Ch. 1041..1050

Chapter 1041

The next morning, Armand received a call and learned that an overpass had collapsed in Jadeborough, causing the death of two people, with many others injured. Hence, Genevieve hurried back to the city together with him.

Due to the urgent situation, the staff at the Department of Public Information had come in to deal with the aftermath.

The moment they arrived in Jadeborough, Genevieve started to busy herself. At the same time, she saw how Armand stayed calm while dealing with the disaster.

Fortunately, the matter was resolved in time. Together with the official press releases, the uproar wasn't long-lived.

Coincidentally, the mayor was away on a business trip during the incident, leaving Armand in charge.

Given how smoothly the matter was dealt with, the mayor-upon his return-personally came to see Armand in his office. There, he informed the latter about a dinner that night and invited Armand to join him. No sooner had Armand escorted the mayor out than Genevieve entered his office and closed the door behind her. "You look like a salesperson who has secured a major deal, and the boss is just dying to reward you."

Armand received the coffee she handed him and took a sip. "Don't you want to try the mutton the mayor's wife reared herself?"

"Why would I want to work late just when I can finally catch my breath after a frantic few days? Do you think I enjoy torturing myself?" Genevieve rolled her eyes at him before returning to her desk. With a frown on her face, she added, "Don't you think I've lost my mind? Instead of running my own company, why did I come here to suffer?”

Cocking a brow to accompany his smile, Armand retorted in a deep voice, "For the lucrative pension?"

Genevieve didn't even bother to respond.

As it was time to get off work, Genevieve retrieved her phone from her drawer to check her messages. Among them was Charlotte inviting her to go out for the night.

Truth be told, Genevieve didn't know her that well. She could vaguely recall the group of rich youngsters organizing a competition for who was the top socialite in Jadeborough. Back then, she and Charlotte had taken turns obtaining first place.

In fact, she had even forgotten when she added Charlotte to her contacts.

Meanwhile, Charlotte was someone who loved buying things, especially when it came to jewelry. Since there was an auction that night where the items on the block were of interest to her, she decided to invite Genevieve along for a fun evening.

Upon clicking into the electronic brochure the former had sent, Genevieve, too, was tempted by the jewelry that greeted her eyes.

With no other programs for the evening, Genevieve agreed to meet Charlotte at the entrance of the auction house. While leaving the office, she informed Armand, "I have something on tonight too." Armand grunted in acknowledgment. "If my dinner ends early, I'll go pick you up."

Tilting her head curiously, Genevieve inquired, "Aren't you going to ask me where I'm going? What if I'm going out to flirt with some guys?"

"Do you even dare?" Armand threw the question back at her.

Just when Genevieve was about to respond with a defiant retort, Armand shot her a glare with his black abyss-like eyes, sending a chill down her spine and dousing the fiery aura in her. Without waiting for him to ask, she told him about the auction she was going to attend.

After going their separate ways upon exiting the office, Genevieve hailed a taxi to take her back to Regality Gardens.

Not wanting to waste any time, she changed into a long dress with spaghetti straps and altered her makeup. Thereafter, she wore the pearl earrings Armand had given her before driving off to the auction. As the event was organized by Brilliant Auction House, it only took Genevieve fifteen minutes to arrive in her car.

Upon alighting from it, she handed the key over to the valet and saw Charlotte already waiting at the entrance. She was dressed in a black gown with a thin layer of lace covering her arms. With a prim and proper train, her dress showed no skin at all. Only her crimson-red hair, which was kept in place by a wooden hairpin, managed to draw attention to her.

As Genevieve approached, she asked hesitantly, "Since when did you change your style?"

When she was browsing Charlotte's Instagram a few days ago, she still saw the latter in a tube and Daisy Dukes.

She was still flaming hot then, but now... Is she in mourning?

At the sight of Genevieve, Charlotte-throwing her phone back into her bag-remarked in exasperation, "It's a long story."

By the time they were ushered to their seats, Genevieve had learned that Charlotte had lost a bet with her boyfriend over the weekend. Thus, she wasn't allowed to wear tubes and revealing shorts for the next six months. Also, her short sleeve tops shouldn't show anything below her collarbone, while her dresses had to reach at least her knees.

"Men love to ogle at pretty girls and yet don't allow their girlfriends to dress too sexily." Genevieve could empathize with her. "Have you seen a skirt swimsuit before?"

Chapter 1042

Charlotte snorted in response. "What's the point of a swimsuit when you don't show some legs?"

"Beats me." Genevieve shrugged.

After taking a sip from the coffee she was holding, Charlotte's lips curled into a smile. "Nevertheless, I didn't come out empty-handed from the game. With regards to the two scripts he's currently working on, I have cut out all the kissing and sex scenes from them. Also, he's paying for whatever I fancy tonight."

Genevieve almost choked on her coffee before throwing Charlotte a curious glance. "Are you sure? How can a celebrity like him have more money than you?"

