Ch. 471..475: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 471-475
Chapter 471 Unplanned Marriage proposal
The roaring wind outside was muffled by the windows.
Serena shut the windows and approached Leah, “Sarah, do you suspect that the Ravensong organization has anything to do with Anna?”Her face was dour.
But the ancient… family sect was never dictated by any force.
“It’s possible because Anna despised me so much. I don’t know who would kill me other than her.” Leah nodded.
“I’m not sure how they controlled the Ravensong. Please make sure you are not alone for now on and keep your spirits up.”
Leah was unfazed that the Ravensong were after her. What she was afraid of was that they would attack the people around her.
Ben nodded and agreed, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Howard. Ms. Coleman will be safe with me.”
His seriousness on the matter and forceful words made Serena flushed. She swallowed back her words back into her stomach.
With his life on the line, he truly intended to protect her.
I recall Ben being injured by the Ravensong that night, as you mentioned the poison. How come he wasn’t poisoned?”
Ben was also perplexed by Serena’s question, “It appears to be, why am I not poisoned?”
Leah made an excuse as she put her hand in her pocket calmly, and went, “Maybe you are lucky, or maybe they didn’t use the most poisonous daggers at night for fear of hurting their people.”
She had lied.
Although Ben and Serena noticed something odd about it, they never really gave it much thought.
No being poisoned was a blessing in misfortune.
When Han arrived at the ward, he overheard her lie. His face was tense, and he clenched his fist tightly to keep his rage at bay.
“Let’s head home.” He entered the wards and comforted Ben for his injury. He then exited with Leah.
Ben and Serena didn’t notice his forbearance and cold murderous eyesight. They were both flabbergasted by this sweet couple leaving while holding hands.
“Their relationship appears to be improving.” Ben was gratified.
“I believe so.” Serena returned her thoughtful gaze to Ben, saying,“You should go check on your boss someday and to see if they plan to get married!”
“Sure.” Ben was taken aback by her casual conversation with him and smiled softly.
Serena was lost in thought when she saw Ben's smile. Ben usually had a rigid expressionless face.
“You should take a break. I will take good care of you as a token of my gratitude for saving me.” She pulled back to reality and blushed as she sat on the sofa.
Serena couldn't get his good-looking smiley face out of her head.
In Villa Victoria.
Leah and Han had lunch with Charlotte and then played games with her before she went to sleep. They then returned to the room.
“Leah.” Han slammed her against the closed door.
His lips were pressing against hers, causing her cheeks to flush slightly.
“What’s the matter? Thank you, by the way, for having my back.” She changed the subject to ease the ambiguous atmosphere.
She was referring to the acquisition of 02 Conglomerate that took place today.
“I told you I didn’t want you to thank me. I have a gift for you.” Han leaned over and bit her rosy lips, almost as if to punish her.
He didn't like how she was always polite.
Leah covered her mouth in pain, recalling that he had promised her a gift after the competition.
“Allow me to sit over there first if you want to give me a gift... ”
If you truly want to give a gift, you don't have to be so ambiguous.
It caused her heart to race.
Han remained motionless. He had just taken a beautiful jewelry box from his pocket.
The jewelry box contained a set of high-quality ruby jewelry, including a necklace, bracelet, and ring.
“If you want to give me a gift, let me sit over there first…”
You don’t have to be so ambiguous if you truly want to give a gift.
It made her heart beat faster.
Han didn’t move. He just took out an exquisite jewelry box from his pocket.
In the jewelry box was a set of top quality ruby jewelry, a necklace, bracelet and ring.
“Is this Poppy?” Leah exclaimed when she saw the jewelry.
It was the illustrious aristocratic brand, which only produced one set of limited jewelry per year.
And this set of jewelry, Poppy, was their winter limited edition this year.
This amounted to at least a few hundred million.
“It’s just a competition, why give such a costly item?” Leah was grudgingly.
She was depressed, thinking that she still owed him five billion but he could spend a few hundred million in just a second.
