Ch. 1321..1330
Chapter 1321: What Kind of Thinking Is This?_1 “Mom!” Wendy Clarke was on the brink of collapse.
She regretted coming to see Christy Xenos now.
In the past, Christy Xenos would only create a scene in front of Cindy Clarke and Joshua Clarke, most of the time targeting Cindy.
Of course, the intensity was much stronger than now.
But, even at this level, Wendy was finding it difficult to tolerate.
She never thought that one day, Christy Xenos would use her tantrum throwing abilities on her.
Facing Christy Xenos’s wailing, Wendy felt overwhelmed.
...
Why couldn’t Christy just understand her!
Does it mean that Christy was suffering or struggling here?
Didn’t Christy understand what the two guards just said?
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to take Christy with her, but that she couldn’t!
What’s the point of Christy making a fuss at her here!
If she’s capable, go make a fuss at those two guards!
Moreover, Wendy remembered.
When she came in, Christy clearly seemed to be enjoying herself.
Drinking tea, eating dim sum, watching TV.
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There wasn’t anything uncomfortable about being here, it seemed like she was enjoying her days.
“Mom, tell me, what’s not good about staying here?” Wendy raised her voice to drown out Christy Xenos’s wailing, which wasn’t an easy thing to do.
“When I walked in, you seemed to be enjoying yourself,” Wendy said.
“So that’s your reason for not taking care of me?” Christy Xenos screamed.
The two guards retreated to the side of the door.
Now it was time for Wendy to enjoy Christy Xenos’s tantrum.
Seeing Wendy looking overwhelmed.
Wendy didn’t want to argue with Christy anymore, no matter what she said it wouldn’t get through.
“Alright, if possible, I will take you away, but not now.” Wendy finished speaking and went to the door, saying to the two guards, “Let’s go.” “Where are you going!
Don’t leave me here!” Christy Xenos shouted, ready to rush over.
But seeing the cold faces of the guards, Christy backed down and didn’t dare to move forward.
The two guards left with Wendy.
Originally, Wendy wanted to negotiate some terms to come see Christy more often.
But after Christy’s outburst, Wendy didn’t dare to come anymore.
As long as she knew Christy was fine here and not wronged, it was enough.
As for her, Adrian Zhekova didn’t fulfill his promise.
But she really had no power to confront Adrian Zhekova about this matter.
Fortunately, Christy wasn’t mistreated in the Elderly Care Center.
In fact, Adrian Zhekova’s actions could be considered as a veiled form of putting Christy under house arrest, making Wendy hesitant to act rashly.
After the two guards took Wendy out of the Elderly Care Center gate, they drove away directly, without any intention of escorting Wendy anymore.
They were not worried that Wendy would return.
Without Adrian Zhekova’s permission, Wendy couldn’t go in.
And seeing Wendy’s attitude toward Christy just now, even if Wendy was allowed to return, she wouldn’t.
Wendy didn’t expect that these two would just leave her there.
She could only call a taxi, without going to her restaurant, she went home first.
When Wendy returned home, she felt completely exhausted.
She kicked off her shoes and casually put on her slippers.
As she walked in, out of the corner of her eye, it seemed like there was an extra person in the living room.
Wendy paused, then looked again.
She gasped and immediately retreated, wanting to escape through the door.
“Where are you going?” Ethan Zhekova had already rushed over, pulling her back into the living room.
“Scared to see me and run away?
You’re obviously guilty!” Ethan Zhekova said through gritted teeth.
“No, it’s just that you suddenly being in my house startled me.” Wendy said with fear, “How…how did you get in?” “If I want to get in, I naturally can.
What’s your fingerprint lock to me?” Ethan Zhekova said coldly.
Wendy hadn’t noticed anything unusual when she came in, the fingerprint lock wasn’t damaged, so she never imagined that Ethan Zhekova could get in like this.
“You recorded our conversation and gave it to Adrian Zhekova.” Ethan Zhekova used the same assertive tone as when Adrian questioned Wendy before.
But how could Wendy admit it: “No!
I didn’t!” Even though the Old Master confiscated all of Ethan Zhekova’s resources.
But Gabriel Zhekova still had some.
In addition to the people from various industries he had known before, as long as the money was enough.
That’s how he got in this time, thanks to having a lot of money.
“You don’t need to deny it to me.” Ethan Zhekova flung Wendy onto the sofa, “Your mom being sent to Skyrise Senior Living by Adrian Zhekova, isn’t it the deal you two made?” That being said, Ethan Zhekova was a bit confused, Wendy’s condition for betraying him was to send Christy Xenos to Skyrise Senior Living?
What kind of mind was that?