"He doesn't but is still richer than your man." Charlotte continued, "Your man used to be so glamorous when he had hundreds of billions in assets. But now, how much does he make a month as a civil servant? Does he even get ten thousand?"

After a momentary pause, she exclaimed, "Don't tell me that you have to pay for whatever you bid later yourself?"

Genevieve retorted, "Do you know that you're really annoying?"

"As long as you admit that I'm beautiful, I don't mind you hating me." Running her finger down Genevieve's cheek, Charlotte coaxed with a pout, "Be good now. Just choose something you like later. It'll be my gift to you."

While they were chatting, a member of the staff approached them and handed Genevieve a card.

"Ms. Rachford, your husband had this sent over."

Genevieve had barely taken the card in her hands when Armand's message arrived: I've sent someone with a card over. Feel free to use it. It's an eleven-figure amount.

Even though she was surprised at how he had so much money, a smile instantly bloomed on her face, and her mood couldn't be any better.

Subsequently, she waved her phone screen at Charlotte. "Obviously, there's no way I'm going to pay for the things I bid myself.

Be a good girl, and I'll buy you a treasure this evening that will bring your boyfriend lots of luck. With it, I'm sure he can give you a card with eleven figures the next time." Charlotte snorted in response. "Sure. I would be a fool to refuse."

At that moment, the room began to fill with guests, but there were still a few minutes to go before the auction started. In the midst of snacking on some nuts, Charlotte inquired, "Why didn't you bring Johanna along?"

Johanna? Didn't we go to high school together? Why don't I remember that we were close?

The thought caused Genevieve's brows to furrow.

Just when Genevieve wanted to give a cursory answer, she caught a glimpse of two familiar figures entering the room. One of them looked like Eurydice, and she was holding the hands of a woman in her fifties. From the lady's black hair and taut skin, it was evident that she had managed to age gracefully.

Noticing Genevieve's silence, Charlotte followed the former's gaze and was greeted by the sight of Eurydice.

She asked, "Why are you looking at Eurydice?"

"Do you know her?" Charlotte's father was in the real estate business, whereas Eurydice's was a high-ranking government official. If Genevieve wasn't a civil servant, she naturally wouldn't know Eurydice. Charlotte explained, "I've only seen her before. However, I know the lady beside her."

Pointing at the lady, Charlotte elaborated, "She's Eurydice's aunt. Her husband is in the international logistics business and is extremely successful. Do you know why I know her? Her daughter is a minx who not only stole my first love but also tried to attack me."

She had known her first love since they were kids, and both families were also on very good terms. Unfortunately, just when Charlotte was about to be engaged to him, something unexpected happened. Back then, she was still naive in love. Infuriated by the fact that someone was trying to steal her boyfriend, she ordered the perpetrator to be beaten up. However, the girl's relatives were in the government, and Charlotte was consequently arrested by the police. During that time, Charlotte's father went all over the place, trying to bail her out.

Those few days turned out to be the most humiliating period of her life. After behaving with impunity for such a long time, she was forced to apologize to the girl that was trying to steal her man.

Thereafter, she learned that it was he who was useless when he didn't dare rescue her. Furthermore, he ended up marrying that minx.

Upon the realization, she cursed him for wasting more than ten years of her life.

In the end, regardless of her desire for vengeance, she knew it was futile to go against someone in government. Besides that, she felt it reckless to ruin the family business her grandfather and father had spent their lives nurturing.

Nevertheless, from then on, she never got into a serious relationship, only engaging in flings.

Chapter 1043

After hearing about Charlotte's terrible experience, Genevieve sneered. "And I was wondering why the Gaudette family failed to educate their daughter well despite how impressive they are. It looks like it's a hereditary issue."

Instantly realizing what Genevieve was talking about, Charlotte turned to Eurydice before turning back to Genevieve. "She's targeting your man?"

"Uh-huh, and she's doing it in broad daylight. Still, my man's ignoring her." Genevieve flicked her long hair and joked, "After all, Eurydice will never be prettier than me."

So Eurydice has a wealthy aunt. That's why she's here.

After a moment of contemplation, Genevieve picked up her phone from the table and sent a message to Armand. I'm going to be a bully to Eurydice. Are you scared?

Right after Genevieve took a sip of her coffee, Armand responded.

Stay safe.

Back then at the card room, Armand had been a little protective of Eurydice, so Genevieve thought that he was wary of the Gaudette family. However, after reading his latest message, Genevieve found herself relaxing.

As Genevieve swiped the pistachio off Charlotte's hands, she said, "Make me happy. I'll be avenging you in a moment.”

Charlotte was one of the few people who knew Genevieve's relationship with the Zeigler family. Furthermore, with the amount of influence Armand had in Jadeborough, it was unlikely that Armand was afraid of the Gaudette family.

