Ch. 1861..1870

Chapter 1861 Going Out

Norah assigned the maid to bring a beautiful gown for Eva to get changed. It was initially prepared for Francesca, but surprisingly it fitted Eva perfectly.

Somehow, the long dress transformed into a middle-length one for Eva as she was a lot taller than Francesca. Thus, she looked exceptionally gorgeous with her slender legs revealed.

In the meantime, Francesca was lying idly on the sofa while munching an apple. Gazing at Eva's tall and slender figure, she gasped admiringly, “Ah! That's what an international model should look like! Look at your pair of stunning legs!”

“Haha! You're adorable too,” Eva blurted out before adding sheepishly, “You look pretty too!” Francesca only flashed her a faint smile without uttering any words. She had been leading a simple life all the while and scarcely spent time on daily grooming.

Nonetheless, she was highly confident in herself. After all, she was well aware that she possessed other capabilities over the others.

Hmph! This Ms. Eva is apparently good at flattering others. I can easily see through her insincere smile and countenance. She's obviously not as innocent as she seems and can never be the type of a sincere friend! Anyway, Francesca did not bother about that as she was not interested in building a friendship with Eva. Her ulterior motive was to leave the place with the latter's help.

“Ms. Cece, how did you get to know Danrique?” Eva questioned. She started addressing Danrique with his name again when he was not around.

“I can't recall it,” Francesca replied placidly, shrugging her shoulders.

Eva's eyes widened in disbelief. “Huh? How could you forget about such an important matter?” Nevertheless, Francesca continued to munch on her apple without any response.

Looking into the mirror, Eva scrutinized Francesca’s reflection discreetly and mumbled wittingly, “I've fallen for Danrique ever since I set my eyes on him during a banquet five years ago...”

Before she could finish her words, Francesca mocked, “You're undoubtedly mature for your age. You were still underage five years ago, weren't you?”

"Ehm...” Eva was rendered speechless at her mockery.

“When do you plan to bring me out?” Francesca cut the crap. That was what she minded most at the moment.

"Whenever you like!” Eva plastered a smile on her face.

“Let's go now. I'll get changed first.” Francesca sat up on the sofa and tossed the apple core into the bin nearby.

Eva was astounded, but she restrained herself from asking further. “Okay! I'll wait for you downstairs.”

"Okay!" Francesca responded and sent the maid away. After getting changed, she found her bag in the wardrobe.

That was the one she was carrying when she was previously shot. She could not resist heaving a sigh of relief after catching sight of her identification card and phone in it. With that, she presumed Danrique did not spot those items. Otherwise, he would have known about her exact identity.

After taking out the other unnecessary items from the bag, she changed into a black dress and put on a pair of Dr. Martens boots taken out from the wardrobe.

When she was descending the stairs later, she overheard Eva asking Danrique warily, “Dan... Ehm... Mr. Lindberg, Cece requested me to bring her out. Is that all right?”

“Bring her out? For what?” Danrique asked quizzically with knitted brows.

"She mentioned that she’s bored stiff here and requested me to bring her out to get some fresh air. I thought I'd better let you know about it first,” Eva explained, smiling sweetly.

Donald chuckled. “It's a good idea for both of you to go sightseeing. After all, Danrique is always occupied and can't accompany her. I bet she must be bored in the castle. Eva, Ms. Cece is not only our honored guest but also your future cousin-in-law. You must entertain her well, okay?”

“Uncle Donald, I got it.” Eva nodded and caught sight of Francesca descending the stairs. She rose at once and advanced toward her, “Ah! Cece, you're ready!”

"Yeah! Let's go!” Francesca urged Eva.

She could scarcely wait to step out at once. When I'm in town later, I'll grab the opportunity to rush to the airport and leave this country!

Danrique rose to his feet and stated casually, “You're still not well. Let me accompany you.” Francesca replied hastily, “It's all right. We plan to go shopping. You'll be bored tagging us along. Anyway, we won't be long and will be back soon.”

“Danrique, don't worry. I'll take great care of Cece,” Eva reassured him coquettishly as she wrapped her arm around Francesca’s shoulders. It was as though they were close friends who had known each other for ages.

 

Chapter 1862 She Looks Like Someone

Eva was almost six feet tall, and she was even on a pair of three-inch heels. Thus, Francesca looked like a kid alongside her due to their extreme height difference.

Francesca could not help rolling her eyes at Eva's antiques as she dragged her away with her. Meanwhile, Danrique dared not let his guard down and shot Sean a glance.

A quick-witted Sean assigned his men to trail behind the two young ladies at once.

“Danrique, don't worry. Just let the young ladies go out for some fun. Since Ms. Cece is your fiancée, Eva will surely serve her well.” Donald appeased him jokingly.

"Hmm!" Danrique hummed and continued to enjoy his meal.