Even if Ethan Zhekova didn’t have many people under him now, but this kind of thing wasn’t hard to investigate.
Chapter 1322: Retreating Whole_1 “No, you’ve misunderstood,” Wendy Clarke said.
“Although my mother was sent to the Skyrise Senior Living, it was entirely because of Cindy Clarke.”
“You know, Cindy Clarke is fed up with my mother and me.
She doesn’t want us to always be in her sight.
She can’t do anything to me, but she can send my mother to the Elderly Care Center under the pretense of elderly care.
She is trying to get rid of us and prevent us from bothering her.”,
“I am not in a position to negotiate with Adrian Zhekova.
If I really had betrayed you, we wouldn’t be negotiating–what would I be out for?” Wendy Clarke stated.
“Cindy just thinks that if my mother is with me all the time, we could make things difficult for her together.
...
She felt annoyed and thus wanted to separate us,” Wendy Clarke explained.
“I really have not betrayed you,” Wendy Clarke said.
“Then what about that recording?” Ethan Zhekova asked coldly.
“I admit, I did record it for an emergency,” Wendy Clarke said bluntly, “You also told me that our relationship is purely one of mutual benefit, didn’t you?”
“Furthermore, you’ve always bossed me around.
You never take me seriously.
I have no security with you.”
“If something were to happen, I’m afraid you wouldn’t care about me,” Wendy Clarke said ambiguously, “I’ve never planned to give the recording to anyone.
I simply wanted to play it when you neglect me.”
Ethan Zhekova snorted coldly, “But haven’t I already neglected you?
Why didn’t you bring up the video when that happened?”
“Because it wasn’t yet a desperate situation,” Wendy Clarke continued, growing more agitated.
“I knew that once I brought it up, you would get angry and we’d end up in a fierce quarrel.
So, I intended to bring it out only when there was no other choice.”
“But before, it clearly wasn’t a desperate situation,” Wendy Clarke argued, “Apart from targeting my restaurant, Adrian Zhekova didn’t take any other action.
I could endure.
To be at odds with you, or to have a slight setback in my restaurant, I can still bear.”
“Which is worse, offending you or the restaurant being damaged?
It’s plain to see,” Wendy Clarke reasoned, “I know you think I’m stupid, but I’m not THAT stupid.”
“That recording was stolen from my house by Adrian Zhekova,” Wendy Clarke accused Adrian Zhekova.
Adrian had promised her before that he wouldn’t disclose it.
But now, Ethan knew all about it.
Although she didn’t dare to offend Adrian,
She’d prefer to plant the blame on Adrian than face the urgency at hand.
She had to trick Ethan before anything else.
By then, if the brothers started fighting, she might even be able to sit back and watch, making a clean getaway.
“I realized the recording was missing,” Wendy Clarke added, “I just found out on Saturday.
I didn’t dare to tell you.
I didn’t want you to know I had made a recording.”
“And at that time…I even suspected that you took it, so I was even more afraid to speak up,” Wendy Clarke admitted.
“But just now, hearing you suspect that I gave the recording to Adrian Zhekova, I knew who had stolen it,” Wendy Clarke revealed.
“Moreover, if you can barge into my house, people working for Adrian Zhekova could, too!” Wendy Clarke pleaded urgently, “You must believe me!”
“We are both in the same boat.
If I betray you, what kind of benefit would it bring to me?
With Cindy around, there’s no way I could benefit from Adrian Zhekova.”
Chapter 1323_1 “I won’t only fail to benefit from him, but also would upset you and be resented by you,” Wendy Clarke said while still uncontrollably trembling, “Just like now, you can enter unnoticed.” Wendy was genuinely scared by this.
“If I offend you, I won’t even know how I die,” Wendy said.
But at least if she offended Adrian Zhekova, she would still be alive.
So, honestly, Adrian Zhekova is a gentleman, while Ethan Zhekova is a villain.
But when Ethan Zhekova heard Wendy’s words, he was no longer as angry.
Even chuckled smugly.
Wendy’s fear of him was just fine.
...
Making Wendy afraid seemed to be something that made him especially proud.
However, he didn’t know what was so proud about it.
“I’m telling the truth!” Wendy said anxiously.
“I can temporarily believe you, but don’t let me find out,” Ethan Zhekova said coldly, “Whether Adrian Zhekova sent someone to steal it from you, or you proactively gave it to Adrian Zhekova.” “I won’t let this matter rest until I find out,” Ethan Zhekova declared.
All of a sudden, an idea came to Wendy, she blurted out: “Check the surveillance!”
“That recording went missing on Saturday. Review the surveillance footage from that day, and then we’d know who came in,” Wendy suggested.
