Ch. 941..950

Chapter 941

Suddenly, Genevieve's phone rang.

Genevieve felt a lump form in her throat when she saw it was Armand calling.

Instead of answering the phone, she lifted her gaze toward Harry. "Don't touch Mandy and my man. I'll give you everything you want."

Since Armand had just survived a heart transplant, Genevieve didn't want anything bad to happen to him again.

"Don't anger me, then, Genevieve." Harry smiled. "From now on, you must answer my phone calls and reply to my texts."

"Okay."

"Also, no matter where I ask you to go, you must go."

Genevieve tightened her grip on the knife. "O-Okay..."

Harry was satisfied with Genevieve's answers. "I'm staying at Continental Hotel. Come over to see me tomorrow morning. Now then, give me a smile, Genevieve." Genevieve took a deep breath and forced a smile. "May I leave now?"

"Bye!" Harry waved at her.

If I look at him for one more second, I might end up stabbing his face! Genevieve turned around and left. She only called Armand back after she exited the courtyard. Armand picked up the call rather quickly. In a gentle tone, he asked, "Which private room are you in at Jazona Clubhouse?"

"I'm " She suddenly heard footsteps approaching. When she raised her gaze, she saw Armand holding a phone and walking toward her.

Armand hung up when he spotted Genevieve.

Genevieve lost her composure and ran across the corridor to hug Armand. At that point, she was on the verge of crying.

Armand hurriedly checked her body for injuries, and he was relieved to see her unharmed. "Why are your eyes so red? What happened?" "Something went into my eyes. I've been rubbing them the entire day, so now they're red." Genevieve wanted to rub her eyes again. Armand quickly stopped her and said, "If you keep doing that, they're going to get inflamed."

He then held her hand and got out of there.

"Didn't you go home earlier today to bring Mandy to the hospital to get her throat checked? How did you end up in Jazona Clubhouse? Also, why didn't you get a bodyguard to come with you?" he asked. "I lost my bracelet, so I came back here to look for it. Fortunately, I found it!" Genevieve showed him the emerald bracelet on her wrist.

In a helpless tone, Armand said, "You should've just had the waiters look for it. I can always come and collect it from them tomorrow."

"I can't do that. It was a gift from you. I was so worried and anxious that I didn't have the time to bring a bodyguard along," Genevieve mumbled in response.

"You always have to have bodyguards around you, okay? I don't think it's a good idea for you to be alone."

Genevieve grunted in assent.

When they arrived home, Armand brought Genevieve to the bathroom to help her rinse her eyes.

Amanda was leaning against the door, and she poked her head in to ask, "Daddy, what happened to Mommy's eyes? Did you make her cry?" "Something went into your mommy's eyes, so I need to help her rinse them. Otherwise, they're going to get inflamed," Armand answered.

"Oh, I see."

After rinsing her eyes with some warm water, Genevieve felt a lot better. She then wrapped her arms around him and buried her head into his chest. "Hey, I would like to have some beef tacos and caramel pudding."

"Okay. I'll go and make them now." Seeing that she didn't want to walk, Armand carried her out of the bathroom.

Behind them, Amanda puffed out her cheeks and grumbled, "Daddy, you ignored me just now when I told you I wanted caramel pudding. The moment Mommy says she wants it, you're making it for her. You don't love me anymore, do you, Daddy?"

"Your throat isn't feeling well, no? Also, I know you secretly ate chips today."

Amanda stuck her tongue out and answered sheepishly, "Well, I only had a few pieces..."

Armand put Genevieve on the couch and bent down to tap on Amanda's nose dotingly. "It doesn't matter. What if you get a sore throat after eating something that sweet?"

"Mommy already brought me to the hospital to see the doctor, and he didn't ask me to take medicine. Besides, I don't have a sore throat." Amanda acted pitifully and said, "Daddy, I love pudding, and I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight if you don't let me eat. Daddy, am I not your cute little girl anymore?"

Chapter 942

Amanda was as good as Genevieve in acting coy, so Armand's heart softened right away. "I'll make two portions of caramel pudding. Go and ask your mommy and Lucian whether they would like to give you their portion, okay?"

With that, he kissed Amanda's forehead and went into the kitchen.

"I know you don't like desserts, Lucian!" She went to Lucian and held his arm affectionately. "So I'll help you eat your pudding!"

"No!" Lucian rejected her mercilessly. "I really feel like eating pudding tonight."

Amanda pouted and tugged on Lucian's hand. In a cute tone, she asked, "Lucian, am I not your cute little sister anymore? Why don't you love me?"

Lucian pulled his arm back and said, "I can't hear you."

"You're an idiot, Lucian!" Amanda grumbled.

"Mommy?" Amanda got onto the couch and climbed into Genevieve's lap. "I would love to have some caramel pudding. Would you give me yours?" "Why should I?" Genevieve asked.

"Well, because I'm your sweetie, and you love me!" Amanda smiled.

Genevieve offered up her cheek. "Give me a kiss."

