Ch. 961..970
Returning from the Dead Chapter 961
“Hello?”
“I want you to do something for me.”
“What?”
“Wipe away everything that happened to me last night. I want everything gone. Leave no trace of me being there at all,” she uttered each word through gritted teeth as she stared ahead with reddened eyes in the car.
The person on the other end of the phone fell silent.
He was unsure if he was supposed to feel happy or sad about it.
Finally, after one minute, he agreed in a low voice and said, “Sure. So when are you coming back then?”
“Today.”
“Okay. I'll get someone to book a flight for you. You can return to work tomorrow,” he said and hung up the phone afterward.
Sabrina remained unmoved for a while after the call ended. However, she finally broke down when she received the notification about her flight to return home. She threw her phone aside, plopped down on the steering wheel, and burst into tears.
It's finally over. Finally...
Over at the Red Pavilion, Sasha finally figured out the reason Richard and his men had come so early in the morning.
“Devin defiled Shanae,” was what Richard said.
F*ck! That b*tch really did it! Sasha cursed in her head and sneered, “Old Mr. Woods, you can't just say anything you like. Girls nowadays will do anything to get what they want. You should be cautious of her words.”
“What did you say? I dare you to say that again. Why would my granddaughter lie to me?”
Richard jumped up from his seat when he heard Sasha's words.
Then, just as Sasha was about to reveal the truth, her phone rang, and it was a message.
Sabrina: Don't tell anyone about what I told you earlier.
Sasha: What?
Sabrina: You'll never see me again if you break this promise.
Sasha was shocked by the message. She tried to send another message, but all she got was an error notification.
F*ck! What is wrong with her?
She then tried to call Sabrina but to no avail no matter how many times she tried.
She's really gone mad!
Sasha was panicking at that point when she heard someone say, “They're back! Look! Mr. Jadeson and Old Mr. Jadeson are back!”
“Yes, they're back.”
Sasha looked up and saw that Jonathan was back with Devin, and Sebastian was behind them.
They're finally back. They're just in time. I'll go ask what happened.
Sasha ran toward Sebastian and said, “Darling, you're finally back. How's Devin? He—”
Sasha was eager to ask if Devin remembered who he slept with when he woke up. She wanted to know if he remembered Sabrina at all.
Yet, she had just got a hold of Sebastian's arms when she was interrupted.
Jonathan noticed Richard coming out of the villa as soon as he got out of the car. Thus, he went over with a smile and said, “Richard, I was just going to go see you. What a surprise to see you here.”
“Is that so? Have you figured out the whole thing?”
Richard Woods was a devious old man. He acted all high and mighty when he noticed how Jonathan was trying to get on his good side.
Since Jonathan felt as though he was in the wrong, he had no choice but to go along with it.
“Yes, we did. I'm sorry, Richard. This brat of mine has really got himself in trouble this time. Don't worry. The Jadesons will take responsibility for this. I'll get someone to pick a good date today, and we'll get them both engaged first.”
Jonathan went ahead and made a huge promise to Richard without any hesitation.
Sasha was shocked.
Finally, when the two had gone inside with Devin being dragged along by Jonathan, she tugged on Sebastian's sleeves anxiously.
“Darling, what's happening? Did you all believe Shanae's words and think she's the one who slept with Devin?”
“What are you talking about?” asked Sebastian as he narrowed his eyes.
Since he had no idea that his sister had already talked to Sasha, he was surprised by Sasha's words. At the same time, he also sensed that something was wrong.
“You know who the person is?”
“I do.”
“Who?”
“Your sister.”
Sasha went ahead and told him without hesitation. She did not give it much thought as she was already on the edge because of it.
What the hell? She's obviously a fraud, so why does she get to marry Devin? This is too absurd.
Returning from the Dead Chapter 962
“Darling?”
Sasha had a bad feeling as she stared at Sebastian's handsome face.
“I didn't see her at all in the surveillance footage,” he finally said in a glum tone.
Huh?
Sasha looked at him in disbelief.
“You didn't? But she told me this morning. She said that Shanae drugged Devin, so she kicked her. Then, to help Devin, they ended up sleeping together.” Sasha told Sebastian everything she knew from her call with Sabrina.
However, she was disappointed again when she saw Sebastian shaking his head at her.
“No. Whether it's the club or the hotel, we've looked into everything. There were no signs of Sabrina and everything went exactly the way Shanae has mentioned. After Devin bumped into her at the hotel, she was dragged into the room, and the rest is history.”
Sebastian told Sasha everything with furrowed brows while bending over to pick up the video player from the car.
The whole thing was no doubt baffling.
After all, Sebastian knew at first glance when he arrived at the hotel that someone had planned the whole thing. Not to mention how obvious everything looked.
Yet, when they sent their men to look into it, the whole thing appeared flawless. There were no signs of anyone else tampering right from the time Devin got drunk at the club to the point where he was taken to the hotel by Jake, bumped into Shanae, and dragged her into the room.
They simply could not find anything suspicious at all.
Thus, he had no choice but to watch when they brought Shanae back and had Devin dragged in like a puppet.
