Ch. 1281..1290
Chapter 1281: What does ‘should’ mean?_1 Christy Xenos, Joshua Clarke, and Wendy Clarke were arranged to stay in a hotel room.
Even the standard rooms in this grand hotel meet a five-star-plus standard.
Apart from being tied up, their mouths sealed, and being watched over, at least their environment where they were held was quite pleasant.
But none of them were interested in appreciating the exorbitantly priced room of this hotel for the night.
Christy Xenos anxiously made a “whimpering” noise continuously.
But no one paid attention to her.
Christy Xenos was tied to a chair.
...
The chairs in the hotel room were quite heavy, all solid wood.
Plus, the thick carpeting added to the friction and heaviness.
No matter how hard Christy Xenos tried, the weighty chair remained unmovable on the carpet.
Christy Xenos then looked at Joshua Clarke.
She noticed that Joshua Clarke was also struggling, but to no avail.
Only Wendy Clarke, after struggling for a while, finally realized it was a waste of energy, so she stopped struggling.
She only looked at Joshua Clarke and Christy Xenos with accusation in her eyes.
All the blame directed at Cindy Clarke.
You see!
Cindy Clarke is heartless.
Perhaps if not for their blood relation, even if they died, Cindy Clarke would not shed a tear.
Are you still expecting her to invite us to the wedding?
Wendy Clarke was now unable to speak.
Otherwise, she would have asked Joshua Clarke if he still held any hopes for Cindy Clarke.
***
The guests gradually left, only the particularly close ones stayed, treating this as a gathering, eating and chatting without hurrying to leave.
And these close ones belonged to the Big Eight families.
The old madams gathered together for a chat, as did the old masters.
Maverick Zhekova and his peers who were close to each other gathered for a chat.
Zane Hamilton and his peers also gathered for a chat.
Natural distinctions were clearly made.
Without any intention, it just happened naturally, depending solely on personal relationships, forming a natural and tacit division.
The newly-weds, Adrian Zhekova and Cindy Clarke, finally got a bit of rest.
Just stepping out of the banquet hall, they saw the manager already waiting at the door.
The manager whispered something into Adrian Zhekova’s ear.
Cindy Clarke didn’t hear it.
Adrian Zhekova nodded, then said to Cindy Clarke, “You go back to the room and rest first, I’ll be there soon.”
Without asking what was going on, Cindy Clarke nodded and went to the guest room arranged for rest with a staff member.
About 5 minutes after Cindy Clarke left, Adrian Zhekova then left with the manager.
“They are in this room.” The manager said outside the guest room where Christy Xenos and the others were.
Christy Xenos and the others in the room heard the manager’s voice from outside.
Christy Xenos, who was originally too tired to fuss, suddenly regained some strength and began to whimper loudly.
At that moment, they heard the sound of the card swiping to open the door.
Christy Xenos and the others all stared intently at the door.
They saw the manager appear at the door first, but he didn’t come in.
He only opened the door and then stepped aside.
To their surprise, the person who came in was Adrian Zhekova!
Joshua Clarke also became excited.
What was Adrian Zhekova trying to do?
Was he kidnapping them?
Where was Cindy Clarke?
Was she just allowing her husband to bully people like this?
Joshua Clarke then thought disappointingly, it made sense.
Cindy Clarke would certainly listen to Adrian Zhekova.
After all, she needed to rely on Adrian Zhekova, how could she dare to disagree with him?
It was likely that she even supported Adrian Zhekova’s decision.
The people who followed Adrian Zhekova in were all brought by him.
The manager didn’t participate, and even called the York family’s guards who were originally guarding this place out.
This was, after all, Adrian Zhekova’s private business.
Even Bertrand York had to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Though considering their friendship, such avoidance doesn’t really matter.
But they both maintain a certain balance.
After the York family’s guards exited and Adrian Zhekova’s men entered, the manager closed the room door.
With so many people rushing in all of a sudden, even the fiery Christy Xenos was beginning to feel scared.
“You…
Adrian Zhekova, what are you trying to do?” Christy Xenos’s voice trembled, “We are your in-laws!”
Wendy Clarke also became nervous.
She didn’t believe that Adrian Zhekova would dare to kill.
Even Ethan Zhekova, who was so vicious and spiteful, who couldn’t stand others being well-off, wouldn’t dare to kill.
But apart from that, who knew what tricks Adrian Zhekova would come up with to deal with them?
There are too many ways to torture someone.
It was because of the fear of the unknown, that Wendy Clarke started trembling.
She didn’t know much about Adrian Zhekova.
She just got in touch with Ethan Zhekova after coming to Belfard and then learned some limited information about Adrian Zhekova from him and others she encountered through him.
Like some puzzle pieces.
By piecing together the puzzle, she still couldn’t get a complete picture, and there were no connecting points between the pieces.
They were just some incomprehensible puzzle pieces.
But this didn’t prevent Wendy Clarke from being somewhat afraid of Adrian Zhekova.
Ethan Zhekova gave her the impression of stupidity while Adrian Zhekova, gave her the impression of horror.
The less she understood.
The more scared she became.
“Where’s Cindy Clarke?” Joshua Clarke also asked.
But he seemed much more composed than Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke.
“Cindy Clarke doesn’t know you’re here,” Adrian Zhekova said, “I didn’t tell her.”
“Did you come to cause a scene at the wedding?” Adrian Zhekova asked.
“Not at all!” Christy Xenos denied instantly, “We just came to attend the wedding!”
“We are her parents after all, why didn’t she invite us to her wedding?” Christy Xenos said loudly, the more scared she was, the louder her voice, masking her internal fear.
“We should attend the wedding!
A wedding without inviting one’s own parents, isn’t she afraid of being laughed at when the news gets out?” Christy Xenos said loudly, “We didn’t plan to stir up trouble.
We were just exercising our rights!”
Adrian Zhekova didn’t pay attention to Christy Xenos rambling, but instead, looked at Joshua Clarke.
Receiving Adrian Zhekova’s gaze, Joshua Clarke moved his mouth and said, “I just want to ask why she didn’t invite me?
She should have left her parental home for her wedding.
I, being her father, should have walked her down the aisle.”
Joshua Clarke said with tears in his eyes, “But those things…
none of them happened.
She’d rather leave a stranger’s home for her wedding than talk to me.”
“I know, she has grudges against her mother and sister.
But does she hate me too?
She didn’t even mention such a big event as her wedding.
Till now, I’ve not seen her in her wedding dress.
I haven’t seen what she looks like at the wedding or given her my blessings.”
“I want to know if she doesn’t recognize me as her father anymore?” Joshua Clarke said with teary eyes.
“Should?” Adrian Zhekova pondered these two words for a while, “What does ‘should’ mean?”
“If we’re talking about ‘should’, you should have taken good care of her.
You should have given her a warm home, and the love you should have given her.” Adrian Zhekova said.
Chapter 1282: What Have You Done?_1 “Nothing is entitled,” Adrian Zhekova said indifferently, “including love.
There is no such thing as obligatory love.
You have to give to receive.
You can’t just reap without sowing.
Even if you initially accept passively, if you accept without giving anything back, after a while, the other party will stop giving too.”
“No matter who you are or when it is, this is an immutable fact.
