Ch. 1691..1700

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1691

The Return

After baring their souls to each other, Zachary and Johann’s bonds were further strengthened.

Having survived many trials and tribulations together, Zachary and his subordinates deepened the camaraderie and loyalty they shared.

Ever since Henry established Nacht Group, Zachary had managed to prevent the company from falling into the hands of others despite the crises it faced throughout the decades.

Consequently, he had not failed those who came before him. In the afternoon, Zachary held a board meeting to streamline all operational matters.

He then announced that the company would return to its normal functions the very next day.

Clapping enthusiastically with tears in their eyes, the board members swore to follow Zachary to death and never abandon him.

After nodding with a slight smile, Zachary instructed Bruce to wheel him out of the room. When he checked his phone, he realized he had a missed call from Francesco.

If I don’t see her now, she will probably hunt me down with her beasts.

After Zachary got into the car, Bruce reported anxiously, “Ms. Felch gave me a call and threatened to lose her temper if she doesn’t see you by sundown.”

“Haha…” Zachary laughed. “In that case, you had better step on it. If we’re late, she might end up burning Rokan Hill down.” “I can’t believe how bad her temper is.

In contrast to her, I now feel that Ms. Lindberg is kind and gentle,” Bruce commented anxiously.

“Isn’t that obvious?” Zachary shot him a glare. “Even without being compared to the devilish woman, Charlotte is inherently a kind and gentle soul.”

“Yes, yes, of course.” Bruce nodded before urging Marino to drive faster. Halfway through the journey, Marino suddenly remarked, “Someone’s tailing us.”

“Hmm?” Zachary raised his gaze at the rearview mirror.

“They’re the Lindberg family’s men.” “Are they following us in order to find Francesco?” Bruce furrowed his brows.

“Considering they are family, it would be unwise to be in open conflict.”

“Pull up in front,” Zachary ordered. “Right away.” Marino slowed the car down to a stop.

“What’s going on? Have we been noticed?” Sean’s subordinate asked. “Looks like it,” Sean responded with a frown.

“But since Mr. Nacht has stopped his car instead of trying to lose us, he probably wants to talk.” “In that case…”

“Drive over then.” “All right.” Their silver Maybach came to a stop behind Zachary’s black Rolls-Royce.

After alighting from the car, Sean took the initiative to greet Zachary, “Mr. Nacht, it’s been a while.” “Tell Mr. Lindberg that I’ll see him tonight at ten to talk,” Zachary suggested with a smile. “

Before that, tell him to give me some time.” “Erm…” Sean pondered a moment before replying in a conflicted tone, “Please wait for a moment while I check with him.”

Zachary signaled him to go ahead. Sean moved to the side and gave Danrique a call to convey Zachary’s message. After a momentary silence, Danrique answered, “Back off then.” “Right away.” Sean hurried back to Zachary.

“Mr. Nacht, Mr. Lindberg will see you at ten.” “I’ll be there.” “Okay.” Sean swiftly left with his men. Once their car was nowhere in sight, Zachary ordered Marino to continue their drive to Rokan Hill.

“It seems Mr. Lindberg is open to negotiations this time,” Bruce speculated. “Has he set aside his bias due to Ms. Lindberg and the children?” “No.” Zachary smirked. “It’s because of Francesco.” “Huh?” Bruce was puzzled.

“Do you think he doesn’t know that Francesco is at Southridge?” Zachary asked with his eyebrow raised. “Given that we’re heading to Rokan Hill, it’s not difficult for him to guess where Francesco is.

I’m guessing that instead of a confrontation, he wants to persuade her to return in a more subtle manner.”

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1692

A Brilliant Plan

“I see.” The thought didn’t occur to Bruce.

“It appears that Danrique really cares about Francesco.” Zachary widened his lips into a smile.

“Perhaps, something good might come out of this.” “Erm…” Bruce attempted to say something but held his tongue in fear.

“What is it?” Zachary raised his eyebrow curiously.

“Ahem…” Bruce cleared his throat and meekly remarked, “Given how bad-tempered that witch is, marrying her is the equivalent of bringing a timebomb home.

In the event he gets on her nerves, there will never be peace at home.

herefore, I wonder if Mr. Lindberg has thought this through?” “No wonder Ben and Marino have girlfriends, while you don’t.” Zachary rolled his eyes at Bruce. “Considering the way you think, there’s no way any girl will fall for you.”