“How could this be? This is impossible. It's not like that when your sister called me. There's no way she would lie to me.”
At this moment, Sasha had just finished watching the surveillance footage. She too, could not believe what she had just seen.
Sebastian's expression was grim.
He could not help but wonder if his sister was lying.
However, he knew it very well that with Sabrina's carefree character, she would never lie about such a thing. No matter how much she messed around outside, she would never joke about her innocence, not especially when the man she loved was involved.
Hence, the only explanation to that was that there was something wrong with the footage.
“What? What do you mean?” Sasha immediately looked up at him with the video player still in her hands.
“Someone must have edited the person and joined the whole thing back together.”
It took Sasha a moment to process Sebastian's words. “Who did it?”
At that instance, all she could think of was that Shanae was the one behind it. She was on the verge of exploding with rage, and she was ready to tear her apart as soon as she got a confirmation from Sebastian.
However, Sebastian's complexion looked worse than before as he said, “Who else? That fool, of course!”
It had only been a few seconds, but his entire presence had turned so cold and distant that it could send a shiver down anyone's spine.
Sasha was stunned.
That fool?
At that moment, Sasha realized who he was talking about.
She could not believe her ears. It was only earlier that morning that she was so thrilled when Sabrina told her that she had slept with Devin.
Yet, she was being told now by the man in front of him that Sabrina was the person who had herself removed completely from the footage.
Why? Why did she do that? Does she not know that if she does that, there's no way Devin will find out that the woman who slept with him was her, Sabrina Hayes? Does she not realize that she has ruined all chances of them getting together because of that?
Sasha was infuriated.
Then again, she had no idea that there was a reason behind all of that. It was somehow understandable as so much had happened. Her mind was in such a complete mess that she did not have the time to think it through.
The real reason and truth for why Sabrina did what she did were so sad that it was suffocating.
Eventually, Sebastian went inside as well.
He went over and stood right in front of Devin when Jonathan and Richard were in the middle of discussing the date for the engagement.
“Is this what you want? Are you the one getting married or them? Don't you have anything to say at all?” he said as he looked down at Devin.
It was as though he was interrogating a criminal when he said that, and that was the first time he had used that tone on Devin.
Devin froze for a moment before looking up at Sebastian with a blank look.
At that moment, he looked lost as though his brain could not comprehend the situation he was in at all. He even had trouble understanding Sebastian's words at that point.
“Who's getting married?”
Returning from the Dead Chapter 963
Is he seriously asking who's getting married?
Devin's question had enraged Sebastian to the extent that it rendered him speechless.
Jonathan, on the other hand, who was discussing this matter with Richard, glared in their direction.
“Who else do you think is getting married? You b*stard, of course, it's you! Aren't you going to take responsibility for what you have done?”
Devin frowned and looked at Jonathan.
“Have you checked properly?”
“Obviously!” Jonathan shouted at Devin in public, furious at his response.
Devin's face went pale.
However, he calmed himself down and refuted, “I'm not saying that I will not take responsibility for this. It's just that there are many other ways. Why do I have to marry Shanae?”
“What? You don't want to marry her? What do you want to do then?”
“It depends on the conditions she makes. I'll definitely fulfill it if I have the capability to do so,” Devin replied as he looked at Jonathan. After understanding the whole situation, he was not intimidated anymore.
Jonathan was not particularly angry with Devin's reply. Richard, who had the intention of cozying up with the Jadesons, however, exploded from anger.
“Bullshit! Shanae is an unmarried, innocent maiden. How dare you say such things after defiling her innocence? If you're not going to take her home as your wife now, are you planning to let her marry someone else in the future?”
“I—”
“I'm warning you, you rascal. You must marry Shanae and that's final or I'll spread this news and destroy the Jadesons' reputation.”
Never had anyone imagined that Richard would threaten the Jadesons in such a shameless and despicable manner.
Devin blanched. He stared at Richard as anger welled up in his chest and clenched his fist so tight that his knuckles were cracking. He wanted so badly to strangle Richard to death.
All problems will be resolved after I strangle him.
“Why don't you give it a try?”
Just when Jonathan and Devin were trembling in fury at Richard's brazen threat, a cold voice that they seemed to have forgotten about sounded in front of them.
Devin immediately lifted his head and saw a man.
It was Sebastian. He was standing there with his hands in his pockets. He stared at them emotionlessly, his facial features looking all the more solemn.
Richard immediately shifted his gaze to Sebastian. “What did you just say? Do you think I won't do it?”
Sebastian smirked and replied, “You think I care? I can even grant your wish right now!”
He waved his hands, and instantly someone walked up from behind him.
“Mr. Jadeson.”
“Get a few reporters here and tell them that the Jadesons have some things to announce. Oh, and inform Mark to get the owner of the nightclub and the manager of the hotel over. We'll need them during the press conference.”
The instructions given by Sebastian stunned everyone.
Little did they expect him to be so direct and make a decision on behalf of Richard.
Devin was shocked.
Similarly, Jonathan widened his eyes in astonishment.