You didn’t give her the love she deserved, where do you get off demanding that she give back to you without asking for anything in return, even repay your ill deeds with kindness?
Even if she was hurt, she continues to love you.
...
Even if she was manipulated, she continues to repay you.
On this earth, I challenge you to find someone else like that.
If you can do that, I might just call you my father-in-law and mother-in-law for the rest of my life.”
“How dare you demand that Cindy Clarke do something that no one in this world can do?” Adrian Zhekova said coldly.
“Just because she didn’t help you when you needed it, just because she didn’t invite you to her wedding, you hold a grudge against her, harbor resentment, and frame her.
But have you ever considered, with all that you’ve done since her birth, why wouldn’t she hold a grudge against you, resent you?”
“With the power she holds now, to be honest, it would be so easy for her to reduce you to nothing and remove you from her sight. But she hasn’t, and has never asked me to do anything to you.”
“No matter what harm you’ve caused her, even though it’s etched in her memory, she has never sought revenge.
That in itself shows how kind she truly is.
I cannot find another person like her.”
“You don’t even know how to repent,” Adrian Zhekova spat coldly, “It is clear, even her ‘not-so-bad’ father isn’t really all that good.
ɴονǤօ.сօ
Otherwise, he wouldn’t let Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke cause a scene on such an important day.”
Before Adrian Zhekova finished speaking, Christy Xenos screamed, “I am her mother!
I gave birth to her, I raised her.
Without me, there would be no her!
There would be no Cindy Clarke in this world.
None of her achievements today would exist!”
“I gave her a life, even if she has to pay back with her own, she ought to!” Christy Xenos shouted loudly.
“Precisely because of this, nothing I ask of her is too much!
No matter how I treat her, it is justified!
I gave her a life, does she dare to hold a grudge against me?
Does she want to take revenge on me?
If she does, she has no conscience!
Look at the enormous effort I gave by giving her life and raising her, she could never repay it all!”
Adrian Zhekova immediately twisted his head, saying, “Put a sock in her mouth.”
Following his command, someone came over and directly taped Christy Xenos’ mouth shut.
“Mmm, mmm!” Christy Xenos was frantic.
She had so much more to say.
But with her mouth sealed, it seriously hindered her ability to express herself.
Adrian Zhekova didn’t bother with Christy Xenos, he spoke to Joshua Clarke, “If you really want to ask Cindy why she didn’t invite you, and if you’re truly upset, why the need to ask at the wedding?
Have you ever considered that by asking these questions at her wedding, you would leave a stain on this supposedly perfect event, one that she could never forget in this lifetime?”
“You’re only thinking about satisfying yourself, getting the answers you want, confronting Cindy.
You’re only thinking about how aggrieved you feel, how she shouldn’t have treated you this way or that.
Have you ever spent a minute considering her feelings?
Have you ever thought about what impact your actions might have on her important wedding day?”
Joshua Clarke lowered his head slowly as Adrian’s words rendered him speechless.
“You didn’t even consider why Cindy chose to go to her godparents instead of coming to see you.”
Seeing Joshua Clarke’s confusion, Adrian Zhekova sneered, “You didn’t know that she has godparents, did you?”
“During her hardest five years in Belfard, her godparents were there, taking care of Morgan Zhekova.
While you two were slandering her, accusing her of being heartless, she was receiving care from others.
Affection and sibling love she couldn’t get from her biological parents, she acquired from others.”
“Relationships have nothing to do with blood ties,” Adrian Zhekova stated, “Her godparents treated her well, so she treats them well in return.
She treats them as family, as her own folks, so she got married from their house.”
“She chose to walk down the aisle by herself instead of letting her godfather walk her down,” Adrian Zhekova continued, “because she was considering your feelings.
But to let you escort her down the aisle…”
Adrian Zhekova sneered coldly, “You’re not worthy.”
“So, she walked by herself, reflecting her journey from birth to now.
She did it all by herself,” Adrian Zhekova stated.
“You two,” Adrian Zhekova looked at Christy Xenos again, “besides giving her life, what else have you done for her?”
“Nothing, yet you expect so much?” Adrian Zhekova sneered.
“Don’t say that because you gave her life and because of you, she exists now,” Adrian Zhekova said coldly, “Such sophistries are useless in my book.”
“What did you do when Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke bullied Cindy?” Adrian Zhekova asked Joshua Clarke, “Even though you knew full well what Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke did, what did you do?
You went along with them anyway, for their sake you asked Cindy to do all kinds of things.”
“What did you do for her when Cindy was so helpless as a child?” Adrian Zhekova accused him, “And now you want to exercise your paternal rights?”
“I, I did a lot, I did as much as I could…” Joshua Clarke stammered in his defense.
“What did you do?
When Christy Xenos re-served all the good food to Wendy, and left only the unwanted leftovers for Cindy, you remained silent.
This was what you did.
You occupied a portion of Cindy’s after-school and holiday time by taking her to the restaurant’s kitchen under the pretense of teaching her how to cook.
But, actually, you just had her work there.”
“While Wendy was out having fun with friends, spending the spare change you gave her, Cindy was working at the restaurant earning money for you.
Part of what Wendy spent came from the money Cindy earned while Cindy got nothing in return.
You thought that by letting Cindy stay in the kitchen, you were protecting her.”
“But is it protection when one daughter is out having fun and the other is confined to manual labor in a kitchen for a bit of peace?
Is it protection?”
“When Cindy had a high enough score to attend one of the top three universities, Christy Xenos abruptly changed her university choice, binding Cindy here locally.
What did you do for her then?”
“When Christy Xenos and Wendy kept pushing Cindy to the limit, all you did was stay silent.
Then behind her, you spoke sweet words to Cindy.
But apart from a few superficial comforting words, what else did you do?”
Chapter 1283: I didn’t expect you to take them away either_1 “Now you blame Cindy Clarke for not treating you well enough, not inviting you to the wedding?
Not getting married from her parent’s home?” Adrian Zhekova retorted, “Have you ever considered the chaos if she really got married from her parent’s home?”
Joshua Clarke fell silent.
Christy Xenos was now speechless.
Otherwise, she would have to admit that Cindy Clarke simply looked down upon them.
Why did Cindy choose to get married from the Lewis Family?
It definitely wasn’t because Peggy Lewis’s parents treated Cindy nicely.
If it was up to Christy, Cindy was simply an ungrateful wolf.
...
Could she remember others’ kindness?
If she did, at least she should remember the favor of upbringing she owed to her and Joshua Clarke, right?
Indeed, she and Joshua Clarke had not treated Cindy well.
She admitted this point too.
Joshua Clarke was merely verbally sympathetic.
In reality, he didn’t do anything substantive.
Joshua Clarke didn’t have the courage to object anyway.
It was she who had always called the shots at home, and she who held the family purse strings.
Apart from talking, what else could Joshua Clarke use to help?
But even if they mistreated Cindy to some extent, they never left her starving or freezing, did they?
They gave birth to her, raised her, and even sent her to school.
If they had truly mistreated her, could Cindy have achieved what she has now?
Isn’t her achievement today based on the education they provided for her?
Going to school, gaining knowledge, and establishing a certain level of sophistication.
Only then she knew what to do, broadened her horizons, and achieved her success today.