Ethan Zhekova squinted: “If you had this idea, then why didn’t you examine the surveillance footage?” “I was planning to, but I don’t have a justifiable reason,” Wendy explained, “Other than that recording, I didn’t lose anything else in the house.
How can I justify looking it up?
What am I supposed to say if I involve law enforcement?” “Without a sound reason, the property management team wouldn’t let me access the footage.
It would require looking through an entire day’s footage,” Wendy said.
“Weren’t you at your home the whole day?” Ethan Zhekova didn’t know Wendy was confined in the Bertrand York’s place at the time.
Bertrand York’s people and Adrian Zhekova’s own men were there.
Neither party would let Ethan Zhekova in on what had occurred.
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So, Ethan Zhekova was entirely clueless about this.
As for Wendy’s home, there were no security cameras installed.
There were no children or pets at home.
Joshua Clarke and Christy Xenos were both in good health and did not need someone to take care of them yet.
By today’s standards, Joshua Clarke and Christy Xenos could still be considered middle-aged.
“But the property management team will definitely cooperate with you if you asked,” Wendy tried to be subtly flattering.
However, Wendy wasn’t aware that Ethan Zhekova presently had no influence or power.
Her compliment seemed more sarcastic considering the situation.
Ethan Zhekova didn’t say a word and just turned away to leave.
He didn’t just let Wendy off easy; at the moment, he didn’t even have the ability to demand the security footage be handed over to him swiftly by the property management.
He had to return to Gabriel Zhekova to seek manpower.
Otherwise, how would the property management know who he was?
But later on, Ethan Zhekova found out quickly when he checked.
From the surveillance footage provided by property management, it was observed that someone did indeed enter Wendy’s home on Saturday.
However, what was strange was that they knew Wendy’s door code and easily entered.
The reason Ethan Zhekova managed to enter was by enlisting someone to mechanically crack the digital lock.
Those individuals, however, didn’t hesitate in the slightest, directly keyed in the code to enter.
Under what circumstances would they possibly have known Wendy’s house code?
Either Wendy herself disclosed the code.
Either they found it out somehow.
But how would they unearth it?
Although the Old Master often told Ethan Zhekova that he was a fool, he knew his own limitations.
He believed it was unlikely that they managed to decipher Wendy’s home code.
It was impossible that Wendy carried the house code written somewhere on her, or kept it outside her home.
Ethan Zhekova even had his people check; there were no cameras set up outside Wendy’s house.
So it’s impossible that they captured footage of Wendy and her parents entering their home’s code.
Moreover, the three of them usually used their fingerprint identification to get in.
They only switched to keyed-in codes on the rare occasions when the lock had trouble recognizing their fingerprint, such as when the finger used for registration was burned and so on.
Chapter 1324_1 Ethan Zhekova analyzed for a long time and felt that the most likely scenario was that Wendy Clarke had told Adrian Zhekova the password.
But she was afraid that he would know she had betrayed him.
Therefore, she had Adrian Zhekova’s people search her house, creating the illusion that the recording was stolen by Adrian Zhekova.
Thus, even if he came to settle scores with Clarke, Clarke had an excuse.
Ethan Zhekova quickly formulated a plan based on his analysis.
Of course, he only got half the analysis right.
Adrian Zhekova and Wendy had no friendly relation at all.
...
There was no way Adrian would cooperate this much to get Wendy involved.
It was this point that left Ethan puzzled.
How did Adrian Zhekova manage to coordinate so well with Wendy Clarke?
Suddenly, Ethan Zhekova had a realization.
“Adrian Zhekova will stop at nothing to deal with me!” Ethan Zhekova said coldly.
To take him down, Adrian even teamed up with Wendy.
But what did that imply?
It implied that Adrian Zhekova genuinely considered him as a significant threat.
Although the Old Master had spoken harshly about him, now it all appeared to be a ruse to unnerve him, erode his self-confidence, induce self-doubt, and eventually reduce his threat level to Adrian.
Having cleared this up, Ethan Zhekova began to contemplate how to deal with Adrian.
Since Wendy chose to betray him, He should not be courteous to her either.
He must make Wendy serve her ultimate purpose in the end.
*** Just as Ethan Zhekova was racking his brain, The wedding of Lyke Zhekova and Peggy Lewis went ahead as planned.
Just like Peggy Lewis had made a special trip to accompany Cindy Clarke.
Cindy Clarke had also made a special trip to the Lewis Family to accompany Peggy Lewis.
Peggy Lewis chose Abigail Ackehurst and Clara Evans as her bridesmaids.
On Lyke Zhekova’s side, he had Samson Zhekova and Clifford Wells.
Clifford Wells counted on his fingers.
