Ch. 2011..2020

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2011

“Dad, Mom's injured. Come quickly!” Lucius shouted anxiously.

“What? Where is she? How is she?” Larry hurriedly asked.

He thought with Dustin by her side, he would not need to worry about her. However, he had been proven wrong; she was in the hospital.

“Don't worry, Lucius. I'll be right there.” With that said, the man rushed out of the office.

Unbeknownst to him, Gabriella was waiting for him right outside his office.

“Lars!” shouted Gabriella the moment she saw him.

“Stop following me,” the man snapped.

She knew where the man was going and what he was going to do. Nevertheless, that did not mean that she was going to admit defeat.

Why does Joan get to have his love? Why can that b*tch get his attention?

“Ouch! Lars!” The woman abruptly clutched her stomach as she sprawled on the ground, seemingly in immense pain.

When Larry turned to look at her, he realized there was a puddle of blood under her. Several coworkers who saw the scene were startled.

“Lars, send me to the hospital quickly!” Gabriella reached out toward the man.

Damn it.

Larry could not pretend not to have seen it, so he ran over to lift her into his arms before heading toward his car.

“Lars,” Gabriella mumbled with closed eyes.

All of a sudden, the colors on her face drained, and she looked exhausted. When the man saw the state she was in, he was dumbfounded.

Why is she suddenly in this way? Wasn't she fine a moment ago? A grim look crept upon Larry's face.

“Doctor, please take a look at her.” Larry carried her into the hospital.

“My God, what kind of husband are you? The pregnant lady's already in this state. I can't believe a man like you exists in this world.”

“She's right. Look at her. She's in agony!”

“Hear, hear. If the man was more attentive, there's no way she'll be in this state. What a douchebag.”

The few patients aside were chattering away. However, they were all actors that Gabriella had hired for the day. She had guessed that Larry would leave the country to look for Joan, so she had been waiting for him outside his office, aiming to stop him.

Joan, Joan. Let's see if Larry's more concerned about you or me. With that thought in mind, Gabriella narrowed her eyes as she clenched her fists.

“Ms. Ward, are you okay?” the doctor asked with a smile.

“I'm fine. Doctor, thanks for your help. The baby in me should be fine, right?” the woman worriedly asked as she rubbed her belly.

Everything was just a show that Gabriella had orchestrated. The poor Larry was still fooled; he was still pacing outside the ward nervously.

No matter how capable a man was, it was impossible for him to master everything. In that case, Larry did not know much about pregnancies.

“Ms. Ward, you can't do this anymore. It's very dangerous. I can lend you a helping hand this time, but next time...” the doctor trailed off.

Gabriella knew that the doctor was already going against medical ethics just by helping her. However, she had no choice. For Larry, she would do everything.

“Also, I have to remind you to take care of your emotions. You can't agitate yourself too often and don't ever do this again. Otherwise, you might really lose the baby in your stomach,” the doctor said solemnly to her.

If you're pregnant, you should take care of yourself and rest more while waiting for the baby to be born. I really don't know why she's tormenting herself and her baby. The doctor sighed.

It's fine. My dear baby, I'm sorry to make life difficult for you. Gabriella gently caressed her stomach as an apologetic look flashed past her face.

The baby was nothing but a rope to bind her with Larry. If the man still left her, there was no point to keep the rope around.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2012

After a long while, the doctor finally came back out.

“What's wrong? Doctor, is she fine?” Larry murmured.

The doctor heaved a long sigh before shaking her head.

“It's best that you take good care of her. She's having severe mood fluctuations, and that affects the baby in her. You should spend more time consoling her. After all, that's a human in her.” As the doctor spoke, she somberly stared at the man in front of her.

The doctor knew everything was just an act from Gabriella, but what she said was true as well.

Gabriella had been having mood fluctuations the past few days, and she was easily agitated. It was impossible that the baby was not affected by Gabriella's mental state.

“All right, she'll be staying in the hospital for the next few days. You should take care of her. It's not easy for a woman to give birth to a child, so I hope you'll be able to protect her well.” With that said, the doctor gently patted his shoulders.

But what about Joan? Misery flitted across Larry's eyes.

After a while, the man opened the door and walked toward her bedside.