Amanda leaned forward and kissed her on her cheek.

Genevieve wasn't satisfied. Seeing that, Amanda wrapped her arms around her mother's neck and kissed her a few more times. "I love you, Mommy!"

"Okay." Genevieve pinched her cheek playfully and said, "Since you're being such a good girl, I'll give you half of my pudding."

Amanda slumped her shoulders, looking a little disappointed. Half? How is that enough? Well, it's better than none!

Genevieve touched Amanda's ear but couldn't feel anything inside it.

When she thought about the thumb-sized bomb that could kill Amanda in an instant, Genevieve shivered and held her daughter tightly. Harry isn't only crazy, but he's also smart! He could even tell what was on my mind. What should I do? I need to find a way to keep him under control.

Armand served a plate of beef tacos and two portions of caramel pudding on the dining table. As promised, Genevieve gave half of hers to Amanda.

Usually, Amanda could finish her desserts fairly quickly. That night, however, she was eating very slowly to savor it. She only went to bed after she finished her pudding.

Genevieve and Armand went to their bedroom as well.

She went on her tiptoes and kissed Armand because she wanted him to carry her to the bathroom. Suddenly, her expression turned grim after she sniffed at his shirt. "Why is there perfume on your shirt?" Genevieve demanded.

Armand pulled his shirt toward his nose and sniffed. Indeed, there was a scent of perfume. "The Chief of the Ministry of Finance brought his sister along for dinner, and she was sitting next to me. I guess she might have accidentally brushed against my shirt."

"You're a liar!" Genevieve chuckled coldly. "If you weren't intimately close with her, how could her perfume end up on your shirt? Also, wasn't it supposed to be a business dinner? Why did he bring his sister? Why was she sitting next to you?"

"His sister is also working in the Department of Public Information. However, she's on the second floor, and we're colleagues. That's why she was seated next to me," Armand explained helplessly. Genevieve wasn't convinced. "She likes you, doesn't she?"

"I'm a married man. What could she do to "

"You've already divorced and are now single!" Genevieve interrupted. "You have quite the luck with the ladies, don't you, Armand?"

Armand lowered his head and frowned. "Darling, what's wrong with you today? Why are you so short-tempered?"

"I'm short-tempered? You have a woman's perfume on your shirt!" Genevieve glared at him and fumed, "Fine! I guess I'm just being grumpy and unreasonable! I'm not sleeping with you tonight!" With that, she pushed him out of the bedroom and slammed the door.

A housekeeper was bringing milk for the kids, and she saw Armand getting chased out. "Mr. Faulkner, did you anger Mrs. Faulkner?"

Armand rubbed his temples helplessly and waved the housekeeper away.

Chapter 943

The next morning, Armand unlocked the bedroom door with a spare key after he was done making breakfast. When he entered, he saw Genevieve sprawled on the bed while the blanket was on the floor.

He picked up the blanket and leaned in to kiss Genevieve. "Babe, I was wrong. I shouldn't have allowed a woman's perfume to get on my body. Forgive me, will you? I've made your favorite pasta for breakfast. Wake up and eat, okay?"

Genevieve shoved him away and buried her head under her pillow.

Normally, she would be okay once I've coaxed her. What's wrong with her today? Why is she still ignoring me? She's still angry, isn't she? Armand checked the time and realized that he had work to do, so he left.

Not long after he left, Genevieve got out of bed to wash up. When she arrived downstairs, she saw the food on the dining table. There was even a vase with a bouquet of bell orchids in it.

While peeling an egg, Lucian raised his gaze toward Genevieve and asked, "Mommy, did you and Daddy have a fight?"

"He did wrong by me," Genevieve answered coldly. "He was sitting so near a woman during dinner that her perfume got on his shirt. When I asked him about it, he said I was being unreasonable!" Lucian shook his head. "Jealous women are scary."

Genevieve slammed her utensils on the table and glared at Lucian. "What? Your daddy did something wrong! Do you want a stepmother? Is that it?"

Lucian shrank back in response and kept mum. Mommy is scary when she's angry.

After breakfast, Genevieve brought her kids to Johanna's house.

Johanna saw how grumpy Genevieve looked when she arrived and how she didn't say a word before leaving.

Puzzled, Johanna asked Lucian, "What's with your mom? She's not even talking to me."

"Mommy is angry because Daddy went out for dinner last night and came back with a woman's perfume on his shirt. When Mommy asked him about it, he said she was being unreasonable," Lucian answered. Johanna scoffed and said, "How could that happen if he didn't get close to a woman? If you ask me, Armand isn't completely innocent in this!"

While those two were talking, Timothy walked in with a bouquet of camellias and asked, "What's the problem?"

Johanna turned toward him and asked, "Didn't you say you were going to work?"

Timothy chuckled and gave her the bouquet of camellias. "I lied! I went out to pick flowers for you."