Of course, people's joys and sorrows do not appear to be linked
"It has nothing to do with the competition, it's to commemorate our reunion," Han said gently, rubbing her brows and eyes with his round fingertips.
His words caused her heart to skip a beat for no apparent reason
This requisite ceremony moment a sense of occasion inexplicably struck the softest part of her heart.
His moves proved that he was serious about getting back together with her, and that he valued their relationship this time.
Saw Leah kept quiet, Han set aside the jewelry box and took out the ring, which he placed on her fingers.
“How about we get married?”
Han, who had always been calm and cold-blooded, was trembling nervously.
His warm hand gradually became cold at the fingertips.
He was nervous as he awaited Leah's response.
His unexpected marriage proposal numbed Leah's heart and sent an electric current through her limbs and bones.
“I…”, She stared blankly at the attractive man in front of her. She appeared to have lost her words, and was unable to speak.
She adored him, but the needle in her heart had not yet been removed, and they had only been a couple for a short time. So, she didn’t want to be too overjoyed.
“I…I’m sorry, babe. I can’t do it right now…” She lowered her gaze for an extended period of time.
Han’s heart froze when she replied.
His knuckles turned white, and went, “Why…don’t you give me a chance?”
He wished Leah had given him the opportunity to make amends for his mistakes over the years.
Han was not as energetic, astute or as cunning as he had been previously. His expression…rattled.
At the time, he was just a man who had been hurt by love.
The whitish sunlight was once again blocked by clouds, and a dry cold wind blew up in the city.
Clouds obscured the whitish sunlight once more, and a dry cold wind blew through the city.
Han's words had a hurtful meaning for Leah as well.
She took a deep breath and hugged him. She buried her head in his cool chest, her red eyes hidden.
“Give me a little more time, babe…”
She would be able to truly accept the fact that they restart their relationship from the bottom of her heart in a short time.
She still needed some time to confirm their mutual sincerity.
Chapter 472 Kidnapped Mrs. Howard
“Okay, I’ll wait for you next spring.”, Han said, promising to be patient.
As a fresh start for the new year, he wished for a happy ending between the two of them.
As a new year began, he wished for a happy ending between the two of them.
Leah's heart was warmed by his tolerance and understanding.
“Lunch?”
The acquisition of 02 Conglomerate also came to an end during their meal.
It was also revealed that their chairman, who also served as the event organizer, was bribed by the Ritch family to allow Fergie to win the championship.
There was a lot of sarcasm on the Internet.
"Miss Fergie shouldn’t do that. Why would a three-peat do such a thing? Even if she is outperformed by a junior, it isn’t a bad thing, right?"
"You guys know nothing. She is a noble lady, and it’s natural for her to be under pressure. If she was an ordinary person, the champion would."
"Hilarious. The organizer was bribed by the Ritch family, and now they are out of business. That’s quite
ironic."
Leah was astounded that such a conglomerate could be purchased so quickly.
"Is the acquisition so simple?" she wondered as she swallowed the last bite of food.
Seeing him at ease made her feel confident.
“It’s only easy if you are wealthy and powerful.” Han wiped the sauce stain from her lips with a smile.
Leah was dumbfounded.
Han took her to the hospital in the afternoon. Then he went to work for the company.
Leah met Susan outside the ward.
She was about to approach her and greet her when she noticed her spying on the wards.
“Ms. Victor…”, Leah was perplexed, so she approached her. Unfortunately, her mouth was covered, “Shh, don’t talk.”
Susan held back her smile and motioned for Leah to look inside, "When did these two get together?"
Her lips were pressed against Leah’s ear, and whispering.
Leah moved a little unconformably, pulled a little distance away from Susan, and continued to look into
the ward when she remembered Susan was attracted to women.
Serena and Ben shared a tender moment inside the ward. Ben took her hand and drew her into his arms, his lustrous eyes, “Ms. Coleman, I really can’t help but fall in love with you…”
“Boom!”
Susan slipped and fell on top of Leah before he could confess, and both of them fell.