By then, Gabriella was already asleep. Perhaps the words from the doctors upset her, so she had chosen sleep to forget about those words.

Ding, ding, ding.

After a brief glance at the phone, Larry picked the phone up. Caspian's voice traveled out of the speakers. “Larry, I've booked the ticket for the flight.”

“Caspian...” Larry mumbled.

A second later, he continued, “Find a good helper to take care of Gabriella in the hospital.”

He did not know it, but Gabriella heard his words.

That wench Joan is still in his heart! Gabriella could not help but gripped the bedsheets as she ground her teeth.

“Lars, don't go. Don't leave me,” came Gabriella's fake mumbles as she tossed and turned in her supposed sleep.

A nurse, who knew nothing about the situation, questioned, “Hey, what are you doing? Can't you hear that the patient's calling for you? Why are you still on the phone instead of consoling her?”

“Lars, don't go. Please. I'm so scared. I'm so scared if anything happens to the baby. What if I die?” Gabriella continued mumbling with tears streaming down her face.

Larry only quietly stared at her, slightly suspicious.

Generally, he would not believe in any of her words. However, the sight of her bleeding in front of the office had shocked him to his core earlier.

“I've found a helper. She'll be here soon,” the man replied.

“I don't want a helper. Lars, I just want you. Don't go. Stay with me, please.” The woman had a tight grip on his arm, and in her eyes was a pleading look.

“What kind of man is he? I can't believe he's trying to leave even when his wife is in this state. How irresponsible.”

That's right. He's clearly a scumbag. What kind of husband would leave his wife in the hospital alone?”

“I'd say she must have been blind to find a man like him as her husband.”

The surrounding patient returned to their loud gossips. Meanwhile, when Gabriella heard them, glee surged in her chest.

It seems like the money I've used to hire these actors hasn't gone to waste. At the same time, a smug smile grew on the woman's lips.

She wanted to find out what the man would choose. Is he going to look for Joan overseas and have his reputation ruined, or will he stay here and take care of me until I'm discharged?

“Gabriella, don't be unreasonable. I have matters to settle. Since I've already found a helper to take care of you, I'll be leaving now.” With that said, Larry stood up, about to leave.

He was sick of hearing those things. Ever since he stepped into the hospital, he had been hearing the surrounding people gossip about him. In fact, he was starting to wonder if those people were doing it on purpose.

“Lars, you can't leave. What should I do if you're gone?” Gabriella gazed at him, misery written all over her face.

However, all Larry could think at that moment was Joan. He had yet to find out what happened to her. Whether she was hurt, or if she had woken up.

Larry frowned, his hands clenching into fists.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2013

“I'll come back in a few days.” Then, the man pried her off.

Damn you, Larry. How can you be so concerned for that witch? You don't even care about me!

“Ah!”

All of a sudden, Gabriella fell off the bed.

Everyone in the room froze.

Then, the woman moaned in agony as she held her stomach.

“What's wrong with you? Your wife is already in pain. Where are you trying to go?”

“She's right. That baby in her is yours. How can you abandon her so ruthlessly?”

“Is that man having an affair?”

That question causes an uproar in the room, and everyone started whispering to each other about the possibility of his affair.

Ignoring then, Larry hurriedly walked over to carry Gabriella back up on the bed before tucking her in.

“What are you trying to do?” He glared at her.

It had been a long while, and he finally knew what kind of woman she was. Everything was just part of her act.

Damn it. I never thought you'd be as vicious as this, Gabriella. I can't believe you'd risk the life of that baby in you. Larry's scowl deepened.

“What are you talking about, Lars? I only want you to accompany me for a little longer. I was trying to send you off earlier, but I didn't think that... Ugh.” Gabriella suddenly grabbed her stomach and scrunched up her face.

Once again, the nurse walked over and commented, “You're her husband; you shouldn't do this. This is a crucial time of her pregnancy, so you should just heed her words.”

Who's her husband? Larry shot a glare at the nurse.

“I'm not her husband,” he gritted out.

However, the surrounding people were not surprised at his reply.

Before coming to the hospital, Gabriella had already told them about the situation—if she managed to get Larry to become her husband, she would give them even more money. That was why those people were so dedicated to the act.