The moment Richard saw Sebastian giving instructions to his subordinate, his arrogant and impudence look turned as white as a sheet.
I can't believe Sebastian is going to have a press conference. Is he crazy? Is he aware that it's Devin who caused this scandal? Isn't he afraid that he would embarrass the Jadeson family for causing such a scene?
Richard panicked. He was terrified and furious as he knew the truth to the whole story.
After Jasmine's death, the backbone of the Woodses had collapsed.
If the Woodses wanted to stay in the upper-class society of Jadeborough, their only means was to grab onto the Jadesons. As for now, Devin was the best candidate they could place their hope in.
However, they had never thought that the Jadesons, who were fools in their eyes, would cause such a scene.
Richard glared at Sebastian and warned, “Okay. The Jadesons have won this time. All of you can afford to be embarrassed in public, but not the Woodses. I'm warning you, Jonathan, the Woodses will not let this matter slide.”
Jonathan was rendered speechless as he looked at Richard, who just left angrily.
Did he just leave? Is it over?
Jonathan sat blankly for a few seconds.
Seeing that Richard had left, Devin turned around and looked at Sebastian.
“Thank you. Haha...”
Sebastian had no intention of engaging in a conversation with Devin. With a gloomy face, he turned and walked away.
Sasha, who had been witnessing everything at the door, walked up to Sebastian and hugged his arm worriedly.
“Darling, why didn't you tell Devin that Sab was the real woman he was with?”
“Why should I tell him?”
“Well, you saw it too. Devin refuses to marry Shanae. He's willing to do anything to compensate her instead and even had a falling-out with Old Mr. Woods.”
“So? Was there an outcome?”
Sasha fell silent upon hearing Sebastian's question.
Returning from the Dead Chapter 964
Was there an outcome?
The answer was no.
That was because no one could disobey their parents, no matter how good or how bad they were. After all, the latter was the one who brought them up. Hence, obedience was a way to express one's filial toward their parents.
Sasha accompanied Sebastian to Oceanic Estate.
There was still no news from the Woodses two days later. Even since Sebastian's warning at the Red Pavilion, the Woodses had been very wary of their actions.
It was also two days later that Jonathan finally found out about Devin's resignation at the military base.
“That b*stard! Is he trying to turn against me now? Did I tell him to resign? Is he trying to get on my nerves? What good would it bring him if I died?”
Jonathan was livid as he smashed everything in his studies. Even the ground could not withstand his fury.
Mark's face turned pale upon seeing that.
Although Jonathan was disappointed with Devin's qualifications, he had never ill-treated the latter. In fact, the former had spent a lot of his time and effort on Devin.
Seeing how mad Jonathan was, Mark was afraid that something might happen to him. Hence, he quickly came over to comfort him.
“Don't worry, Old Mr. Jadeson. We've stopped the letter from reaching the higher-ups. The people of the military base have found out and quickly warned us about it. What's important now is to dismiss Mr. Devin's thought of resigning,” Mark reminded Jonathan.
Jonathan stood in the middle of the mess he had created and leaned against the table to calm himself down. Still fuming, he ordered, “Go find that b*astard now!”
“Yes, Old Mr. Jadeson.” Mark let out a sigh of relief. Thereafter, he left Oceanic Estate to search for Devin.
At this moment, Sasha was trimming the flowers in the garden. Just when she was about to take the flowers upstairs to arrange them in a vase, she saw the commotion that happened in the study, and her expression changed.
Devin is resigning his position in the military?
Sasha panicked too upon hearing the news. After seeing Mark leave hurriedly, she quickly threw away the scissors in her hands. With the flowers left in her grip, she rushed up the stairs.
“Oh no, Darling! Devin is in trouble!”
Sasha ran up hurriedly, shouting even before reaching the bedroom on the third floor.
Under the golden sunray, the man who was flipping through his old notebook in front of the window in the bedroom frowned upon hearing Sasha calling for him.
Why isn't Sebastian replying to me?
“Darling?”
Since there was no one answering her, Sasha called out gently with flowers in her hands as she walked toward Sebastian.
Right then, Sasha looked exactly like their daughter, Vivian.
It was obvious that the blank and sweet look Vivian had was all inherited from Sasha.
Sebastian finally turned his head over as he put down the notebook in his hands. He looked at Sasha with his pair of black and charming eyes and asked, “What happened?”
“I heard Mark saying downstairs that Devin is resigning. Darling, what do you think he is trying to do? Why did he resign all of a sudden? Does he not want to be a soldier anymore?”
Sasha went on to recount everything she overheard just now.
She could not fathom Devin's decision. She felt confused and angry because she understood the implication of the resignation to the Jadesons and to Devin himself.
However, what surprised Sasha more was that Sebastian was not taken aback by her words.
“What's so strange about it? Devin has always been like this.”
“Huh?” Sasha was astonished.
Devin has always been like this? Sebastian sounds like he knows Devin very well, to the extent that he's aware that Devin will resign. However, wasn't he very tense when Devin's parents passed away a few days ago? Sebastian was constantly grumpy and was not as calm as always when he spoke and worked. Now he's telling me that Devin has always been this way?