Charlotte had been tolerating them for decades, and it seemed like the time for her revenge had come.

A shudder ran down Charlotte's spine, and she quickly peeled the pistachio to feed Genevieve, ignoring the state of her manicure. "My dear Genevieve, do you know how miserable I was to be forced to apologize to that vixen despite how she took my man away from me? Though, I have to say that he's nothing great either. Oh, my dear Genevieve, I'll be leaving this in your good hands tonight." Charlotte then passed her a cup of fruit tea. "Here, be careful. It's hot."

Goosebumps rose on Genevieve's skin from her dramatic treatment, and she remarked, "Do you do this to your boyfriend too?"

"I actually don't," Charlotte replied as she rested her chin on the back of her hand before winking at Genevieve. "I usually get straight to the point. Oh, but if you like this, I can provide you with my service too." "I'll pass." Genevieve inched to the side, away from the flirtatious woman.

When the auction started, the hall turned dim.

An auctioneer in a black suit stepped onto the stage and gave a brief speech before officially starting the auction.

Out of the many items, Genevieve was only interested in a diamond decoration. However, that piece would not appear until the end. At that moment, she was preoccupied with other thoughts. Genevieve was staring at Eurydice and her aunt. When her aunt raised her paddle for a painting, Genevieve raised hers as well, adding an increment of a million.

In response, Eurydice's aunt turned to look at her before raising her paddle again. Likewise, Genevieve lifted hers to add yet another million.

Later on, a painting of horses was presented for the auction. Eurydice's aunt raised her paddle, and Genevieve followed suit. This time, she added an increment of two million each time, making Eurydice's aun fume.

By then, Eurydice had noticed something amiss, and she turned to look at the back. Nevertheless, the lights were too dim, and she could not catch a clear glimpse of Genevieve's face.

Eurydice leaned closer to her aunt Karolina Sutcliffe and whispered, "They're doing this on purpose."

"I know," Karolina answered.

It was almost the patriarch of the Gaudettes' birthday. Karolina was in Jadeborough, so she took Eurydice along when she saw that there would be an auction later in the day. She never thought she would encounter a troublemaker.

Karolina had plenty of paintings in her own house. At most, she would pick two from her home and gift them to the elderly man. She did not need to get angry over this.

She could only hope that the troublemaker would run out of money at the end of the auction.

After the paintings and porcelain pieces were gone, the final items were brought out to the stage.

The one Genevieve was interested in was a nineteenth-century work from a jewelry company. It was eye-catching and valuable as a collection, so many patrons were after it, including Karolina.

Chapter 1044

Genevieve did not feel threatened at all. She kept lifting her paddle, and she finally got what she wanted.

She even bought a gemstone piece for Charlotte.

Charlotte whispered to Genevieve, "I've been watching Eurydice the entire time. You've snatched away her aunt's items a few times, but her aunt never seemed irked. I'd say she's not here for the paintings but the gilt-bronze idol that will be presented second to last."

"Hm, I like that too." Genevieve crossed her leg. "I'll have to take my time savoring the disappointed looks on Eurydice and her aunt later on."

Charlotte passed her a cup of fruit tea and giggled. "Genevieve, you're such a meanie!"

Ten minutes later, the second to last item was brought to the stage. Right as the auctioneer finished speaking, numerous people raised their paddles.

As usual, Genevieve waited for Karolina to lift her paddle before raising hers.

A while later, the price of the idol was far too high, and many people gave up. Still, Genevieve continued competing against Karolina with an increment of two million per raise. Soon, the idol's price was over a hundred and fifty million.

Before coming to the auction, Karolina had found out that she would be able to get the idol with a hundred and twenty million at most if no one else expressed any interest in it. Afraid that something might go wrong, Karolina even prepared an extra three hundred million. Nevertheless, it seemed like the sixty-sixth patron came much more prepared than she was.

Eurydice glanced in Genevieve's direction one more time before murmuring to Karolina, "She's clearly targeting us and has prepared well for it. Forget it." Karolina was afraid that she might end up stepping into the other patron's trap, so after a moment of rumination, she decided to give up on the idol.

Once the auction ended, the lights in the hall turned bright again. Karolina lamented, "I know that the old lady at home likes that deity, and coincidentally, they're auctioning an idol of that deity, so I thought I'd get one to make her happy. Who knew we'd encounter something like this?"

"Aunt Karolina, you've already given her an abundance of gifts over the years," Eurydice said with a smile. "You even gifted her an idol made of moonstone last year. It's fine even if you can't get anything for her this year."

Karolina nodded, but she was still thinking of getting someone to look for gifts so that she would be able to bring a gift to the birthday of the patriarch of the Gaudettes.

The Gaudette family was a prominent one in Jadeborough, and an unimaginable number of people wished they could be in the family's good books.