“If you're not her husband, then why did you impregnate her? Now that she has a baby, you should bear the responsibility,” the nurse hissed.

At that moment, a sinister glint flashed in the eyes of the woman on the bed.

Larry, you'd never guess that these are all my people, would you? The smugness in Gabriella's eyes grew.

Delilah was busying herself by tending to the garden. It seemed like she was in a good mood, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. It's been some time since I've seen Joan and Lucius.

Ding, ding, ding.

Delilah hurriedly picked up her phone after briefly looking at it.

“What? Your mother's hurt? When did that happen?” the woman questioned.

Lucius called her because he wanted to find out why Larry had yet to visit Joan.

It had been two days since he called Larry. As a child, he was naturally anxious about how his father had yet to visit his mother.

“You mean, you called your father, but he hasn't come to visit yet?” Delilah suspiciously asked.

“Grandma, can you please find out what happened to Dad? Mom even calls for him in her sleep,” Lucius muttered, feeling distressed.

A few minutes of chatting later, Delilah ended the call and left the garden.

“I'm sorry, Mrs. Young. Mr. Norton is currently not in his office,” the receptionist politely answered.

Where would he be? She frowned. Why is Larry dilly-dallying all of sudden? He used to prioritize Joan's matters in the past. Why is he...

“When will he be back, then?” Delilah asked.

“Mrs. Young, is there something urgent? Is that why you're looking for Mr. Norton? If my guess isn't wrong, he should still be in the hospital,” the receptionist offered with a small smile.

Delilah was not a stranger, and that was why the receptionist was willing to tell her about Larry's whereabouts.

Hearing the reply, the older woman instantly hailed a cab to head to the hospital.

Why is he in the hospital? Is he sick?

In the meantime, Larry was standing by the windowsill, staring out of the window with dull eyes. Behind him, Gabriella seemed carefree. That's right. I'm stopping you from going overseas. I'm going to keep you here! The grin on her face grew wider.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2014

“Hello, is there a patient named Larry Norton here?” Delilah asked.

“No, but we do have a man named Larry Norton who's a family member of a patient here,” the nurse answered.

A sense of dread came upon Delilah when she heard the nurse's words.

Ding, ding, ding.

Larry picked up the call.

“Ms. Young.”

The two words caught Gabriella's attention.

“Where are you now?” came Delilah's question.

“I...” Larry hesitated.

“Come outside. I have something to talk to you about.” With that said, she ended the call.

At the start, she thought the receptionist's words had been untrue. However, the moment she entered the hospital and asked the nurse about his whereabouts, she realized the receptionist had been speaking the truth.

“Larry, do you know where Joan is at and what's she doing right now?” Delilah fixed her cold gaze at him.

Of course, Larry knew, but there was nothing he could do about it. What if something actually happens to Gabriella when I leave? She's already in such a terrible state.

“Ms. Young, don't be anxious. After these two days, I'll definitely go overseas and visit Joan,” Larry explained.

However, Delilah only walked closer to the man, her eyes filled with disdain for him. That was the first time she was disgusted with a man, and that was the first time she felt as apathetic toward Larry.

“What are you doing here? Keeping Gabriella company?” Delilah gritted out.

She could not figure out what this man was thinking about. Joan was his wife, yet the one he was concerned about was another woman.

After a long silence, Delilah sighed and walked away.

Staring at her retreating figure, Larry's eyes dulled.

“Lars!” Gabriella suddenly shouted.

She knew who had come to look for him, and she was not surprised about that woman's arrival.

Dear Joan, you'll never win, Gabriella thought as a cruel look entered her eyes.

“Doctor, how is she? When will she be able to leave the hospital?” Larry asked.

“Ms. Ward still needs some time to recuperate, so she might need to stay in the hospital for a while longer,” the doctor said. Then, she added, “She's pregnant, so she should stay happy. Otherwise, it might affect the baby in her.”

Ugh! Why does she have so many problems? The man gritted his teeth.

“Gabriella, I still have some matters to attend to, so I'm going to leave now. Take care of yourself.” At that, Larry turned to leave.

“What are you going to do, Lars?” She looked at him with woeful eyes.