Sasha looked at Sebastian, who looked relaxed despite the frown on his face. At that instant, she seemed to have understood what Sebastian was implying.
“Okay. Then what should we do now? Are we really letting him resign?”
“Resign? Have our efforts in raising him up all been fed to the dog?” Sebastian said through gritted teeth. Quickly, he changed into a clean set of clothes and headed out.
Sasha was shocked by how ruthless the metaphor Sebastian gave was.
Even so, Sebastian is right. Old Mr. Jadeson has nurtured Devin for so many years. How could Devin just give up in this manner? Though he may have done it for Sebastian and me, that's still not the right way to do it.
Relief washed over Sasha.
After that, she did not intervene further but took out her phone and sent Sabrina, who was in Avenport, a message.
Sasha: Sab, what are you doing now?
Sabrina: Anything?
Sabrina's reply was rather instant. It was as if she had been waiting for Sasha's message.
Sasha felt a twinge in her heart, but she quickly pulled herself together and replied to Sabrina.
Returning from the Dead Chapter 965
Sasha: It's nothing much. Just wanted to let you know that Shanae's scheme did not turn out well. Sebastian managed to scare Old Mr. Woods. And of course, Devin is not willing to marry Shanae as well.
The last sentence was the crucial one.
Sabrina, who was on the other end of the phone, went silent for a couple of minutes after receiving the message.
Sabrina: This has nothing to do with me anymore.
Sasha: Actually, you can tell him about that night. It doesn't matter whether the both of you will end up together or not. I think there are some things that you still need to fight for it. How will you know how he actually feels if you aren't honest with him?
Sabrina: Then why did you run away back then with your two children to a foreign country without even telling Sebastian?
Sasha fell silent as Sabrina had poked her sore spot.
However, she understood that both of them were similar in the sense that they were not willing to rub salt on their own wound when they were already in a miserable state. They would rather leave with dignity.
Hence, Sasha did not pressure Sabrina further.
Nonetheless, the former still gave the latter a word of assurance. Even though Sabrina would not be marrying Devin, there was no way Shanae would be part of the Jadesons with Sasha around.
At District 13 of the military base, Jonathan finally found Devin, who was in a heated conversation with his commanders, with Mark's help.
“Old Mr. Jadeson, you are finally here!”
“We've been waiting for you, Old Mr. Jadeson!”
The commanders looked as though they saw their lifesaver upon Jonathan's arrival as tears of relief streamed down their cheeks.
After all, the people from the military base were rather loyal to Jonathan.
Jonathan gestured the commanders to leave with a wave of his hand. After that, he stayed in the office, staring straight at Devin, who remained composed and showed no hint of repentance.
“Tell me. What are you planning to do?” Jonathan asked calmly, eventually heeding Mark's advice to suppress his anger.
Devin was shocked that Jonathan, who had always been hot-tempered, did not lose his temper and slam the table as he usually would.
Seeing that Jonathan showed no sign of anger, he replied honestly, “Nothing much. I just wanted to have a look at the world outside.”
“Have a look outside?” Jonathan struggled to rein in his anger. “Where?”
“Overseas. I want to go to an architecture school in Yartran to further my studies. After all, this is my passion. I've contacted the school and will go over once I've resigned,” answered Devin. He had no intention of hiding the truth.
A fresh swell of rage rose in Jonathan at once.
He did not say a word but lifted his arm instead and gave Devin a slap.
The slap was loud and crisp that even those outside the office could hear it.
“You want to go overseas? The nerve of you to make such a decision! Do you think you can do whatever you want just because your parents died? Just you wait! I'm definitely going to break your legs today!”
Following that, the office was filled with a loud smashing sound.
Mark, who was outside, was about to rush in upon hearing everything.
However, the commanders immediately stopped him. “I think it's better that you don't enter. It's no good for an outsider to get involved in someone else's family affairs. You'll only complicate things if you enter.”
Mark was getting worried and anxious. “But if I don't enter now, Old. Mr. Jadesons might really beat Mr. Devin to death!”
Mark's words about Jonathan were rather terrifying.
Truth be told, with Jonathan's personality, coupled with his experience in the army, it was very likely that he would not be able to control his strength if he were to beat Devin up.
Bang!
Just when Mark finished his sentence, he heard another smashing sound from the office. Right after that, a low grunt could be heard.
“I'm warning you, Devin. I would rather beat a b*stard like you to death than let you walk out from this military base!”
Everyone shuddered upon hearing the brutal and frightening threat from the office.
Devin fell on the floor after withstanding beatings from Jonathan. He then spat out blood from his mouth and smirked. “Sure! Beat me to death then! You're a weakling if you don't!”
“You—”
This was the most rebellious remark Devin had ever made.
At that instant, Jonathan lost his rationality.
He picked up a chair and was about to smash it at Devin.
However, at that moment, Jonathan met Devin's sharp gaze, which was filled with hatred, reluctance, and rage. The former was stunned as the chair that was in his hands remained in midair.
Jonathan had never seen this side of him before.