He heard that if a woman is a bridesmaid three times, she won’t get married.
He figured the same rule applied to groomsmen.
He had opportunities, so he agreed to Lyke Zhekova this time.
After all, it’s not easy for an older man to get married, and there were fewer and fewer eligible bachelors left, hence finding suitable groomsmen was challenging.
With this thought, Clifford Wells instantly felt a sense of crisis.
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It was hard for Lyke Zhekova to find groomsmen now, to the point where he had to resort to him.
How was he to manage when it was his turn to marry?
He needs to hurry up!
Otherwise, when it’s his turn to marry and everyone else is already married, there would be no groomsmen.
How tragic would that be!
As long as people were single, Clifford Wells thought that he didn’t have to worry about being single as well, given that Christopher Smith, Zane Hamilton, Adrian Zhekova, and even Lyke Zhekova were all singles.
But now, Clifford Wells was finally starting to worry.
Cindy Clarke went to accompany Peggy Lewis.
Adrian Zhekova and Morgan Zhekova, the father and son, were the only ones left at home.
The father and son looked at each other in silence.
Even at the dinner table, it was unusually quiet.
“Why didn’t Min Clarke wait to eat dinner before leaving!” The young boy said with a pouting mouth.
He was used to the food that the housekeeper made, and although it was greatly different from what Cindy Clarke made, the boy didn’t find it distasteful.
Sometimes Cindy Clarke was too tired to cook even when she was home, and the housekeeper would cook instead.
But with Cindy Clarke not at the table, the little boy felt very awkward.
With just him and Adrian Zhekova, it was too silent.
The last time Cindy Clarke got married, they didn’t let him attend.
Now, he was not allowed to attend the Godmother’s wedding either.
Chapter 1325_1 The little one felt utterly frustrated.
“It’s so boring without Cindy around,” the little one commented, feeling even the food had lost its savor.
He listlessly finished his dinner.
Again, he spoke up: “Dad, don’t you think the house is way too quiet with just the two of us?” Adrian Zhekova nodded: “Yes, a little.” “Why don’t we go play with Great Grandpa and Great Grandma?” the little one immediately suggested.
The night before Cindy Clarke and Adrian Zhekova’s wedding, Adrian was home alone and was presumably too bored, which prompted him to visit the family mansion.
At the time, the little one thought Adrian missed him and wanted him to get more involved in Adrian and Cindy’s wedding.
But it dawned on him now that Adrian went over to the mansion because he was simply alone and lonely that night.
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“Second Old Master and Aunt Evans, along with Butler Howard, went to visit your Third Great Grandpa,” Adrian advised.
Lyke Zhekova, the groom, had to depart from his own home.
As Third Old Master Zhekova was rather immobile, he always needed someone to assist him.
But it was inappropriate for Third Old Master to visit the mansion.
After all, it’s Third Old Master’s son getting married.
Oh no, I mean, getting a daughter-in-law.
It just wouldn’t be right to have the bride…
I mean the departure, from the mansion.
So, Second Old Master decided to take Butler Howard and Aunt Evans and help out at Third Old Master Zhekova’s.
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“Then let’s visit Third Great Grandpa’s house?” the little one promptly proposed as an alternative.
Counting on his fingers, the little one calculated, “Even with the two of us added, there should still be plenty of room over at Third Great Grandpa’s.
And I miss Third Great Grandpa as well!” Deep down, Adrian Zhekova knew the little one might indeed miss Third Old Master, but most likely, he was just craving for some bustle.
He wondered who the little one got this penchant for socializing from.
However, he had to admit that it was indeed rather dull staying home with only the little one.
In the end, Adrian agreed: “Fine!” In truth, Adrian really wanted to video call Cindy.
Not seeing her for one night was truly hard for him.
However, Cindy knew him too well.
She predicted what he would do.
Before she left for the Lewis Family, she made Adrian promise not to call her unless it was a matter of utmost urgency.
Last time, when Peggy Lewis accompanied her, Lyke Zhekova didn’t insist on calling non-stop.
He gave them the space for the two women to have a heartfelt chat.
Having started their own families, both women couldn’t possibly hang out as they used to.
Even though Lyke wasn’t clinging to her that night, it didn’t mean he wasn’t a clingy person.
He could spare her a night, but if Cindy started neglecting him to frequently meet Peggy, Lyke definitely wouldn’t stand for it.
Once Peggy had her own children, they would take up a lot of her energy.
It would be hard for them to have such opportunities to have an all-girls get-together.
With no men and children around.
They could chat without any reservations.
Such opportunities were rather few.
That’s why Cindy wouldn’t let Adrian disturb them.
And so, Adrian and Morgan Zhekova, like a father-son pair that no one wanted, left their home pitifully and went off to Third Old Master’s place.