What else am I going to do? I haven't visited Joan even though something major happened to her. Instead, I'm here, accompanying you.

“There are some things I have to attend to in the company,” the man responded.

Just work? Gabriella was suspicious of his answer. However, it was true that he had not gone to the office for days.

“Larry, then when are you going to come back?” Gabriella queried as she fluttered her lashes.

Why should I come back? Should I come back to look at your ugly face? If not for you threatening me with death, why would I even be here? I must have committed some heinous act in my previous life to have met someone like her in this.

“It depends. There are quite a lot of things I have to deal with in the office,” Larry drawled.

What project can be so important to him? Gabriella blinked, and a thought entered her mind.

Taking out her phone, she then sent out a text. The reply she had gotten affirmed Larry's words—the Norton Corporation had been busy lately, and there was no one around to manage the company.

“All right, then. Lars, after you're done with your work, you have to come back here, okay?” Gabriella crooned.

However, that only served to disgust Larry even more.

I have to find out who's the father of that child. I can't possibly be the scapegoat of this incident. The only one I'll ever love is Joan.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2015

Taking out his phone, the man then made a call.

Ding, ding, ding.

The phone on the table continued to ring. Joan was lying on the bed as she watched the scenery outside. She had not heard her phone at all.

“Mom, your phone is ringing!” Lucius informed her loudly.

“Oh. Turn it off. I'm tired, and I don't feel like picking up the phone,” Joan murmured.

When Lucius glanced at the screen, he hesitated. In the end, he took the phone and went out of the room. Joan's face was still turned toward the window, so she did not notice Lucius' action.

“Hello? Dad, when are you going to come? Even Grandma came,” the boy hastily asked.

“Listen to me, Lucius. Dad has a lot of things to do recently, but I'll be able to come to you by today. Is your mother fine? How is she now? Did she eat regularly?” Larry worriedly inquired.

“Don't worry, Dad. Mom's awake and fine. She's just a little tired,” Lucius explained.

Meanwhile, Joan, who was still in the ward, was tearing up.

Even Delilah's here, but Larry isn't. It looks like he really doesn't want me anymore. She balled her hands into fists as she hung her head.

We used to be so close and sweet with each other. Why did things turn out this way? Melancholy flickered across her eyes.

“Dad, I think you've crossed the line. Mom's already in the hospital for days, but there aren't any signs of you. When she sleeps, she calls for you. Mom really misses you,” Lucius quietly said.

Instantly, upset swarmed into Larry's heart.

I miss her too. From the moment she left the country until now. I dream of her every night I sleep. But whenever I think of how she's with Dustin, and whenever I think of the poster they took together, I feel miserable.

“I understand. I have a morning flight, so I'll be able to reach your place in the afternoon. Don't worry, Lucius. Do take care of Mom, okay?”

After a brief while of chatting, they then hung up the call.

Meanwhile, Delilah had been standing in the corner, listening to the boy's call. She could only sigh. After collecting herself, she then stepped into the ward.

It had been days, but not once did Joan mention Larry's name. Similarly, Delilah herself dared not mention him.

I'll leave the matter of the marriage to them. After all, I should let the young couple solve the problem themselves.

“Grandma, what's the matter? Are you tired? I keep hearing you sigh recently,” Lucius wondered.

I am tired. Joan's hospitalized, but Larry is nowhere to be found. How can I not feel worried? In fact, Delilah was sorrowful.

“Mom, Dad will be here soon,” the boy abruptly voiced.

At that very moment, Joan's eyes lit up.

“Lucius, when did you call him? Dad's busy, so you shouldn't be calling him,” Joan gravely uttered.

“Mom, what's the matter? You used to hope that Dad would be by your side when you were sick,” the boy muttered curiously.

That was back then. It's different now.

It's nearly the end of our marriage, but what can I do about it? At the end of the day, the baby in Gabriella's stomach is his. That's a fact. If we can continue to live as we used to, why would I ever choose to divorce him?

In the afternoon on the fifteenth of September, Larry arrived.

“Joan, how are you? Are you okay? Are you hurt?” Larry anxiously touched her head.

Joan only sneered in response. Why is he here? Is he here to watch me make a fool of myself?