Swirling the wine in his glass, Donald continued to chat with him. “Oh yeah! Danrique, have you heard about the overwhelming news that Mr. Windt from H City killed himself by jumping off the building?”

His words caught Danrique, who was cutting steak, off guard. The latter looked up at him in an instant and gasped, “What did you say?”

“It happened a few days ago, and the news had gone viral in Zarain at once. But somehow, it's being suppressed at the moment. I happened to know about it earlier from my friend in Zarain,” Donald explained nonchalantly as if he was mentioning something irrelevant to him.

Moments later, he added, “How sad! We'd ever considered collaborating with him before that, hadn't we? After all, H City is the core of Zarain, and Windt Corporation is deemed the dominator of the market in H City. Looks like we've to look for a new collaborator...”

Danrique paid no attention to what Donald was saying. In a split second, he lost his appetite. After putting down his cutleries, he told Donald, “I've to excuse myself to settle something. Enjoy yourself.”

Donald put his wineglass down at once and stood up. “Then I'd better don't interrupt you any longer. I'm going off now. You go ahead and settle your matter.”

"Okay! See you.” Danrique rose and strode off toward his study.

When he assigned Sean to investigate if Donald's news was accurate, the latter explained tactfully, “We heard about the news a few days ago. Gordon was about to update you at that time, but you're not in the mood as Ms. Cece was shot.”

“Is there any information?” Danrique questioned, furrowing his brows.

Sean handed the tablet to him and updated warily, “There was already a funeral for Richard Windt. It's confirmed that he had committed suicide. But he was obviously set up by the others. Apparently, the Nacht family was the mastermind manipulating in the dark...”

“Is the Nacht family seeking vengeance against the Windt family because of my aunt?” Danrique asked grimly with a flicker of sheer frigidness in his eyes.

Sean replied cautiously, “We're still clueless about that. But it seems that's not the case. Otherwise, they'll not let Mr. Windt's daughter off.”

“How's his daughter at the moment?” Danrique questioned again.

Sean replied respectfully, “She's safe at the moment. A faithful housekeeper has taken her to the countryside. Mr. Lindberg, do you think we've to bring her back after double-confirming her identity?”

Danrique shook his head. “Leave it first. Since she’s safe at the moment and is leading a peaceful life, I'd better don't interrupt her. Most importantly, I need to get the matter of Lindberg Corporation resolved soonest possible. I'll see what I can do about her after that.”

“I got it.” Sean nodded solemnly.

“Remind Gordon to keep an eye on Eva and Cece. We mustn't let anything happen to Cece again,” he instructed Sean.

“I've already assigned Sloan and Mylo to trail behind them. I'll notify Gordon now.” Seconds later, Sean uttered hesitantly, “Mr. Lindberg, there's something that I'm not sure if I should say..." Danrique glowered at him and snapped, “If you're unsure about it, zip your mouth. Get out now if there's nothing else.”

"Yes, Sir.” Sean left right away with his head lowered. Nevertheless, he could not help feeling a surge of inexplicit uneasiness from within him.

“Sean, are you looking for me?” In the meantime, Gordon advanced toward him hurriedly.

“Mr. Lindberg assigned you to keep an eye on Ms. Cece to prevent anything from befalling her.” Sean relayed Danrique’s message to him.

"Okay, I'll go down.” Gordon turned and was about to stride off. Even so, Sean grabbed hold of his arm and asked curiously, “Did you sense anything awry about Ms. Cece?”

"Huh? What do you mean?” Gordon asked in bafflement.

Sean pointed out grimly, “I feel she looks a bit similar to someone, in terms of appearance, the way she talks, temperament...”

"Who's that?” Gordon cut him off desperately.

After scanning the surroundings alertly, Sean leaned closer to Gordon and whispered, “Dr. Felch!”

Chapter 1863 I Have No Choice

Dumbfounded, Gordon yelled out, “How's that possible?”

Sean warned him, “Shh! Lower your voice.”

Perplexed, Gordon asked in bafflement, “To me, that's impossible! How could Dr. Felch and Ms. Cece turn out to be the same person?”

“Initially, I never thought of linking them together. Ms. Cece looked alluring whenever we bumped into her a few times previously. However, she did not look like her usual self when she was shot this round. Don't you feel that she has a resemblance to Dr. Felch with her short hair and unisex outfit? They are about the same height, and their voice sounds similar. Ah! Did you notice the similarity when they talk? Both are very blunt...”

“Enough of that!” Gordon cut him off and refuted impatiently, “Her height is common among Chanean women generally. As for her hairstyle, she’s obviously wearing a wig in the nightclub previously. Who knows, she might be having short hair all this while? After all, she could have cut her long hair short anytime before this. Thus, I don't sense anything amiss from that. Anyway, I haven't really observed how she talks and her voice. I'll take note to have an observation later. Anyway, I've to get going now. If anything happens to her, I'll be in deep water!”