“Ahem, what…I didn’t mean it, you guys keep going…” Leah was so embarrassed that her scalp went numb, she stood up quickly and coughed twice while pretending to be calm.
She wanted to flee, but Susan grabbed her, “Sarah, don’t go so fast, I came here to see them right after I got off the plane, and I was finally done with the matter, why don’t you join me for a meal?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea…” It was a little ambiguous with only two of them.
If Han finds out, she will suffer in the end.
Susan was not taken aback by her refusal. Instead, she presented an appealing setup: "I discovered something about the Ravensong; don't you want to hear what I have to say?"
"And it won't just be the two of us; they'll come along as well."
Susan smiled smugly at Ben and serena.
Susan looked smug at Ben and the blushing serena.
“Okay.” Leah concurred after hearing the latest Ravensong news.
Serena also approached them with a cold expression, saying, “Please tell us about the Ravensong in detail!”
Because of this damn organization, it will be difficult for her to get rid of Ben from then on.
“But my injury hasn't healed yet, I can't move..." , said Ben.
“How about you have this conversation right here?”
He also wanted to have dinner with Ms. Coleman, but circumstances prevented him from doing so.
Susan realized and sighed, “What a shame, you take good care of yourself here. It’s time for the three of us.”
Ben was dumbfounded.
He noticed the cunning eyes. She did it on purpose!
Ben worriedly called them as they were about to leave the ward.
“Mrs. Howard, Ms. Coleman, remember to bring some bodyguards with you when you go out. Those from Ravensong are still keeping an eye on you outside!”
Left with no other option, Ben could only call Mr. Howard and request that more people be sent to
protect the three of them.
“Boss, Mrs. Howard was again abducted by Ms. Victor. She claimed to have discovered the most recent Ravensong information. Please send additional backups to protect them.
Ben was a little worried when Susan appeared.
Even though he was aware of her sexual preferences towards women, the manner in which she left with Ms. Coleman linking arms just now was far too intimate!
Ben was so worried that he wished he could have followed them if it hadn't been for his wounds.
Inside the Felton restaurant, which was designed in the style of an elegant European medieval restaurant, soothing violin music played.
Susan sat face to face with Leah and Serena in a private VIP dining room, her face solemn.
"This is all the latest information about the Ravensong that I found," she said, pulling a document from her bag. "Everyone rushed over to you."
"To put it simply, The Ravensong is ruled by Fetriybia's head of state, Anna, whom you irritated. You are in a critical situation.
Leah and Serena were disheartened as they examined the information on the document.
"I had no idea Mr. Lancaster and the others could control such an ancient sect!" Serena exclaimed angrily.
After reading the document, Leah frowned and returned it to Susan, saying, "The most important thing is that they use current technology and combine it with this ancient sect to produce amazing results."
The poison of the Ravensong was completely strange for the modern people
Without their specific antidote, no matter how magical the hospital was, it will not be able to save the poisoned person’s life.
Without their specific antidote, no hospital, no matter how magical, will be able to save the poisoned person's life.
Susan nodded, noticing that the antidote from the sterling silver bracelet was no longer present, her expression changed drastically, “Where is the antidote I gave you, Sarah? Could it be that you have been poisoned during this time?”
She was busted. Leah thought that thing was not bright. She quickly hid her hand and pretended to smile calmly, "No, Han just used it for experimentation." He wanted to investigate the antidote's composition in order to create more antidotes..."
Chapter 473 Only Just A Dream
While Susan felt a little skeptical about her statement, Serena seemed to have put two and two together. She looked at Leah, tears welling in her eyes as she said, “Cindy, don’t tell me you gave your last antidote to Mr. Wright?”
She continued, “I knew it was strange. How was he able to avoid being poisoned after getting stabbed by one of Ravensong’s daggers?”
Serena choked up as she cried, “You silly girl! Don’t you know that you’re Ravensong’s primary target? What would happen to Carlotta if you got poisoned?”