“Uhh…” Bruce was still clueless. “Someone like Mr. Lindberg loves a difficult challenge. Hence, any ordinary girl doesn’t pique his interest at all,” Zachary explained. “Only Francesca is capable of capturing his heart.”

“Fine. Love is truly something beyond my comprehension.” Bruce found it hard to understand. “It just feels like you’re going around in search of pain.” Zachary burst into laughter upon hearing Bruce’s response. “The way you put it does seem to make sense.”

After all, couples who care a lot about each other would always end up torturing one another in conflict. In fact, life would be more peaceful without such passion.

However, isn’t that the sign of having met one’s true love? Suddenly, an Aston Martin sped past them from the opposing direction on their way up the hill.

Bruce recognized Francesca in it at once. Just when he was about to say something, the car screeched to a halt and backed up toward them.

As both cars wound down their windows, Zachary turned his head to look out the window.

At the same time, Francesca stuck her head out and scowled. “Have you finally remembered to come? And here I was, thinking that you were dead.”

“Dr. Felch, considering all the effort you have put in to revive me, I won’t allow myself to die that easily.”

Zachary looked at her with a vibrant smile. “I was just delayed by work. Besides, didn’t I make it here before sundown?” “I’m glad you still know what’s good for you!” Francesca glared at him.

After that, she stretched her neck to check inside Zachary’s car. “Where are my children?” “Have you forgotten how difficult it is to get them back from Danrique?” Zachary sounded frustrated on purpose.

“Besides, didn’t I tell you that I needed some time?” “How long?” Having a memory equivalent to that of a goldfish, Francesca had forgotten Zachary’s words from two days ago. “Since we haven’t started today’s treatment, let’s go back up and get it done.

After that, I’m going to meet with Danrique.” Zachary glanced at his watch. “I have an appointment with him at ten.” “All right!” Francesca was overjoyed by the answer. “Follow me then.” With that, the Aston Martin swung around and sped back up the hill.

Even though Marino tried his best to follow her, he simply couldn’t keep up. “Slow down, Mr. Nacht is still injured, remember?” Feeling irritated, Bruce admonished him, “We’re not in a race.”

“Got it.” Marino slowed down into a steady drive. Nevertheless, he couldn’t resist lamenting, “I didn’t expect Francesco to be such an amazing driver. In fact, she’s more skillful than Morgan and me!” “Isn’t that obvious?” Zachary sneered. “

Her skills are on par with Danrique, who was the one who trained Morgan.”

“I see.” Marino was shocked. “I heard from Morgan that Mr. Lindberg has mad driving skills even though he seldom drives. If Francesco is really as good as him, I’m definitely ashamed of my own skills.”

“That witch possesses many other outstanding talents. It’s just that she’s a little off in her head.” Zachary had gotten to understand Francesco better. “Well, God is fair. No one is truly perfect.” “She’s already someone exceptional,” Bruce exclaimed.

“There aren’t many guys in this world that can stand up to her.” “Mmm-hmm. It’s best not to get on her nerves. Even Mr. Lindberg’s men are afraid of her.”

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1693

Negotiation

After getting up the mountain, they quietly went back to Southridge.

Zachary began his treatment while Bruce, Marino, and others accompanied him. They were anxious when Francesco pierced his body with needles and released some blood.

Everyone only saw Zachary when he returned with his recovered body, but none of them knew the amount of suffering he had endured.

The torture was inhumane. It wasn’t something anyone could endure. It was as if he walked through into gates of hell and dragged his scarred and bloodstained body out, one step at a time.

The treatment lasted for an hour and a half. Although Zachary was sweating from the pain, he didn’t make a sound. He remained calm and courageous.

Francesco treated him casually with ease, as though her patient wasn’t a living being but a lifeless object.

Her hand movements were skilled and a little aggressive, not knowing how to be gentle.

Bruce got anxious as he watched. He couldn’t hold it in any longer and said, “Dr. Felch, please be gentle. Please be gentler!”

When he said it the first time, Francesco frowned. After hearing it for the second time, she got angry and said, “You’re so noisy. Get out!”

Bruce was startled. He didn’t dare to let out another sound.

Marino hurriedly limped out and hid behind the door to peek.

At half past seven, the treatment finally ended.

Francesco dragged the unconscious Zachary to immerse him in a tub of medicine. Then, she dusted her hands and went out. Before leaving, she told Bruce, “After half an hour, get him out of the tub and wipe him dry. Then he may leave.”

“Okay. Understood.”

Bruce hurriedly nodded. He was terrified of Francesco, afraid that he might get on her nerves again.