Although Karolina was only cousins with Eurydice's mother, both had been close since young. Later on, after Karolina married, her husband's family managed to do fantastically in their business with the help of the Gaudette family. Moreover, her relationship with the Gaudettes also gave her a better standing among the rich wives.

When Karolina came out to the aisle, she looked over to the seat where the sixty-sixth patron was. She wanted to know who had been competing against her for the paintings and the idol.

It was then she spotted two young women packing up their things and rising to their feet. One of them was a gorgeous woman in a spaghetti-strapped dress.

Karolina furrowed her brows and wondered why the two young women were targeting her, for she could not recall ever seeing them anywhere before then.

When Karolina saw Eurydice stopping in her tracks and turning to Genevieve, she asked, "Do you know her?"

Eurydice replied, "I do. It looks like she's not after you but me."

While the two were talking to each other, Genevieve and Charlotte came out to the aisle. As they were going to exit via the right door, they had to walk past Eurydice and her aunt.

Upon reaching them, Genevieve looked at Eurydice in surprise and said, "What a coincidence, Ms. Gaudette!"

"Is it?" Eurydice said with a smile that did not reach her eyes. "I think you knew I was here since the start. Otherwise, you wouldn't have snatched my aunt's things during the auction non-stop."

Genevieve smiled. "You can't say that, Ms. Gaudette. The items in the auction hall are meant to be auctioned off. The highest bidder gets the item. I liked them, so I got them. What's wrong with that? Your aunt failed to get the items because she didn't have enough money. How can you blame that on me?"

Chapter 1045

Eurydice said, "If you really liked them, you would have bid higher and got them in one fell swoop. Instead, you only raised the increment each time Aunt Karolina did so. Isn't it obvious that you were snatching them from her?"

"I'm rich, not stupid," retorted Genevieve. "If that painting is valued at three million, why would I spend ten million to bid for it? If your Aunt Karolina really liked it, why didn't she bid ten million from the get-go? I'm not going against any rules by making a bid here, so what are you accusing me of?"

After a brief pause, Genevieve smirked and said, "Ah, that's right. Speaking of snatching things, you seem to have plenty of experience in that regard, Ms. Gaudette. Otherwise, such wild accusations would no emerge from your mouth."

Karolina's face darkened as she berated Genevieve, "What impertinence is this? When have the youth become so disrespectful?"

"Your daughter is young, with parents who raised her. Yet, she doesn't even have any basic human decency," sneered Genevieve with a casual flick of her hair. "Instead, she insists on behaving like an animal." Karolina pinned an icy glare on Genevieve. "Who do you think you're insulting?"

"I'm not insulting anyone. I'm merely stating facts," replied Genevieve with a smirk. "A woman who inserts herself in someone else's relationship is a b*tch. Everyone knows that b*tches are animals." Karolina was so enraged that she raised a hand to slap Genevieve on the face.

However, Genevieve was too quick for her. She swiftly grabbed hold of Karolina's hand, gripping it so hard that Karolina's face contorted in pain. "If I'd said something wrong, use your words and refute me. Do you think you can slap me just because you're related to the Gaudette family? As if you have the right to slap my face!"

"Since you can't refute me, it proves that my words have touched a nerve." Genevieve felt that she had sullied her hands by touching Karolina, so she quickly let go.

Before leaving, Genevieve glanced meaningfully at Eurydice and remarked, "You really do deserve to be relatives."

After saying that, she walked away with Charlotte.

Karolina had not expected Genevieve to be so strong-the latter had bruised Karolina's wrist. With her face still sullen, Karolina turned to Eurydice and asked, "Who is that woman?" "A scion of Specter Corporation," replied Eurydice. "Cooper is her brother."

Karolina was well aware of all the domestic big names. With a sneer on her face, she retorted, "So what if she has a brother who knows how to do business? How arrogant! She even dared to bully you!" "Don't instigate anything with Specter Corporation," warned Eurydice, who was well aware of her aunt's temperament.

Eurydice then proceeded to explain, "Her brother is a known figure in the business world, but her maternal grandfather, Old Mr. Zeigler, is a general. If anything happens to Specter Corporation, you will suffer losses as well."

Eurydice would not meddle if anything happened to Karolina's business, but she did not want the Gaudette family to be dragged into the mess in any way.

After leaving the auction hall, Charlotte clapped a hand triumphantly on Genevieve's shoulder while giving the latter a toothy grin. "It was so satisfying to see you talk back at those two just now! You've managed to p*ss off Eurydice's aunt so much that she wanted to slap you. You have no idea how long I've dreamed of giving that b*tch a slap to her face!"

Charlotte could not afford to anger the Gaudette family. Hence, all she could do was dream of this moment.

Tonight, Genevieve had taught that b*tch's mother a lesson on Charlotte's behalf. As such, all the anger she had suppressed for all these years could finally be released.

"You're so cool, Genevieve!" Charlotte then lowered her head to kiss Genevieve on her cheek.