Otherwise, Cindy Clarke would have been a small, uneducated girl with no knowledge.
Even though the college was local in Nork City.
But it was still a college.
Anyway, it was a college; what’s the difference?
A college teaches the same things for everyone; even the teachers may be different, but the key is still how much a student can learn, isn’t it?
On what grounds does Cindy Clarke blame this on them?
To Christy, the reason Cindy chose to marry from the Lewis Family was simply because they were Lyke Zhekova’s father-in-law and mother-in-law.
It was a chance to strengthen her relationship with Lyke Zhekova, so she could have a better standing in the Zhekova Family.
Originally, she was all on her own in the Zhekova Family, with no one standing by her side.
So she introduced Lyke to one of her best friends.
Surprisingly, she had successfully brought the two together in marriage.
Like her, Peggy Lewis also came from a family with no background and was vulnerable in the Zhekova Family.
So they could form an alliance, standing together in the Zhekova Family.
But how could mere friendship be enough?
Haven’t you heard a saying?
Beware of fire, theft, and close friends.
So, on top of friendship, Cindy Clarke had to develop a much closer relationship.
Considering Mr.
and Mrs.
Lewis as her godparents.
Playing the emotion card, marrying from the Lewis Family, treating Mr.
and Mrs.
Lewis as her real relatives.
They are sentimental old people and would certainly urge Peggy to unify with Cindy.
They must have been unsure, wanting Cindy to help out Peggy within the Zhekova Family.
Thus, Cindy Clarke and Peggy Lewis naturally bound together even more.
Furthermore, Peggy Lewis had Lyke Zhekova on her side.
Getting along well with Lyke is also helpful for Adrian Zhekova.
These two couples naturally formed a small alliance.
What a great calculation by Cindy Clarke.
Christy Xenos thought that her analysis was absolutely correct.
Usually, she heard Wendy Clarke analyzing various situations, so she learned quite a lot from Wendy.
Christy Xenos thought that she has gained a lot of insights compared to before.
Look at her now, analyzing so logically.
How SMART!
Adrian Zhekova is definitely not a fool, can’t he see?
He understands too well that’s why he supports Cindy Clarke even more.
So, all the lengthy talk Adrian Zhekova just said was actually nonsense.
Christy Xenos didn’t take Adrian Zhekova’s interrogation seriously at all.
ɴονǤօ.с0
Adrian Zhekova just glanced at Christy Xenos.
While he didn’t watch Christy Xenos earlier and didn’t use his power to read her thoughts.
But he could guess what a fool like her would think.
He wasn’t willing to use his power to read the trash messages in her mind.
Adrian Zhekova looked back at Joshua Clarke: “So, do you still feel wronged?
Do you think you deserve to walk the red carpet with Cindy Clarke, that you can give her away?”
Joshua Clarke: “…”
All the grievances and complains he previously had in his belly, they were all caught in the throat, and he couldn’t get them out.
“If you truly feel guilty towards Cindy, then go back to Nork City,” Adrian Zhekova said, “Don’t come to Belfard anymore.”
“Cindy wouldn’t refuse to keep in contact with you.
If you really miss her, you both can stay in touch.
But there’s no need for you to visit,” Adrian Zhekova continued.
“Of course, I am not asking you both to cease meeting forever, Cindy will come home.”
Simply put, it’s fine for him and Cindy to return to Joshua Clarke, but Joshua Clarke isn’t allowed to come.
Joshua Clarke began to hesitate.
He didn’t really mind staying anywhere.
Moreover, he is more familiar with Nork City.
He has been in Belford for a long time, but he always feels at a loss in this big city.
The city is bustling and prosperous, but he is just uncomfortable.
There’s no one he knows here.
Going out for a walk, he can’t strike up a conversation with anyone.
Among his peers, he realized that he didn’t know the topics that the old men could talk about.
They have no common language.
Others chat about their children, but what could he chat about?
He realized that neither of his daughters could be the topic of conversation.
No need to mention Wendy Clarke, he usually doesn’t say anything, and Christy Xenos always praises Wendy for being capable.
But in reality, he feels somewhat embarrassed.
He knows very well about the things Wendy has done, and the achievements she has achieved.
Except that, he feels he has no right to dislike anything about Wendy while he is enjoying the wealth Wendy has brought in.
But when it comes to chatting about his kids like other people, he can’t do it.
About Cindy Clarke?
He dares not mention her at all.
Definitely, he would never consider Cindy an embarrassment.
Only that he doesn’t know much about her right now, there’s nothing to talk about.
Furthermore, he also fears the Zhekova Family.
Here in Belford, he doesn’t feel free to talk or act as he does in Nork City.
The reason for Joshua Clarke’s hesitation is that the decision isn’t up to him.
Both Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke don’t listen to him.
Even if he wants to go back, he can’t take the two away.
“Now, I give you two choices,” Adrian Zhekova said, “go back to Nork City, or I’ll have someone take you back.”
The second half of his sentence was very polite.
Saying to go back was, in fact, to escort him back.
He was offered two choices:
In fact, there was the only one result.
Joshua Clarke glanced at Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke with hesitation.
As expected, although both Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke couldn’t say anything, they were both glaring at him with stubborn expressions on their faces.
Neither of them agreed.
“You don’t have to look at them,” Adrian Zhekova said, “I know you can’t take them away, and I don’t expect you to.”
Joshua Clarke blushed with embarrassment at this statement.
While he himself was well aware of this, hearing it coming from a young man made him feel embarrassed.
Chapter 1284: You…You Want Me to Leave Now?_1 “Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke were not exactly shocked, but they were certainly astonished.
Adrian Zhekova was letting Joshua Clarke go back by himself?
He didn’t need the two of them to return?
Did he agree to let them stay in Belfard?
However, the two had enough self-awareness to understand the situation.
They knew that Adrian Zhekova keeping them here did not mean he was going to let bygones be bygones.
If he had such an intention, he wouldn’t have allowed only Joshua Clarke to leave.
...
Furthermore, Joshua Clarke, aside from speaking and acting in an unpleasant way, was not as directly troublesome to Cindy Clarke as they were.
In the past, whatever they said or did, it was Christy Xenos who took the lead, and Wendy Clarke who commanded from behind.
This was blatantly obvious, and Adrian Zhekova couldn’t possibly miss it.
As for Joshua Clarke, he was merely caught in the middle, feeling torn.
Thinking of this, Christy Xenos suddenly froze.
Was Joshua Clarke pretending to be incompetent while being secretly competent?
With this suspicion, Christy Xenos looked at Joshua Clarke.
If that was the case, then Joshua Clarke was actually the most cunning and shameless of all.
He, a grown man, was hiding behind, letting the two women take the lead.
But seeing Joshua Clarke’s equally puzzled expression, Christy Xenos dismissed her doubts.
Wendy Clarke now desperately wanted to ask Adrian Zhekova, he was letting Joshua Clarke go back to Nork City, what about the two of them?
As long as one wasn’t extremely foolish, it wouldn’t be hard to figure out that Adrian Zhekova sending Joshua Clarke away meant he was intending to spare him.
As for the two of them he left behind, what was Adrian Zhekova planning to do?
If at this time, Joshua Clarke chose to leave alone, he would be leaving them behind, disregarding their lives.