“Why are you here? Don't you have someone who needs you more back in the country?” Joan hissed.

He's only here after days. That means Gabriella must have been in the way. Gabriella was a woman who was vicious and cruel. As long as she wanted to get something, she would do anything to get it.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2016

“Don't say that, Joan. I really am worried about you,” Larry mumbled as guilt welled up in his eyes.

At the scene, Delilah then led Lucius out of the room.

At the end of the day, the two had to settle the issue themselves.

Larry stared at her, but Joan had her face turned toward the window instead. Both were deep in their thoughts, and the atmosphere in the room was tense.

“Can you please listen to my explanation? Things are not what you think they are. There really isn't anything between Gabriella and me; I just can't find the evidence to prove that yet,” Larry murmured.

What a pitiful joke. He's already done it with her, and he even has a baby in her now. How can he possibly deny his relationship with her now? At those thoughts, Joan tensed up.

The Larry I know wouldn't do this. He used to be bold and responsible. Why is he like this now? Why is he trying to avoid everything?

Fatigue was her default state over the past few days. She did not want to be involved with Gabriella; all she wanted to do was spend the rest of her life peacefully.

“All right, that's enough. I'm tired, and I want to sleep now,” Joan mumbled as she lay down and closed her eyes.

Larry could only look helplessly at her, feeling awkward about getting dismissed. He wanted to explain to her, but she refused to listen to him.

A long while later, he stepped out of the room.

Ding, ding, ding.

Larry looked at his phone and accepted the call.

“Larry, we've found the guy, but...” Caspian trailed off.

“But what?” Larry urged.

“He won't admit it,” Caspian responded in a disappointed tone.

Those kinds of people were the worst; they refused to take responsibility for what they had done, and they would even blame someone else for it. This must be Gabriella's plan. Who else would try to go up against me?

After leaving the hospital, Larry sat down on a stone bench by the river and began smoking. In the past, he rarely smoked. However, ever since he had a fight with Joan, he started smoking several a day.

When will you stop, Gabriella? The baby's not mine, but you insist on claiming that I've done something to you that night. Do you really hate the sight of me being together with Joan? A cruel glint flashed past Larry's eyes.

“What's wrong? Did you have a fight with him again?” Dustin asked he strolled into the room.

However, Joan did not reply to him. All she did was stare at the falling leaves outside the window.

“Here, Joan. Have some soup. The doctor said you're recovering well, so we can go back to the country soon.” Dustin offered her a smile.

Yet, returning to the country was no longer something Joan was interested in. She did not want to see that woman's face, nor did she want to face that cruel woman.

Life only presented two choices; it was either this or that. Since I can't go back, why should I still feel reluctant to leave everything behind? Joan looked away from the window to stare at her hands.

Who doesn't want a good life and a blissful family? As she gripped the bedsheets, tears welled up in her eyes.

“All right, don't overthink it. I'm still by your side. I'll protect you, okay?” Dustin reassured.

That's right. I'm glad Dustin is still with me. If not for him, I might have died.

Society was a complicated place. There were always people around who tried to set others up. However, there were also people who would give their complete trust to another and support them.

“Mr. Dustin, you're quite nice,” came Lucius' voice as he abruptly entered the room.

Sometimes, the boy spoke as if he was an adult. He was all but a mere boy, yet he seemed more mature than some adults. When Dustin first realized it, he was startled.

“Lucius, what are you talking about? Mr. Dustin's always been nice,” Joan hastily said.

“Mom, you don't understand what I'm trying to say. What I mean is that Mr. Dustin is a man we can rely on,” Lucius pointed out as he gave the man in front of him a once-over.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2017

The boy knew the changes in Joan and Larry's relationship. Lucius was a brilliant boy; there was no way he could not guess that they were fighting. In fact, he knew that there was a chance they might be separated in the near future.

Nevertheless, Dustin was still by her side. At least he takes care of Mom, Lucius thought with a smile.

“What are you talking about? He must be sleep talking,” Joan quickly clarified.

Right then, Larry appeared by the doorway with breakfast in his hands. “Joan.”

When he took in the scene, he stiffened, feeling awkward. “You're already eating.”