Susan had finally caught on as well. She said solemnly, “Sarah, you should be more careful. There won’t be a second chance if you get poisoned.”
Leah didn’t want to dwell on this topic any more than she already had. She was prepared for the consequences the minute she had made her decision.
“I know, but Han has supported my decision, and I hope you all can understand my reasons for doing so. I really don’t want to see anyone else suffer on my behalf, whether as a direct consequence or otherwise,” said Leah, her voice trailing off as a lonely expression set on her face.
Serena couldn’t find it in herself to criticize Leah’s actions any further and only shook her head helplessly as she cried.
I should’ve realized sooner. With how soft-hearted Cindy is, she absolutely will try to shoulder all the
responsibility the minute something happens and feel like she’s the one to blame, she thought.
Susan’s expression also turned grim as she couldn’t bring herself to judge Leah’s decision. “Sarah, you need to take better care of yourself from now on. I’ll get my family to make as many more antidote doses as we can,” she said.
At first, she thought that finding out the identity of the mastermind behind Ravensong was something to celebrate. However, she was no longer in the mood for smiles upon hearing Leah’s revelation.
‘I should have waited a little longer before giving her the antidote,’ she regretted the choice she had made.
‘But if Mr. Wright died, it’s highly possible that Sarah will be traumatized for life’
Suddenly, Serena slammed the table and stood up. With a serious expression, she shouted, “That’s it!”
Both Susan and Leah were a little taken aback, asking, “What?”
Seeing the puzzled expressions on their faces, Serena hurriedly wiped away her tears and smiled, “Don’t the Ravensong members all carry an antidote at all times? Back when Mr. Han was poisoned, he got the antidote from searching the bodies of the Ravensong members –”
“That’s it! I know what you have in mind!” Susan quickly caught on and nodded in agreement, the excitement returning to her eyes.
Leah could vaguely tell what their plans were too, but she wasn’t as enthused, “Isn’t that very
dangerous? After all, we’ve already lured them out of hiding once. I’m not so sure they’ll be as careless the next time.”
Ever since the last time they fell for the girls’ trap, those Ravensong members got even more careful than before. They would hide themselves away in the dark, but once they found their chance, they were sure to strike!
Susan revealed a mysterious smile, “Piece of cake. I’m the expert at catching these Ravensong goons! The Victor family is not just some old family in name. We have ways –”
The door abruptly flew open right when Susan was getting to the crux of her strategy.
The dashing Han Howard then presented himself to the room.
“It sounds like you have a good plan. Why not let me in on the conversation as well?” His deep voice contained a chill that seemed to compare with the coldest springs in the tundra. There was a coldness in his tone that could cause anyone who listened to it to tremble uncontrollably.
Turning to glare at Leah, his expression darkened as he said, “Haven’t you had enough?!”
It had already taken all his patience and courage when he reluctantly agreed to her decision previously. This time around, he would not stand idly by and watch as she put herself in harm’s way no matter what she was planning to do.
Sensing Han’s unyielding stance, Leah could feel a bit of cold sweat running down her back. She smiled apologetically and said, “You’ve got it wrong. I’m also not on board with this decision this time around.”
Previously, she was able to do things her way because she had an antidote in case all else failed. Now that circumstances were different, there was no way she was letting herself or the others risk their lives.
When he saw that the young lady was telling the truth, Han’s anger dissipated greatly. He walked over to her and placed his hand over the back of her slim waist, then said, “Let’s go home now. Don’t get misled by these questionable people.”
As he said the second half of his sentence, his eyes glanced over at Susan.
Susan instantly grew furious. Pointing a finger at Han, she cursed, “Hey asshole, how dare you try and accuse me out of nowhere! How the hell am I misleading Sarah? I could say the same for you! Are you sure you didn’t trick Sarah into liking you with your little goons?”
Seeing how the two of them were about to break into a fight, Leah quickly stepped in and said, “Ms. Victor, Han is just joking around. Please don’t pay it any mind. Thank you very much for sharing all this information with me and buying me a meal. I’ll be excusing myself now.”