The lights were brightly lit at Third Old Master’s villa.
Third Old Master had difficulty moving around and could only watch as everyone busied themselves.
It had been a long time since his villa had seen this much commotion.
Usually, at this time, he would have retired to his room.
Aside from his bedroom, lights in other parts of the villa would be turned off.
Everything would be quiet and peaceful.
It was rare to have it brightly lit as it was now, filled with a lively atmosphere and delightful conversation.
Chapter 1326_1 Aunt Evans and the housekeeper from Third Old Master Zhekova’s family are making dumplings.
Meanwhile, Butler Howard, together with Third Old Master Zhekova’s butler, are placing ‘happiness’ characters around the house as part of the celebration preparation.
The younger guards have been dispatched outside.
To put up ‘happiness’ characters on the manhole covers.
Third Old Master Zhekova, at his age, typically goes to sleep around 9 pm.
But tonight, he’s not sleepy at all, fully capable of pulling an all-nighter.
Adrian Zhekova and Morgan left their home at 8 o’clock.
...
The traffic in Belfard at night is incredibly heavy.
Without exaggeration, if one were to have dinner out, It’s normal for a journey home, even within the city, to be delayed by two hours due to congestion.
Thus, at 9:30 pm, Adrian and Morgan finally escaped the jam-packed roads and arrived at Third Old Master Zhekova’s residence.
“Great Grandfather, Great Grandmother, Third Great Grandpa!” Morgan, still unseen, got inside and was changing her shoes in the Entrance Hall while calling out.
“Morgan!” The Old Master hearing her voice, he immediately rushed to the Entrance Hall, feeling excited.
He spotted Adrian trailing Morgan.
“Why did you come too?” Morgan’s presence is enough, his father didn’t need to come too.
Adrian Zhekova: “…” This Old Master doesn’t mince his words, he’s so heartless.
“Cindy went to accompany her godmother.” Morgan confidently opened the shoe closet and pulled out her own little slippers.
Third Old Master Zhekova prepared these specially for Morgan.
They’re stored in the shoe closet so Morgan can put them on anytime she drops by.
“I wasn’t having fun at home with Dad, so I came over here.” The little girl explained while changing her shoes.
“We came over to join the fun.” Adrian added.
Lyke Zhekova was also there, ready to leave early the next morning.
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Old Master Zhekova quickly figured things out.
The last time Adrian returned to the family mansion, it was also because Cindy wasn’t around.
“Look at your state.” Old Master Zhekova snorted at Adrian.
Just because Cindy isn’t home for one night, look how distressed he is!
Adrian was not at all bothered by Old Master Zhekova’s scorn.
Don’t Old Master and the Old Madam spend their days inseparable?
He couldn’t say if they could bear to be apart for even a moment when they were young.
He wasn’t even born then.
By the time he was born, the two elders had long since become an old married couple.
Moreover, it’s not appropriate to talk about such things with one’s grandson, is it?
Even if nobody has said it, Old Master Zhekova, who is always bickering and feigning indifference to his wife, always yields to Old Madam in the end.
Adrian knew that the Old Master only put on a tough exterior, he was actually afraid of his wife.
“I admit freely that I miss her; I have no qualms about that.” Adrian stated, even shooting the Old Master a glance while he said it.
The meaning of that glance was perfectly clear.
The Old Master was so angry, he kicked him, saying, “You damn brat, who do you think you’re mocking!” Morgan didn’t care one bit about Adrian being hit and rushed into the living room.
Seeing the room full of people, she was over the moon.
“It’s so much better when it’s lively!” she announced satisfiedly.
“She’s getting too big for her boots, I wonder who she’s learned that from.” The Old Madam was amused at Morgan’s antics.
The housekeeper from Adrian’s home doesn’t stay there overnights and leaves after cooking.
So, Adrian couldn’t bring her along to help.
Since he himself is incapable of doing anything, he simply joined Lyke for a chat.
“Nervous?” Adrian asked Lyke.
“What’s there to be nervous about?” Lyke denied, saying, “It’s a joyous occasion, so there’s no need to be nervous.”
Chapter 1327_1 “…” Adrian Zhekova sneered full of disrespect, “If you’re not nervous, then why don’t you try to relax!”
“I am relaxed.” Lyke Zhekova said stiffly.
“Hah!” Adrian Zhekova scoffed, “Start off by loosening your fists.”
Lyke Zhekova was at his own home, sitting straight-backed.
That could be excused, barely, as him having good deportment.
Sitting like a bell.
But the fact that Lyke Zhekova’s fists were clenched tightly on his knees was completely outrageous.
