Ch. 1316..1320
Chapter 1316
hapter 1316 Shermaine looked at his still—cold fa6ce and quickly smiled. “That's great. I’m relieved,” she smiled brightly and spoke in a gentle tone.
She looked remarkably similar to Sylvia.
Odell‘s gaze was stunned for a moment, then he said, “Go out and do your own thing. Don't bother about anything else.” The words that sounded comforting made Shermaine’s heart rejoice, but she simply said, “Yes, sir.”
Then, she walked out.
Odell immediately closed his eyes to rest.
Shermaine had saved Madam Carter before and did not seem to have any other thoughts about him. Sylvia must be overthinking. He had always been strict with his subordinates , but he would not treat his staff who were serious about their work harshly.
When Secretary Ackerman returned, he would ask the HR department to arrange a more suitable position for Shermaine. Two more busy days passed.
That afternoon, at about two o'clock, a luxury MPV from Glanchester stopped outside the building entrance.
Ayoung man disembarked from the car.
The man wore a dark gray suit and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses. His figure was straight and slender while his skin glowed under the sunlight. His features were handsome, and he exuded a noble yet modest aura around him.
After getting out of the car, he did not rush in but instead reached out toward the rear seat. Then, he carried out a chubby two-year-old girl who was sleeping He moved gently, fearing that any sudden movement would wake her up.
Then, he stepped into the building. When the woman working at the reception desk saw him, she immediately blushed in infatuation, but she maintained her politeness and asked, “May | ask who you are looking for, sir?”
John smiled and said, “I'm looking for Master Carter.” (UL
“Do you have an appointment?” “I'm John Stockton from Glanchester. You can ask his secretary to pass on the message to
him.” John Stockton? The staff was confused for a moment 12
before coming back to her senses, and she immediately called the president's secretary's desk.
Not long after that, she smiled and said to John, “Master Stockton, Master Carter would like you to wait for a moment. His secretary will come down to pick you up immediately.”
John smiled and nodded.
Soon, the elevator door opened, and a young woman in professional attire walked toward him with quick steps. 11
John narrowed his eyes when he saw her pretty face. Shermaine quickly walked up to him and said with a smile, “This way, Master Stockton.” John glanced at her again. “Sure.” He carried Caprice toward the elevator.
Once inside , he looked at Shermaine again. His gaze was gentle and polite, but it was unspeakably sharp and oppressive. After a brief pause, Shermaine could not help but ask,” Master Stockton, why are you staring at me?” John glanced at her nametag and asked, “Are you and Mrs. Carter related?”
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Shermaine's gaze flashed as she smiled back at him. “I've met Mrs. Carter a few times. She's an exceptional and beautiful woman, but | have no relationship with her.”
John pursed his lips. His eyes fell on his daughter's cute little face, and he did not look at Shermaine anymore. Shermaine frowned. ‘Why is the richest man in Glanchester asking me this? Is it because Sylvia and | resemble each other?
Soon, the elevator reached the top floor. John walked out with Caprice in his arms and went straight to Odell's office door, pushing it open. Shermaine stood outside the door and did not follow him.
Odell was handling business in the office. When he heard the sudden movement of the door, he knitted his brows and looked over with some displeasure. Upon seeing John, he asked, “Why didn’t you knock?"
Chapter 1317
1317 “| didn't want to wake my Caprice.” Odell pursed his lips, then put down the documents in his hand and looked at John. “Why are you here?”
“Nothing much. It's just been a while since I've been here, so | came to say hi.” As he spoke, he hugged Caprice and sat down on the sofa.
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IT
Odell frowned. “I still have work to do. If you don't need anything else, then leave.” John laughed. “You can work. I'll leave after a while.”
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Odell glanced at him and saw that he was staring at the child in his arms and could not help but ask, “Do you take the child with you everywhere you go?”
“Yes, my Caprice can't leave my side, and | don’t feel comfortable leaving her at home alone.” Odell‘s lips twitched downward, and he stopped paying attention to John. He looked down and continued to work Chapter 1317
on his documents.