Surprised, Johanna took the flowers. When he came to wake me up this morning, he asked me what flowers I like. I mentioned camellias, didn't I? Did he really go out to pick me a bouquet of camellias? Johanna felt warmth rushing through her. A few seconds later, she looked at Timothy sternly and asked, "Why did you give me flowers all of a sudden? Did you do something wrong?"

Before Timothy could answer, Amanda chimed in, "That's because I see Daddy giving flowers to Mommy every day, and he plants them himself too! I thought Uncle Tim could be more romantic toward you, Aunt Jojo. That's why I told Uncle Tim to give you flowers. However, I didn't expect him to act so swiftly."

"Your dad plants his own flowers?" Johanna was shocked.

"Of course! Daddy loves Mommy. He got people to build a few greenhouses so that he could grow flowers!" Amanda answered proudly.

Johanna was in awe. "I didn't know your dad has a green thumb! He's a romantic, huh?"

"Darling, I'm a romantic as well!" Timothy quickly uttered. "I searched all over Jadeborough to find these camellias, you know? I plucked them myself!"

Initially, the mansion had a greenhouse with flowers in them. However, the greenhouse then became Johanna's workshop, so the flowers were moved outside.

Seeing as Johanna was surrounded by flowers every day, Timothy had thought there was no point in giving her more flowers.

However, during the conversation he had with Amanda, he realized that it would have a different meaning if he were to give Johanna flowers that didn't come from the greenhouse.

At the same time, he realized that Johanna deserved romantic gestures as well.

Timothy pulled Johanna into his embrace and kissed her. "What's so special about growing flowers? I can learn to do so as well! I'll buy some land tomorrow and plant flowers for you, Darling!" "Oh, please!" Johanna rolled her eyes at him. "That's a special gesture Mr. Faulkner is doing for Genev. Why are you such a copycat?"

Chapter 944

"In that case, what if I give you a paper crane every morning?" Timothy raised his brows and asked.

"My daddy gave my mommy a bottle of paper cranes before! He used fluorescent paper to fold them so they would light up at night!" Lucian waved and said, "He gave her one hundred and forty-three paper cranes!"

Timothy was shocked. "Are you sure that's your daddy and not an imposter? When was he such a romantic?"

"Unlike you, he loves Genev, and he's willing to prove it with his actions." Johanna scoffed. "Genev and Mr. Faulkner have been together for a shorter time than us, yet Mr. Faulkner is so much better than you. What do you know about romance?"

"I know everything he knows!" Timothy felt aggrieved. "However, if I do something he has already done before, you're going to say that I'm just copying what he does..."

Suddenly, Timothy added, "Since Armand is planting flowers, I'll buy flowers! I'll look for all the rare flowers around the world and get them to send them here by air freight. That way, you'll be able to see beautiful flowers every day!"

"Even if you're rich, there's no need to throw money away like that!" Johanna smiled. "It's all right. You just need to give me a bouquet every day."

"Your wish is my command, Darling!" Timothy lowered his head, wanting to kiss her.

Seeing that the children were there, Johanna pushed his face away mercilessly. "It's already nine-something. Go to work!"

Timothy looked disappointed because he didn't get to kiss her.

Johanna then stood on tiptoes to whisper something into his ear. In an instant, Timothy's mood was lifted. "I'll get home early and have dinner with you and Asel!"

Amanda was curious because of how happy Timothy was when he left. "Why is Uncle Tim so happy all of a sudden?"

Johanna smiled in response and put the camellias into a vase.

With the three kids playing in the living room, Johanna wanted to go to the greenhouse to work. While on the way there, she bumped into a housekeeper who had just gotten home from grocery shopping. The housekeeper gave a white rose to Johanna and said, "Ms. Joule, I saw this at the entrance when I came in. I wonder if Mr. Timothy left it there."

Timothy has only just given me a bouquet of camellias half an hour ago, no? Why would he put a rose at the entrance? Johanna waved dismissively and said, "Throw it away."

After leaving Swallow Garden, Genevieve drove to Continental Hotel and texted Harry to get him to come out.

While she was waiting for him in the car, Genevieve checked the webpage for a while.

After a few minutes, Genevieve saw Harry walking out of Continental Hotel. He was dressed in casual sportswear, and he looked youthful and sweet. Who would've known that a harmless-looking youngster like that would be a madman?

Genevieve suddenly started the car and stepped on the accelerator to drive toward Harry. Seeing that, he halted in his tracks and smiled in the direction of the fast-approaching car. It was as if he was inviting her to run him down.

Genevieve chickened out and stepped on the brakes at the last moment. When the car stopped right in front of him, a gust of wind ruffled his clothes. If those two bombs really are connected, Mandy is going to die with Harry.

Harry walked toward the passenger seat and slowly opened the car door. "You're such a coward, Genevieve! Why didn't you dare to knock me down with your car?" he mocked.

Genevieve was having none of it. "Where would you like to go?"

"The weather is perfect today. Let's go surfing!"

The best surfing spot in Jadeborough was Sunny Bay. Since it was summer, the kids were on summer break, and the place was filled with tourists.

Besides racing, Harry also loved surfing.