Looking at Lyke Zhekova’s knuckles turning white from the force.
And he claims he’s not nervous?
...
Lyke Zhekova:”…”
Lyke Zhekova looked down and realized he had been clenching unconsciously.
If it weren’t for Adrian Zhekova, he wouldn’t even have noticed.
When Lyke Zhekova unclenched his fists, he realized he had been gripping them for too long.
As for how long, he didn’t know.
All he knew was, now that he’s let go, his fingers felt stiff.
The flexibility in his fingers had greatly reduced.
Adrian Zhekova glanced at him and chuckled, “I doubt you’ll be sleeping tonight.”
Despite Adrian Zhekova’s mockery, Lyke Zhekova remained composed and slowly asked, “Did you sleep on your wedding night?”
“Sure I did…” Adrian Zhekova started to brag.
About how the wedding was a small matter.
He was someone who has seen the world, could a small occasion like a wedding make him nervous?
But after only saying a few words, he noticed Cindy watching him attentively.
Adrian Zhekova immediately stopped.
This kid always badmouths him in front of Cindy Clarke.
Lucky for him, his relationship with Cindy was strong and was not affected by the kid’s instigation.
“I was also nervous.” Adrian Zhekova quickly changed his tune.
He initially planned to act tough in front of Lyke Zhekova.
But with the kid there, Adrian Zhekova couldn’t put up a front.
Well then, Adrian Zhekova simply told the truth, “Even though Cindy and I already got our marriage certificate.
The wedding is a once in a lifetime event.
The thought of her in a wedding dress waiting for me, made my heart pound with both nervousness and impatience.”
Unexpectedly, Adrian Zhekova’s words truly resonated with Lyke Zhekova.
Besides, his feelings were even more intense than Adrian Zhekova.
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After all, despite his age, he was finally getting married.
He didn’t even expect that one day he would have a wedding.
Lyke Zhekova, who was never nervous about anything, was finally feeling nervous.
The words of Adrian Zhekova painted a vivid picture in Lyke Zhekova’s mind.
Peggy Lewis would be standing there, in her wedding dress, waiting for him.
Now, Lyke Zhekova was even more tense and couldn’t sleep.
The same was the case at Peggy Lewis’s place.
Last time when Cindy Clarke couldn’t sleep, Peggy Lewis stayed with her.
Now it was Peggy Lewis who was unable to sleep.
Cindy Clarke, based on her past experience, poured a glass of red wine for Peggy Lewis.
Then she turned on the projector and selected a Disney animation film from the built-in movie app.
Although Disney animations are loved by many adults.
However, Peggy Lewis was not particularly interested in them.
She preferred thought-provoking films and loved paying attention to the minutiae.
For instance, a movie that was recently released was very thought-provoking.
The details in the film were plentiful, to the point that if you didn’t watch carefully, you’d find the film unbearably long and boring.
But if you paid attention, catching as many details as possible, it became more and more engaging.
Peggy Lewis belonged to the latter group, she loved paying attention to the details.
Chapter 1328: Choose One Person to Get Hurt_1 If she were to watch such a mind-bending film.
Anyone else might have quickly fallen asleep, but Peggy Lewis definitely would become more spirited, her mind sharper as it progressed.
In contrast, others might thoroughly enjoy popcorn movies that require no thought and have smooth plots.
But Peggy Lewis would find them increasingly dull and likely fall asleep even faster.
Therefore, Cindy Clarke selected a popular animated movie that was a big hit during its run, relieving her of any pressure.
Peggy Lewis was drinking red wine while watching the movie.
But before she even finished her wine, she had already fallen asleep.
...
Cindy then turned off the movie and promptly went to sleep as well.
Peggy Lewis’s schedule was quite similar to the day of her wedding.
So Cindy knew she also needed to get up very early.
At three in the morning, Mrs.
Lewis came to wake up Peggy Lewis, but she wasn’t as gentle with Cindy.
She directly pulled Peggy Lewis up by her arm, saying, “Still sleeping?
Get up!”
Mrs. Lewis didn’t hold back towards Peggy Lewis at all.
Peggy Lewis groggily got up and freshened up.
When she sat back at the dressing table, she leaned on Cindy and closed her eyes in sleepiness again.
Thanks to Mia Sullivan’s expertise, as she is accustomed to doing makeup for celebrities who are often severely sleep-deprived due to busy schedules and who seize every opportunity to catch up on sleep.
So, she didn’t mind this at all.
“Hey, Cindy, how did you manage to pull through the last time, I’m already exhausted now.” Peggy Lewis said hazily.
“Everyone has to go through it once,” Cindy said with a smile.
“The wedding looks beautiful and romantic, but behind that, it’s really tiring and hectic.”