Francesco leaped out the window and ate an apple on the hammock.

She never played with electronics, nor did she watch TV. Her only hobbies were sleeping, eating, and talking to small animals.

At this moment, many birds flew over to her side to eat the apple core she had discarded.

At the same time, she had a great time chatting with the birds.

Soon, an hour passed.

Zachary seemed to have had a vague dream. When he woke up, he couldn’t remember any of it. All he saw when he opened his eyes were the busy figures of Bruce and Marino.

“What time is it?”

Zachary’s voice was frail and hoarse. At that time, his body felt numb and weak.

After such extensive treatment, he no longer felt any pain. However, he felt like he wasn’t in his own body.

“It’s half-past eight, Mr. Zachary.” Bruce’s eyes were pooling with tears. His heart ached after watching him being tortured. “Have some rest. I’ll change your clothes.”

“Okay.” Then, Zachary closed his eyes and instructed, “Put me in that black suit. I have to look grand in front of Danrique.”

“As you wish.” Bruce was devastated that Zachary was still thinking about work at this time. However, he could only obey his wishes.

“I’ll sleep for half an hour. Remember to wake me up.”

Zachary was exhausted and his mind was blank.

“Don’t worry. You can sleep at ease.”

Bruce changed Zachary’s clothes, covered him in a blanket, and stood by him.

“How long will Nr. Zachary’s treatment last? This is really tormenting,” Marino asked anxiously.

“What will happen to the treatment if Danrique took Francesco away?”

“That’s why we have to negotiate tonight,” Bruce frowned and said, “We must let Francesco complete Zachary’s treatment before she leaves no matter what.”

“Right…” Marino nodded repeatedly.

After half an hour, Bruce was reluctant to wake up Zachary. He wanted to let him sleep for ten more minutes. However, Zachary woke up by himself and said with his squinted eyes, “What time is it?”

“It’s nine o’clock, Mr. Zachary.” Bruce gently responded.

Zachary always had a good sense of time and wanted to be punctual. “Help me up. Today’s negotiation is very important. We cannot be late.”

“Right away.” Bruce helped Zachary up and helped him to his wheelchair with Marino. He helped him put on his coat and pushed the wheelchair out.

“Where’s Francesco?” Zachary turned his head toward the courtyard.

“She was in the courtyard just now, but she’s gone already.” Marino turned his head and glanced at the courtyard. “Maybe she went to play in the forest.”

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1694

Meeting Danrique

“We’ll leave now. Let’s not wait for her.”

Zachary was still exhausted and weak. He wasn’t in his optimal condition.

“Yes.” Bruce helped him up to the car and covered him with a blanket. “Mr. Zachary, you have some rest. It’ll be a while before we get there.”

“Okay.” Zachary nodded and lay on his back with his eyes closed.

When Marino got in the car, he instructed the subordinates in the two cars behind them, “Mr. Zachary needs some rest. I will be driving slowly. After we got down the mountain, one of you will drive in front.”

“Yes,”

They drove down the mountain steadily.

Bruce looked at the GPS, estimated the route and time of arrival, and whispered to Marino. “Gently pick up some speed after we got down the mountain. Otherwise, we’ll be late.”

“Okay.” Marino nodded and glanced at the rearview mirror to check if the two cars followed behind. However, he noticed a few mysterious birds circling above their convoy.

They seemed to have followed them a long way.

Marino chose to ignore it. He assumed those were Francesco’s birds which were only following them because they got familiar with Zachary after his long treatment and would disappear after they left the mountain.

Sure enough, as soon as the car left the mountain, the birds disappeared.

Marino didn’t think much into it. He sped up and drove toward their destination.

Zachary was asleep for the entire journey and slowly woke up when the car was about to arrive at the Lindberg residence.

Initially, Bruce wanted to wake Zachary up, but he had already woken up. After all, those years of living in intense stress had made him sensitive to his surroundings.

“Are we there?”

Zachary squinted and looked at the guards standing vigilantly outside.

Although people always compared the Lindberg family with the Nacht family, both families were vastly different.

The founding of the Lindberg family began with Old Lady Lindberg, who was also Charlotte’s great-grandmother. She was once a prominent general of Erihal. After leaving the army, she began to develop their first family business, which was dealing with firearms.

In other words, the Lindberg family made their fortune in the firearm business. With the changes of the times, they switched their business model to become a legit business. However, the Lindberg family members had adopted a ruthless nature.