When they arrived there, he surfed like a professional.

The beachgoers were impressed by Harry's skills and were all cheering him on.

Genevieve was standing under the shade and watching with her arms crossed. How I wish a huge wave would come and break all the bones in that psycho's body.

When Harry came back, Genevieve gave him a glass of watermelon juice.

Harry took the glass of watermelon juice and leaned over to look at Genevieve. "Genevieve, didn't I say you shouldn't try to drug me? You won't be able to unlock my phone. If I don't use my phone every half an hour, the program will activate. Hold on. Genevieve, are you willing to make a bet with me once more?" With that, he took a sip of the watermelon juice.

Chapter 945

Just as he was about to drink the watermelon juice, Genevieve's gaze darkened. She hastily grabbed the glass in his hand before pouring the juice into the sand.

"The watermelon juice is no longer fresh after being left idle for so long. I'll buy a new glass of juice for you." She turned on her heels and strode toward the stall selling cold drinks. After she left, Harry switched on his phone and saw the few pictures he had just received. He curled his lips into a smile and forwarded the images to another number. The two of them played in Sunny Bay until around three in the afternoon.

After that, Harry dragged Genevieve to the arcade. He frequented places like that often, so he could effortlessly win a prize when playing the claw cranes.

Harry was young and handsome, so random girls would approach them from time to time, asking if he and Genevieve were a couple.

Genevieve refuted immediately and said cheerfully to the girls, "No, I'm his sister. He's still single. If you all are interested in him, do feel free to add him on WhatsApp."

The two girls glanced at Harry and hurriedly took out their phones.

He stayed still and swept his eyes across Genevieve.

Genevieve curved her lips up and flashed him a faint smile. "It's impolite for you to reject girls when they take the initiative to add you on WhatsApp. Hurry up and take out your phone." Harry narrowed his eyes but still took out his phone.

Genevieve stared intently at his phone screen from the corner of her eyes when he unlocked the device. However, due to his tall build, broad palms, and slender fingers, she failed to see what his password

was.

When Genevieve noticed other girls stealing glances at them, she would actively clarify her status as Harry's sister and tell them he was still single.

She wanted him to repeatedly unlock his phone so that she could remember his password.

As long as she had his phone's password, she merely had to think of a way to knock the madman unconscious, unlock his phone, and delete all the programs he mentioned. However, Harry was not a fool. He sighed and said, "Genevieve, I'll get mad if you continue doing this."

Genevieve cursed inwardly while beaming at him. "You are very good-looking, and these girls fancy you. I'm just providing them with an opportunity to start a relationship with you." "I only like you."

She pretended not to hear him, turned around, and walked out of the arcade. "It's already six o'clock in the evening. Let me treat you to a meal."

Harry's legs were long, so he quickly caught up to her. "I should treat you to a meal instead."

He led the way for a few minutes before they entered an alley where a small barbecue shop with an open-design kitchen was located.

He had booked the whole place that day.

After she took a seat around the table, he took out a black silk ribbon from his pocket and blindfolded her.

"Genevieve, you are not allowed to take off this blindfold without my permission. Otherwise, the consequences will be dire if I am infuriated," Harry whispered beside her ear. Genevieve clenched her hands, which were placed on the table, and stayed silent.

Her body tensed up, and fury churned within her. Soon, the sizzling sound of meat being grilled was heard. Gradually, she caught faint whiffs of the delicious aroma as the meat cooked. After a long while, a fork was placed in Genevieve's hand, and Harry helped deliver a piece of meat to her lips.

"Have a taste."

She had no choice but to open her mouth and eat the piece of meat on the fork. The meat was grilled perfectly, having a tender texture and mouth-watering aroma. However, she failed to distinguish if it was pork, beef, or lamb.

Harry's voice sounded from beside her right ear, "Genevieve, is it tasty?"

Genevieve grunted halfheartedly in response.

Unexpectedly, he grasped her hand and picked up another piece of meat using her fork. This time, it appeared as if Harry had brought the meat to his mouth instead. "This grilled meat is indeed delicious. It's been so long since I tasted this."

Then, he cut another piece and fed Genevieve the morsel.

Harry poured her a glass of wine and placed it in her hand. "Genevieve, I told you I was kidnapped by Hans' gang when I was ten years old, right? Do you want to hear the complete story?" Genevieve took a sip of the wine without saying a word.

Without waiting for her answer, Harry elaborated, "My mom had an emergency that day, so she did not come to pick me up after school. Instead, the driver came. Hans' gang ambushed our car on the way back. They blindfolded me, tied my hands, and tossed me into the back of their vehicle. At that time, my dad was already a member of parliament. Don't you think that it's weird they dared to kidnap the son of a parliament member?"

He paused briefly before adding, "Those men did not contact my father at once. They trapped me inside a house... Wait, no, that was not the case. They first tied me to a revolving table and hurled darts at it to intimidate me. After my dad realized I was kidnapped, only did they contact him and request a large amount of ransom money. While waiting for the ransom money, those kidnappers did not idle around either. They tossed me inside a large metal bucket and threw a rat inside with me. Then, they threatened to chop off one of my hands if the rat remained alive when they reopened the bucket." Genevieve pursed her lips.