Using two fingers, Genevieve gently pushed Charlotte away from her face. "I didn't do it for you! I was already upset with Eurydice! Since my man said to not be afraid, it emboldened me to act." Genevieve was aware of the Gaudette family's status in Jadeborough. Charlotte was afraid of them, and Genevieve was no exception. Of course, she had no desire to ruin Specter Corporation with her actions Thankfully, she had a very capable man by her side.

Charlotte lay her head on Genevieve's shoulder and said enviously, "Mr. Faulkner is excellent in every way other than his age, unlike my boyfriend, who is absolutely useless."

Chapter 1046

"Since he's useless, why do you keep him around?" asked Genevieve quizzically.

All Genevieve got in response was Charlotte's mysterious smile as she said, "It's a good life. He's obedient and not clingy. Out of all the boyfriends I've had, I'm the most satisfied with him in particular." Genevieve was rendered speechless.

Tonight, Genevieve had effectively sought justice for Charlotte as well, which left the latter in high spirits. Insisting on giving Genevieve a treat, Charlotte then dragged her toward No Man's Land to celebrate. It so happened that Charlotte's other friends were there too. Hence, she reserved a luxurious booth where everyone sat around, playing drinking games and having fun. Even Genevieve was forced to participate.

Genevieve rarely went to bars, but she was shrewd. She knew that drinking games were a way to get other people drunk.

While everyone else started flushing and slurring from the alcohol, she remained alert.

After one round, Genevieve sat down on a sofa in the corner. When she pulled out her phone, she saw that she had received a WhatsApp message.

Armand had texted to inform her that his dinner was over and was inquiring about her whereabouts.

Genevieve promptly sent him the bar's location. She did not like the smell of cigarettes and booze and wanted to leave, so she decided to say goodbye to Charlotte.

Charlotte offered, "I'll take you home."

"There's no need. I only had one beer." Genevieve waved Charlotte away and reached down to grab her purse.

As Genevieve walked through the lively nightclub and headed toward the exit, she caught wind of faint classical music amid the bass-heavy electro music coming from the speakers. It sounded as if someone's phone was ringing.

The song was like a needle that jabbed straight into her brain. Genevieve clutched her head and bent over as the searing pain rendered her breathless.

A clubber who had just entered noticed that Genevieve was bent over and shaking, so he politely helped her up.

"Hey, are you all right?"

"I'm fine. Thanks for helping me." Genevieve massaged her sore temples, thinking it was due to the nightclub music being too loud. She quickly hurried out.

When she arrived at the door and felt the cool, night breeze, she found that the pain had subsided.

Genevieve rummaged through her bag for her phone to ask if Armand had arrived when she suddenly noticed a black car slowing down near her.

Even though the window was not rolled down, Genevieve knew who it was. Clutching her purse, she trotted over.

Armand emerged from the driver's seat. When he straightened himself, he saw Genevieve walking toward him. She was dressed in a slip dress dotted with abstract yellow flowers. Her pale skin was already fair, but it glowed under the dazzling moonlight. Her jet-black hair hung loose, covering her beautiful shoulders.

She looked wonderfully picturesque, making no effort to hide her beauty.

Armand saw his wife every day, but he was always mesmerized by her gorgeousness.

He walked over to open the door to the passenger seat for her.

"Why did you drive on your own?" asked Genevieve. "It's illegal to drink and drive."

"We were talking shop all night. I did not drink at all." After she had entered the car, Armand tilted her face toward him and kissed her gently on her lips.

He then fastened her seatbelt and said in a low voice, "But I think I'm a little drunk on your looks after seeing you."

"Quit being a tease." Genevieve gently pushed his face away. "I don't want to be photographed by anyone."

Armand smiled and moved back to close the door.

When they arrived at Regality Gardens, Armand set the table. After fiddling with placemats and cutlery, he entered the kitchen again to bring out the food. Armand then exited the kitchen holding a bowl of salad and a roast chicken. The smell permeated the air, filling the dining room with a pleasant aroma.

Genevieve eyed the chicken as her mouth watered but insistently said, "I mentioned wanting to lose weight by eating less at night. I've been good for three days so far. Can you cut me half an apple instead?" "Apples have quite a bit of sugar in them. Why not have some chicken?" Armand had begun to plate the food when he said, "Chicken is high in protein. Eating a bit more of this isn't going to make you fat." "All right." Genevieve eventually caved in and replied, "Since I won't get fat from this, I'll have some."

Chapter 1047

As they spoke, Genevieve approached the dining table and sat down before asking if Armand was done cooking. Subsequently, she picked up a knife and cut off a piece of chicken.

The chicken had been seasoned just right and was emitting a thick, fragrant aroma after it was roasted to perfection.