When she saw her gentle smile, Susan was instantly placated. She scoffed at Han Howard, and said, “Forget it. A noble lady such as I shall not reduce myself to bickering with such a simpleton.”
Serena was feeling a little nervous as well, so she too said her goodbyes before heading back to the hospital, “Cindy, take care of yourself okay? If you need anything, feel free to call me.”
Before she could leave, Leah called out and said, “Please don’t tell Mr. Wright about what happened. I don’t want him to feel responsible.”
Serena’s eyes started to glisten as tears quickly welled inside them again. However, she held herself back this time and replied, “Alright.”
Even at this juncture, Cindy is still worried about other people’s feelings. Does she just not care about her own safety?’she thought.
On their way back, Leah peered through the car window at the winter scenery. She was deep in thought as Susan’s words echoed in her head.
It was as though there was a sudden pressure weighing upon her, making it hard to breathe and causing her to feel like she was drowning.
To think that Anna had grown influential enough to be able to get such an old family to do her bidding. I’m sure she has even more dangerous plans in store for me. The people next to me will definitely be caught in the crossfire too…
“What’s wrong?” Han said as he held her hand. The chill from the touch gave him great concern.
To Leah however, the warmth from Han’s hand was enough to pull her out momentarily from that suffocating sensation.
She dove into his embrace, bathing herself in his warmth and the soothing scent of his body.
Once she was able to compose herself a bit better, she answered slowly, “Anna is the one in charge of Ravensong. Susan also found out that all their members had returned to the country in the last couple days. I’m worried that everyone will be in danger."
Han was a little relieved to hear her opening herself up to him. The tension on his face loosened as he replied, “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you and everyone you care about.”
His cold tone belied a certain warmth, and Leah’s worries mysteriously melted away under his reassurance. She nodded, “Yeah…”
I’m so glad I have Han with me at times like this. I know I’m starting to rely on him more and more, but I don’t hate this feeling.
Maybe as this feeling grows, I’ll be able to accept Han’s proposal next spring and we could get remarried…
However, little did anyone know that the promise next spring would be little more than a sweet dream.
Chapter 474 Take It Back Myself
By the time the two of them returned to Victoria Precinct, it was starting to snow. The snowflakes gently descended upon the earth, bringing with them an even colder chill and causing a layer of ice to slowly form over the tiny puddles along the street.
“It’s snowing!” Leah exclaimed as she closed the window. Her eyes gleamed as she watched the tiny bits of snow fluttering under the streetlamps.
To someone that was born in the south, snow was a rather new experience after all.
The onset of winter also meant that the year was coming to an end.
Just as she was about to reopen the window and feel the snow outside, a big, strong hand grabbed her by the wrist. A deep and calming voice resounded in her ear, “You don’t want to catch a cold.”
Not willing to listen to excuses, Han pulled Leah right back to bed and placed her under a thick wool blanket. He said, “You need to rest this frail, illness-prone body of yours and not try to see the snow every chance you get.”
“Okay.” Leah could do little but nod in obedience. However, the excitement in her eyes was quickly rekindled as she looked towards the snow outside. She said, “Another year has gone by just like that. It’s Carlotta’s birthday after New Year’s. I want to give her an extra special present this time.”
The little one would turn three in the coming year and Leah was very excited to see her grow.
Han sat down by her side and wrapped his hands around her waist. He asked, “What about my present? Shouldn’t I get one too, considering how we promised to get married next spring?”
Truthfully, Han didn’t care about any presents at all and simply wanted to tease the young lady in his embrace.
In all those years, he had never felt this close to her before as they were now, where they could eat and live together like a normal couple and didn’t have to lie to one another.
These boring but joyful days were like a perfect dream to him, so much so that he didn’t want to wake from them.
Leah leaned into his warm embrace, revealing a soft smile as she replied, “That’s a secret.”
Since they had decided to stay together, she was also thinking of commemorating their relationship with an extra special gift.