"Okay, you go ahead!" Sean was more laid-back than Gordon. He even felt that there would not be an issue if Cece turned out to be Francesca. To him, Francesco's reputation and social status were intimidating enough. I don't think anyone dares to take the risk of laying a finger on her. Anyway, as long as Mr. Lindberg is happy, other things are unimportant! I don't think she's able to play any tricks when we're keeping an eye on her too!

On the other hand, Francesca looked out of the car window along the way, observing the surroundings. “My goodness! I'd never expected that this place could be so spacious! It takes at least half an hour for the car to be out of the castle!”

There was an abrupt change in Eva's countenance. Wearing a look of utter disdain, she scoffed, “The Lindberg family is deemed the most prominent family in Erihal. Cece, how about you? Which family are you from? Is your family involved in the business or political sector?”

“I'm from an ordinary, humble family. To be honest, I never intend to cross paths with anyone from the Lindberg family. But what can I do since Danrique insists on marrying me?” Francesca lamented resignedly.

"You..." Eva turned crimson with fury and could not utter any words to retort.

"How about you help to talk him into letting me go? I really hope he'll stop being stubborn and have a new target.” Francesca looked at her solemnly.

Unable to tamp down her simmering fury, Eva fumed, “You're a typical hypocrite! If you didn't seduce him, do you think he'll marry you? He has been single throughout these years and is never closely acquainted with any woman. But now he’s thinking of marrying you out of the blue! How's that possible?”

Francesca wailed exaggeratively, “Well, I'm not willing to marry him. How about you find a way to help me?”

Huh? Eva was utterly speechless. Initially, she thought Francesca was putting on a show. But she looks as if she means it! No way! I mustn't believe her words. How's it possible that there's any woman not willing to marry Danrique! I bet there isn't any woman who could resist the charm of such a perfect man! Hmph! I'm sure she’s trying to sound me out! I mustn't fall into her trap!

All of a sudden, Eva felt a shiver down her spine. She had been putting on a show in the face of Francesca all the while, thinking of fooling her. Unexpectedly, she got all fired up by the latter's words and unknowingly revealed her true thoughts! Good gracious! She's seemingly no ordinary woman and not someone easy to deal with. I mustn't let my guard down!

At the thought of it, Eva took a deep breath to regain her composure. Seconds later, she forced a smile and joked, “Cece, you must be pulling my legs. It's every woman's dream to marry Danrique. How's it possible that you're not yearning to do so? Since I'm the one bringing you out, I'm responsible for sending you back safely. If not, Ill surely face his wrath!”

Francesca rolled her eyes and snorted in Chanaean, “Pfft! What a cowardly woman!”

"Huh? What did you say?" Eva was puzzled.

Francesca smiled ambiguously. “Nothing. Where are you planning to bring me to?"

Chapter 1864 Weirdo

Francesca knew there was no way Eva would help her escape. It seems like I'll have to find a chance to escape.

“At this hour, the ski resort has closed, the snow leopards are asleep, and it's too far to see the aurora. Should we just go to a bar?” Eva asked tentatively.

“That's great!” Francesca smiled and nodded. “I love bars.”

“That's good to hear. I was worried that you might not like it.”

A wicked gleam shone in Eva's eyes when she shot the bodyguard a glance.

Seeing that, the bodyguard immediately whipped out his phone and sent a text.

"How far is the airport from the bar?” Francesca asked directly.

“It's not that far. It should be half an hour of car ride away.” Eva was curious, so she asked, “Why did you ask?”

"Didn't I say I don't want to get married?” Francesca had no intention of hiding her plan. “I'm going to try to escape later, and you can just let me get away on purpose. That way, no one’s going to snatch Danrique away!”

"Huh?" Eva was bewildered. What's with this weirdo? She's so unpredictable! It's as if her mind doesn't work the same as a normal person's. What on earth is she thinking about? She said Danrique was all over her just now, right? Why is she suddenly talking about escaping? Why is she asking me to let her slip away purposefully? What's going on?

Eva's mind was in a whirl as she tried to figure Francesca out.

"What's the matter with you?” Francesca waved her hand before her and asked, “Are you having a headache or something?”

With a frustrated look on her face, Eva kept mum and placed a hand over her forehead.

At the same time, she was continuously trying to remind herself to keep her cool. I can’t panic now! I have to act according to the plan. Wait! Does Uncle Donald even know what kind of wicked girl she is?

“Are you not feeling well?” Francesca asked curiously.

"Why don’t you rest for a bit?" Eva was hoping that she'd shut up because she had no idea how to deal with her. “We still have half an hour before we arrive at the bar.”

"Oh!" With a disappointed look on her face, Francesca sighed and uttered, “I thought you were really in love with Danrique! You're rather weak, it seems. How boring!”

