Ch. 1526..1530
Chapter 1526
Chapter 1526 Queenie was in the living room in her pajamas and looking frustrated for having been woken up by a call. She put the phone by her ear and grumbled, “Mom, why are you calling me at this hour?!”
From the other side of the phone, Madam Stockton’s voice clearly sounded annoyed when she heard her daughter’s tone. “It’s late! What are you doing outside with your brother and Caprice?”
Queenie was stunned. “Didn’t John tell you that we're staying here for the night? We'll come back tomorrow afternoon.” Madam Stockton gulped nervously. “You guys are staying there with the Carters?!”
“Yeah. | was already sleeping before you called me!”
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?!” Madam Stockton sounded angry.
Annoyed, Queenie said, “I thought Brother told you.”
Madam Stockton choked on her emotions. “Where’s Caprice? Where is she?”
“She's already asleep.”
“How was she? Did she hurt herself while playing?”
Queenie said with a smile, “No. She was a good girl. She’s been with Liam the whole
day.”
“Liam? The Carters’ eldest son?”
“Yeah.”
“He’s just a child! How can you let Caprice be with him the whole day? Shouldn’t Sherry be watching her?”
“Mom, Liam might also be a child, but he’s good at taking care of others. Besides, Caprice only wants to be with Liam. She doesn’t even care when Brother calls her. There are also bodyguards around, so Sherry doesn’t really need to stay by her side the whole day.”
“She's the girl’s mother! She must be by Caprice’s side!” Madam Stockton voiced her
concern.
Queenie knew her mother was prejudiced against Sherry, and it was difficult to
persuade her in such a short time. Therefore, she pursed her lips and decided not to
argue.
Madam Stockton added, “Fine. Go to sleep. If anything happens to Caprice, call me at once, got it?” “Yeah. | got it,” Queenie answered.
The call ended.
Queenie returned to the room that she shared with Isabel.
Sherry, who had been eavesdropping at the door, returned to the bed after Queenie
left.
Sylvia noticed the look on her face and asked, “What's wrong?” “It's nothing. Queenie had a call. Where were we just now?” she said with a smile. Sylvia said, “You ran into Madam Sagers, helped her deal with some thug, and she brought you into the company.”
“Oh, right. After that, | became a normal salesperson at the company and helped them secure a major deal after that...” Sherry continued her story. She told Sylvia what happened throughout the years while she was gone.
At midnight, Sherry finally got tired. She yawned and said, “Syl, let's sleep. I’m tired.” Sylvia smiled. “Alright.” The lights went off and the room turned quiet.
Sherry’s eyes, however, remained open. Queenie’s call lingered in her mind. Although she did not hear what Madam Stockton said, she was certain that the lady must have been talking badly about her again.
However, Madam Stockton’s comments about her were not what troubled her. She was concerned about the kisses John had given her back in the game room earlier.
Had the man got out of his mind? Was it a sign that he no longer wanted the marriage to remain contractual?
Back at the Stocktons’ residence, Madam Stockton’s house remained lit in the night. She had just finished the call in the living room and grunted coldly.
Chapter 1527
Chapter 1527 Julie was beside her when the call ended. She asked, “Mother, what's wrong? What did Queenie say? Are they staying outside?” “Yeah. They are already resting.”
Julie carefully sized up Madam Stockton’s expression. She furrowed her brows and said, “Why didn’t John say anything about it?”
“Hmph! John is bedazzled by that woman again. Of course, she’s badmouthing me in front of my son!” “I'm sure she won't, Mother. Even if Sherry did say something, John is still your son, your own blood. He won’t abandon you.”
“He won't abandon me, alright, but look at how many days has it been? Ever since | brought Sherry’s parents here, | didn’t even get the chance to see Caprice, let alone hold her!”