However, she didn’t want to let the cat out of the bag before that day would come.
Hearing that Leah was really going to give him a gift and how she didn’t deny marrying him next spring, Han felt as though his heart was being embraced by a warm pair of hands.
He thought back to Ben’s report earlier that day, then brought Leah even closer in his arms. His seductive lips breaking into a smile, he teased, “I heard that you were peeping in on Ben and Serena kissing today?”
Leah was completely on cloud nine as she thought about the gift she was going to give Han. However, the latter’s sudden question immediately brought her down to Planet Earth. Recalling the scene of Mr. Wright trying to kiss Serena earlier that day, her cheeks flushed slightly as she said, “That was an accident–”
The desperate look on Leah’s face made Han want to tease her even more. He said, “Sure, it was. You little perv.”
Leah was at a loss for words.
Can we at least try to be civil here?
Her cheeks completely red with anger, she exclaimed, “I told you it was an accident!”
Never did she think a day would come when someone would brand her a pervert.
Han knew that it was time to call it quits and stop the teasing. He stood up and handed Leah a document, “Here’s the transfer proposal for the White Group.”
Leah was shocked to find out that he was planning to hand over the entire White Group to her. She smiled and said, “Feeling generous are we, Mr. Howard?”
Pinching Leah’s face with his slender fingers, Han looked at her with a gentle gaze and replied, “Yeah, it’s yours.”
。
He had wanted to give Leah the White Group right from the start, but one thing led to another and he had to delay it until now.
Feeling the warmth of his fingertips on her cheeks, Leah smiled and said, “I’ll leave this document with you for now, Mr. Howard. When the time comes, I’ll take it back myself.”
White Group’s market value had grown significantly since the time it was still under Shawn, and was definitely a sizable conglomerate at its current state.
Even though it was her wish to reclaim the White Group, she wanted to one day do so with her own capabilities.
While her confidence was admirable, Han didn’t agree with her decision. He said, “We’re family. What’s mine is yours. If you absolutely must have some kind of external pressure, then consider it my gift for our wedding.”
He had no want for anything, so there was no reason for her to work so hard anymore.
“It’s alright, Mr. Howard. You can hold onto it for me for the time being.” Leah had completely different ideas. She had seen her fair share of hardship and knew that one could only rely on the things one personally owned.
Even though she could accept all that Han was offering, she could not let it waste away all that she had worked for her entire life.
Without her pride and the skills she had amassed throughout her career, if the two of them were to
have a falling out again one day, then she would truly lose it all.
It wasn’t as if she was considering these things prematurely, her life just wasn’t her own anymore. She had a responsibility to ensure that Carlotta grew up safe and healthy. That was why she had to have a backup plan for both their sakes.
Seeing how adamant she was, Han did not push the matter any further and simply changed the subject, “Alright then. Ben has mostly recovered from his injuries. With some special medicine from overseas, he should be back on his feet in around half a month. As for the disturbances from Ravensong, I’ll have Ben and Serena escorted back to the villa first thing tomorrow.”
Leah had always been weak against Han’s sudden bursts of affection. She hugged him by the waist and nodded in his embrace, “Okay. Anna has control of the whole of Ravensong, and she has sent every one of them after us. It’ll be safer for all of us to stick together.”
Susan had bought a villa in Victoria Precinct a long time ago for the sole purpose of sheltering everyone together.
Han’s expression turned grim with the mention of Anna’s name, and he said, “Leave that foolish woman to me. You should also avoid going out for the time being and just stay home with Carlotta. Serena and Ben will be here to accompany you two as well.”
Leah couldn’t help but feel a little worried when she saw the cold look in his eyes, “What are you planning to do? If they can control a family as old as Ravensong, then their influence has surely grown leagues from what it once was. If you get poisoned by any chance–”
“I won’t,” Han said confidently as he brushed his hand against her soft hair. Underneath his reassuring
smile, a cold murderous intent could be found.