Christy Xenos believed that Joshua Clarke would be able to understand that.
“Of course, you don’t have to worry about going back without a source of income,” Adrian Zhekova chimed in, “so you can’t complain about Cindy Clarke not being filial.”
“After you return to Nork City, we will give you a monthly allowance.” Adrian Zhekova took out his mobile phone, entered a string of numbers on the calculator, and showed it to Joshua Clarke, “this amount.”
Only Joshua Clarke could see the amount from this angle.
Neither Wendy Clarke nor Christy Xenos could see it.
The distance between the three of them was quite considerable.
Even if Christy Xenos wanted to crane her neck to look, she would not be able to see it.
Christy Xenos was terribly anxious, how much money had Adrian Zhekova promised Joshua Clarke?
Her deep-seated greed made her curiosity about the amount exceed her fear of the unknown future.
Wendy Clarke couldn’t see the amount on Adrian Zhekova’s phone screen at all.
But she could see the shock on Joshua Clarke’s face.
It must be very little or a lot.
It definitely couldn’t be very little.
If it was very small, Joshua Clarke wouldn’t be obedient.
But if it was a lot…
Joshua Clarke was not the same Joshua Clarke as before.
He was now a wealthy man, who had seen money before.
Being able to shock him like this is not easy.
She wondered what the sum was.
“What do you think?” Adrian Zhekova hooked up the corners of his mouth, “Do you agree?”
He was confident that Joshua Clarke would agree.
Sure enough, although Joshua Clarke hesitated for a while, he eventually nodded reluctantly, “Alright, I agree.”
Christy Xenos’s eyes widened in surprise.
Joshua Clarke had actually agreed!
Besides, he seemed hesitant.
But Christy Xenos, who had been his wife for decades, understood Joshua Clarke very well.
His hesitation was nothing more than putting on a show, deceiving outsiders.
He wanted people to think of him as a good guy.
Living with Joshua Clarke for so many years, Christy Xenos believed that she understood him better than anyone else.
She knew Joshua Clarke too well.
She knew that Joshua Clarke was just hesitating on the surface, but inside, he had readily agreed.
For this reason, Christy Xenos felt even more chilled.
They had been husband and wife for so many years, and Joshua Clarke was willing to abandon her just like that.
Isn’t this abandonment?
Adrian Zhekova send Joshua Clarke away, but held onto Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke.
They were now staying in Belfard, not out of their own volition.
Instead, Adrian Zhekova was holding them captive, not allowing them to leave.
Not leaving of one’s own accord, and being unable to leave because of captivity, were entirely different concepts.
Christy Xenos looked at Joshua Clarke in disbelief.
Joshua Clarke didn’t dare to face Christy Xenos.
But he told himself that this was just fulfilling Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke’s wishes.
He had been wanting to return to Nork City for a long time.
Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke, however, were unwilling to leave and insisted on leaving Belfard.
Even if they were allowed to leave, they probably still wouldn’t want to.
So, he decided to leave himself, there was nothing wrong with that.
He never forced Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke to leave, hadn’t he already been considerate of them?
Adrian Zhekova remained silent, just observing the situation.
He allowed this selfish family to have their own little performance.
Adrian Zhekova’s eyes were filled with mockery.
Initially when Joshua Clarke hadn’t come to Belfard with Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke, Cindy Clarke told him that the only person in the family who was kind to her was Joshua Clarke.
Cindy Clarke had thought about going back to see Joshua Clarke.
At the time, she didn’t know that Joshua Clarke was coming to Belfard.
But if she had known, she would have been welcoming.
It’s just a shame that Joshua Clarke’s actions inevitably made her disappointed.
Originally, Adrian Zhekova thought the same as Cindy Clarke, that Joshua Clarke was simply soft-hearted.
He wanted to be kind to everyone, but his actions often left people dissatisfied.
Thinking that whoever said something had a point, lacking his own backbone.
However, it seems now that Joshua Clarke clearly has a mind of his own.
He is not soft-hearted; he just uses this gossip to pass the buck to others.
All the ideas came from Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke.
He just has a soft heart, and he is easily influenced by others.
But now it seems, being easily influenced is just a camouflage for Joshua Clarke.
It hides his inherent selfishness and coldness.
Adrian Zhekova smiled mockingly.
Joshua Clarke certainly was a talent.
“Then it’s settled.
You can go now,” Adrian Zhekova said, and then someone stepped forward to untie Joshua Clarke.
Joshua Clarke got up a little at a loss.
He had been tied up for quite a while and his wrists and arms weren’t circulating blood properly.
The places where he had been tied were especially icy cold and a little numb.
He stood up and looked at Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke helplessly, “What about them?”
“I still have something to say to them,” Adrian Zhekova added.
“My people will take you to the airport,” Adrian Zhekova announced.
Joshua Clarke hesitated for a moment before exclaiming in shock, “Airport?
You…
are you asking me to leave right now?”
Even Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke were taken aback.
Chapter 1285: My Heart Shivers_1 In such a hurry?
They just heard from Adrian Zhekova, they thought even if Joshua Clarke were to leave, it would take some time.
They’ve been living in Belfard for quite a while now.
Making a new home in a new place is no easy task.
But once they settled down, they would have more belongings.
To move again would be a huge project.
Although the houses in Nork City are all there, they’ve been vacant for too long and unattended.
...
When they first moved north to Belfard, they had baggages with them.
Even if there are clothes and quilts left at home, they’d likely be moldy due to the dampness of the south.
Even if Joshua Clarke was to leave in a haste, he should at least be given some time to pack his bags, shouldn’t he?
“Of course,” Adrian Zhekova said.
“Since you’ve agreed to go back to Nork City, you should leave now.
You don’t have any reason to delay.”
“What about them…” Joshua asked, “What about them?”
“What about them? They have a place to stay in Belfard, they have money to spend.
Even if you’re not there, they can still live well in Belfard, what are you worried about?” Adrian mockingly asked.
Joshua Clarke was silent for a while, then asked, “If they stay here, will it be dangerous?”
“Why would you doubt that?” Adrian Zhekova arched his eyebrow and asked, “Or…
are you not leaving?”
Joshua hesitated, pursed his lips, without directly answering Adrian’s question.
“But I have to pack if I’m leaving now, right?” This somehow answered the question Adrian Zhekova had asked earlier.
“I’ve lived here for so long, if I suddenly have to go back, there’s nothing left at home…” Joshua thought quite ahead.
The more Christy Xenos heard, the angrier she became, staring at Joshua Clarke with a disdainful look.
The same old trick.
Pretending to be concerned about them.
But when Adrian asked, he chose to go back.
“You can purchase what you need when you get home,” Adrian stated, “My man will accompany you back to Nork City.”
“You’re sending someone to monitor me?” Joshua asked in shock.
Isn’t he supposed to be free back in Nork City?
“Of course not,” Adrian laughed, “My men have their duties to do.
They can’t just stay in Nork City forever to watch over you.”
What’s the difference between this and being exiled?
“Just to make sure you get back to Nork City, Don’t be nervous,” Adrian laughed.
Joshua just wished Adrian would stop laughing.
The more Adrian laughed, the more he felt creeped out.
He didn’t find Adrian’s demeanor endearing, not the slightest intimate thought.