They managed both their companies and families under the military system.

Even the villa where they temporarily lived was built like a castle, protected by Erihal guards in camouflage with stern looks and penetrating gazes.

Anyone who was generally unfamiliar with the Lindberg family would be frightened.

Such as Marino, who tightened his hands on the steering wheel.

“Calm down.” Zachary noticed Marino’s anxiousness. “Even if Danrique found out about you and Morgan, he won’t do anything to you. He’ll be occupied by other important stuff. He’s a busy man after all.”

“Yes… yes.” Marino responded twice. He tensed his body and took a deep breath to adjust his mental state.

“What a loser.” Bruce smacked him on the back of his head. “Why bother going after a woman if you’re such a coward? Why are you so afraid?”

Marino didn’t dare to speak. He looked aggrieved.

“That’s enough.” Zachary became more and more lenient. He would have punched him long ago before, but he could understand Marino’s concern.

Marino wasn’t afraid of Danrique. He feared that he would be separated from Morgan.

After going through so much, his relationship with Morgan became thicker than blood. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.

As a blinding beam of light shone from the front of the car, Marino slowed down and stopped.

A group of people walked over in an orderly manner. They had weapons in their hand as a precaution.

Bruce frowned and was about to lose his temper. However, Zachary made a gesture to stop him. Hence, he could only hold back his anger and get down of the car to state their purpose.

“My name is Bruce. Mr. Zachary has made an appointment to meet Mr. Lindberg at ten o’clock!”

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1695

Showdown 1

Someone walked out from the blinding lights, which turned out to be Gordon. After noticing Zachary in the car, he hurriedly asked his subordinates to step aside and said respectfully, “Welcome, Mr. Zachary.”

“Thank you!” Bruce was relieved. It seemed that Danrique really wanted to negotiate with Zachary and didn’t intend to assert dominance.

They drove the car in and stopped at the gate of the castle. Bruce helped Zachary out of the car and into his wheelchair. Then he pushed his wheelchair and walked in.

Marino and the other subordinated followed closely behind.

The subordinate from another car flashed the car key in his hand.

He looked back to the car with a strange feeling that the trunk was not tightly closed. He wanted to check, but Zachary and the others had already gone in. Thus, he couldn’t help but follow them into the castle.

The Nacht residence was painted in cold colors, while the Lindberg residence was mainly white, which looked even more distant and pure at the same time.

Sean came out to greet Zachary politely, “Good evening, Mr. Zachary. Mr. Lindberg is in the backyard. This way, please.”

“Thank you!” Zachary smiled. He was well aware of Danrique’s intentions for inviting him to meet in the backyard.

As expected, as soon as the backyard door opened, Marino and the other subordinates were stunned. They stopped their steps at the same time as if they were petrified. Not a single one of them dared to move an inch.

The courtyard appeared serene and elegant with shoots of green bamboo and a small pond reflecting the bright crescent moon. There was a long ivory table beside the pond.

Danrique was dressed in white. He was brewing a pot of tea elegantly by the table.

There were two leopards with snow-white fur next to him, a strong-looking tiger was drinking by the pond, and two eagles staring at Zachary with piercing gazes from a wall not far away.

Bruce frowned unhappily. He knew that Danrique was using the animals to intimidate Zachary. It seemed more like a punishment than a negotiation.

This is preposterous!

However, Zachary remained calm. He smiled and took the initiative to greet Danrique. “Long time no see!”

Danrique looked up and stared at Zachary coldly. He suppressed his discontented emotions and made a polite gesture. “Welcome!”

Bruce pushed Zachary to the table opposite Danrique and stood next to him.

Although Marino, Connor, and others were a little nervous, they have been through a lot. They quickly regained their composure and stood aside silently.

The showdown between the two bosses made the atmosphere seem frigid.

Danrique kept brewing his tea with his head down. His skills were good, and his hands were white and slender, far more beautiful than a woman’s hands.

Zachary didn’t utter a word. He looked at his hands and admired his tea brewing skills.

After Danrique was done brewing tea, he poured a cup and pushed it toward Zachary. Then, he raised his head to size him up. “You must be really lucky to stay alive!”

Zachary took a sip of tea and smiled, “Yes. Thanks to Dr. Felch.”

As he mentioned Francesco, Danrique frowned, and a cold sensation flashed across his eyes. “Where is she?”

“She’s staying on the mountain for a while,” Zachary bluntly said, “I was just there for my treatment before I came here.”

“She’s quite attentive.” There was a tone of sourness in his voice.