Genevieve dipped the piece of chicken in the sweet and sour sauce that Armand had mixed to go with it. Blowing on the morsel to cool it down, she put it into her mouth, savoring the appetizing flavor. The sauce went well with the chicken, prompting Genevieve to eat bite after bite. "Did your family use to own a restaurant in your previous life?" she asked Armand between mouthfuls of chicken. Armand replied, "I don't know."

"That must be the case because this is amazing." Armand had made her all kinds of dishes lately, including Chanaean cuisine and other delicacies. To Genevieve, his culinary skill was so impressive that not even professional chefs could compare to him.

Genevieve swallowed the food in her mouth and lifted her head to stare at the man before her without blinking, causing Armand to be tickled pink by her demeanor.

"What? Do you want to eat me next?" he asked with a chuckle.

The woman's cheeks flushed bright red when she heard his suggestive words. Almost choking on her saliva, she grabbed a glass of lemon water from the table and took two sips, trying to hide the turbulence in her heart.

As her fingers rubbed the glass, she returned her gaze to his face. "I understand why Eurydice likes you now."

Armand is not only charming, shrewd, and capable, but he's also good at making women happy. I think one of the reasons Eurydice is interested in Armand is that she's overwhelmed by his charm. The other reason is that she's aware of Armand's relationship with Robert and the power he possesses. The power struggle in the political world is always intricate, and Eurydice's father currently holds a high status. If they could establish connections with the Zane family and join forces with them, it would be equivalent to building a strong relationship between the two families through a marriage of convenience, thus expanding their influence.

The Zane family was the leader of the military world, and that was exactly what the Gaudette family needed.

Following two face-offs with Eurydice, Genevieve discovered that the former was good at concealing her emotions and keeping herself in check. Moreover, it seemed like Eurydice wasn't satisfied with leading a mediocre life.

The only person capable of helping her rise to greater heights was Armand.

Taking note of the crease between Genevieve's delicate brows, Armand knew she had gotten jealous. Instead of saying anything, he merely smiled silently and got up to clean the table.

His silence gave her the wrong idea, and she thought that he was quite pleased when she mentioned Eurydice being fond of him.

After Armand finished doing the dishes and exited the kitchen, he saw Genevieve still sitting at the dining table with both of her legs curled up on the chair. A tiny part of her feet was visible under the hem of her skirt, with her plump toes looking pinkishly adorable.

Holding the glass of lemon water in her hand, she rested her head on her knees with her brows tightly knitted. Her mien clearly expressed how unhappy she was.

Armand approached her, turned her chair over to face him, and squatted. "Are you upset?"

Genevieve pouted and let out a soft snort. "What should I be upset for? You're a charming, talented, and wealthy man. Everyone likes you."

"Do you like me?" the man asked.

His obsidian eyes were filled with tenderness, which caused Genevieve to be helplessly enchanted.

Despite that, she stubbornly refused to admit her feelings for him. Using the tip of her toes to poke at his wide shoulder, she mumbled, "I'm a sucker for handsome men. Of course I like your face. It's just like how you covet my beautiful looks."

Armand let out a low chuckle before grabbing her foot, which was almost stepping on his shoulder.

His palm was huge, bringing with it scorching warmth as he tickled her sensitive sole, causing her to shudder all over.

"What are you doing?" Genevieve struggled to pull her foot back from his grasp but to no avail. His grip was tight around her foot as he continued to tickle her, sending her into a helpless fit of laughter while she wriggled about on the chair.

Chapter 1048

Genevieve was slightly irritated when the man still refused to let her go even after she had begged for mercy. Therefore, she reached out to tousle his tidy hair.

When she leaned forward, Armand seized the chance to grab her arm and pull her toward him. This motion caused her to step on his lap, and with her head tilted back, it looked as if she had thrown herself into his embrace and kissed him.

A long while later, Armand pulled away so that Genevieve could catch her breath. His hand was still holding her waist and caressing it nonchalantly.

"It's late. I should go," he said, his voice deep and husky.

Probably because she had just had a hot meal, but Genevieve felt inexplicably warm and restless. After moments of staring at the man's thin lips, she couldn't help leaning over to kiss him, as if a magnetic force was attracting her.

Armand proceeded to lift her in his arms. In response, she wrapped her legs around his waist, and as she did so, the strap on her right shoulder slid down to her arm.

The man gulped uncontrollably when he saw her fair porcelain skin.

Lifting her head, Genevieve planted a kiss on his Adam's apple.

Everything happened naturally without obstructions as they were both eager and passionate.

After the intimate moment came to an end, Genevieve was so tuckered out that she wouldn't even allow the man to hug her. Instead, she lay limp on the couch with her exposed arm covered in hickeys. Armand put on some pants, grabbed a towel, and crouched beside the couch to wipe her face, which was beaded with sweat.

Her long hair was drenched after hours of passionate sex and was plastered to her forehead and face in a disheveled manner. Moreover, the corners of her eyes were tinged pink after crying, making her seem pitiful.