This child has always been gentle and humble since young. He has always been obedient and mature in front of me. He's even known as the role model of the Jadesons. But why is he looking at me like this?
Returning from the Dead Chapter 966
“What are you talking about?”
“Am I wrong? You only care about Uncle's family. You've been treating me the same way you treated Dad. I can't even give up the position and you wanted me dead. Isn't this what you truly want?”
He was driven to a corner after all.
Despite being such a gentle and forgiving person, he was now collapsed on the floor, stroking his crippled leg. His handsome face was dotted with cold sweat and his cheeks were ghastly pale.
All that was left on his face was a twisted look of hatred and menace.
Jonathan paled.
He was so furious that his veins throbbed and his eyes turned bloodshot. However, pointing at Devin, he trembled uncontrollably, unable to say a single word.
Little did he expect his obedient grandson to develop such a huge misunderstanding. Did I do something wrong this time?
Jonathan's chest heaved as he breathed heavily. Fury and sorrow surged through him. His body wavered before he lost grip of the chair in front of him.
Crash!
The chair fell onto the floor.
Devin was surprised.
Everyone outside, including Mark, had their ears perked up. When they heard that noise, they were shocked too.
What's going on?
“Listen, Devin. I've never treated your father and your uncle differently. What matters most is how capable they are! Your father always complained that I never spent any effort on him. But has he ever thought of how much responsibility your uncle has to shoulder despite enjoying all that? The military will not pay a huge price to nurture a sniper who can't even hold a gun. Instead, they'll choose an extremely talented person. Isn't that the same logic?”
After a slight pause, he continued, “Also, I have no idea where you got your information from, saying that I want you to give up your position. Listen up! Ever since I entrusted the Jadesons' future to you, I've never thought of replacing you!”
Pointing at Devin, Jonathan bellowed the last sentence out while tears welled up in his eyes.
Devin raised his head abruptly.
Really? He has never thought of replacing me?
But that man is so exceptional! He helped the Jadesons turn the tables the moment he came. Everyone in the White House and Jadeborough is intimidated by him.
Yet, he never thought of replacing me?
Devin wondered if he had misheard.
“Did you hear me clearly? This is your life and your responsibility. Don't ever think of escaping from it, you b*stard!” Jonathan yelled again. His body swayed before he collapsed onto the chair behind him, tears streaming down his cheeks.
Devin was speechless.
His heart ached terribly as if something had just hit him. He lowered his head. For the past thirty years of his life, he had never shed a single tear no matter the circumstances, yet tears were gushing out of his eyes now.
This was not something he expected.
He had always thought that everyone disliked him, just like his father.
Yet, he was actually the one always doted on.
“Since we've made everything clear, it's time for me to go.”
Just when Jonathan and Devin were immersed in the joy of having all their misunderstandings resolved, Sebastian suddenly entered and spoke calmly.
What?
When Jonathan heard him, he immediately spun around.
“Go? Where are you going?”
“Yeah, Sebastian. Don't misunderstand! We didn't mean it.”
Devin glanced over. When he saw Sebastian, his cheeks, still swollen, paled as he quickly denied what Jonathan told him earlier.
He still treated Sebastian as his brother and prioritized him.
However, Sebastian shot him an arrogant glance. An unhappy look flashed across his eyes as he said, “Huh? That's your responsibility, Devin. It's the smartest thing I've ever heard that old man say...”
Both Jonathan and Devin were speechless.
After a minute, Devin got up from the ground and dusted his body. “Where are you going? This is your home.”
“This isn't my home. The Hayes residence is my home!” Sebastian said expressionlessly.
Jonathan had just calmed down from his previous turmoil of emotions when the veins on his forehead throbbed again.
“You—”
“All right, everyone must be tired. We're still in the military zone, so let's talk at home instead. We don't want to embarrass ourselves in front of the rest, now do we?” Devin quickly interrupted Jonathan.
After recovering from his tormenting despair, he had already resumed his calm and composed self. Diffusing the tense atmosphere between the two, he coaxed them to go home first.
Returning from the Dead Chapter 967
Only then did Jonathan snort coldly and stomp away, holding his walking stick.
Sebastian remained expressionless and was about to leave too when he heard Devin grunt in pain. The latter was dragging his injured leg behind him.
Sebastian stopped in his tracks before turning around and holding Devin's arm.
“Don't you know how to resist?”
“What?”
“You deserve to be beaten to death. How could you just stay motionless like that?” demanded Sebastian coldly. “Do you know your actions are what caused him to develop such a twisted personality?”
Devin was at a loss for words.
He glanced at Sebastian and chuckled helplessly.
I had to endure it. It's not like I can just retaliate, right?
The two brothers helped each other out of the military zone. Jonathan and Mark were already gone as they had expected. Before getting into the car, Devin paused.
“Sebastian, are you really going to return to Avenport?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?” He panicked again since neither Jonathan nor anyone from the military was present there.
“Are you still furious about what Grandpa said? Well, if you'd like to be the heir of the Jadesons, I—”
“I don't!” Sebastian cut him off.