The corners of Eva's lips twitched, and she was rendered speechless. How I wish I can just send her away! In fact, the farther, the better! Only then, she'd stop showing up before us.

However, she dared not to do that because she felt as though Francesca was setting her up for something, and she didn't want to get tricked by her.

“Do you have a charger?” Francesca ignored what Eva said and asked for a charger so she could charge her phone.

She needed to charge her phone so that she could find her way to the airport afterward.

Eva frowned and texted Donald to tell him everything that Francesca had told her. She was in need of guidance from him

After a few minutes, Donald replied: It seems like we've underestimated her, and she’s not as dull as we thought. She was definitely sounding you out just now. She was hoping that you'd slip up. If you fall for her trick and send her away, Danrique’s men will be after you right away. By then, I'd get in trouble as well. For such a young girl like her, I doubt she’s that smart. There must be someone else telling her what to do. Perhaps someone has sent her to approach Danrique on purpose, so make sure you don't fall for any of her tricks. Judging by the situation, we have to cancel our plan for tonight. In the meantime, try to find out more about her. Bring her around to have some fun before bringing her back. Remember to send her home in one piece, okay? Otherwise, we'd be doomed. To which Eva replied: Yes, Uncle Donald!

After replying to Donald, Eva gazed at Francesca and looked at her with a complicated expression. As for Francesca, she was already looking for a way to get to the airport on her phone. Luckily, it's not that far away. When the time is right, I'll just hail a taxi to go to the airport and buy myself a ticket to fly out of Xendale as soon as possible. Any country will do, at this point. Once I'm there, I'll get a visa to return to Zarain. Yes! That's what I'm going to do.

Eva grew anxious when she saw the excitement on Francesca's face. If she can manage to get on Danrique’s good side, I'm pretty sure she's a smart and capable woman. It seems like I'll have to be extra wary of her and not fall for her tricks and games.

 

Chapter 1865 The Scheme

Soon, the car arrived at the liveliest bar in Xendale.

The owner of the bar, along with a few of his men, were welcoming them at the entrance respectfully.

When Eva got out of the car, she was acting arrogantly. It was as if her presence was a blessing bestowed upon the place they went to.

Behind Eva, seven bodyguards appeared from the car. Besides, there were another two bodyguards coming out of the car that Eva and Francesca were in. In total, there were nine bodyguards escorting the ladies into the bar.

The bar was bustling and noisy. Besides, the lights there were so dazzling and bright that people there could hardly keep their eyes open. Not only that, the bar had deafening heavy metal music playing.

In the middle of the dancefloor and on the stage, there were sexy girls dancing wildly to the music. Youngsters could also be seen having the time of their lives.

Since most of the people there were from Epea and Adrune, Francesca, with a petite figure, looked like a fish out of water being there.

"Hey, little one!” one of the drunk men called out and whistled at Francesca.

Francesca threw him a glance and ignored him. She then followed Eva toward a table in the center of the bar to enjoy the lively scene.

In order to please Eva, the bar owner served them various types of exquisite alcoholic drinks.

Eva conversed with the bar owner in Erihalean and sent him away shortly after. She then gave a glass of cocktail to Francesca and said, “Have a taste! This is Flaming Sex.”

“Is it nice?” Francesca took the glass and had a sip. When she realized she liked it, she immediately downed the whole glass. “Yes. Not too shabby!”

“It seems like you have a high alcohol tolerance.” Eva smiled and handed her another glass of blue- colored cocktail and said, “This is called—"

Francesca interrupted, “I don't care what it's called. I'll just drink it!" Francesca took the glass and cheered with her. “Cheers!”

“Cheers!” Eva was overjoyed when she saw Francesca downing the cocktail. She then followed suit and finished hers in one go.

“This one is a bit bitter.” Francesca had some fruits and took another two glasses of the first cocktail they had. She gave one to Eva and said, “This is nicer.”

At that moment, Eva was stunned. Her plan was to get Francesca drunk so that she could look into her background. Why is she acting like she’s the host instead? I'm supposed to get her drunk! "What's the matter?” Francesca flashed a smile. “Aren't we surrounded by your men? Why are you scared when I'm not?”

"What's there to be afraid about?” Eva took the drink and gulped it down.

Seeing that, Francesca followed suit.

After a few glasses, Eva was starting to feel tipsy. However, she hadn't forgotten to investigate Francesca. “Hey! Who sent you?”

“You're sent by Donald, right?” Francesca threw the question back at her. “Did he send you to investigate me before chasing me away so that you can approach Danrique and make him yours?” "What..." Eva was puzzled. “I asked you first! I was asking—"

Before Eva could finish her sentence, Francesca uttered, “Since you don't look like a bad person, why don't you just continue your career as a model?” Francesca poured her half a glass of wine and continued, “Danrique is cold-hearted, and he’s also a pervert. Who knows? Maybe he has some weird kinks as well. I doubt he's easy to deal with—"

“Shut up! You're not allowed to talk bad about Danrique!” Eva was pissed off. “Danrique is the best man on earth. He's the best...”