I should’ve never given Anna a chance for survival to begin with. Because of my mistake, she has now become a threat to Leah. Damn it all! he thought.
“We’re getting married next spring. I won’t let anything happen to me that easily,” he reassured Leah. Seeing as she was still worried however, he brought himself closer and gently added in her ear, “As for you, there’s no backing out of our promise.”
“I won’t,” she argued. The deep tone of his voice always had a way of easing her worries and comforting her.
As she rested into his embrace, she felt completely at peace, as though she could take the whole world on even if the road ahead of her was filled with danger.
With him by her side, there was nothing she couldn’t handle.
The snow outside was starting to grow heavier.
Leah nestled into Han’s embrace and slowly drifted off to sleep.
It was late at night, and Han slowly opened his eyes, as the woman in his embrace continued to lay tightly wrapped in his arms.
A glaring light flashed by his eyes. He picked up his phone to see a short message: “Make preparations to fight Ravensong. Plan A will be moving ahead of schedule.”
Chapter 475 Why Don’t You Try Giving Birth
Morning, the next day.
The snow had stopped by the time Leah woke up.
Around the neighborhood, the evergreen leaves had taken on a whitish hue, softly trickling down with every gust of wind.
Several winter birds perched on the trees chirped noisily, waking Leah completely from her slumber. With a yawn, she pulled herself out of bed.
After washing her face, she opened the door to go outside, and immediately heard a loud noise coming from the living room downstairs.
“Ben Huffington Wright! Don’t bite off more than you can chew! You want me to feed you?! Are you still dreaming?!” Serena yelled in disbelief.
Leah also thought that Ben’s request was a little overboard. Making her way downstairs, she greeted the two, “Hi Serena, you guys came early.”
She assumed they would have had to finish the checkup in the afternoon at least before coming back here.
Seeing Leah, Serena’s furious expression immediately softened. With a beaming smile on her face, she waltzed over and wrapped her arms around Leah’s. She said, “Well, I just couldn’t help missing you. That sly fox has you locked up in your little castle and won’t even let you come meet me in the hospital, so I had no choice but to come here with one of his lackeys.”
Leah was almost completely fooled. However, when she saw the solemn expression on Ben’s face, she asked anxiously, “Don’t tell me Ravensong’s men have snuck their way into the hospital too?”
Hearing Leah’s question, Serena’s smile quickly faded away into a grim expression as she answered, “That’s right. Just before the sunrise this morning, I had woken up early and noticed something strange happening outside of the room, so I texted Mr. Howard to send his men over ahead of schedule. Had I not done that, we might have fallen victim to their poison gas by now.”
Serena’s voice grew agitated as she exclaimed, “What a bunch of damn cowards! Resorting to such petty tricks from their dark little corners when they can’t take us face-to-face. How despicable!”
Everyone’s expression turned solemn as the widespread influence of Ravensong weighed on their minds.
“Hi Mommy, Auntie Serena, Uncle Ben. What are you guys talking about?” Carlotta suddenly appeared holding a small rabbit doll.
Her chubby cheeks were a little red from the cold winter breeze. Seeing this, Leah hurriedly brought her into her arms and asked, “Carlotta, did you open the window when you woke up and let the cold wind blow in?”
Even though she phrased it like a question, there was a surety in her tone.
There was still a lingering chill coming from the little girl’s clothes.
Carlotta’s eyes quickly looked away in embarrassment. Clutching tightly on her rabbit doll, she said, “I-I just saw that it was snowing outside, and wanted to take a quick look. I closed the window back right away.”
Seeing her mother’s expression turn darker and darker, Carlotta got so nervous she could feel cold sweat dripping down her skin.
At that moment, Serena couldn’t bear to watch on any longer from the side and pulled Carlotta away. Feeling sorry for the little girl, she caressed Carlotta’s cheeks and said, “Your Mommy is just being a meanie. What’s wrong with wanting to see a little snow?”
She turned to Leah and added, “Come on, she’s such a precious little thing. Stop scaring her!”