The more Madam Stockton thought about it, the angrier she was. “It’s the weekend! They are off work, and they could've stayed home with Caprice. | thought | could spend some time with my granddaughter, but they just had to go out and spend the night outside! UGH!” Madam Stockton exhaled strongly.
Julie gently patted her back and calmed her down. “Mother, please calm down. John went out because the Carters came over.”
Madam Stockton’s furious expression eased when she heard Odell’s name. Although she disliked Sherry and Sylvia, Odell was the CEO of Carter Corporation, and John should spend more time with him for potential business opportunities.
Just when she calmed down for a bit, Julie said, “Mother, you shouldn't be angry at Ms. Fowler as well. She’s Caprice’s biological mother. Even if she can’t communicate with you well, she will take good care of Caprice.”
Madam Stockton’s expression turned grim. “I know she'll take good care of Caprice, but sooner or later, the girl won’t even know that she has a grandmother!”
“lm sure that won't happen. Caprice only has one grandmother, and that’s you. How could she forget about you?”
Madam Stockton retorted angrily, “Enough, stop talking about her in front of me. The more | think of that woman, the angrier | am!”
Julie pursed her lips helplessly.
Madam Stockton waved at her and said, “It’s late. You should go rest.” “Alright, Mother. You should rest early as well.”
“Mm-hmm...”
Julie had one last worried glance at Madam Stockton before she went out.
As soon as she was out of the living room, the worried look was replaced by an evil grin. The old lady was the only person who could make Sherry leave John for good! The more the old lady resented Sherry, the faster it would happen!
The next day, when Sherry and Sylvia finally woke up, the kids in the other two rooms were already gone. Only John and Odell were waiting for them in the living room. Sherry asked, “Did Queenie go out with the kids?”
John looked askance at her as if she was asking the obvious.
Sherry glared back before she clung onto Sylvia’s arm and went out. The men also got up and followed their wives out. The day flew by in a playful manner.
In the evening, the two families finally left Harmony Garden.
Both John and Odell’s cars were already waiting at the gate. The bodyguards and drivers were on standby.
Sherry hugged Sylvia tightly and said, “Syl, I'll go visit with Caprice when | have the time.”
Sylvia smiled. “Alright. I'll be waiting.”
John was beside Sherry when he spoke to Odell, “Master Carter, it’s great having you over this time.”
Odell curved his lips. “Thank you for having us.”
John answered, “It’s our pleasure to have you with us here for the weekend. Sherry and | are happy to see you and your family. Please do visit us again in the future.”
Chapter 1528
Isabel and Flint also went back to their parents whereas Queenie went over to Sherry.
Only Caprice remained clinging to Liam’s sleeve.
The parents of both children looked at them. The girl was having a hard time leaving the boy.
John furrowed his brows momentarily and then curved his lips into a smile. He said softly, “Caprice, Liam has to go back to Westchester with his family. We should go home as well.”
Caprice pouted. Her expression turned sour, and she hugged Liam tightly, burying her face into his chest. John was left speechless.
Sherry lips twitched helplessly. She said, “Caprice, Liam has to go back with his family. It’s getting late, so it’s time to let him go. I'll bring you to Westchester to visit him when we have the time, okay?”
Caprice looked up at her mother, but her hands remained around Liam’s waist.
Sherry looked at her gently.
Caprice pursed her lips for a while before her eyes turned wet.
Sherry got nervous, and so was John. Even Sylvia, Odell, and the others looked slightly worried. With her teary eyes, the girl looked pitiful.
Before anyone could come up with a solution, Liam patted the girl’s red beret and said, “Caprice, we will see each other again, so don’t worry. Go home with your father and mother.” He was a young boy yet his voice sounded like a mature adult’s.
Caprice’s eyes flickered. She asked, “Liam, will you come to see me again?” After a momentary silence, Liam answered, “I will.” — Caprice finally released her hands.
Liam patted her again. “Goodbye.”