He could hardly imagine Adrian being his son-in-law.
Adrian told him not to get nervous.
How could he not be nervous!
“Send my Father-in-law back to Nork City,” Adrian said.
Immediately, two men stepped forward, “Mr.
Clarke, Hello, we’ll be your escorts back to Nork City.”
Joshua had a bitter taste in his mouth.
He hadn’t even asked about the tickets.
Adrian clearly had anticipated this, with everything prepared.
He could leave today, probably the tickets had been bought as well.
Joshua even wondered if Adrian had foreseen the confrontation with Cindy Clarke today.
Could anyone else be so well-prepared?
Judging from the men Adrian had sent, these were his trusted men.
If not, why would they be called to observe his family affairs?
Adrian knew they would come to the wedding.
Everything was planned ahead, including sending him back to Nork City today, as well as the conditions promised.
Clearly, he was well prepared; everything was orderly.
Now, Adrian’s fearsome image had been further ingrained in Joshua Clarke’s mind.
He turned back and looked at Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke.
Just the two of them, thinking they could scheme against Cindy Clarke.
“Let’s go,” Adrian told his subordinates.
“Mmm!” Christy Xenos, with her mouth sealed shut, could only make whimpering sounds.
She always complained about Joshua.
Just now, she felt cold-hearted due to Joshua’s decision.
But now that Joshua was truly leaving, Christy felt anxious.
It felt like the backbone of the family was missing.
Though Joshua wasn’t much of a backbone usually, Christy still felt uneasy.
Was he really leaving them behind?
For a moment, Christy even considered leaving with Joshua.
Josuha reached the door, then turned around.
Hope appeared in Christy’s eyes.
Hoping Joshua would choose not to go back to Nork City.
Unexpectedly, she heard Joshua say, “I’ll go back first, I…
I’ll be waiting for you in Nork City.
To be honest, Nork City suits us better.
You two should consider it and maybe go back.”
Christy’s eyes widened in surprise.
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Is this a matter of whether or not they want to return?
This has become a matter of whether or not they’re able to return!
Joshua must be pretending to be confused.
Then, Joshua didn’t stay anymore, turned around, opened the door, and left.
Now in the room, besides Adrian and his men, were only Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke.
Both Christy and Wendy’s mouths were still sealed, unable to speak.
Christy was whimpering, her voice increasingly urgent, struggling harder.
She evidently wanted to speak very much.
She must be able to speak.
She didn’t know what Adrian was planning to do.
But she must be able to negotiate, shouldn’t she?
Even if it meant begging for mercy.
Though Adrian hadn’t said or done anything.
No threats were made.
But Christy was frightened.
“My mother-in-law is getting old,” Adrian finally broke the silence.
Christy was taken aback, waiting to hear what Adrian Zhekova had to say.
“Her health isn’t what it used to be,” Adrian said.
Christy immediately shook her head.
She is healthy!
She’s extremely fit, her voice is loud, her strength is great.
And every year she gets a health check-up, apart from a few minor issues, she’s in great health.
Besides, she’s not even old!
Christy instinctively sensed that Adrian’s words couldn’t mean anything good.
“Wendy is usually busy with work and can’t take care of her, and Cindy can’t afford to care for her because she’s so busy.
Now that the Father-in-law has returned to Nork City and is not by her side,” Adrian continued.
Christy heard Adrian blatantly making up stories!
Wasn’t it Adrian himself who had sent Joshua away just now?
“It’s always a bit worrying to leave the Mother-in-law alone at home,” Adrian said again.
Adrian had never called them Father-in-law and Mother-in-law.
However, in this short span of time, Adrian used the terms multiple times.
Previously, Christy always referred to herself as Adrian’s mother-in-law, but Adrian ignored her.
But now as Adrian used the terms, Christy was scared.
Each time Adrian mentioned her title, Christy felt a shudder in her heart.
Christy made various whimpering sounds.
Even if she couldn’t speak, she tried to argue.
As if she wanted Adrian to figure out what she meant from her sounds.
Chapter 1286: What Sin Have I Committed_1 What Christy Xenos intended to say was, “I’m not alone at home most of the time, I have Joshua Clarke to accompany me.” However, Joshua Clarke has gone now.
“Master Adrian is right.” someone echoed from the side.
Christy Xenos was furious.
What do they mean, ‘right’?
A group of thugs, why would they fawn over someone like that?
“My mother-in-law is indeed rather suspicious by nature,” Adrian Zhekova stated, “She doesn’t trust housekeepers.
She always thinks that they would steal stuff from the house.” Christy Xenos shook her head incessantly.
...
Indeed, she didn’t trust housekeepers.
But valuable items in their house are stored in a safe.
Therefore, they ended up hiring a housekeeper at home.
“Snooping around the housekeeper all day is quite tiring, contrary to the initial intention of hiring a housekeeper to make her daily life easier,” Adrian Zhekova continued.
“Master Adrian is right.” His subordinate flattered him again.
Christy Xenos was irked!
When has Adrian Zhekova ever hired a housekeeper for her?
He shouldn’t blatantly lie like that!
If she could free herself from the tape, she would certainly reprimand Adrian Zhekova!
Where’s Cindy Clarke?
Is she hiding and simply neglecting the situation?
Watching as Adrian Zhekova ties her up like this?
This is kidnapping by Adrian Zhekova, right?
“So after much thought, I’ve decided to send my mother-in-law to the sanatorium,” Adrian Zhekova finally revealed his purpose.
“Woo woo woo!” Christy Xenos struggled as if she had gone insane.
She opposed!
She was against it!
She didn’t want to go to the sanatorium!
Moreover, Christy Xenos strongly suspected that the so-called sanatorium was probably just a place to imprison her.
What was Adrian Zhekova planning to do?
Adrian Zhekova coldly watched Christy Xenos.
Since she was tied up, no matter how much she struggled, it was all to no avail.
Looking at Adrian Zhekova, Christy Xenos realized that his gaze was ice-cold as if he was looking at a dead person.
Adrian Zhekova’s gaze was so cold, so calm, so indifferent.
It was like the temperature of the deep sea.
Christy Xenos shivered all of a sudden, trembled all over, and the hair on her body stood up.
She felt a cold chill in her heart.
She even regretted deeply.
She really regretted coming today.
If she hadn’t come, Adrian Zhekova wouldn’t have dared to grab her in public, would he?
Adrian Zhekova had never planned to be too hard on Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke before.
He didn’t care about Wendy Clarke, but Christy Xenos was after all Cindy Clarke’s mother.
So, he didn’t want to be too ruthless.
But now, they had threatened the safety of Cindy Clarke and Morgan Zhekova.
They even colluded with Ethan Zhekova to harm Cindy Clarke and Morgan Zhekova.
Even though they were all idiots.
But when several idiots got together, the stupid ideas they came up with could also be deadly.
Therefore, Adrian Zhekova decided to stop being gentle.
“Take my mother-in-law away quickly.” Adrian Zhekova ordered.
“Yes!” That flatterer said admiringly on the side, “Master Adrian, you are so filial, you are a role model for us.
We should learn from you.” As he said this, he walked towards Christy Xenos.
Adrian Zhekova: “…”
A role model, learning from him, that’s too much!