She did not expect him to have endured such inhumane treatment when he was kidnapped at a young age.

Chapter 946

Harry continued cheerfully, "They booted the bucket from outside while I wailed inside. I was scared out of my wits at that time as the scampering rat left scratches all over my body. In the end, I caught that rat and bit it to death while crying. When they lifted the lid and saw the rat dead, those men told me that the dead rodent was my reward. One of them mentioned there was no need to torment a kid like me since they would acquire the ransom in a short while. Then, I witnessed another person take out a gun and shoot the man who spoke dead. I was standing beside him, so his blood splattered on my face. I was terrified to the extent of being unable to shed tears."

He turned around and gently combed Genevieve's hair with his fingers to reveal her fair and enticing neck. "Do you know what happened afterward, Genevieve? They threw me back into the dark room and sent over some things, informing me that those were my dinner. Someone held me at gunpoint, forcing me to eat. Those kidnappers did not want me to starve to death. But do you know? Those pieces of meat were raw and covered in blood. After I took a bite, the taste of blood filled my mouth..."

Genevieve felt her stomach churn. Unable to suppress her urge to throw up, she yanked off the blindfold and noticed the few bloody pieces of meat on the tray before her.

Fear overwhelmed her at that instant. She bolted toward the rubbish bin at the corner and vomited.

Genevieve puked until she felt drained of all strength and nearly collapsed on the floor.

Harry ambled over and handed her a bottle of water.

After drinking a few mouthfuls of water, she placed a finger in her throat to induce vomiting so she could purge the remnants in her stomach.

Harry leaned against the wall while gazing downward at Genevieve. "After Hans and the others received the ransom, they let me go. My mom and dad comforted me and were grateful that I was fine, but none of them asked if those kidnappers had done anything to me. Don't you find that comical? A member of the parliament simply allowed a group of ruthless kidnappers to bully their son. When I was eleven, I spent the whole year at home. During that time, I learned how to use a computer. By twelve, I could freely access anyone's computer or phone. Then, I hacked into Hans' phone and saw some information. Only then did I know my kidnapping incident happened because my stepbrother, Dylan, provided the necessary details to Hans' gang. Dylan did not dare to kill me, so he planned to drive me crazy through the kidnap and turn me into a gibbering fool."

Genevieve rested until she felt better before standing up and looking at him. "Did you murder Dylan?"

"Of course. I deliberately spread the news regarding the reason behind Dylan's death." Harry grinned, but his eyes glinted maliciously.

"My dad knew Dylan orchestrated my kidnapping, but he was afraid of exposing Dylan by investigating the matter further, so he pardoned those kidnappers. That's why I wanted my dad to witness how his son killed his other son. I want him to forever remember the way Dylan died."

Harry placed his hand on the back of Genevieve's neck. Then, he tugged her toward him and leaned down to look at her. "The kidnapping incident when I was ten years old is my nightmare. How dare Armand threaten me with that matter?"

Harry narrowed his eyes and caressed her face. "If not for his value as a pawn to threaten you, I would have ended him long ago."

Pausing briefly, he then shook his head and said with a smile, "No. That's not right. I was so close to killing him. I planned the fatal accident involving Armand. However, I did not know he suffered from a heart disease then. He's fortunate to have survived and been rescued by a member of the Zane family."

Genevieve stared at him dumbfoundedly. "You were willing to sacrifice yourself to arrange that accident?"

Harry's eyes bore into Genevieve's charming ones as he chirped, "That's because I knew you would come. By the way, there's something I think I should tell you... That heart inside Armand's body is not Ethan's."

Chapter 947

Genevieve's chest grew tight. "How do you know about Ethan—”

"Have you forgotten, Genevieve? I can freely access any phone or computer, even those that are secured with passwords. I'm able to acquire any information I want." Harry arched his brow, looking slightly smug.

Previously, when he chatted with Jesse in the billiard room, Harry was also under the assumption that Armand became Robert's godson because the former had set his eyes on the Zane family's power, and that was why he got together with Sally.

After that, Harry spent some time hacking into Robert's secretary's phone and even installed a listening device. Then, he discovered some secrets which explained why Armand pretended not to recognize Genevieve when they met previously.

Genevieve knew Harry must have obtained some definitive information for him to dare mention that matter out loud.

However, she could not care less about the heart's owner at that moment, as long as Armand could live.

Genevieve played the sentiment card against Harry. "Harry, I know the kidnapping incident that happened when you were ten deeply traumatized you, but you've already eliminated those who deserved to die. Mandy is just an innocent five-year-old child. I know you have a safe way to remove that explosive. Why don't you install the bomb on me?"

Her voice grew softer as she begged, "If you don't like this world, then I can die with you."

She was truly on the verge of losing her mind because of the endless torment he inflicted on her.