In response, Francesca rolled her eyes and ignored her. She then glanced at all nine of the bodyguards as she tried to plan her escape.

“Tell me honestly. Who sent you here to seduce Danrique?” Eva was inebriated at that point when she leaned in and asked, “Which of the three big families sent you? Is it the Nacht family?”

"Yes. I was sent by the Nacht family.” Francesca was fooling around with Eva as she didn't believe Donald had the balls to mess with the Nacht family.

Shock was written all over Eva's face. “M-Mr. Nacht set you?”

“That's right. That's him.” Francesca continued clinking her glass with Eva and said, “Come! Let's continue drinking!”

Eva took a sip and immediately puked all over Francesca.

Chapter 1866 Old Friend

With a disgusted expression on her face, Francesca exclaimed, “That's disgusting!”

She then said to the bodyguard, “Look after her while I go to the washroom.”

With that, she stood up and left.

"Hey, Ms. Cece!” Two of the bodyguards went after her.

Francesca immediately picked up her pace, hoping that she could lose them.

Right then, the drunk man from before whistled at her again.

Francesca responded with a wink this time around. Excited, the man walked toward her unsteadily. The bodyguards then stopped the man from getting close to Francesca.

Although they were Eva's bodyguards, they knew not to be complacent because of Francesca's relationship with Danrique.

The drunk man was infuriated, and he scolded in Ustranasion, “Buzz off! Don't be such busybodies!” Hearing that, one of the bodyguards landed a punch on the drunk man and sent him crashing to the floor.

When the drunk man's friends saw what the bodyguard did, they all rushed toward the bodyguards and fought with them.

As the situation descended into complete chaos, Francesca quickly made her way out of there through the back entrance. While running, she took off her filthy coat and washed her hands with a bottle of water.

Francesca was over the moon when she finally made her way out of the bar because she didn't expect things to go so smoothly. Anxiously, she hailed herself a taxi.

When a taxi arrived in front of her, she opened the door and was about to hop in.

Right at that moment, a few military jeeps were seen speeding toward the taxi before surrounding it.

Soon after, more than twenty men dressed in black got out of the jeeps and started pointing their guns at the taxi driver.

The taxi driver was scared shitless. He raised his hands into the air in fear and uttered in Erihalean, “I-I haven't done anything wrong...”

"What the fuck?” Francesca frowned. I knew it wasn't going to be that easy!

Indeed, Danrique had already gotten people to follow them earlier on.

Unlike Eva, Gordon and his men were harder to deal with.

"Ms. Cece, we're here to bring you back.” Gordon opened the car door and politely gestured for her to get into the jeep.

Realizing that there was no way she could escape, Francesca had no choice but to get into the car as instructed.

Since they were in the city, there weren't any animals she could summon, nor did she have any weapons with her. Even if she could somehow drive toward the airport with her excellent driving skills, she still wouldn't be able to fly out of the country.

After all, it was Danrique’s territory.

"Please, Ms. Cece!” After getting Francesca into the car, Gordon instructed his subordinates, “Go check on Ms. Eva."

“Noted!” Two of his subordinates went into the bar to check on the situation in there.

They didn't go there to see if Eva was all right. Instead, they wanted to know why did Francesca escape. They were wondering if Eva was bullying her.

Francesca's expression was grim as she sat in the car. Even if I can escape from the castle, it's going to be tough trying to escape Danrique’s grasp.

Indeed, he'd even sent his men to follow her when she went out with Eva.

Not only did his men know Xendale like the back of their hands, but they'd also gone through gruesome training. It'd be impossible to leave Xendale without them knowing about it.

However, she wasn't ready to throw in the towel. I'll look for a better opportunity next time!

Upon arriving home, Norah was seen waiting for her anxiously at the entrance. When she saw Francesca getting out of the car, she rushed toward her and put a coat around her. “Are you okay, Ms. Cece? Are you hurt?”

“I'm fine,” Francesca answered. I doubt Eva will be okay, though. Besides, I bet she’s going to suffer after all the alcohol she drank. That girl is such a simpleton to think that she could get me drunk. In fact, Francesca had become immune to alcohol due to her upbringing.

"Ms. Cece, Mr. Lindberg is waiting for you in the study room,” Sean approached her and said politely. “Please head over there once you're done washing up, okay?”

"What does he want from me at this hour?” Francesca never liked being ordered around.

"Since Mr. Lindberg is looking for you, I'm sure there must be a reason for it.” Sean then continued in a joking manner, “Ms. Cece, your straightforwardness reminds me of an old friend!”

"Who might that be?” Francesca asked casually.

“Francesco,” Sean answered and observed her reaction.