It’s fine if they just learn from him normally.
If they learned this from him, then I pity their elders, who would have suffered greatly.
Christy Xenos saw that they were about to untie her.
Without untying her, they wouldn’t be able to take her away.
Christy Xenos was prepared to make a scene.
So what if there were many of them and she couldn’t beat them?
As long as she was untied and let loose, she didn’t believe that these thugs could outdo a shrew!
But, it was something Christy Xenos could think of, how could they not have thought of it?
These were all experienced participants in such matters.
Immediately, a person released Christy Xenos from her bindings.
Two others grabbed onto Christy Xenos’s arms from the sides.
Not giving her any room to swing at them.
Christy Xenos: “…” After Christy Xenos’s hands were free, her arms were held by the two men.
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So Christy Xenos decided to kick them instead.
But just as she lifted her leg, she felt as if she had been lifted off the ground.
Her feet left the floor, she had been lifted up by the two men!
Back in her early days when Clarke Family was poor, Christy Xenos couldn’t afford to have what she wanted to eat.
She had to be thrifty in her daily life, and it was uncertain if she could keep up with nutrition, let alone eating well.
As a result, she naturally couldn’t put on weight.
Once the family had money, Christy Xenos started to eat whatever she wanted.
She ate expensive, rare, delicious food, and she didn’t control her food intake.
So now, Christy Xenos carried quite some weight.
Chapter 1287: No Matter What, I Am Happy_1 “Christy Xenos is now incredibly corpulent.
She was already short to begin with, and has further compounded it by putting on weight.
Though she isn’t as exaggerated as a round ball, she does look quite squat, plump, and round.
Here was Christy Xenos, a woman of substance, being hoisted up by one arm each by two of Adrian Zhekova’s men, as if it were effortless.
Christy Xenos’ legs thrashed in midair, but to no avail.
And besides, only her hands were untied.
Her mouth was still gagged.
...
She was promptly carried out by the two men.
“Ugh ugh ugh!” Unable to resist, Christy Xenos turned her head to look at Wendy Clarke.
But what good would looking at Wendy do now?
Wendy was also still tied up.
A distressed Wendy looked back at Christy: “Ugh Uh Uh!”
Let her go.
But no one could understand her muffled cries.
And just like that, Christy Xenos was taken away.
Now, only Wendy was left in the room.
But Adrian and his men were still numerous.
With Joshua Clarke and Peggy Lewis there earlier, Wendy had felt somewhat afraid, but also considerably reassured.
She felt that with her parents around, they would lend her support even in the face of danger.
Wendy hadn’t realized this.
But the reality is, regardless of your age.
Whether you’re middle-aged, have children of your own, or even if your children are old enough to start their own families.
As long as your parents are alive, one feels assured since they always seem to offer a way out.
Despite their advanced age or their hunched backs.
Even if their pace isn’t as steady as before.
There’s always a sense that your parents can carry the weight of the world for you.
But once the parents are gone, so is your safety net.
You’re just a parent to someone else and no longer a child to your own parents.
You can only offer support to your children and can no longer rely on your parents for the same.
Even more so, it’s as if you can already see the path ahead.
You’ve crossed that threshold, awaiting the end of your lifespan.
Not that Wendy was anticipating her own death at this moment.
After all, she was still young.
However, when Joshua and Christy were around just earlier, she hadn’t felt as panicked as she was now.
Now that Joshua and Christy had both been taken away.
Only she remained here.
Wendy experienced the sheer panic of the sky falling and her parents being absent for the first time.
She missed them tremendously.
She wished for them to come back.
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“Last time, you had somebody obstruct Cindy Clarke on the road to the competition.” Adrian stated, “It was you who did it.”
Wendy shook her head, vehemently denying it.
“Ugh ugh!” Wendy negated.
Even though she did do it, she couldn’t confess!
She absolutely couldn’t concede to it now.
“Are you under the impression that I’m questioning you at this point?” Adrian was nauseated by Wendy’s stupidity.
“I’m here to state a fact, not to inquire from you.” Adrian said, “I have proof of everything you’ve done.”
Desperate, Wendy continued to struggle forward.
“Remove the duct tape.” Adrian instructed.
Perry Gustav, who was present, immediately stepped forward and tore the duct tape off Wendy’s mouth.
Having been affixed for too long, the duct tape had been adhering tighter and tighter.
Upon abruptly removing it now, it even ripped off some fine hairs around her mouth and face.
Her lips were swollen due to the long duration of the tape’s attachment and the subsequent tearing.
Starting from her lips and extending around the area of her cheeks, her whole face was severely swollen and beet-red.
Because of the tearing, both her cheeks and mouth were burning with pain.
As if set ablaze.
But Wendy couldn’t care about that now, she could only deny: “It wasn’t me, I didn’t do it!”
“I told you, I’m not here to confirm or question you.” Adrian said.
He gestured to his aide, and Perry Gustav handed him a file.
Adrian methodically tossed each piece of evidence in the file to the floor at Wendy’s feet.
There were photos, written reports, and audio records of Wendy communicating with those individuals.
Adrian played them all.
The colour drained from Wendy’s face, leaving only the red swelling around her lips and cheeks, making her look even more ridiculous.
“I’ve confirmed it.
You’re the one behind this.” Adrian said.
Wendy was shivering all over, her blood felt as if it had turned ice-cold, causing her to tremble involuntarily.
Even her teeth were chattering.
“Since you’ve got the evidence, why don’t you call the police and arrest me?” Wendy tried to maintain her composure.
Adrian smirked coldly: “What do you think?”
“What do you want to do?” Wendy asked nervously.
“What is your motive for blocking Cindy?” Adrian asked.
For Wendy, she could never reveal that Ethan Zhekova was involved unless it was a last resort.
Otherwise, not only Adrian but Ethan would be after her too.
Thus, she couldn’t expose Ethan not because she was loyal, but out of fear.
“I just didn’t want her to compete, that’s all.” Wendy declared.
“How does her not participating benefit you?” Adrian inquired with raised eyebrows.
“No benefit, I just can’t stand her being successful.” Wendy said coldly.
“As long as it’s bad for her, it makes me happy, regardless of what it is.”
“Her inability to compete will preclude her from gaining fame.
Even if she might say that she never desired fame and only loves the culinary arts.” Wendy mocked, clearly expressing disbelief and even calling Cindy hypercritical.
“Let’s assume that’s the case.
Imagine how difficult it must be for someone who ‘loves the culinary arts’ like her to not be able to attend a competition and do what they love?” Wendy said.
“She can’t compete against others in an event she was due to participate in; she failed to carry out an agreed task.
Her supervisor and teammates were left hanging, strategy had to be abruptly changed, a teammate had to step in at the last moment.
Her single mistake tossed the entire team into disarray.”
“Such a crucial competition faced a major hiccup.
If the entire team ends up losing, it’ll all be her fault.” Wendy now seemed to have taken the ‘devil-may-care’ approach.
She even dared to look Adrian Zhekova in the eye: “That’s why I had someone stop her.”
“I want her to be known as the ‘rotten apple’ of the team, dragging them down so she can never hold her head high again.”
“It has always been like this.
She’s exceptional, better at academics than I am.
Whether it was teachers or classmates in school, they all claimed we were biological sisters yet completely different.