The office was quiet for a while.
Caprice woke up from her nap. Her thick and curvy eyelashes fluttered, then she opened her eyes. “Daddy...” she called out softly.
John smiled and said softly, “I'm here. Are you hungry?”
Caprice pouted her little mouth. “I wanna pee.”
“Okay.” John immediately looked at Odell. “Master Carter, where's your washroom?”
Odell looked in one direction. Over there.”
At that moment, Caprice turned her head and saw Odell, and greeted softly, “Uncle Odell...”
Odell returned a smile to her.
John carried her to the washroom.
Not long after that, the little girl walked out on her own after finishing her business. She did not walk fast and ambled slowly while looking around, her big round eyes wandering around the place curiously.
John followed behind her, his eyes fixed on her. There was a patient and doting smile on his face. Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Caprice stopped in her tracks when she heard the sound and looked over curiously.
Odell, who was dealing with his work, said, “Come in.”
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The door was pushed open, and Shermaine walked in with tea. One cup was placed on Odell’s desk, and the other cup was placed on the coffee table in front of the couch.
“Aunty...” Caprice suddenly ran over with her short legs. Shermaine was stunned. John frowned and immediately followed Caprice.
Odell also raised his head and looked over.
Caprice quickly ran up to Shermaine and tilted her head to look at the latter.
Shermaine looked at the little girl's innocent and cute appearance, and a smile decorated her mouth. Just as she was about to say something, she saw the light in the bottom of the girl's eyes extinguish , and she muttered unhappily, “Not Aunty.”
Then, she turned her head and hugged John’‘s leg.
John carried her into his arms and asked with a smile,” Do you miss Aunty?” Caprice said, “Yeah.”
“Daddy will take you to her later.”
Caprice‘s two large eyes instantly brightened. “Okay.”
To the side, Shermaine's gaze flickered. She was not dumb. The ‘aunty’ that this rich man‘s daughter was referring to was Sylvia.
Atrace of displeasure flashed through her heart, but she soon straightened her expression and said with a smile,” Master Stockton, does the young lady need anything to eat and drink? I'll go prepare it for her.”
John glanced at her. “There‘s no need. I'll be bringing her out soon.”
“Understood.” Shermaine turned around and went out.
John turned to Odell again. “Master Carter, since you're busy, I'll take Caprice to your house to visit Mrs. Carter first.” Odell looked at the documents in his hand and replied,” Sure, go ahead.”
John carried Caprice and went out. When he passed by the secretary‘s desk outside , he glanced twice at Shermaine. again.
Chapter 1318
Chapter 1318 Soon, John returned to the car with Caprice in his arms.
The driver, bodyguard, and Aunt Wanda were in the car. These were the people he brought with him when he went out almost anywhere for the past two years.
After getting into the car, he said to the driver, “Go to the Carters‘ residence.”
Then, he said to Aunt Wanda, “Take out some snacks for me.”
“Sure.” Aunt Wanda immediately took out a box of small snacks from her bag. They were all Caprice‘s favorites. John opened the box and handed it to her.
Caprice sat in his arms, holding the box in her hands. Her stubby little hands picked up the crackers and put them in her mouth. The way she ate was a little slow, much like her usual actions.
She would gnaw on a cracker that could easily be finished
11
in two or three bites for quite a while. She ate quietly the entire way.
Half an hour later, the car stopped outside the old Carters residence.
Caprice put down the snack box before John carried her in.
When Sebastian saw them, he revealed a loving smile and trotted in to report their arrival.
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The moment John carried Caprice to the courtyard, Flint's chubby figure came running out from inside. “Hello, Uncle John.” He first opened his mouth to greet John, then his large eyes stared at Caprice.
John smiled and hummed, pretending not to see the boy‘s eyes on Caprice, and carried her straight inside. Flint followed like a little ankle—biter.
Caprice quickly saw him and opened her mouth to call — him. “Flint...”
John frowned and finally placed her on the ground.
Caprice immediately trotted toward Flint.
Flint also ran toward her and hugged her as soon as he was in front of her. He also kissed her twice on her rosy cheeks.