She protruded her lips and said adorably, “Bye-bye, Liam.” Liam then turned around without pause and went into the car. Sylvia said goodbye to Sherry and then went into the car with Odell and her other kids.
As soon as Liam disappeared into the car, Caprice already wanted to chase after him. It was Sherry who grabbed her and lifted her up to the car window for her to see the boy inside.
Liam was sitting by the window, and when he sensed Caprice’s gaze, he turned to her.
As the car started, he waved and smiled at Caprice before the car drove off. The smile on his handsome face made him look extremely charming.
Even Sherry was bedazzled by the boy’s charms, let alone her daughter who was already infatuated with him.
As soon as the car disappeared beyond the junction, Caprice pouted and her eyes turned wet. She started to weep.
Sherry was heart-stricken by the girl’s tears. She hugged the girl and comforted her, ” Baby, don’t cry. Liam said he will come back, and he will.”
Caprice continued to weep.
Sherry continued, “I'll bring you to see Liam in Westchester when we have the time, okay?”
Caprice buried her face into her mother’s chest, sobbing. She was heartbroken for parting with Liam. Sherry looked at John helplessly.
John sighed. He said gently, “Daddy just got Liam’s contact number from Uncle
Odell. When they reach home, I'll help you video—call Liam, okay?”
Caprice’s weeping paused. She looked up at her father with her teary eyes and said meekly, “Okay...” She finally stopped crying after that.
Sherry helplessly pursed her lips.
Chapter 1529
John pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the tears and snot off the girl’s face. Then, he stared at Sherry’s chest. Sherry flushed. “What are you looking at?”
John wickedly grinned and narrowed his eyes. “Do you want me to wipe it off for you?”
Caprice’s weeping had left tears and snot on Sherry’s chest.
Sherry glared at him. “No thanks!” She then carried Caprice into the car.
John chuckled and followed them inside.
Queenie captured the little interaction from the side and pursed her lips. She was the last one to get into the car.
During the quiet journey back, Caprice fell asleep due to exhaustion from all the weeping. Her adorable face leaned onto Sherry’s chest quietly as she was soundly
asleep.
Sherry smiled gently while she stared at the girl.
John looked at her with a smile. His gaze switched from her to Caprice, and then from Caprice to her.
The car finally arrived at the Stocktons‘ residence.
Queenie was the first one to get out of the car when they reached, and she went straight back to her own house without pause. The car drove further into the residence and stopped in front of John and Sherry’s house.
John got out.
When Sherry wanted to get out, he had already circled the car and stood by her side with his hands reached out. “I'll carry Caprice.”
It was difficult for her to get down with Caprice in her arms, so she passed the girl to her father. John took a step back while he held Caprice.
Sherry put her legs out of the car, but before they could touch the ground, the man’s rich voice sounded, “Be careful, there’s ice on the ground.”
Sherry hummed a reply and got out of the car.
However, she lost her balance when her feet could not land properly on the ground. She started to wobble forward, but a strong hand held her by the wrist and helped her recover her balance.
Sherry fell into his arms and almost hit Caprice. Embarrassed, she quickly took a step backward and reinforced her landing on the ground.
John glanced at her and asked, “Are you okay? Did you sprain your ankle?” Sherry’s eyes flickered.
Nine years ago, when they were still madly in love, Sherry would always lose her balance due to some large movements. She would either fall or sprain her ankle. Every time she sprained her ankle, John would put ice on the swollen foot and jokingly call her a clumsy person, but he was always gentle with his hands.
Sherry choked on the memories and was heart-stricken for a moment. She quickly pulled herself out of her thoughts and said, “It's okay. I’m fine.”
John hummed a reply. Then, he kicked her.
Sherry glared at him. “What was that for?!”
“To make you remember.”
The man then headed into the house with Caprice.
Annoyed, Sherry went after him and wanted to take revenge on him, but when she walked into the courtyard, something at the side of her gaze caught her attention. She stopped and turned to the left side of the wall.