“Not all heroes wear capes.”

Zachary smiled. He knew he had taken control of the situation. Danrique tried to intimidate him, but he knew his weaknesses.

“At the brink of death, you even left Nacht Group’s mess to Charlotte, causing her to endure so much pressure all by herself. Can you even call yourself a man?”

Danrique no amateur either. He immediately regained dominion.

“My bad.” Unlike his past arrogant self, Zachary had changed and admitted his mistake. “I thought I had already paved the way and wanted to leave everything to her so she could live in peace with her child. I didn’t expect there would be so many unseen threats.”

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1696

Showdown 2

Danrique was a little surprised. Zachary always had been an arrogant person, and Danrique never took him seriously. No matter what, Zachary was indeed a prominent figure in the corporate world. However, the once insufferable man actually took the initiative to bow his head and confess his mistakes.

It was truly surprising.

“Fortunately, everything has been resolved. I will clean up the rest by myself. I won’t make Charlotte worry anymore!”

Zachary raised his teacup and smiled at Danrique. “Can I have more tea, my dear brother-in-law?”

“Don’t call me that. It sounds awful.”

Danrique frowned. His expressions were cold and arrogant. At the same time, he gracefully lifted the teapot and refilled Zachary’s teacup.

“Haha!” Zachary kept calm and smiled gently. Then, he asked with a concerned look, “How’s the situation at Lindberg Corporation?”

“Everything is going according to plan,” Danrique blurted and was taken aback. He wasn’t supposed to respond to Zachary’s question. However, he involuntarily answered him.

It was probably because Zachary unknowingly broke the ice between them, making them seem like a family discussing family matters.

“That’s good.” Zachary nodded. “If there is anything you need me to do-”

“No.” Danrique interrupted him coldly to establish a distance with Zachary. “We don’t need an outsider to intervene in the Lindberg family matters.”

As he spoke, the air immediately became frigid and tensed.

Bruce, who was waiting by the side, looked at Zachary anxiously. Zachary had already put his pride aside, but Danrique was still treating him arrogantly. He was worried that Zachary might get angry.

“You have misunderstood!” But Zachary didn’t get angry. Instead, he smiled and said, “Now that Nacht Group’s shares and assets belong to Charlotte, Nacht Group is under her control. She’s not considered an outsider if she were to help Lindberg Corporation, right?”

Danrique was startled. He raised his head and stared deeply at Zachary’s eyes, trying to see through his motives.

“When you were poisoned, you transferred your assets to Charlotte to protect the Nacht Group and your children’s inheritance. Don’t you plan to take it back now that you’ve returned?”

“We’re a married couple, so it doesn’t matter,” Zachary smiled and said, “It is only right for my wife to help her family.”

Danrique was rendered speechless for a moment. He didn’t know what to say. Zachary’s words were simply too cheesy. He had the impression that Zachary wanted to enchant him with beautiful words so that he would let Robbie go.

But after thinking about it, he realized that there was no need for Zachary to do this. After all, he wouldn’t hurt Robbie or detain him forever.

If Charlotte ever came crying for her child back, he would comply with her wishes. After all, he was her brother, and he wouldn’t be this cruel to his sister.

However, he still couldn’t grasp what Zachary was trying to achieve.

Suddenly, Danrique had a realization. He said coldly, “Did you put away your pride and deliberately tried to please me so you could have Francesco to continue to treat you?”

“Haha!”

Zachary suddenly laughed as if he heard something funny.

“What are you laughing about?” Danrique frowned.

Zachary slowly took a sip of tea and fidgeted with the teacup. Then, he said amusingly, “You speak as if you have control over Francesco.”

“You!” Danrique was suddenly rendered speechless by his words.

“Francesco is domineering and unruly by nature. It’s not easy to bring her to heel,” Zachary smirked and said, “To deal with her, you have to coax her. Brutish methods won’t work!”

“Nonsense!” Danrique glared at Zachary. “As if you understand her very well.”

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1697

Until She Listens

“It’s not that I understand her. I just learned from my experience.”

Zachary spoke in a remorseful tone.

“I used to be like you. I didn’t know how to think outside the box. I resolved everything with force and caused a lot of trouble for Charlotte. Now that I have experienced countless setbacks, I finally understand that there is nothing to be ashamed of for a man to bow down to the woman he loves!”

“You don’t understand.” Danrique frowned. “She’s heartless. She only thinks of money and the children. Oh, and winning too. She’ll even commit unscrupulous methods just to win!”