“Listen up! I really don't want to. I was forced to come here, and I've never thought of this place as my home. My home is in Avenport, where my parents and the rest of my family are. It's the place that nurtured me. The same goes for Sasha, understand?” He emphasized every word, reiterating his stance clearly. His tone was heavy and laced with a hint of impatience as Devin kept refusing to believe him.
He's never thought of this place as his home after all this time? Devin was speechless, feeling a little upset. However, it was not the time to say anything else. Neither of them spoke on the way to the Red Pavilion.
Just when Devin was about to get out of the car, Janice walked out to welcome him.
“Oh, right. About what happened at Coldbridge, that woman from the Woods was merely putting up a show. Don't fall for their trick,” reminded Sebastian in the car.
Huh?
Devin was stunned.
When he returned to his senses and wanted to clarify what was happening, Sebastian had already driven away.
An act? How did he know that it was an act?
According to the surveillance footage, wasn't he the one who dragged the person in? He was not present, so how did he know that it was an act?
Devin fell into deep thought.
“What's wrong, Devin? Are you all right?”
After a while, he looked at Janice and asked, “Aunt Janice, do you know where the surveillance footage I brought from Coldbridge is?”
“Huh?” Janice was surprised. “I think Sebastian smashed it with his foot the other day at the entrance.”
She tried her best to recall what happened that morning when he brought it back.
Smashed it? If it was just some footage, why did he have to smash it? What made him so furious?
Devin's heart pounded rapidly.
In the evening, Mark came back and told Sasha that Sebastian was bringing them back to Avenport.
Oh my God! Are we finally going back?
She was so elated that she did not know what to do.
Casting her work aside, she dashed into the elevator and rushed up to the third floor.
Returning to Avenport was her dream.
For so many years, she had been struggling to hold on for the sake of her fragmented family. She did not even return to that city to visit her aged father, nor call her aunt and uncle.
No one could even fathom how much she yearned to return home.
Sasha ran to the bedroom on the third floor.
“Darling, I heard we're going back to Avenport. Is that true?” Sasha asked in excitement, panting heavily and staring at Sebastian
Sebastian was in the middle of packing his belongings. When he saw Sasha, he glanced back at the messy closet in front of him.
“You've come at the right time. I'm handing this over to you.”
He always liked to avoid the question.
However, after Sasha heard that, she understood what he meant and was overjoyed.
“Okay! I'll do it. Just don't touch anything and leave it to me!” Sasha volunteered to take care of all the packing, surprised and delighted.
Sebastian was glad that he did not have to do anything.
Grabbing a random book, he started reading at the desk beside the window.
As he read, he felt that something was amiss. Someone seemed to be staring at him very intently from the side.
Sebastian shook his head in resignation.
“Are you saying that you're bringing us back to Avenport?”
Sasha tossed the clothes aside, stood beside him, and stared at him.
Sebastian froze.
After a while, he averted his gaze. Still looking as aloof as before, he flipped the pages of the book casually and replied, “Yeah. Don't you want to go back?”
Returning from the Dead Chapter 968
“It's not about whether I want to go back, but...” Sasha was fuming when she came to a realization. Even her fingers were trembling.
“Why do you want to return to Avenport?” she asked with a quivering voice; her eyes reddened.
Sebastian's heart skipped a bit, and he quickly raised his head.
When he was about to explain himself, he saw tears streaming down Sasha's cheeks.
“Have you regained your consciousness a long time ago? Have you been lying to me all along?”
“No...”
“Sebastian, you jerk! Have you been lying to me all along? Did you know how much I wished for you to regain your consciousness? Do you have any idea how much effort I've put in just to make you recover? How could you lie to me?”
Sasha was on the brink of a mental breakdown.
She had pulled herself through such agonizing times and worked so hard, yet Sebastian had chosen to hide it from her after regaining his consciousness, tormenting her even further.
Sasha spun around and ran away.
“Darling...”
Sebastian, who had always been pretending to be calm, finally panicked. He tossed his book aside and chased after her.
However, Sasha ran really quickly. When he rushed out of the bedroom, she took the stairs and was already on the second floor. Even from a floor apart, he could hear her sobs.
The housemaids downstairs were gossiping about it. “What happened? Did Mr. Jadeson fight with Mrs. Jadeson again?”
“No way! Mr. Jadeson has already recovered. Why would he still argue with her?”
“Why is she crying then? I've never seen her cry so sadly before. Didn't you hear her sobs? It'll be bad if she attracts Old Mr. Jadeson's attention.”
Even the housemaids can tell that I've recovered. Only that woman is still completely oblivious and she's even blaming me for not telling her!
The veins on Sebastian's forehead throbbed.
But what can I do about it? She's my wife. I have to coax her no matter what. Anyway, everything she says is right. Even if it's not, it's all my fault!
Sebastian chased after her.
Sure enough, when he reached the first floor, Jonathan came out, having heard the commotion. He was standing in front of Sasha, who was crying her heart out.
“What happened? Why are you crying like that?”
Sasha continued sobbing.
It was the first time she had lost her composure in front of Jonathan.
