not intentionally eave
Four years ago?North gulped. “I was in Peacevale. I didn’t go anywhere special.”That was true. She had indeed been moving between Peacevale and North Aurope.Gerald’s gaze was still lowered. “Have you ever been to Seatown?”North thought about it for a little. She was sure when she shook her head. “I’ve never been there.”Unless it was really necessary, she never went too far on her own. That was why she had never been to Seatown.Gerald’s eyes narrowed. Could it be that he was assuming too much?But this made sense, too. If North was that woman from the past, why did she not say anything about it?Disappointment flooded Gerald. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and said, “It’s time. Let’s go to the banquet.”North nodded. She could not help but feel inquisitive.Why had Gerald asked her that? Could it have something to do with that person from four years ago? But that person could not be her, so why had he asked her about it?…The banquet officially started, and the gues