As he spoke, he got so irritated that he almost crushed the teacup in his hand.

“Well…” Zachary thought about it and agreed. Francesca was indeed not an ordinary woman, and he shouldn’t deal with her like how he would with ordinary women.

However, persuading Danrique was his goal. After giving it some thought, he approached it from a different perspective. “That’s not it. She also thinks of you!”

Zachary’s words were a little corny, but he had no choice. He had to let go of his integrity first if he wanted to go for the appeasement approach.

“What?” Danrique stopped moving his hand and looked at him. As expected, Zachary’s strategy worked.

“I accidentally mentioned you when I was talking to her. I was questioning your business methods in front of her. However, she immediately disagreed and said that you’re actually a very smart person despite your cold demeanor.”

Zachary told Danrique everything about the conversation he had with Francesco during his last treatment.

“Is this for real?” Danrique suddenly became interested. “She said I am smart?”

“Not only that,” Zachary knew that his tactic would work on him and immediately added, “She also said that you’re good-looking!”

His words weren’t unconscionable. Francesco did address Zachary as Fugly every day. She also once muttered, “Compared to you, that frigid man is more handsome and charming!”

Zachary repeated the sentence to Danrique, and he had goosebumps all over his body. However, Danrique was delighted to hear it. He smiled without knowing it. “Did she really say that?”

“Yes.” Zachary nodded earnestly. “During my treatment period, she would mention you at least eight or ten times a day. I almost got sick of hearing her constantly talking about you.”

Danrique’s grim expression suddenly turned into a radiant smile.

“Thus, she does think of you.” Zachary returned to the topic, “If you communicate with her face to face in a different approach, you might be able to reconcile with her.”

“I can’t communicate with her.”

As soon as he thought of communicating with Francesca, his head started to ache. They would argue whenever they had a conversation, and the argument would turn into a fistfight. There was never a peaceful moment between them.

“Maybe you’re both too competitive. Try to change your attitude next time.”

“That’s enough.” Danrique interrupted him coldly. “I don’t need you to teach me.”

“Okay.” Zachary shrugged. “I don’t have much experience, so I can’t really teach you. You can always try to understand her through other means.”

“There’s nothing to understand about her,” Danrique said adamantly, “In my opinion, a woman should be chained and restricted from going anywhere. If she’s disobedient, then tie her up until she listens!”

Now, Zachary had nothing to say. He suddenly realized that Danrique and Francesca were very similar. They were both extremely stubborn and not easily convinced.

“In short, if you want your son back, bring Francesco to see me.” Danrique has had enough of Zachary. “I don’t have the time to wait. I must see her before this time tomorrow!”

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1698

An Intruder

“No problem.” Zachary delightfully agreed. “At this time tomorrow, Charlotte and I will bring Francesco to see you. However, getting her to stay here will depend on you.”

Zachary planned to trick Francesca into meeting Danrique with Charlotte. Then have Charlotte and their children assist in persuading them to reconcile, bringing their family together.

“Very well!” Danrique smiled gratifyingly. “See you tomorrow!”

“See you tomorrow!” Zachary put down his teacup and prepared to leave.

Suddenly, Danrique called out to him again, “Zachary!”

“Yes?” Zachary raised his head and looked at him.

“Are you sure you can give Charlotte happiness?” Danrique asked sternly.

“Definitely. I’m sure of it!” Zachary replied firmly, “I will protect her with my life!”

“You’d better keep your words,” Danrique warned Zachary, “If you ever wrong Charlotte again, I won’t forgive you!”

“Sure. You may check on us at any time.” Zachary humbly affirmed.

After hearing that, Danrique could no longer make things difficult for Zachary. He had no choice but to wave his hand helplessly, indicating that he could leave.

Bruce came and grabbed Zachary’s wheelchair, preparing to leave.

At this moment, a siren suddenly blared outside, and the Lindberg family’s subordinates were on high alert. A group of well-trained bodyguards immediately marched to the source of the siren.

Bruce stopped his steps and exchanged glances with Marino and the others.

They immediately guarded Zachary closely.

“No need to worry.” Zachary was weirdly calm. “This is the Lindberg residence. There’s no way the intruder could get in. However,” he paused and narrowed his eyes before continuing, “why would there be an intruder? Moreover at this time?”

“Zachary Nacht! You insolent fool!”

Danrique roared, and more than a dozen subordinates immediately pointed their guns at Zachary and his subordinates. At the same time, another group of people came in and tightly surrounded them.