On the one hand was her daughter, who was still so young. On the other hand was the love of her life, who had suffered so many injuries. Moreover, Armand had undergone heart transplant surgery. Even Genevieve did not know how many years he had left to live.

She would rather the bomb be installed on her and for her to perish than see Amanda or Armand get hurt again.

Harry leaned in and noticed Genevieve was weeping silently.

He wiped the tears off her face with the back of his hand and muttered, "Genevieve, I like your eyes the most. They are so pretty even when you're crying. I like you and wish you to join me in hell, yet I'm reluctant to let you die."

Genevieve was momentarily dazed as she seemed to have realized something. She took a deep breath and uttered, "I'm willing to go through all those tortures you put up with when you were little in your stead regardless of how many times you want me to. I can even give you my eyes as long as you let Mandy off the hook."

"Are you willing to do anything for Mandy and Armand?"

"Yes. She's my daughter, and he's my lover. I believe your mother would do the same for you." Genevieve's eyes shone with determination.

Harry shook his head and replied, "She won't. My mom does not love Armand, Jack, or me. If she could utilize Jack to carry out her revenge and turn him into a killer, she could do the same to me. The only reason she married Nigel was that she was pregnant. My mom regarded me as a bargaining chip that won her the title 'Mrs. Hompton.' She pretended to care about me to put on a show for outsiders to see. Mom knew the identity of my kidnapper, but..."

Suddenly, he seemed to find the words hilarious as he burst into laughter. "She didn't protect me. Mom merely comforted me with a few sentences upon my return because the culprit was Nigel's son. She feared losing her position as Mrs. Hompton if she pursued that matter further. My mom was a dirty wh*re who could betray even her soul for the sake of power."

Genevieve stared at the young man before her in a daze.

Initially, she thought Charice cared only for Harry among her three sons. However, at that moment, Genevieve realized Charice only had regard for herself.

When Harry was kidnapped at the age of ten and suffered all sorts of cruel torment, all his closest family members were aware of the culprit's identity, yet none protected him. Even his biological mother sacrificed him for her own benefit.

If someone had treated him better in the past, he would not have turned out the way he is now...

Harry sensed the complicated emotions flickering in Genevieve's eyes. He slid his finger across the corner of her eyes and asked with a smile, "Genevieve, are you feeling sorry for me?"

She answered, "I am. Remove the explosive from Mandy's ear, and I can forget about everything you've done. I can become your sister and protect you."

Harry curled his lower lip. "Really? In that case, you'll have to make a vow. If you go against your promise, Mandy will..."

Chapter 948

"Shut up!" Genevieve bellowed with her lips trembling.

Harry saw through her thoughts. "You're lying to me, Genevieve. You're trying to play the sentiment card against me. After Mandy is safe, you'll settle the score with me instead of protecting me."

From the moment Harry placed the bomb inside Amanda's ear and threatened her, Genevieve hated his guts to the extent of having the urge to kill him.

She did not harbor a hint of pity toward Harry despite his terrible childhood.

"If you like my eyes, I'll give them to you now, all right? Let's go to the hospital immediately." She dragged him along toward the shop's exit.

After stepping out of the shop, Harry stayed still, forcing Genevieve to stop moving as well.

He suddenly beamed at her. "I can remove the bomb from Mandy's ear, but you need to do something for me."

Around eight o'clock that night, an exhausted Genevieve returned to Swallow Garden.

Armand had arrived home early that day. After having dinner with the kids, he played board games with them in the living room.

Upon seeing her return, Armand asked his children to continue playing the game on their own. Then, he got up and strode toward Genevieve.

He noticed her face was pale. "Where did you go? Did I not tell you to let a bodyguard tag along wherever you go? Why didn't you do as I say?"

"I wanted to drive around and enjoy some time alone." Genevieve went to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of cold water.

Her stomach was still churning, so she did not have any appetite to eat.

Armand trailed behind her and asked indifferently, "Did you want to drive around alone, or was it because you went somewhere with someone, so you found it inappropriate for the bodyguard to be present?" She jerked her head around and stared at him.

Armand unlocked his phone and handed it to Genevieve. Displayed on the device's screen was a picture of her and Harry, taken when they were surfing at Sunny Bay.

Although the picture merely captured their profiles, it still showed how close Genevieve was standing to Harry.

Moreover, another picture was taken right after Genevieve handed the glass of watermelon juice to Harry, depicting him leaning forward to talk to her. The two appeared very happy, as if they were exchanging sweet nothings.

Genevieve was close to breaking down as she was troubled by so many problems at that moment.

Now that Armand was questioning her while brandishing the two pictures, her tone grew cold. "If you're allowed to have other women's perfume linger on your body, why am I not allowed to hand a man a glass of watermelon juice? Do I need to get your permission to decide if I want to bring along a bodyguard with me whenever I go out?"

The kitchen was not far from the living room. As a result, their voices could be heard from outside.

Lucian glanced in the direction of the kitchen. Then, he picked up a pair of headphones and helped Amanda wear the device.