When Caprice burst out into giggles, John’s expression darkened. The two little ones were immersed in the joy of meeting each other and did not even look at him.
4 After kissing each other's face to say hello, they walked over hand in hand.
At this point, Sylvia also came out from inside.
Seeing Caprice, she curled her lips and called out with a smile, “Caprice!”
“Aunty!” Caprice immediately ran toward her.
Sylvia quickly took the girl into her arms, looking her up and down while holding her.
Caprice was a little bigger than when she saw her a month ago, but what was more obvious was that the girl had gained a little bit of weight. Her face and body were chubby, and she was now almost as heavy as Flint.
Sylvia held back her laughter and said, “Our Caprice has grown up a little more and is even prettier now.”
The girl had always been beautiful, but now that she had gained some weight, it was hard to hide her cuteness.
Caprice smiled. “Thank you, Aunty.”
Her voice was also sweet and childish . Sylvia could not help but nuzzle her cheek.
After cooing at her for a while, Sylvia carried her and walked inside. Flint followed her closely.
John smiled and walked into the living room too.
Madam Carter and Aunt Tonya were both in the living room, sitting on the other side while watching TV.
John greeted them and sat down on the couch. Sylvia sat on the couch diagonally across from him, holding Caprice in her arms. Flint was glued to her side.
Caprice did not even bother to glance at John anymore. John did not take offense. The corners of his mouth curled in a smile when he saw how happy Caprice was in Sylvia's arms.
Soon, he picked up the tea that the maid poured, took a sip, and said, “I just came over from Master Carter's office.”
Chapter 1319
Sylvia‘s expression changed, and she looked at him. “You went to look for him?” “Yeah, but he seemed very busy, so | came here.”
Sylvia said nothing.
John continued, “By the way, when did Master Carter change his secretary?” Sylvia frowned, and her expression also turned cold.” Some time ago.”
John took in her expression. It seemed like she knew about the change of secretary. However, according to her expression, she did not seem to like his new secretary very much.
“| think she looks a little similar to you. My Caprice almost mistook her for you at first glance.” After a pause, he asked, “Are you two related?”
Sylvia‘s replied in a cold voice, “No.”
“Then, who introduced her to Master Carter as a secretary? She looks quite young and doesn't seem very qualified.” Sylvia looked at him in displeasure. “If you're interested in her, just ask Odell directly. Why are you asking me?” John smiled at her. “You've misunderstood. I'm just curious. I'm not interested in her type.”
While Sylvia gave him a cold look and ignored him, John simply drank his tea. A while later, he looked at the clock, got up, and said to Caprice, “Caprice, let's go home.”
Caprice pouted. “Kay.”
Then, she climbed down from Sylvia‘s arms and obediently walked over to him.
John picked her up with one hand and said to Sylvia,” We'll be leaving now, Mrs. Carter. See you next time.” Sylvia pursed her lips. “Take care.”
John then carried Caprice out.
Flint immediately followed them to the gate.
Sylvia also could not bear for Caprice to leave so quickly and followed them to the door.
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Flint said to Caprice, “Caprice, there's a lot of fun stuff here. Come here often and I'll play with you.”
Caprice went, “Uh-huh.” Soon, John carried her to the car.
Only then did Flint turn around and see Sylvia's somewhat despondent look. It seemed she was thinking about something unhappy.
“Mommy, what's wrong?” He walked up to Sylvia and hugged her leg, looking up warmly at her. Sylvia picked him up and smiled at him. “I'm fine. I'm just a little reluctant to part with Caprice.” Flint comforted her, “It's okay. Uncle Jack will definitely bring her over again soon.”
Sylvia smiled. “Yeah, you're right.”
However, why did she still feel annoyed?
Was it because John brought Shermaine up?
Asilver MPV drove toward Glanchester. 4 L
Inside the car, John sat in the back row with Caprice in his arms. Not long after getting into the car, the girl stared out of the window in a daze, not playing with her toys or eating.
John gently touched her little face. “What's on your mind, Caprice?”