“Lucius, you haven't had your food, right? Here. Dad bought you breakfast,” he said instead.

Slowly turning around to walk to Larry, the boy cast Larry a look of disdain.

“Why is Mr. Dustin doing the things Dad should be doing?” the boy intentionally asked loudly.

Larry froze, but he soon recollected himself.

“Lucius, maybe I've been too busy lately, and that's why I've been neglecting you and your mother's feelings. However, I'm free now,” Larry explained as he gently patted the boy's head.

But it's too late now! Lucius thought furiously, unhappy with Larry's slow actions.

“What's wrong?” Delilah softly asked Lucius.

“Grandma, Dad isn't doing his job well. Can we get rid of him?” Lucius blurted out.

Oh no. How can the boy say such senseless words? Joan flew into a panic. Like her, Delilah was equally dumbfounded. In the beginning, the boy kept calling Joan Mom. Later, when Larry found Joan, and she returned to his side, the boy began calling him Dad. But now...

What do I do?

At that moment, delight emerged in Joan's eyes.

Lucius mentioned it himself. If we really divorce, he won't feel as hurt then.

For Lucius, all he wanted to do was make sure that Joan was happy. I'll respect whatever decision Mom makes, as long as it makes her happy.

“Time for breakfast. I've bought a lot, so let's share,” Delilah quickly voiced.

“Time for breakfast!” Lucius cheered.

After all, he was just a child.

As days went by, Joan slowly recovered. Her returning health also lifted the spirits of the others.

“Let's go back, Mom,” Lucius suddenly said.

Almost immediately, gloom veiled Joan's face. If she could, she would stay here forever, never to return.

“Joan, how do you feel now? Do you feel better?” Delilah inquired.

Instead of answering her verbally, Joan nodded.

Other than Larry, everybody was in the ward. Larry knew Joan did not want to see him. In fact, he knew she hated him.

After a brief discussion, the few decided to return immediately.

When they had come down from the plane, Joan swayed, still feeling weak. Dustin, who was by her side, was unsure if he should help her, and it was a sentiment Larry shared with him. Fortunately, Delilah was right beside them, and she swiftly stepped forward toward the younger woman.

“Sorry to trouble you, Ms. Young,” Joan whispered.

“Hush now, silly girl. Why are you still saying such things at a time like this?” Delilah replied.

“Lars!” A familiar voice came from a distance away.

Crap. Why is she here? Larry scowled. How did she know I'm at the airport?

Joan slowly turned around to see a pregnant woman running toward Larry.

“Lars, why are so slow in coming back? I missed you so much!” Gabriella threw herself right into his arms.

At that moment, Larry was staring at Joan. He opened his mouth, about to say something, but ended up closing it again.

What a joke. He said he has nothing to do with her. He's nothing but a liar.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2018

Men are all good-for-nothings. Joan gritted her teeth as she narrowed her eyes at them.

She hated liars the most, and that included Larry, who had kept his relationship with Gabriella a secret from her.

“Stop messing around. Why are you here?” Larry growled.

“My, Lars. Of course I'm here to pick you up,” Gabriella beamed.

At that very moment, there was only one thought in Larry's mind. Who the f*ck told this b*tch I'm at the airport?

“Lars, you left in such a rush back then. I couldn't even come with you. If I knew you left for a vacation, I'd have come with you. It's only a great trip when both of us are together.” At that, Gabriella then hooked her arm around his.

“Absence really makes the heart grow fonder, huh?” Dustin commented.

Hearing him, Larry rolled his eyes at the other man. What is he trying to say? Please. I don't have anything to do with her.

“Lars, quick, tell me where you've been and what you've done? Was it fun?”

What a clingy rat. Larry looked at the woman in front of him in disgust. Meanwhile, Joan was eavesdropping on their conversation, hoping to glean some information. However, their conversation seemed like a normal conversation between a couple.

How can Larry say he doesn't love her? But why is he still continuing the talk with her? He knows she has set me up multiple times in the past.

Are they really in love? Is Larry only denying it? Joan averted her eyes away from them.

“All right, don't dwell on it. We'll think of what to do when the time comes, okay?” Delilah gently patted her shoulders in consolation.