“Not only the bride and groom are tired, but their families are too,” Cindy joked.
“So, one time in life is enough.”
Peggy Lewis stuck out her tongue: “If you dare to do it again, Adrian Zhekova won’t allow it either.”
“Don’t talk about me, you’re the same,” Cindy replied disapprovingly.
This time, Morgan Zhekova was once again given the important role of a flower boy.
At the wedding, Mrs.
Lewis wept profusely.
Even Mr.
Lewis, who didn’t want people to see him cry and considered it unbecoming for a grown man to weep, still had red eyes and subtly wiped away his tears.
Cindy felt envious.
During Peggy Lewis’s wedding, there was Mrs.
Lewis’s reluctant and touched crying.
There was Mr.
Lewis’s distressed and suppressed sobs.
“What’s wrong?” Adrian Zhekova noticed that Cindy’s mood wasn’t right and asked softly.
Cindy shook her head, the slightly negative emotions she had just felt quickly dissipated.
She looked up with a smile at Adrian Zhekova.
At her own wedding, although her parents weren’t there to feel for her and cried for her, and in fact, even caused trouble.
She had Adrian Zhekova.
This man walked down the red carpet with her.
He never let her be alone.
“I was just thinking of our wedding.” said Cindy.
“I didn’t realize what it feels like to be sitting in the audience.”
Adrian Zhekova, with heartfelt understanding, seemed to know what Cindy was thinking earlier.
He took Cindy’s hand and said, “You have me.”
“Parents and children cannot accompany us to the end,” Adrian Zhekova said.
“Therefore, we have each other.
Don’t envy others, we’re all the same.”
“Hmm.” Cindy nodded.
***
“What did you say?” Wendy Clarke seemed not to have heard Ethan Zhekova’s words clearly.
“I said, choose between you and your mother to get hurt,” said Ethan Zhekova.
“Then Cindy will surely come to see you.”
Chapter 1329: It’s More Suitable for My Mom to Get Hurt_1 Adrian Zhekova does not expect to gain much power anymore.
After all, he has been stripped of everything he possesses.
He must fight, of course.
But that’s for later.
It’s not realistic to fight now.
For now, he must ensure to regain what he has lost.
He must plan and proceed gradually and exercise patience, going step by step, proceeding steadily and surely.
...
Thinking of this, Adrian Zhekova felt hatred welling up within him.
Had Wendy Clarke not betrayed him, he could have used Cindy Clarke to kick Ethan Zhekova off his pedestal.
Instead, he’s now in a position where he can only reclaim what was rightfully his.
“What do you plan to do?” Wendy Clarke asked anxiously.
“Nothing much, it won’t put your lives in danger,” Adrian explained, “Just means that one of you will have to get hurt.”
“Of course, a minor injury probably won’t do.
Something like a cut or scratch won’t even make Cindy worry, let alone if it was you who got injured even if you told your mom, she wouldn’t fret.” Adrian added.
“So, we need to create a situation where Cindy feels anxious, where she feels compelled to come see you, but one that doesn’t pose actual danger.” Adrian continued.
“While Cindy may not keep contact with you two, in the end, you remain some of the few relatives she has left in this world.
If either of you were to actually get hurt, she wouldn’t completely ignore it.”
“Just like how she finds you two annoying, she has never actually harmed you.
Ethan Zhekova even sent your dad back to Nork City, and put your mom in a costly Elderly Care Center to keep you from disturbing Cindy”
“Put in my place, I would directly lock you away somewhere, or use a more permanent solution.” Adrian said, coldly.
So, even Ethan Zhekova is somewhat compassionate.
His failure to nip the problem in the bud, to let loose ends persist, create opportunities for adversaries to cause him trouble.
Such mercy, indecisiveness in critical moments, how could he effectively lead the Zhekova Family?
In this regard, Adrian Zhekova was unforgiving.
Hearing him say this, Wendy Clarke became anxious.
So, crossing Adrian Zhekova could indeed cost her life.
“The injury this time won’t be minor, but it must be to the point where you’re immobilized,” Adrian declared.
“As for how it’s done, I’ll arrange it all.”
“You just have to choose, whether Christy Xenos gets hurt or yourself, that’ll be enough.” Adrian declared.
“A….serious injury?” Wendy Clarke asked.
“If I say it’s not severe, that’s impossible.
If the injury isn’t severe, Cindy won’t even bother about you,” Adrian Relented.
“But if you ask me how severe it is, rest assured, it won’t cost you your life.” Adrian sneered.
Wendy Clarke didn’t think Adrian Zhekova would have their safety at heart.
If he says it won’t be severe, Wendy thought, it probably just means that they’d be left barely alive.