Armand focused on wiping her face and asked, "Should I carry you to the bathroom to get you cleaned up?"

"No. Just let me die on the couch." Genevieve felt as though her waist was about to give way. Exhausted, she took his arm and used it as a pillow.

Armand adjusted his posture by bending forward so she could rest more comfortably.

She finally regained some of her strength after drinking half a glass of water while leaning on his arm. Subsequently, she glimpsed the scratch marks on the man's shoulder, which were her doing.

All of a sudden, something popped up in her mind when she saw those scratch marks. Shoving his hand away, she sat up while clutching the blanket and stared at him suspiciously. "Why are you... so good at this?"

I thought all inexperienced men are clumsy.

She remembered how Armand had guided her when she didn't know what to do moments ago, his patient guidance charming her to no end, causing her to fall head over heels for him.

Before he could even answer her question, she struggled to get off the couch. With a deep frown, she looked at the couch and then at the messy carpet.

Armand couldn't help asking, "What are you looking for?"

"You know, that. This is my first time. Shouldn't there be blood?" asked Genevieve in confusion as her eyes continued scanning the carpet.

Amused, Armand laughed after he understood what she was talking about.

Genevieve was so irked by his laughter that she turned around to give him a kick, glaring at him furiously. "What are you laughing at, you jerk?"

She knew that it was pretty much impossible for Armand to not have any experience at his age. Despite so, she was still quite displeased at the thought that his skills came from practice with other women. "Fine, I'm a jerk." Armand bent over and carried her toward the bedroom.

The man kept himself in check after they entered the bathroom. He assisted Genevieve in taking a bath and helped her dry her hair with a hairdryer while she was carrying out her skincare routine. The faint rosy fragrance coming off of Genevieve prompted the man to dip his head and land a few pecks on her neck.

Tickled by the kisses, she turned around to face him.

He then spread the towel on the washstand and picked her up so she could sit on it and talk to him at eye level.

Chapter 1049

"So, tell me," Genevieve said.

Armand picked up a brush and started combing her hair. Surprised, he asked, "What do you want me to say?"

"Which woman taught you so well?" She looked up at him. "I get the feeling you were a dense man in the past. If you weren't taught by another woman, how come you're so adept at coaxing a girl? Don't tell me you learned all these on your own. I won't believe that."

Armand felt his head ache. Judging by her personality, he knew she would get mad regardless of his answer. Still, he couldn't tell her that woman was none other than her. She's basically jealous of herself.

"Hurry up and tell me." Genevieve lifted three fingers and vowed, "I swear I won't get angry. I just want to know."

He casually changed the topic of conversation. "Let's eat spaghetti for breakfast tomorrow. What do you say?"

"Sure. I want two extra sunny-side-up eggs..." Regaining her senses after she was done talking, Genevieve raised her arm and punched his chest. "Jerk! You deliberately distracted me!"

He remained silent and searched for a bottle of hair care essential oil from a pile of beauty products. Then, he squeezed some essential oil, rubbed it between his palms, and applied it to Genevieve's hair. His meticulous care gradually eliminated all the questions in her mind and her curiosity.

After he carried her back to the bedroom, she rolled over and sat on Armand's lap. Looking down and staring into his eyes, she traced her finger across his thick, black eyebrows.

She pursed her lips and uttered, "Actually, I fell in love with you at first sight when I saw you at the hospital the other day. When I returned to work after being discharged from the hospital, I wanted to hand in my resignation letter. Unexpectedly, there was a meeting that day, and I noticed you were also there. That's why I stayed."

A smile slowly spread across his face. "And?"

Sensing his interest piqued, Genevieve decided to come clean. "I know you were working in the office during that rainy day, so I purposely waited for everyone to leave before going downstairs. In truth, I had brought my own umbrella, but I left it in my desk drawer upstairs."

She did intend to let him send her home at that time, but she didn't anticipate him to be so daring as to hold her waist right after they met.

Genevieve added, "However, I didn't expect you to tell me all those things when you treated me to a meal after I visited Coop at the hospital. I've always thought I'm the predator."

"But, in the end, the predator became the prey?" he asked cheerfully. Armand grasped her hands and lowered his head to kiss her palms. "What would you do if I didn't say those words that night?"

She arched her brows. "I'd think of a way to win your affection. If I fail, then so be it. I don't like a man who is older than me anyway."

Armand grinned in silence. He knew she wasn't being truthful.

He placed her hands on his cheeks and stared at her intently. Too many things had happened to Genevieve in recent years.

No matter the harsh exchanges of words between them during their previous arguments, she had always chosen to be with him even after so long.

Armand would willingly risk his life if it were what it would take to reciprocate the love she harbored for him because he thought it was worth it.

Back then, when Genevieve had gone abroad with Jack, Armand had wondered why she continued to love him even after how much hurt he had caused her.