Chapter 1867 Late Rendezvous

Although Francesca was shocked to hear that, she remained calm and collected. “I've heard of that person before. She's quite something, right?”

"Yes. She's also a young girl.” Sean chuckled and added, “In fact, she looks like you.”

"So?" Francesca raised her brows.

"Huh?" Sean hesitated for a moment and continued, “I didn’t mean anything by that. I was just—" "Okay. I'll go over in a while.” Francesca headed into her room. It seems like I have to be more careful not to expose myself before departing. If Danrique finds out I'm Francesco, he’s going to know I've been stringing him along. By then, it'll be even harder for me to escape once he starts to get wary of me.

“Have you been drinking, Ms. Cece? Are you all right? Did you get bullied?” Norah was sizing Francesca up worriedly.

“I'm fine." Francesca could feel that Norah's concerns toward her were sincere. This is rather heart- warming.

“Mdm. Norah, the bath is ready,” a maid said while standing at the entrance to the bathroom.

“Let me bathe you. I need to see if you were hurt.” Norah was looking after Francesca like she was a child.

“I'm fine, really.” Francesca smiled. “I can bathe myself. In the meantime, you guys can help me prepare my clothes.”

As she was saying that, she went into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. After that, she hid her backpack inside a partition in the bathroom.

Danrique had never searched her backpack before because he'd always trusted her.

However, he was bound to watch her closely after her attempt to escape. What if he searches my backpack and investigates my real identity? After that, he's going to keep all my travel documents. When that happens, I won't be able to go anywhere. Hence, I must keep my travel documents safe. Francesca was scrolling through her phone while soaking in the bathtub.

Apart from two missed calls from Anthony, she'd also received two text messages which read: Call back when you see this!

Since she was worried that her phone might be tapped, they'd agreed to contact each other through that method to avoid important messages getting leaked.

She'd also received a few missed calls and a few text messages from William.

Why did you switch off your phone, Francesca? Did something happen to you?

Francesca, what happened? I'm worried about you. Please call me back when you see this.

Where are you, Francesca?

Although those text messages didn't reveal anything important, Danrique would still find out about her identity if he were to see them.

After giving it some thought, she decided to call William.

“You've finally called, Francesca! I was worried sick!” William said.

“William, I won't be able to contact you for a while. Stop sending me text messages, and I'll call you again in due time, okay?”

"Where are you?”

ow

"Are you okay, Ms. Cece?” Norah suddenly asked from outside the bathroom.

“I'm hanging up now. Remember not to text me,” Francesca quickly answered on the phone.

With that, she hung up.

After that, she faced the door and uttered, “I'm fine. I'm still bathing.”

“All right. I'll wait for you by the door, okay? Let me know if you need anything.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Francesca then deleted William's contact on her phone. Okay. It should be fine now. I'll be able to use my phone in the open after this.

After she was done with her bath, Francesca got ready and followed Norah to the study room on the second floor.

When the door was pushed open, they saw that the lights in the room were somewhat dim.

While wearing a pair of silver-rimmed glasses, Danrique was sitting elegantly on the sofa as he read through some documents.

Upon hearing them entering the room, he immediately raised his gaze toward her. Unlike his usual gentle gaze in the past, he was looking at her with a conflicted and stern expression.

Norah placed a glass of warm water and a glass of warm milk in front of Francesca before leaving silently. “I shall leave now, Mr. Lindberg.”

Sean also left the room after bowing respectfully.

 

Chapter 1868 Fate

Francesca reclined casually on the sofa as she sipped on a cup of warm milk.

She acted no different no matter where she was. She would stand and sit languidly. She would rather lie down instead of sitting and sit instead of standing, if she had a choice.

She had no care as to how people see her. She just did whatever was comfortable.

Danrique narrowed his eyes as he watched her. His eyes gleamed as if many thoughts were racing across his mind.

After a long silence, he finally spoke. “Did you take alcohol?”

"Yes, I did,” Francesca admitted.

“Eva pushed you to take them?” Danrique inquired.

“No, I took them willingly.”

Francesca didn't want to shift the blame onto others. Even though Eva did intend to make her drunk, her attempt failed. Francesca was the one who made the other drunk.

“You want to leave me?” Danrique questioned.

Francesca didn't respond to his question. Her mind was churning up a way to answer him.

Will he be furious if I told him the truth? Will he break my leg, lock me in the basement and torture me? Well, at least that's how romance novels always go. Those alpha CEOs always resort to such measures. I recalled there was a novel I read before in which the male lead had locked the female lead in an animal cage as punishment, causing a mastiff to hurt the female lead. How psychotic! The scary thought had Francesca giving Danrique a strange look.

"Answer me,” Danrique demanded with a frown.

"Why did you intend to marry me?” Francesca refused to answer and asked instead. “Was it because I accidentally took a bullet for you?”