“What are you doing?” Bruce shouted angrily.

“Shush.” Zachary frowned.

“Aye.” Bruce immediately lowered his head and stepped aside.

Danrique stomped over. He no longer had his friendly demeanor. Instead, he looked murderous. “How dare you send someone to intrude this place? Did you plan to secretly take Robbie away while I’m not paying attention?”

That day, no one else came to the castle except for his subordinates in the three cars, and the bodyguards didn’t check their vehicles.

If anyone were to intrude, it would be someone from the Nacht family.

Moreover, the siren came from the villa where the children stayed. Hence, Danrique’s first assumption was that Zachary caused a distraction and sent someone to take Robbie away.

“I’m not that despicable.” Zachary calmly looked at him. “I think there’s some misunderstanding!”

“Misunderstanding or not, we will find out soon.”

Danrique gave him a cold stare, then sat boldly on the chair.

Naturally, Zachary and his men could no longer leave. They could only wait quietly.

The Lindberg family’s bodyguards didn’t take long to capture and bring in the intruder. However, everyone was stunned when they saw the intruder’s face.

“It’s you?”

Zachary was dumbfounded. He looked at the embarrassed Francesca, who was dressed in black.

She seemed to have fallen into a puddle. Her clothes were thoroughly drenched, and there was even an unpleasant odor. At that moment, she glared at Danrique.

“It’s really you!” Danrique glared back at her. “You must have colluded with each other! One of you distracts my attention while the other steals the child! Right?”

“We didn’t-”

“Who in their right mind would collude with this ugly bast*rd?” Before Zachary could clarify, Francesca angrily interrupted, “I snuck into the trunk of his car and sneaked in with him.”

Zachary shrugged at Danrique to imply… See? I’m innocent.

“Ugly bast*rd?” Danrique glanced at Zachary, and the anger in his eyes subsided. However, his tone remained unchangingly scornful. “Francesca Felch, do you think this is your backyard where you can just come and go as you please?”

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1699

Caught

“Obviously,” Francesca mocked Danrique openly. “I can come and go as I please. The security system in your place is sh*t.”

“Why you little…”

“Did you level them up though?” Francesca demanded. “What is up with all these infrared sensors? And this pool filled with crocodiles? What if I slip and fall into it? They could have eaten me!”

“Hey, I thought you’re the Queen of Beasts,” Zachary piped up.

“If they’re on the land, yeah. Not aquatic creatures.” Francesca shot him a nasty glare and patted her clothes angrily. “Godda*mit. Now my clothes are soiled. Ew, they smell.”

“And that’s why I leveled up the security system and added the beasts you’re scared of. So you won’t trash the place.” Danrique was delighted to see her looking so messy, and he even grinned mischievously. “Now you have nowhere to run.”

He gave his command, and a few female bodyguards surrounded Francesca.

“Don’t you even dare!” Francesca growled ferally. She was about to give the bodyguards a piece of her mind, but instead, they pinned her down and took her backpack away.

“Hey, that’s mine! Give it back to me!” Francesca tried to snatch her backpack back, but the bodyguards were already leaving with it.

“Let’s see if you can pull any tricks without that backpack of yours, Dora.” Danrique sneered, and he inched closer toward Francesca.

“Why you little…” Francesca gnashed her teeth in fury. The Art of War at it again. Know your enemy and yourself, and you won’t lose any battle. I’ve been at odds with this idiot for years. Now he knows everything I have up my sleeve. He knows I keep all my tools and meds in the backpack. I can’t do anything without that.

She lost all the items she brought with her back at the crocodile pool. Even her snake was nowhere to be found. Now she was just a helpless girl who could do nothing against Danrique, but she refused to give up without a fight. She looked around, and to her delight, she noticed two panthers, a tiger, and two eagles in the courtyard.

She whistled to them, trying to wake them up so they could fight for her, but Danrique dashed that hope immediately. “Just give up. They’re deaf. They can’t hear you.”

Danrique knew this would happen. He spent many nights coming up with the perfect plan to catch Francesca, and he knew she had no way out once she walked right into his trap.

“Danrique, you b*stard!” Francesca howled. Darn. Now I have no way out for real.

“Oh, I know that very well.” Danrique yanked Francesca’s wrist and pinned her against the tree. “You’re going nowhere until you heal me,” he hissed quietly.