However, she was so sad that she could not control herself at all.
“He... He lied to me.”
“He lied to you? What did he lie to you about? Tell me! I'll teach him a lesson for you.”
Perhaps because of what Sebastian said in the afternoon about leaving for Avenport, Jonathan was still furious. He was all prepared to deal with Sebastian.
Sebastian clenched his fists.
Without saying anything, he suddenly walked over and carried Sasha with his muscular arms.
“Ah!”
“Wow!”
Sasha screamed.
At the same time, the people watching them exclaimed in shock.
This is amazing!
Is it appropriate for them to do this? There are so many people here! How can they act so lovey-dovey in front of all of us?
Truth be told, Sebastian could not be bothered by any of them. Picking Sasha up, he said to Jonathan expressionlessly, “What happens between us is none of your business.”
With that, he strode away with Sasha in his arms.
Jonathan was so furious that he stomped his feet on the ground.
“That b*stard, he... He...”
“Yes, he's too outrageous. He's crossed the line! Calm down, Old Mr. Jadeson. Let's ignore him and have a cup of coffee instead.”
Mark had to drag Jonathan away forcefully.
Meanwhile, Sebastian carried Sasha upstairs and ignored her struggles. He closed the bedroom door behind him, tossed her onto the bed, and pinned his body against hers.
“Mmm... You jerk...”
“Yeah, I'm a jerk. But I didn't do it on purpose! Alfred's men came that night when I regained consciousness. I had no choice but to play along with their plan. I wanted to avenge Calvin and save the Jadesons. I had no choice, Darling.”
Pinning her to the bed, he stared at her. His eyes were brimming with guilt and agony.
Sasha was stunned.
Is he talking about how he went crazy after being sabotaged at the military base? So he has already recovered back then!
“Did you know? When I saw you collapse in front of my hospital ward in the mental hospital and vomit blood, I really went crazy. All I wanted to do was barge out and bring you away. I wanted to cast everything aside and leave this hellish place. Did you know, Darling?” he started explaining himself.
For once, he could finally let out of all these emotions that had been buried deep within his heart. Hugging her head, he lowered his body and buried his face against her neck.
She could feel his warm tears rolling down her neck.
Sasha hugged him even tighter.
Returning from the Dead Chapter 969
This was the first time he poured his heart out to her.
He was too powerful and lonely. Not trusting anyone in this world, he was used to burying all his emotions in the depth of his heart. He refused to let anyone notice anything—not even those closest to him.
He was unwilling to portray his most vulnerable side.
Hence, by telling Sasha all that, he had made up his mind.
Sasha sighed as she held him. All the blame and resentment she felt disappeared shortly.
“I'm not blaming you... I just want you to recover so badly.”
“I know... I know...”
Sebastian raised his head from her neck.
As he cupped her cheeks and stared at her, his passionate gaze landed on her lips.
Before Sasha could react, she felt the warm puff of his breath against her face. Soon, her lips were covered by his.
“Darling, I want to hear you call me Sebby...”
After a slight pause, she relented. “Sebby...”
Jonathan agreed to let Sasha and the rest return to Avenport.
However, he requested they come back more often to visit.
That was not a problem. After all, Jonathan was Sebastian's grandfather and the children's great-grandfather. It was only right for them to visit him.
“Don't worry, Grandpa. Even if he doesn't come, I'll bring the kids along to visit you,” Sasha said, feeling bad when she noticed the old man's reluctant gaze.
This time, she even called him “Grandpa.”
When Jonathan heard that, he paused for a while. His eyes turned redder as he gazed at the children.
“It's fine, Great-grandpa! We can video call each other every day. Have you kept the iPad I gave you?”
Matteo was a smart child. After noticing what was going on, he stopped playing and ran toward Jonathan.
Jonathan beamed brightly when he saw Matteo.
“I did. As long as it's something given by my great-grandson, I'll definitely keep it safely.”
He pulled Matteo into his arms. Seeing how sweaty Matteo was, he lifted his sleeve and wiped Matteo's forehead.
He was no different from any other old man when it came to doting on his great-grandchild.
Smiling, Matteo gazed back at him. “That's good! We'll call you using the iPad, so you can see at any time.”
“Really?”
“Of course! It's only for you. Also...”
A mysterious look crossed Matteo's face.
When Jonathan saw that, he tilted his head over affectionately.
“I installed an app on the iPad. As long as you click on it and connect to it, you can see what's going on in our house.”
“Really?” Jonathan's eyes lit up.
Vivian ran over as well. Despite seeing Matteo talking to Jonathan, she did not care at all as she climbed up to the bench Jonathan was sitting on and poked her chubby face out.
“Yeah, Great-grandpa! You can see me too.”
“I'm so happy that I can see our cute little Vivian too!”
Jonathan felt as though his heart had melted upon seeing her. Stretching his arms out, he carried the chubby Vivian to the front. A wide grin spread across his cheeks, replacing the grim look on his face earlier.
Watching from the side, Sasha smiled and turned around.
Jonathan might have a lot of flaws, but he genuinely doted on the children.
She returned to the living room.