Cindy was always favoured, often praised by teachers.”
“They were always telling me, look at how your sister does this and that.
Even classmates would point at me and whisper, wondering why my younger sister is so brilliant at academics while I always ranked at the bottom.”
“They also criticised me for focusing on dating instead; said I never do anything serious and that I am indiscreet.”
Chapter 1288: Chapter 1288: An Important Person Who Must Not Speak Carelessly – 1 “Compared to Cindy, I’m nothing,” declared Wendy, her voice cold.
“Why?
Is she so envious of me that she has to suppress me at every turn?
In my eyes, she’s just a frustrated individual who looks to reclaim her respect outside the home, leaving me to bear the shame publicly.”
“You ask me why?
This is why,” Wendy said.
“Maybe it’s a habit ingrained from childhood – I just can’t bear to see Cindy flourish.
I will inevitably try to sabotage anything she does unless she keeps it from me.”
“Very heartfelt indeed,” Adrian acknowledged, nodding.
...
“However—”
“You couldn’t have managed all this alone.
There must be someone pulling strings or partnering with you,” Adrian continued.
“Name the person, and I can let you go,” said Adrian, “Even better, I might even let your mother go.”
Adrian used the word ‘let’.
Wendy’s pupils contracted.
As expected, the so-called sanatorium was nothing but an excuse.
Nothing more than a place to detain Christy Xenos.
“Detaining my mom is unlawful!” Wendy retorted.
“How could I possibly break the law?
It’s a legitimate sanatorium,” Adrian replied with a soft chuckle.
Not to mention, the sanatorium had excellent facilities and it costs a pretty penny.
As long as Christy behaves, she is guaranteed a comfortable stay with personal attendants, a nutritionist preparing balanced meals daily.
Fruits, desserts, and regular health checks included.
However, there’s one catch – Christy can’t leave.
She can only stay within the sanatorium.
If Christy can keep an open mind, life in the sanatorium can be quite luxurious.
But if she can’t, she will inevitably have the feeling of being trapped.
If she clings to this concept, the one suffering will only be Christy herself.
Wendy clearly didn’t believe him.
If that was the case, why use the word ‘release’?
“If you don’t spill the beans, today would be your last opportunity to see your mother,” Adrian warned.
Wendy shuddered violently.
“What do you mean by that!”
Was there an accident with Christy or did something happen to her?
“Between you, Christy, and whoever is directing you, only two can be saved,” Adrian warned, “You can choose to sacrifice yourself, and both Christy and your accomplice would be safe.
More than that, Christy will regain her freedom.”
“Or, you could reveal your conspirator.
You and Christy will be free immediately, I will let both of you go.
I will let all past offenses slide.
You can continue running your restaurant in Belfard.”
The last sentence let Wendy know that the trouble with the restaurant was indeed Adrian’s doing.
“Or, you could let Christy take the hit.
If you’re cold-blooded enough to sell out your own mother, I would really admire you.
Perhaps, you would be capable of doing great things,” Adrian commented, “In the future, you can work with me, you don’t need to keep messing with that dead-end partner.”
“What future can you expect hanging out with someone who always hides in the shadows?
When trouble arises, he doesn’t dare to step up, leaving you to face me in an inherently unfair duel.”
“If there’s a major issue in the future, how do you think he would treat you?” Adrian asked Wendy.
Of course, Adrian wouldn’t really partner with Wendy.
But if Wendy did abandon Christy, thinking she could cooperate with him,
Then Adrian would first make her reveal Ethan Zhekova under the pretense of this cooperation.
If she couldn’t muster up this level of sincerity, there could be no talk of cooperation.
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However, Adrian didn’t lie to Wendy about one thing.
If Wendy were truly capable of selling out her own mother, he would seriously admire her.
Even though Christy was horrible to Cindy, she took excellent care of Wendy in all aspects,
Always putting Wendy’s interests first, and standing at the forefront of any issue.
If Wendy wronged anyone, she couldn’t do wrong by Christy especially.
Otherwise, she would be truly out of line.
Chapter 1289: Condition_1 “The words of Adrian Zhekova really hit Wendy Clarke’s vulnerable spots.
Between Ethan Zhekova and Christy Xenos, Wendy would definitely choose Christy Xenos.
Her relationship with Ethan Zhekova was just a mutual cooperation and use.
Ethan Zhekova hadn’t given her any promises.
She certainly couldn’t sacrifice Christy Xenos for Ethan Zhekova.
But if Ethan Zhekova really made her a promise.
Such as, marrying her, allowing her to enter the Zhekova Family.
...
As long as there were stable promises that would allow Wendy to feel secure.
Wendy might truly be able to sacrifice Christy Xenos.
Unfortunately, Ethan Zhekova didn’t ever make such promises to her.
He even completely disregarded her.
Went so far as to physically assault her.
Just like the last time when she was tricked by Cindy Clarke.
When Ethan Zhekova found out that she still wanted to go after Samson Zhekova, he physically beat her up.
Although he didn’t hit her again after that incident, Wendy still vividly remembered it.
A man who hits a woman is worthless.
This sort of conduct, there is only a difference between zero times and countless times.
Back to the point, if Ethan Zhekova was willing to marry her.
She might risk a few dangers and agree.
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But since Ethan Zhekova hasn’t, Wendy held a grudge.
Now they still had a working relationship and Ethan Zhekova was truly not someone she could handle.
But as soon as she had the opportunity, Wendy would definitely take her revenge.
She wouldn’t swallow that beating for free!
So looking at it all, who to protect and who to give up, isn’t it very obvious?
Of course, the only choice is between Ethan Zhekova and Christy Xenos.
Wendy would absolutely not sacrifice herself.
She didn’t have that level of readiness.
And what Adrian Zhekova said was correct.
Even if she had a collaboration with Ethan Zhekova.
For this issue, Ethan Zhekova was evidently the one who suggested it.
But as soon as a mistake was made, Ethan Zhekova flatly denied responsibility.
Just as Adrian Zhekova said, if they continued to cooperate and something else went wrong, she would definitely take responsibility pressured by Ethan Zhekova.
Plainly speaking, their relationship, what cooperation.
It was just to make it sound better.
In the eyes of Ethan Zhekova, she was just a pawn that Ethan Zhekova manipulated.
Ethan Zhekova didn’t have to do anything, he just needed to give orders, and she would do the rest.
So with that, once anyone got hold of any evidences.
She would be the one scapegoated by Ethan Zhekova.
All these signs were hinting her that choosing to expose Ethan Zhekova, in order to protect Christy Xenos would be the wiser choice.
Though the last thing that Adrian Zhekova said tempted her greatly.
Cooperating with Adrian Zhekova is much better than with Ethan Zhekova.
Yet Wendy wasn’t utterly foolish and knew that Adrian Zhekova would never cooperate with her.
Adrian Zhekova didn’t need to cooperate with her.
Not to mention, Cindy Clarke was still there.
So for Adrian Zhekova’s last proposal, despite Wendy being reluctant and tempted.
She still managed to restrain herself and not to trust him.
She didn’t have to think about it, everybody in the Zhekova Family, apart from Ethan Zhekova, who was an exception, had a great relationship and were very united.