Caprice said, “Mommy.”
John's expression sank.
Caprice seemed to perceive his emotions. She nuzzled him and called out in a spoiled tone, “Daddy... Mommy...”
She was only two years old and not very good at articulating. However, John understood that she was asking where her mother was.
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John cradled her. After a long time, he said, “Mommy went to a faraway place, and Daddy can't find her yet, but Daddy will find her one day. Just wait.”
Caprice stopped nuzzling him, hummed obediently, then fell asleep in his arms.
After a while, John wrapped an arm around her when he saw that she fell asleep, and took out his phone from her pocket with the other.
Chapter 1320
For two years, that woman never posted anything on any of her social media accounts. John did not know if it was because she blocked him, or if she simply did not update her status.
After thinking for a while, he typed out a message, “Odell is having an affair. He‘s cheating on Sylvia with his little secretary who looks like Sylvia.”
Then, he copied it and sent it to all her social media accounts, including her email. Then, he put his phone back into his pocket, held Caprice, and closed his eyes. It was another night of sleeping alone.
Late at night, after seeing the three little ones go to sleep, Sylvia returned to the bedroom. Her phone rang just as she was about to go to bed.
She picked up the phone and saw a message from Sherry, “Syl, what happened? Did that damned man have another affair?” Sylvia‘s lips twitched downward. “Where did you hear that from?”
“That sh*tty John sent me another email and said that Odell is having an affair with his secretary.”
Sylvia pursed her lips. “He‘s lying.”
She guessed that he only sent that message to Sherry to trick her into coming back. What a jerk.
Sherry, who was far away in Coastrock City, was relieved when she saw the message. However, she was still worried and asked, “Is there a secretary who looks like you beside Odell?”
Sylvia replied, “Yeah, but we're not that similar. She‘s that girl who saved Grandma two years ago.” Sherry typed, “How did she become Odell's secretary ?”
Sylvia told Sherry how Shermaine had been working at
Carter Corporation‘s front desk for two years before Cliff promoted her to become Odell's secretary. Sherry said, “I see. Is she honest in her work? Does she have any feelings for Odell?”
Sylvia frowned. After hesitating for a while, she replied,” She works hard, so probably not.”
Although she did not like Shermaine, there was no evidence to prove that the latter had any feelings for Odell. She could not say that there was something wrong with her just based on her intuition.
Sylvia did not want to talk about this and asked, “What about you? How have you been recently?” Sherry replied, “Not bad.” Every time Sylvia asked that question, Sherry replied the same way.
Sylvia did not ask anything more and said, “John brought Caprice over today. The girl gained some weight again. | took two pictures secretly. Take a look.”
Then, she sent the two candid pictures to Sherry.
lidUT TOZU
It took a while before Sherry replied. “She's so pretty. She sure takes after me.”
Sylvia could not help but laugh. It was true that Caprice took after Sherry, but she resembled John even more. Sylvia said, “She's very clever. She speaks and does everything slowly. It's really cute.”
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John obviously spoiled her. Sylvia originally thought that Caprice would be very arrogant, but she was unexpectedly the opposite.
Sherry typed, “Of course. She came out of my belly.”
Sylvia replied, “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”
Sherry responded, “Alright, I'll leave it at that. | still have something to do. Go rest early!”
Sylvia was just about to reply when she received another message. “By the way, John wouldn't send me such nonsense for no reason. You'd better pay attention to that secretary. | know Odell has a good relationship with you, but it's a bit gross that he’s keeping someone who looks like you by his side. It's best to let Odell get rid of her, so she doesn't affect your lives.”
Sylvia‘s eyes flickered, and she replied, “Yeah, | know.”
After the chat, she placed the phone by the bed.
The night outside the window was quiet, and the room was silent, but she did not feel sleepy at all.
She wanted him to fire Shermaine , but he refused. She also did not know how capable Shermaine was either. She took a breath, lifted the quilt over her face, and stopped thinking about it.
Another two days passed, but Odell had not returned.
That night, not only was Flint clamoring for his father, but even Madam Carter also started to ask about him.