“Accidentally?” Danrique had only caught that one word in her question.

"Of course.” Francesca didn’t want to lie to him. “I'm not a saint or a femme fatale. Why would I take a bullet for a man? Moreover, I don't even know you that well-"

"You don’t know me well?” Danrique’s expression darkened at her words. “Seven years ago-"

“I've already forgotten what happened seven years ago.”

Francesca cut him off and said seriously, “I'm not trying to be courteous here. I'm telling you the truth. I was still young then, so I didn't know what love was

“It was an odd coincidence that I took the bullet for you. Something hit my foot, causing me to lose my balance and accidentally fall into your arms, then I got shot.”

I shouldn't lie to him. Even though it's cruel, I have to tell him the truth. It's better than leaving him clueless.

"Fine. Let's say what you just said is true. You taking the bullet for me was accidental, and you had forgotten about what happened seven years ago.”

Danrique nodded his head as though he had no problem accepting that.

“That's right.”

Francesca was ecstatic. This stubborn man had finally thought things through.

“But...” Suddenly, Danrique made a turn. “The world is so huge, and we still meet each other after all this time. Also, you saved my life.

“It might be an accident or an odd coincidence, but it doesn't change the fact that an unbreakable bond binds us together.”

"Erm..."

Francesca was stunned at his conclusion. Her smart mouth that could win every argument was wide open with no words coming out.

She even thought Danrique’s remark kind of, somewhat, sort of made sense.

"God wanted us to be together, and we can't go against His will.”

Danrique added, with great emphasis, “You and I are destined to be together. You can't run away.” “You believe in destiny?” Francesca was staring dumbfoundedly at him.

“I do believe in it sometimes.” Danrique set down the document in his hands, got up from his seat, and walked over to her.

"You-"

Francesca was about to say something when Danrique loomed closer to her. His huge body was like a cage, closing her in. He was gazing at her with a beast-like gleam shining in his eyes.

That handsome face was inches away from hers, so she could see the sincerity of his feelings gleaming brightly at the surface of his amber eyes.

 

Chapter 1869 Dating Experience

Francesca was feeling nervous all of a sudden and was avoiding his gaze. She stammered, “W-What do you think you're doing?”

Danrique held her chin and drew nearer until she could feel his breath on her face. The atmosphere was getting hot and heavy.

His lips gently brushed her forehead, trailing down to between her brows. Then it slowly traced to her eyes, her nose, her cheeks. Every kiss was gentle like a feather.

Francesca's heart began pounding so loudly that it was about to break free of her chest.

Strangely, she could've pushed him away, but didn't want to.

When his lips finally landed on her lips, their bodies stiffened as though a flicker of electric shock had passed through them.

A blurry memory flashed across Francesca’s mind. It was a young boy accidentally kissing a young girl. The accident had shocked them, leaving them frozen like statues.

A pure kiss had bounded two young hearts together.

This moment felt like that. The memory seemed far away but familiar.

Danrique was getting worked up as his breath became shorter and heavier. He cupped Francesca's face with his hands, wanting to deepen the kiss.

However, rapid and consecutive knocks came from the door, disrupting the magical moment. Francesca snapped out of her daze and frantically pushed Danrique away.

Feeling awkward, Danrique turned his back to her to organize his feelings. Once he got his emotions under control, he asked, “What's the matter?”

“Mr. Lindberg, I have something to report.”

“Give me a minute.”

Danrique looked over his shoulder at Francesca and said, “Rest well and stop thinking so much.” "Okay," Francesca muttered with blushed cheeks. After shooting him another glance, she hurriedly left.

Gordon bumped right into Francesca upon opening the door. He was shocked to see the shy look on her face.

Francesca dashed back to her room and flung herself onto her bed. She stacked her hands over her chest where her heart was. What is happening?

I have no dating experience and no interest in romance, so why couldn't I push Danrique away when he was so close to me?

His closeness even felt familiar. W-What is going on here? I must have too much of a drink. I'm sure it's the alcohol acting up.

Wait, no. That's not right. I can handle alcohol. It doesnt affect me much, so why did that happen? Francesca hugged her pillow closer, tossing and turning at the confusing thoughts before she slowly fell asleep.

Meanwhile, Danrique was glaring at Gordon ferociously in the study room. “I don't care if the world is ending, but don’t knock on my door when I'm alone with Cece.”

“Understood.” Gordon lowered his head nervously.

“Now speak.”

Danrique was still thinking about the kiss earlier. Even though it was light, it was enough to get me worked up.

“I just received news that the Pastor had woken up. The situation with M Nation had stabilized. Mr. Roth had called, requesting a meeting with you.”

“Tell him I can't make it this week. If he wants to meet me, he has to come to Xendale. Otherwise, he'll have to wait until my trip to Summerbank next month,” Danrique replied coldly.