She's right, Joan thought. I should be happier.

The group of people then went to Delilah's place.

“Thank you very much for your concern for Joan, but I'd have to apologize; our place is a tad bit small, so all of us won't be able to have dinner here together. So, please take your leave.” Delilah uttered.

It was simple to understand what she was trying to say. Out of everyone who was there, Gabriella was the only one who was unwelcomed in that house. Joan sneered.

Although Delilah did not quite like Dustin in the past, she slowly warmed up to him after finding out that Dustin had genuine feelings for Joan, and he was not inferior to Larry.

What a pity. Delilah shook her head and sighed.

Reality had defeated a perfect pair.

Meanwhile, it was as if Gabriella had heard nothing. Her arms remained firmly hooked around Larry's arm as she glanced around. It was as though Delilah was not talking about her.

“Miss, we don't have that much food at home, and I'm sure you've realized it by now. We're from the village, so we don't earn that much. We can't afford lavish food, so it's best that you head to a high-end restaurant for your dinner,” Lucius said after darting toward Gabriella.

What? Is a kid trying to chase me away? Gabriella raised a suspicious brow at the boy.

Where did this stupid kid come from? How dare he speak to me with that tone? Gabriella scowled.

“Miss, you have a baby in you, so you should be taking good care of your emotions and what you eat,” Lucius continued. Then, he flashed her a sweet smile.

Right then, Dustin gave the boy a thumbs-up. Smart boy.

“Dustin, let's leave. Look, the place is too small for the two of us. Let's take our leave,” Gabriella voiced.

“Mr. Dustin, it's fine. You don't need to leave. If you don't mind, we can squeeze a little around the dining table. But that's all we can fit,” Lucius added.

When did this boy become as witty as this? Satisfied, Delilah patted his head.

“My, Joan. Is this your son? So he's the kid you've raised. No wonder he has no manners,” Gabriella berated as she pointed at Lucius.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2019

So what? He's still my son. Who should he be biased toward if not me? You? The outsider? Joan nearly rolled her eyes at Gabriella.

“Let's go, Lucius. It's time for us to change.” With that said, Joan grabbed the boy's hand and headed toward the bedroom.

“Ms. Ward, if you think that our child is rude, then feel free to go to another place with a more polite child. You shouldn't waste your time here,” Delilah frigidly said.

She would not let anyone insult her family, not even when the boy was not biologically related to her.

“I...” Gabriella fell silent.

Fine! I'll leave. A cold look flickered past her face.

“Lars, let's go. They don't welcome us here,” Gabriella said as she shook his arm.

“Larry, didn't you say you want to visit the garden? The flowers are blooming now, so you should take a look at them,” Delilah interrupted.

Gabriella was the only one she wanted to get rid of; she still wanted Larry to stick around.

“Okay, Ms. Young. I'm going to take a look now.” Larry swung off Gabriella's arm and walked out of the house.

Damn it. These pieces of trash must have a death wish to do this to me. Who do you think you are? As Gabriella glared at Delilah's house, a thought popped into her mind.

“Hey, there's something you're going to do. Remember, you have to be in disguise when you're doing this,” Gabriella coldly instructed.

Huh? What is she up to this time? On the other end of the line, the man listened to the woman's instruction despite feeling perplexed.

Whatever. I'll do anything for money.

“How would you like me to do it?” the man queried.

“I want you to give your all,” Gabriella replied.

What? I'm not hearing things, am I? That'll be murder! Maybe I should reconsider this.

“Miss, I can't do that. You should know that although I'd do most things, there's a line I won't cross. Moreover, the prices vary.”

Damn man. Just cut the crap and tell me if what you want is money. Neither of us is an idiot, so who are you trying to fool? Fury was burning bright in Gabriella's chest.

“Three times the original amount. Don't worry. I'll make sure your money won't go to waste.”

“Deal,” came the swift response.

Gabriella then ended the call. A malicious grin grew on her lips as she wondered, How will Joan deal with this?

If a love-struck man would love the others around the one he loved, then a woman in anger would not let the ones around her enemy off. Gabriella, the ruthless woman she was, was one of them.

“Grandma, where are you going? It's raining outside. Don't go out.” Lucius tugged Delilah's arm.