“Ah, so that’s why you wanted to capture me? Why didn’t you say so?” Francesca smirked at him, and the look in her eyes annoyed Danrique. She raised her voice, “I bet they still don’t know that your condition is alread-”

“Shut up!” Danrique covered her mouth. He didn’t want her to speak any further.

Francesca wanted to shout, but all she could muster was a muffled whimper. She flailed her legs and tried to kick Danrique, so he picked her up and put her on his shoulder, then he spanked her.

“Danrique, you bstard! You son of a btch! I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you!” Francesca shrieked maniacally, and her voice broke.

Zachary was getting a migraine from all the shouting, so he quickly calmed them down, “Look, we don’t have to be so rude about this.”

“Mind your own business!” Danrique growled. “Sean, see our guest out!”

“Yes, sir!” Sean quickly sent Zachary out. “Mr. Nacht, I’ll lead the way.”

“Hey, wait,” Zachary said. “I brought her to you, so can I take Robbie back with me?”

Zachary looked at Danrique.

Danrique gesticulated to Sean, and Sean quickly asked his men to take Robbie here while he sent Zachary off.

“Zachary you b*stard! You’d better bust me out of here or you’re dead!” Francesca was starting to feel terrified, as Zachary was her only hope of escape. If he left, she’d truly be alone.

Mistaking a Magnate for a Male Escort Chapter 1700

Little Ones

“Sorry, Dr. Felch. I can’t do anything here, much less save you.” Zachary shrugged, and then he smiled. “You guys are a couple. You’ll sort this out soon enough.”

“I am not his wife!” Francesca was obviously enraged by Zachary’s remark. “Zachary, you fool! Bust me out of here right now or you’ll just die rotting!”

“Send him out!” Danrique lost interest in the argument, and he was about to leave with Francesca.

Suddenly, someone in the courtyard screamed, “Oh my god! It’s Mommy! That’s Mommy right there!”

“Mommy! Mommy!”

Danrique looked back and saw Robbie and the other kids coming into the front yard. The kids were really excited to see Francesca, and they quickly ran up to her.

“Kids!” Francesca flailed her legs around again when she saw her kids. “Put me down now!”

Danrique frowned, but he put her down nonetheless.

“Mommy!” The kids pounced at Francesca, and the impact made her fall back to the ground.

Danrique reflexively tried to hold her, but Francesca didn’t seem to feel any pain at all. She rubbed her butt and played with the kids happily. A frown dotted his forehead, and Danrique pulled his hand back.

“I’ve missed you, girls!” Francesca held the kids and slobbered all over them.

The kids were also hugging and kissing her as well. They lay in her embrace, refusing to leave.

Danrique was envious of the love between Francesca and the kids, for nobody had treated him with that kind of love before.

“Mommy, Mommy, we’ve missed you so much!” The kids held her tightly, and they started sobbing all of a sudden, their eyes filled with tears.

“I’ve missed you too, kids.” Francesca was tearing up as well. She was a petite woman, but she held the kids tightly in her arms.

Danrique gazed at her. She only shows this side of her in front of the kids.

“Ahem.” Zachary coughed a few times to draw attention to himself. “Alpha, Beta, Gamma. Uncle Zachary is here, you know.”

The kids shifted their attention to him. They were surprised at first, but when they snapped out of it, Alpha and Beta got so excited, they almost pounced at him. “Uncle Zachary!”

“Hold it!” Gamma stopped her siblings and stared at Zachary warily. “Someone impersonated our uncle before, and that guy’s a villain. He yelled at us. You might be an impostor too.”

Zachary quickly brought up the kids’ favorite stuff, “Alpha likes seedless grapes as well as the grilled mutton and demi-glace ribs Mrs. Rawlston makes. Beta loves meat and hot cross bunnies. You always get into a fight with Jamie because of that. Gamma loves snake soup, and the snake must be freshly caught by Marino.” He paused for a moment. “I think I got all that right, correct?”

“Yep, yep!” The kids knew that was the real Zachary, so they left their mother’s embrace and pounced at their uncle. “You’re finally back! We’ve missed you!”

“And we’ve missed you too, Robbie, Jamie, Ellie, and Aunt Charlotte!”

“Hey, what’s wrong with your leg, Uncle Zachary? I know, Mommy can help you with that! She’s super great at this kind of stuff.”

“Thanks for the concern, kids.” Zachary patted the kids’ heads lovingly, and for the first time in a while, a gentle smile curled his lips.

Danrique had mixed feelings about the scene. The kids didn’t even recognize him, but they showered all their love on Zachary the moment they saw him.