"Yes, Sir.” Gordon immediately obliged Danrique’s instructions.

Sean came into the study with a document in hand. He greeted Gordon briefly as he passed him before handing the document over to Danrique. “Mr. Lindberg, this document is urgent.”

Danrique reached for the document and simply set it on his desk. He didn't have the mood to analyze it at that moment. Instead, he asked, “Sean, were you in a romantic relationship before?” "Huh?" Sean was taken aback by the sudden switch of the topic and quickly recovered after a few seconds. He answered awkwardly, “I-1 wasn't.”

"Did Gordon have any?" Danrique followed up with another question.

“I only knew he used to like a girl one-sidedly when he was younger, but it ended before it even started.” Sean chuckled. “I don't think that counts as being in a romantic relationship.”

"Who has had one before then?” Danrique asked persistently.

"Erm..." Sean was baffled and replied cautiously, “I don't know. Should I gather everyone and ask around?”

"Go ahead.” Danrique waved his hand to dismiss him. “Come see me when you have answers.” "Yes, Sir."

 

Chapter 1870 Just One

Sean had gathered all the bodyguards for a meeting. It was quite a sight to have over a hundred bulky men squeezed into a room.

Their expressions were somber, and the atmosphere was tense.

It was their first time to have a meeting after working for Danrique for so many years.

They assumed something serious must have happened for the need to gather everyone and speculated the enemy was strong and tough to handle.

However, all of them were bewildered when Sean gave them their mission.

"Why are you all just standing there? I just asked you a question.” Sean slammed his hand onto the desk and repeated, “Those who had been in a romantic relationship before, raise your hands.” Everyone in the room was exchanging glances, thinking they must have heard it wrong.

So he gathered everyone just to ask about our dating history?

“Sean...” Sloan asked hesitantly, “Will we get fired if we had one?”

“I never had a girlfriend.” A few bodyguards clarified immediately, hearing Sloan's question.

“Rest assured. There's no punishment.” Sean hurriedly explained when he saw the dread on their faces. “But you'll be heavily rewarded if you had one.”

He couldn't tell them Danrique was asking for advice. It was too humiliating, so he had to find an excuse.

All the bodyguards finally released a relieved breath at Sean's reassurance.

“It seems like none of you had a girlfriend before.” Sean observed none of the men had raised their hands and said disappointedly, “That's it. Dismissed.”

oo

Suddenly, Mylo reluctantly raised his hand. “I had a girlfriend before.”

“Come over here quickly!”

Hope reignited in Sean's heart. There's finally one.

Sean dismissed the others and led Mylo to Danrique.

Mylo was a bundle of nerves on the way there. “What do I need to do, Sean?”

“Just relay your experience to Mr. Lindberg. That's it.” Sean gave a few slaps on his back and reassured him. “Don’t worry. Mr. Lindberg only wants advice.”

"A-Advice?” Mylo was dumbstruck.

Seeing no one was around, Sean whispered, “You saw it too, right? Mr. Lindberg had found his first love and planned to marry her, but their relationship was not progressing well. He didn't have any experience in a romantic relationship, so he just wanted to ask what he should do next.”

“Got it.”

“Share your experience with Mr. Lindberg and teach him some tricks. That's all. You don't have to do anything else.”

Sean reminded, “If your advice is useful, Mr. Lindberg will put you in an important position.” “Really?” Mylo was excited and felt a sense of responsibility at the same time. “I'll make sure to tell him everything.”

"Oh right. How many relationships were you in?” Sean asked as he knocked on the door to Danrique’s study.

"Once. It was before my enlistment. She was my neighbor-"

“Before your enlistment?” Sean was stunned. "How old were you then?”

“I enlisted when I was sixteen.”

Sean was speechless. All his effort had gone down the drain. He thought he'd found someone experienced, but Mylo turned out to be inexperienced as well.

These young bodyguards of the Lindberg family were either recruited from the military or trained in Lindberg residence since they were young.

Mylo enlisted when he was sixteen, and the Lindberg family had recruited him at eighteen for his outstanding marksmanship. He had been with the Lindberg family for five years. That means he hadn't dated anyone for the past five years.

Over a hundred of these bodyguards, yet none had any dating experience, just like their employer. Pity rose within Sean at that thought.

Suddenly, Sean realized the severity of the issue. If the enemy uses a honey trap, all these men will fall for it.

“Come in!” Danrique called from the room.

Sean instantly led Mylo into the room.

“Mr. Lindberg,” Mylo greeted.

Danrique lifted his gaze at the newcomer and frowned. “Just one?”

“Yes.” Sean exhaled a disappointing sigh. “Out of a hundred bodyguards only Mylo have experience once. I've asked every one of them.”

Sean didn't inform Danrique that Mylo’s relationship happened when Mylo was in his teens. Otherwise, he would receive a harsh admonishment.