Madam Stockton had been waiting there for a while now, just to have a glance at Caprice.
Sherry’s sudden attention shocked her, and she instinctively took a few steps back behind the wall. She came to see Caprice, but she did not want Sherry to find out, or else, the wicked woman would badmouth her in front of John again.
Sherry’s eyes flickered in that particular direction. Jason, the bodyguard, asked, “Madam, what's the matter?”
Sherry retracted her gaze and said, “Nothing.”
Chapter 1530
Sherry then went inside the house, and Jason followed.
Madam Stockton noticed there was no one else in the front yard, so she came out and walked back to her own place. A few steps later, she saw Julie waiting for her at the corner.
Julie smiled and said, “Mother, | heard John came back with Ms. Fowler and Caprice. Are you here to see them?” Madam Stockton’s expression turned frosty and said with annoyance, “Indeed, | saw
them.”
Julie went up to her and said out of concern, “Then, why are you walking back?”
Madam Stockton did not want to tell Julie that she was almost exposed for watching from afar, so she simply said, “Caprice was sleeping, so | came back.”
Julie’s eyes flickered. “What about John? What did he and Ms. Fowler say to you?”
Madam Stockton did not even meet him. If Sherry had not badmouthed her in front of John, the mother—and-son relationship would not be this tense, and she would not need to peek from afar just to have a glance at Caprice.
The thought about Sherry made her mad. She grumbled, “Nothing!”
Julie pursed her lips. She accompanied the lady for a short while and asked meekly,” Mother, did Ms. Fowler say anything to you?”
“Hmph! She wouldn’t dare!” Madam Stockton’s expression turned frosty. “But | bet she’s bad—mouthing me in front of John.” “She’s with John almost every day, and since you are having difficulty communicating with her, I’m sure she'll say a thing or two.” Madam Stockton frowned and her expression turned grim.
Julie watched as the lady's expression shifted. She continued, “But | believe John won't simply believe her. He knows who you really are, and he cares about you.”
Madam Stockton’s brows remained furrowed. Her expression screamed anxiety and frustration.
If John really cared about her, he would have let her see Caprice already. He obviously cared about Sherry more.
Sherry had just married into the family recently, and he was already starting to keep Caprice from her. In time, she might even lose her position in the house. The thought of it fueled her anxiety.
“Mother, you shouldn't be thinking about that now,” Julie said.
Madam Stockton glared at her. “Enough. Stop talking!”
The anxiety was driving her mad.
Julie zipped her mouth. She did not react sourly to Madam Stockton’s temper but showed submission instead.
Madam Stockton was instantly drowned by her guilt. She liked her second daughter- in-law, but she felt sorry for her as well.
Her second son passed away a few days after the wedding. Not only did Julie remain a widow until now, but she even helped the Stocktons take care of everything in the house. Sherry was not even half as good as her.
Madam Stockton switched to a softer tone and said, “Julie, I’m not mad at you. I’m mad at that woman.”
“| understand, Mother. | just hope that you can let it go. Being angry will only harm your health,” Julie said softly.
“Sigh. If only Sherry is half as good as you, | wouldn’t be this angry.”
“Mother...”
“Stop persuading me. | want to be alone for a while.” Her mind was drowning in messy thoughts. Julie pursed her lips. “Okay.” She stopped following Madam Stockton, and simply
watched from the back.
Madam Stockton continued walking home with her head down. Even without seeing her expression, her walking posture alone screamed anxiety and frustration.
Julie grinned. Judging from the progress, Madam Stockton would soon come up with a plan to chase Sherry out of the house. Back inside Sherry and John’s house, when Sherry entered the living room, John had already placed Caprice in her room.
Sherry went to the room as well and took off her jacket and shoes. She lay down beside Caprice and said to John with a smile, “I'll take care of her. You can go do your own thing.”
John curved his lips. “Il have nothing to do now.”
He then unbuttoned his jacket.