Amanda looked up at her brother in surprise.

He handed her a game console and said, "I'll play games on the PS5 with you."

Amanda enjoyed playing games on the PS5. However, due to her relatively poor skills, Lucian always chose to play alone instead of letting her join. Since he was now taking the rare initiative to invite her, she hurriedly crawled to Lucian's side and sat next to him. "Don't worry, Lucian. I won't be your burden!"

Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the kitchen grew tense.

Armand gazed intently at Genevieve. "You went out early in the morning and was with him for the whole day, returning home only at this hour. When have you ever spent so much time keeping Mandy and Lucian company?"

"I have not, but what about you?" she retorted.

He rubbed his temples and uttered helplessly, "I've told you that the perfume rubbed off on my body by accident. I explained to you last night and coaxed you this morning before leaving the house. Are you trying to use Harry to infuriate me, or are you interested in him?"

"He invited me to go surfing at Sunny Bay. Can I refuse his invitation?" Genevieve said. She drank a few more mouthfuls of water to suppress the nauseous sensation in her stomach.

Armand's face gradually darkened as he scoffed at her, "Yes. You certainly can. If you like to hang out with him so much, why don't you just get together with him? Why bother coming back here?" Genevieve slammed the glass on the tabletop. "I'm done talking to you!"

Grabbing her arm, he struggled to keep his temper under control as he uttered, "Genevieve, I'm willing to trust you as long as you provide me with an explanation."

"There's nothing to explain. I'm not just hanging out with him today. I'll keep him company tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the day after that. I'll probably be gone for around one week," she replied. Armand's grip tightened around her arm. "Who do you take me for?"

Chapter 949

"My ex-husband?" Genevieve forcefully drew her hand back. "You can be whoever you want to be. Anyway, it's been years since our divorce, and we're not remarrying each other either." She squeezed past the man, left the kitchen, and headed upstairs.

In the meantime, a housekeeper came over as she wanted to ask if Genevieve had had her dinner or not. Upon unintentionally nnming into them fighting, the housekeeper hurriedly walked away. As for Armand, he remained standing still in the kitchen for some time.

After recollecting his thoughts, he walked toward the living room, where he was met with the two kids playing video games.

Armand waited for them to finish their game before he said gently, "Your mommy and I will be busy for the next few days, so I'll send you two to Uncle Tim's. Is that okay?"

"Are you and Mommy going to visit Great-granddad in Baykeep?" Mandy said while wrinkling her nose.

"No. It's something else," Armand replied.

He pulled Mandy up from the ground and dusted her butt. "Go pick a few sets of pretty clothes and some dolls for yourself. I'll be sending you to Uncle Tim's later." Mandy opened her mouth, and just as she wanted to ask why they weren't staying at home for the night, Lucian had already dragged her upstairs.

Meanwhile, a nightmare haunted Genevieve. She was entirely drenched in sweat when she woke from her sleep.

Out of instinct, Genevieve lunged toward the other side of the bed, wanting to calm herself in Armand's warm embrace, but no one was there. Judging by how clean and tidy the other side of the bed was, it was clear that he hadn't slept in the room last night.

Genevieve then brought her clothes into the bathroom. When she showered, the sorrow and sadness eating at her caused her to break down. As she cried, her tears fell and mixed with the water. She wanted to confess everything to Armand more than anything else, but how could she?

Harry had full access to her phone, as well as Armand's, Timothy's, and those around her. The man was capable of hacking into their phones, implanting spying programs, and even scrolling through their messages as he pleased.

She was also very well aware that the perfume left on Armand's clothes had been accidental. Genevieve merely wanted an excuse to pick a fight with him so that he would stay away from her. The words coming out of her mouth last night were probably quite toxic and rage-inducing, for the man's expression had twisted out of anger.

After her shower, Genevieve quickly regained her composure. She retrieved her identifications from the drawer before putting them into her bag and descending the stairs, only to find no one around. Genevieve asked, "Where's Lucian and Mandy?"

"Mr. Faulkner sent them to Ms. Joule's last night but did not return after that," the housekeeper replied. "I made some oatmeal and pies. Do you want some, Mrs. Faulkner?"

Genevieve nodded before she sat down and calmly finished the breakfast served to her.

Though she wanted to go and visit her children, she managed to suppress the urge to do so.

At ten o'clock in the morning, her plane touched down in Baykeep on time, and she immediately took a cab to the Zeigler residence.

Herbert was delighted to see his granddaughter.

"Genev, you must stay here and keep me company for a few days." Herbert took Genevieve to the living room. "The doctor says I'm doing well recently, so I'll be coming with you when you return to Jadeborough."

Genevieve helped the old man sit on the couch and replied with a smile, "And that's why I'm here. Because I missed you."

The old man was very happy to hear that.

"Grandpa!"

Just as the two were talking, a young lady casually strolled into the living room with a cooler in her hand.

Back then, Genevieve had already met all the grandchildren when Herbert summoned all of them back to the Zeigler residence.