The elderly woman crouched down to pat his head and smile at him.

“I want to go to the garden to take a look at the flowers,” she explained.

She adored those flowers, and she had poured much effort into growing them. Naturally, she would want to take care of them.

“Ms. Young, it's raining really heavily outside. Why don't you stay in today and go out to see them tomorrow instead?” Joan suggested anxiously.

“Don't worry. It's really close. You should rest up at home and spend more time with the boy. I'll be right back. It's fine.” Delilah gently patted her shoulders.

Yet, for reasons unbeknownst to her, there was a foreboding sense in Joan's heart as she stared at Delilah's departing figure.

“Mom, why am I suddenly feeling worried about Grandma? I've never felt this way before now,” Lucius suddenly said.

He's feeling the same too?

No. I must be overthinking things. How can anything happen to Ms. Young? She's only taking a look at the flowers in the garden.

“Come on, Lucius. Mom's going to play some games with you, okay?” Joan flashed the boy a reassuring smile.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2020

“Mom, can you really play games with me? Have you recovered? I'm scared that you'll be tired,” Lucius quietly muttered.

His words moved her. He's such a sensible boy. It doesn't matter if I get tired. For him, I'm willing to.

“Oh my dear flowers, this must be a tough day for you,” Delilah muttered under her breath when she reached the garden.

She had forgotten to move some of her plants into the room, so those were all soaked by now. Thus, Delilah quickly got to work. As she was too busy, she did not remember that her door was still unlocked.

Bang!

What's that noise? Delilah wondered. However, she saw no one around when she raised her head.

That's strange. I clearly heard something earlier. Could it be Joan?

“Joan?” Delilah called out.

Silence.

Forget it. I must have been hallucinating just now. Delilah returned to her work.

“Ah!” All of a sudden, a figure darted past her and punched the back of her head. Delilah passed out.

“Mom, why isn't Grandma back yet? She's usually back by now,” Lucius mumbled.

He's right. She only went to the garden to move some pots. She wouldn't need such a long time. Joan furrowed her brows. Could something have happened to her when she was on the way there? Worry overtaking her mind, she quickly took out her phone and called Delilah.

“Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavailable.”

What's going on? Why can't I get through to her? Where did she go? Joan's frown deepened.

Ding, ding, ding.

When Dustin saw the name on the screen, he was excited.

“Hello, Joan. What's up?” he eagerly asked.

“Ms. Young went out earlier to the garden, but she hasn't come back yet,” Joan nervously said to him.

“What? It's almost a day since she went out? I got it. Stay calm. I'll be right over. Also, stay at home and don't come out. You haven't fully recovered yet.” With that said, Dustin ended the call and rushed to the garden with an umbrella in his hands.

Indeed, the door to the garden was wide open.

“Ms. Young, are you in there?” Dustin shouted, but no one replied to him.

Boom! came the deafening sound of thunder, and the man by the doorway shuddered.

“Ms. Young, it's time for dinner,” Dustin continued shouting.

Yet, there were still no responses. At that moment, he panicked and ran into the greenhouse.

No one was around, but the pots by the corner were wet. That should be Ms. Young's doing, but where is she? She's gone.

Dustin spent a long while shouting in the garden, but still, he could not find Delilah.

“Hello? Joan, are you sure Ms. Young went to the garden? I don't see anyone here.”

“I'm very sure. She even told us before she left that she'd be back soon, but she's still not home,” Joan quickly said.

At that moment, a grim look crept upon Dustin's face.

That means something happened to her. That must be it.

“All right, don't worry. I'll look for her right away. Stay at home and don't come out, okay? Take care of the boy.” Dustin ended the call.

Joan was hurt, and now, Ms. Young is missing. I refuse to believe that there isn't any connection between these two events. Who is behind this? Why are they so persistent in this? Dustin clenched his fists as his eyes burned with rage.

Could it be Gabriella? But why would she do this to an elderly woman?

“Larry, Ms. Young's missing,” Dustin snarled.

This must have something to do with him.

“What? Where did she go missing?” Shocked, Larry jumped to his feet.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Gabriella was rubbing her stomach, carefree as she watched the television.