‘If little Carlotta gets frightened and starts crying, how am I going to play with her?’ Serena thought.
Leah looked at Serena with a blank expression. She already knew what the latter was thinking.
“Serena, my dear, if you love children so much, why not try giving birth to one yourself?”
Hearing this, Carlotta clapped her hands excitedly and said, “Yeah, yeah! Auntie Serena, when are you and Uncle Ben going to have a baby?”
The cutie’s innocent eyes darted back and forth between Serena and Ben, causing the two in question
to turn stiff and awkward.
Ben was evidently more reserved than Serena. His face completely flushed, he said with much difficulty, “C-Carlotta, these things take time.”
‘Ms. Coleman doesn't even think of me like that right now, much less about us getting married and having kids together.’ he thought.
Serena was also a little thrown off guard and quickly changed the subject, “Having a kid like you to play with is good enough for me. I’ll be your godmother!”
Carlotta enjoyed playing around with Serena too. However, she still put on an expression too serious for her stature as she gave the latter some heartfelt advice, “Auntie Serena, you shouldn’t think like that. Daddy and Mommy are still going to be my number one in the end. Think about it. Once you get old and can’t move around as much, I’ll need to spend time with Mommy and Daddy, so I won’t be able to take care of you. That’s why you need to be a mommy too, so that I can play with your baby. Then once we’re older, we can take care of our own parents.”
Serena had a pained expression from the rebuke and asked, “You little brat. Where did you learn all this from?”
“TV, of course!” Carlotta answered.
Serena quickly turned to face Leah’s forced smile and said, “I think you should restrict her TV time and make her watch something more helpful like news or nature documentaries. She needs to lay off on those stupid family love shows!”
Leah couldn’t help but chuckle. Before she could respond, she felt a message come in from her phone.
It said, “How are you?”
There was no name to the sender, and it had come from a foreign number. At first, Leah thought it was simply sent to the wrong number. However, after some thought, a certain possibility presented itself, and she couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down her spine.
Shawn Ford! Don’t tell me it’s him? But he was gone for so long. Still, who else but him would do something like this?
Seeing the dark expression on Leah’s face, Serena grew anxious and asked, “Cindy, what’s the matter? Don’t tell me Ravensong is already here?!”
Ben jumped in, “No, that’s not possible. Ms. Victor said that Ravensong had only officially mobilized their forces yesterday, and immediately after, the Boss locked down all of Pasteria’s airspace. No unregistered aircraft would be able to make their way in. Even if they were able to sneak in, it would take them three days at the earliest. And with the Boss’ plan already in motion, it’s highly doubtful that they’ll be able to successfully infiltrate us to begin with.”
Serena felt a lot relieved by Ben’s words. Seeing his pale face and dry lips, she reluctantly pushed his wheelchair over to the tableside and said, “You should eat, but I’m not going to feed you.”
The situation was back to square one.
Ben helplessly raised his fully bandaged arms and said, “That brings us back to the question of how I can eat. Ms. Coleman, would you be so kind as to have one of the servants help feed me instead
then?”
However, Han had already forbidden all the servants in the villa from getting involved with the two of them.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Coleman. Everyone has their own things to do. If you’re free, can I please trouble you to feed Mr. Wright?”
Serena was absolutely fuming. She complained to Leah, “Cindy, what’s with all these people? Are they telling me that only I can feed Mr. Wright?!”
Leah couldn’t help seeing Serena being put on the spot, and offered to help, “I can do it too.”
Let you do it? That sly fox of yours will have both Mr. Wright and I killed if I did that.
Ultimately, Serena could do little but take over the duty of being Ben’s temporary caretaker.
Under the dark sky, a dry frosty wind billowed, and the onset of snow was gradually approaching with the setting sun.
Inside the Fetriybia royal palace, Shawn was staring blankly at the message on his phone. There was still no response, only the message he had sent: ‘How are you?’
His expression turned dark as he asked one of his subordinates, “Have you prepared the machines needed to process Sarah White’s blood sample?”