If she really wanted to sell out Christy Xenos, how could Adrian Zhekova possibly cooperate with her?
“Do the words you just said still count?” Wendy asked.
“Which ones?” Adrian Zhekova asked, raising an eyebrow.
“You said, if I told you who the mastermind is, then you would let me and my mom off the hook.
My mom could regain her freedom, my restaurant in Belfard could continue, and you wouldn’t interfere anymore.” Wendy asked.
“That’s correct.” Adrian Zhekova nodded.
“I have one more condition.” Wendy added.
Adrian Zhekova raised an eyebrow and taunted, “Go ahead.”
“If I tell you, can you ensure the person won’t know it’s me who told you?” Wendy asked.
“No.” Adrian Zhekova replied, “What I can assure is, I won’t tell him it was you who told me.”
On this matter, Adrian Zhekova didn’t choose to lie to Wendy.
Indeed, he won’t tell Ethan Zhekova.
He knew it was Ethan Zhekova’s doing, and what he needed now was evidence.
He was currently recording, and as long as Wendy clearly explained everything, he could use the recording to thoroughly criminalize Ethan Zhekova.
He could choose not to let Ethan Zhekova listen to the recording, just listening themselves would be enough.
However, even if he didn’t say it, eventually Ethan Zhekova would find out that it was Wendy who exposed him.
Wendy shivered a bit as she didn’t count on Adrian Zhekova to keep her secret.
Adrian Zhekova probably came to question her this time, because he was ready to make a move against Ethan Zhekova.
It looked like Adrian Zhekova needed evidence.
At this moment, Wendy, not knowing which switch was turned on in her mind, thought more clearly than before.
Thinking things over, she even managed to guess most of it correctly.
“If you can’t guarantee that the other person won’t know it was me, at the very least, you must guarantee to ensure my safety.” Wendy said, “If you can guarantee my safety, I’ll tell you who it is.”
Adrian Zhekova chuckled, “You chose to cooperate with an idiot, and even became his pawn.
You actively provoked Cindy Clarke and tried to harm her.
You are responsible for these things, you are not innocent, so why should I protect you?”
“If you don’t promise to protect me, I won’t say.” Wendy said.
Adrian Zhekova remained silent for a while, then said, “You might have misunderstood my point.”
Wendy lit up, thinking that Adrian Zhekova was backing down.
Because she didn’t speak, he had to admit defeat.
Unexpectedly, she could make Adrian Zhekova admit defeat.
Wendy felt a bit self-satisfied.
It seemed that Adrian Zhekova was not that formidable.
Everyone hyped him up so much.
But Wendy didn’t have the chance to feel satisfied for long when she heard Adrian Zhekova say, “I came to you for confirmation, just to make it quick and save some time.”
“But even without you, he would take action later.
As long as he dared to make a move, I’d be able to gather evidence.” Adrian Zhekova said, “So it doesn’t matter that much whether you are involved or not.”
“Of course, if I could reach the evidence earlier, I’d be happier.
But if I can’t, it’s not a big deal.”
“The condition I offered you is to let Christy Xenos go.” Adrian Zhekova continued, “If you want Christy Xenos to be free, then tell me the truth.
If you don’t want to, then you won’t be freed either.”
At this point, Adrian Zhekova lightly swung a finger.
Perry Gustav, along another player, walked towards Wendy from both sides.
Wendy immediately grew tense.
Because earlier, when Christy Xenos was taken away, it was the same way.
Seeing Perry Gustav about to untie her and take her away, Wendy quickly said, “Wait!”
Perry Gustav and the other player looked at Adrian Zhekova and stopped.
Wendy immediately said, “Let me be sure, if I say it, you won’t trouble my restaurant anymore, and let my mom go?”
Adrian Zhekova was surprised that Wendy prioritized her restaurant over Christy Xenos.
Usually, in a situation like this, they would place what they care most about first.
It seems that in Wendy’s eyes, Christy Xenos was even less important than her own restaurant.
Chapter 1290: Unexpectedly, You Have Some Brains_1 Adrian Zhekova let out a scoff dripping in mockery.
I wonder what Christy Xenos would feel about it if she knew.
Her daughter, whom she coddled from a child, maltreated Cindy Clarke without any bottom line just for the sake of Wendy Clarke.
She abandoned her other exceptional daughter and single-mindedly followed Wendy, doing everything for her.
Wendy calls the shot.
Yet, in Wendy’s heart, all of this is not even comparable to a restaurant.
If Christy Xenos could place the love intended for Wendy onto Cindy.
...
It wouldn’t even have to be all of it.
If only a tiny fraction of it, her life would be much better than it is now.
“Exactly.” Adrian Zhekova nodded.
“Okay.” Wendy Clarke had no other choice now, “I believe you.”
“So, who’s directing you?” Adrian Zhekova asked.
“It’s Ethan Zhekova.” Wendy Clarke replied, still somewhat scared.
“Why?” Adrian Zhekova inquired.
“He’s been at odds with me, trying all means to go against me, I know this.” Adrian Zhekova said.
“But what benefit does he get from preventing Cindy from participating in the competition?” Adrian Zhekova had his suspicions despite them seeming implausible.
What a foolish thought process.
Yet, Wendy Clarke revealed, “Preventing Cindy from competing, as long as she arrived late, she wouldn’t be allowed to enter the arena.
Replacing a player at the last minute due to her absence would significantly affect the team’s overall strength.”
“This is a team effort, not an individual’s.
ƝονǤօ.ƈ0
If the competition fails because of Cindy, the blame is on Cindy.
And Cindy was brought into the Pingla Academy by you.” said Wendy, “Ethan Zhekova’s intention was to demonstrate that Cindy’s culinary skills are inflated, all packaged by your money.”
“It proves that you’ve misused Pingla’s resources and are unworthy of running Pingla.”
To this, even Adrian Zhekova was stunned.
He never imagined that Ethan Zhekova indeed intended so.
At first he thought such assumptions were foolish and Ethan wouldn’t possibly stoop so low.
Yet who would have thought, Ethan Zhekova was indeed so foolish.
“Now can you let me go?” Wendy asked.
“Just based on your claims without any proof, how am I supposed to know you are not just accusing someone randomly to provoke discord between us brothers?” Adrian Zhekova responded coldly, “Without evidence, do you think I would believe you?”
Wendy was silent, her face turning scarlet with indignation.
It was clear that Adrian Zhekova already knew it was Ethan Zhekova.
What charade is he still playing now!
She never thought that such a renowned figure could be so shameless!
“I have evidence.” said Wendy.
“Show it to me.”
“It’s not here with me, it’s in my home’s study room.” said Wendy, “I can’t possibly carry it around all the time.”
“I don’t have any connections in Belfard, even if I wanted to find someone to trouble Cindy, I wouldn’t know how to.
Those people were introduced to me by Ethan Zhekova.
”
“Every time we discussed anything, I kept records.” said Wendy.
“I knew he was untrustworthy, so I didn’t trust him and wouldn’t not have a backup plan.”
“In case he plans to make me a scapegoat one day, I have evidence at hand to clear my name.” Wendy explained.
“I didn’t expect you to be so thoughtful.” Adrian Zhekova was admittedly surprised.
Turns out Wendy might have some ideas.
Wendy Clarke: “…”