Thus, she recognized this young lady as well.

It was Rebecca, the daughter of Genevieve's uncle, Felix.

Back when Herbert was sent to the hospital because of food poisoning, this young woman had kicked up a huge fuss in front of the intensive care unit. For this reason, Rebecca got into an argument with Genevieve, which left quite an impression on her.

As she was older than Genevieve by a few months, Genevieve greeted politely, "Rebecca."

As for Rebecca, she nodded toward Genevieve upon seeing her.

Meanwhile, Herbert pointed to the cooler placed on the coffee table by Rebecca and asked, "What's this?"

"Fruits. They're also the cream of the crop," Rebecca replied while she opened the cooler and took some of the fruits out.

"Being able to enjoy this fruit during this season is the best. I even went to the orchard to hand-pick them."

The fruit was indeed very delicious, for it was so juicy and refreshing that even Herbert had a few more extra. Herbert then asked, "How is that boy you went out with last time?"

Chapter 950

"No idea, but I have to admit that restaurant we went to is pretty decent." Rebecca ate another fruit from the cooler. "Grandpa, didn't you say you won't interfere with who we are dating?" Herbert replied, "I did say so, but you're not dating anyone. You're still single."

Pointing toward Genevieve, he continued, "Look at Genev. She's only a few months younger than you, yet she's already married, and her kids are already five years old. "

Genevieve hurriedly said, "Granddad, my case is special. It's not easy to find someone you would truly love."

"She's right." Rebecca nodded.

Hearing this, Herbert opened his mouth and wanted to say something, only to be stopped by Genevieve as she whispered, "Granddad, Rebecca specifically came to gift you fruits. You shouldn't piss her off." "Fine, fine. I'll stop." Herbert sighed and waved his hand.

Soon, the housekeepers finished preparing lunch.

Grabbing Genevieve's hand, Rebecca dragged her to walk behind Herbert. "Thank you. If it weren't for you, Grandpa would be trying to set up a blind date for me again."

Previously, because of Herbert's food poisoning that put him in the hospital, Rebecca was not particularly fond of Genevieve.

However, after the truth was unearthed and the revelation that they were from the same family, Rebecca quickly changed her attitude toward Genevieve. From that point onward, she finally saw Genevieve as her sister.

Genevieve smiled. "It's no big deal. That's just how the elderlies behave."

Rebecca, for one, had never had an interest in politics. She used to dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer, only to discover that the process was too tormenting. Eventually, she picked up classical dancing and became a teacher in Baykeep's theatre academy.

Now, with all the students from elementary schools to universities on holiday, she, too, was on holiday.

Just as Genevieve sat at the table, she received a message on her phone. Her eyes darkened when she read it, but she replied to it regardless before putting her phone back onto the table. For the next few days, Genevieve stayed in the Zeigler residence as she kept Herbert company and read him original edition books while waiting for more news.

Rebecca, who was very free, came looking for Genevieve every day after knowing she was staying in the Zeigler residence. They would head out for a meal or go shopping, and their relationship improved quickly.

One day in the morning, Genevieve's phone rang once more.

When Rebecca visited in the afternoon, Genevieve said, "The weather is so hot that I'm not feeling particularly well. Shall we visit a beauty salon later?"

"Sure," Rebecca replied, "Any spa center that you like? Otherwise, there's a private beauty salon called Glamorous Beauty Salon. My friends said their services are pretty decent." "But I heard that we have to book in advance." Genevieve frowned.

"Hmm. I think the owner of the beauty salon is Evan's aunt. Maybe I could ask Yuvan since he's Evan's close friend."

With that, Rebecca dialed Yuvan's number.

Per their standards, the customers accepted by the beauty salon were all individuals from wealthy and influential families. Ordinary celebrities were not even fit to be accepted by them.

However, with Evan being a close associate of Yuvan, he immediately dialed his aunt's number when he learned that both Rebecca and Genevieve wanted to visit the beauty salon. When the ladies arrived, Evan's aunt even personally welcomed them.

As for Genevieve, she stole a glance at the lady that led them into the beauty salon while holding tight to her bag with guilt consuming her.

Yet, she had no other choice.

After the masseuses were done giving them a massage and left, Rebecca sipped on her watermelon juice before suddenly calling for Genevieve.

The call startled Genevieve, who was staring mindlessly at the clock hanging on the wall.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing..." With the straw still in her mouth, Rebecca kept quiet for a second before she asked again, "The person protecting you in the hospital back then... Is he your bodyguard?"

Genevieve let out a relieved breath and replied, "He's my husband's bodyguard and also a close friend."

"He doesn't look that young. Is he married?" Rebecca asked.

"He's older than my husband by a few years." Genevieve sat up in the bed hearing this, and with a frown, she said, "He's still single as of now. I want to introduce him to women, but he's never told me the kind of women he prefers."

"So he's single then?" Rebecca asked once more.

As if she had gleaned something from Rebecca's question, Genevieve turned around and asked, "You like him?"