I wasn't an extraordinarily excellent man nor the only man who liked her.

The tenderness and affection glinting in Armand's eyes prompted Genevieve to use her hand to cover them, as she couldn't stand the way he was staring at her. "Don't look at me like that. I can't bear it." He grabbed her hands and lowered them. Then, he took the hair tie from the bedside table and helped her tie her hair.

Even though he didn't make any subsequent move, she instantaneously fathomed what he wanted to do. "Do you think my hair won't get wet just because you tied it up?"

"I'm afraid that I'll accidentally tug your hair." He slid his arms around her waist, pulled her into his embrace, and kissed her.

Chapter 1050

After that night, Armand moved into Regality Gardens. Aside from their daily meals, all the other household chores, including washing Genevieve's clothes, were done by him.

Melissa felt her presence was redundant there, so she returned to Swallow Garden to take care of the two kids.

She went to Swallow Garden in the morning, changed her clothes, and prepared breakfast for the two children.

At around eight o'clock, Amanda, dressed in a black school uniform, skipped down the stairs with Lucian trailing behind her.

He was also wearing his school uniform, but in contrast to Amanda, his facial features were arranged into a composed expression, giving him a cool and handsome appearance. "Melissa!" Amanda jogged forward to hug Melissa when she saw the latter. "Why are you back? How's my mommy?"

Melissa replied, "Mr. Faulkner is taking care of Mrs. Faulkner. I don't have to wash the clothes there and have nothing to do, so I can only return here to look after you two."

Armand paid Melissa handsomely, so she felt guilty for idling about.

Amanda was jealous. "Daddy is so lucky to be able to keep Mommy company daily. I've not seen Mommy in so long."

While Melissa went into the kitchen to bring out the breakfast, Amanda pulled the chair beside Lucian out and climbed up to take a seat.

He peeled the shell of a hard-boiled egg and placed it in her bowl. Then, he looked at her and let out an adultlike sigh. "Are you missing Mommy?"

"No, that's not it." Shaking her head, she leaned toward him and said, "Our situation is relatively fine. At least Daddy is keeping Mommy company. However, Asel is so pitiful. Aunt Jojo hasn't returned in so long."

When Timothy came to Swallow Garden to have dinner last night, Amanda had noticed he seemed exhausted, as if he hadn't gotten adequate rest in a long while.

Venturing a guess, she asked curiously, "Lucian, do you really think Aunt Jojo went overseas to work? But what is keeping her abroad for so long? Did she quarrel with Uncle Tim?"

Uncle Tim and Aunt Jojo did have arguments in the past, but Aunt Jojo merely locked the doors and forbade Uncle Tim from entering the house. Oddly, she decided to leave the country this time.

Lucian received the bowl of oatmeal handed to him by Melissa and began having his breakfast. "The adults will deal with their personal matters."

"But I'm missing Aunt Jojo too." Amanda bit off half of the hard-boiled egg in one bite and mumbled, "What if Aunt Jojo is truly having a row with Uncle Tim and is reluctant to come back? What if she's already looking for a stepdad for Asel?"

The more she thought about it, the more she believed it to be the case. "Take a look at how many years Mr. Valentine tried to win our mommy's affection. He even nearly became our stepdad." Although I like Mr. Valentine, I can only have one daddy. Besides, I'm not that biased, either. Daddy is the most important to me, and Mr. Valentine is just second to him.

After she swallowed her food, she continued in a glum tone, "In the past, whenever Mr. Valentine was not by my side, he would call me from time to time, but it has been so long since he last contacted me. I reckon he already has his own baby after marrying Ms. Helt."

Amanda felt anguished because she was suddenly disregarded by someone who had previously cherished her.

Lucian did not wish to see her dejected demeanor, so he patted her head and said, "They have their baby, but you have a brother. Do I not take good care of you?"

She rolled her eyes at him. "You took my pudding last night."

"That's because you ate three puddings already." Lucian retorted righteously, "I was afraid you would be too full, so I kindly helped you eat that remaining pudding." "You're just shameless, Lucian!"

Amanda felt a little better after bantering with her brother.

After they finished their breakfast, the kids carried their bags and left the house. Steven was supposed to send them to school that day.

When they stepped out of the house, Lucian perceptively sensed someone staring at himself and Amanda, but when he casually glanced in that direction, he failed to notice anything unusual. "Lucian," Amanda called her brother when she noticed him rooted to his spot after she got into the car.

Lucian looked away and got into the vehicle.

Once the car left the mansion, Amanda moved closer to Lucian and whispered, “Lucian, aren't you very skilled at using a computer? Why don't you try locating Aunt Jojo's whereabouts?" He was rendered speechless. "I don't know everything just because I'm proficient at using a computer. How would I know about Aunt Jojo's whereabouts?"

"You're useless, Lucian," she grumbled in an undertone.