“I think it would be more suitable for my mother to get hurt,” Wendy decided.
Seeing Adrian Zhekova smirk and give her a look.
Wendy didn’t know whether she was lying to Adrian or to herself: “I didn’t suggest my mother because I’m afraid to get hurt.”
“It’s because no matter how severe my injury, Cindy will not react in the slightest.
Even if I were to die, Cindy would remain indifferent,” Wendy explained, affirming that her injury would not be useful at all.”
“Besides, between my mother and me, one person gets injured while the other takes charge of communication.
It isn’t just about maintaining contact with Cindy, but also coordinating with you and ensuring all these matters are connected.”
Chapter 1330: Mother And Daughter Fall Out_1 “I’m afraid my mother can’t handle all this,” Wendy Clarke said, “And she has never collaborated with you before.
My mother, is somewhat uncouth, inexperienced in the ways of the world.
I’m afraid she might hold you back.
I don’t think your collaboration will go smoothly.” Even though Wendy Clarke’s words made some sense, Ethan Zhekova still thought these were just excuses she was making up.
Though her words were beautifully crafted, she was still choosing to sacrifice Christy Xenos in the end.
He wasn’t sure, if Christy Xenos knew about this, would she continue to support Wendy Clarke as she always had before.
*** After the wedding of Lyke Zhekova and Peggy Lewis, Adrian Zhekova returned home with Cindy Clarke and Morgan Zhekova.
...
“Finally, everything is finished.
From now on, you won’t have to accompany anyone else for their weddings,” Adrian Zhekova said.
“Yes, I won’t have to accompany anyone anymore.” The only reason she did was for her best friend, Peggy Lewis.
As her close friend, Cindy Clarke naturally had to be there with her.
“I felt too uncomfortable without you at home.
Even though you were gone for only a night, it felt like you were gone for a very long time,” Adrian Zhekova said pitifully.
Cindy Clarke dismissed his feelings as “exaggerated,” but she still giggled happily.
At that moment, Adrian Zhekova’s mobile phone began to ring.
Adrian Zhekova took out his mobile phone, glanced at the screen and said, “I have to answer this call.” Cindy Clarke nodded, and Adrian Zhekova left with his mobile phone for the Study Room.
This time the call was from Perry Gustav: “Master Adrian, Ethan Zhekova and Wendy Clarke are making moves.” Perry Gustav then relayed the plan that the two had formulated.
Adrian Zhekova clicked his tongue in disapproval.
He thought that after the severe lesson Ethan Zhekova had received, he would turn over a new leaf, rise above his past and straighten out.
But it seemed that Ethan Zhekova was still incorrigible, not learning his lesson and heading further down the path to his own destruction.
As for Wendy Clarke, it was a pity she wasn’t choosing to live a peaceful life.
He had once let her off the hook, yet she had shown no signs of repentance.
“Tell Christy Xenos about the plan they’ve made, and let her make her own choice,” Adrian Zhekova said.
“Yes,” replied Perry Gustav, and he went to do as instructed.
After Adrian Zhekova hung up the call, he eagerly anticipated Christy Xenos’ decision.
Wendy Clarke, the daughter he valued most, was planning to leave her half-disabled in bed.
He wondered what Christy Xenos was feeling about that.
Would she choose to let Wendy have her way, or would she retaliate?
This anticipated clash between mother and daughter was indeed something to look forward to.
Previously, when Perry Gustav had sent people to Wendy Clarke’s home to collect the recordings, they had also installed listening devices there.
Given Ethan Zhekova’s cautiousness, it was unlikely that he would discuss these secret matters with Wendy Clarke in any public place.
He was always wary about walls having ears, and so he wouldn’t bring Wendy Clarke to his place, so he would only go to Wendy Clarke’s house.
And coincidentally, Wendy Clarke’s house was now vacant, making it the perfect place for them to discuss their plans.
And even if he miscalculated, even if Ethan Zhekova didn’t go to Wendy Clarke’s house.
As long as he contacted Wendy Clarke, people keeping an eye on her from Perry Gustav’s end would certainly find out.
ƝοѵǤο.сᴑ
They could then tail them accordingly.
The two guards who had taken Wendy Clarke to the Elderly Care Center to meet Christy Xenos had reported back to Adrian Zhekova about Christy Xenos’ attitude towards Wendy Clarke.
In Adrian Zhekova’s view, Christy Xenos was not that selfless towards Wendy Clarke.
Instead of firstly considering Wendy Clarke’s predicament, she prioritized her own preferences.
In the past, when she supported Wendy Clarke, she was actually planning for her own future.
She thought that siding with Wendy Clarke would be to her advantage.