“Mr. Steward has already arrived with Madam Janice, Mrs. Jadeson.”
“Okay.”
Sasha was about to head upstairs to pack her belonging. However, when she heard that, she hurried to the entrance to welcome the guests.
She saw Janice walking in anxiously with Mark. Occasionally, she would whisper something beside Mark's ear to ask him something.
“Mark, are these really Old Mr. Jadeson's instructions? I'm... I'm afraid that I'm not up for the job.”
“Yeah, Old Mr. Jadeson instructed me personally to fetch you here. Don't worry, he has always thought highly of you. Now that Mrs. Jadeson is leaving, it's expected that he wants you to take care of Oceanic Estate for now,” Mark reassured her.
Only then did Janice feel more relieved. However, her anxiety was still obvious from her tightly clasped hands.
Sasha stood at the entrance. When Janice approached her, she smiled and greeted, “You've come, Aunt Janice.”
Janice walked forward briskly upon spotting Sasha. Unable to understand why, she grabbed Sasha's arm and asked anxiously. “Yeah! What's going on, Sasha? Why are all of you going back all of a sudden? Isn't it fine staying here?”
Returning from the Dead Chapter 970
Janice had enjoyed spending time with Sasha and did not treat her like an outsider. She questioned Sasha worriedly, like a family member.
Sasha led her in.
“It's Sebastian's idea. Besides, our home is in Avenport. My father, uncle and the rest are there. There are many people in the Hayes family waiting for him too.”
“But...”
Although Janice was still unwilling to let Sasha go, she could not say anything more.
Half an hour ago, Sasha had taken out the Jadesons' ledger that she had compiled from her room. When she passed it to Janice, she reassured her, “Don't worry. I've already listed out the income and expenses in Oceanic Estate. You just have to follow them.”
“But...” Janice looked at the new ledgers; a look of unease and fear appeared on her face. “Will... Will they listen to me?”
They? Is she talking about those in The Ataraxy?
Smiling, Sasha consoled her, “Of course! Old Mr. Jadeson appointed you personally and I've already set the framework for you. No one will dare to disobey you.”
“But—”
“It's fine, Aunt Janice. I've already laid out the foundation. Now, it's up to you how you'd like to proceed from here.”
A young girl, who was so much younger than Janice, was telling her that while holding the ledgers.
Janice suddenly froze, paralyzed to the spot.
A chill ran down her spine as if she had just been plunged into an icy lake. Her mind went blank and her cheeks turned ghastly pale.
I... I actually...
“Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Gossamer Creek has been oppressed for such a long time. Days must've been tough for all of you. I understand your desire to take this step and fight on behalf of your branch family.”
Still silent, Janice stared at Sasha with wide eyes, looking as timid as a cornered prey.
Sasha placed the ledger on the table, turned around, and left.
After hearing what Sasha said, Janice trembled even more.
She had never expected such a young girl to notice her intentions, which she had tried her best to conceal.
All these years, not even Jonathan could discover her motivations. He thought that she was spending so much effort taking care of him only because she wanted to secure more resources for her son, Kingston.
In reality, her son actually did receive a lot more opportunities than the others in the branch families.
“I... I'm not that ambitious. I just witnessed how life in Gossamer Creek is so drastically different from that at The Ataraxy. Furthermore, we kept being oppressed and bullied by them... That's why I decided to take this step. Sasha, I have no intention of becoming the lady of the house. All... All I want is to help out so that Old Mr. Jadeson will notice us at Gossamer Creek! Believe me, Sasha!”
Janice grabbed Sasha's arm agitatedly as she spoke.
Sasha did not know what to make of it.
She tugged her arm out forcefully and glanced at Janice.
“I said I understand you. I don't blame you either. Now that you've achieved your goal, I hope you'll do a good job and not disappoint Old Mr. Jadeson.”
Janice felt as though she had just been slapped in the face.
Standing there and blushing, she stared at her arm, which had just been flung away. She could not utter a single word.
No matter how she tried to explain, nothing could hide the fact that it was her sole objective.
She thought that Sasha would be a gullible young lady. However, in reality, she herself was like a clown putting on a terrible act.
Hugging those ledgers, Janice left awkwardly.
Sasha continued packing her luggage.
A few minutes later, Olivia brought some dessert for her.
“Mrs. Jadeson, will she do a good job at The Ataraxy?”
As Olivia had been working for the Jadesons for a long time, she knew well what was going on with the family.
While eating the dessert, Sasha laughed. “Why? Are you worried about her, Olivia?”
Olivia pouted. “You know how challenging The Ataraxy is. Jocelyn and Shirley aren't easy to deal with. Amelia, who has been with Jared Jadeson for a long time, isn't someone to be trifled with either.”
Since those from The Ataraxy were not present and Olivia was close to Sasha, she named those people directly.
Jocelyn and Shirley? And another housemaid?
Licking the sweet dessert on her lips, she smirked mockingly.
If Janice could not even deal with those people, she would not have been able to rise to her current position. Since she could endure all the humiliation for such a long time, she was definitely not someone to be trifled with as well.