Although I had just heard Sandy's account of the mansion's history, I didn't stop him. I wanted to hear his perspective on the story."After my great-grandpa's business flourished, he built our family's home, and this place was abandoned. After grandma passed away, this place was transferred to someone else for a time due to financial reasons. “Unfortunately, the buyers later fell on hard times and couldn't sell it. The mansion on the left side of this property also belonged to grandma. It was abandoned for over a decade. After stabilizing the situation, I bought it back. However, the exterior still remained in its original style."I looked around, seeing a different scenery through the rain."After we eat, we'll go to the family home. It's the rainy season in Nocturnia at this time of year. You used to hate this weather when you were young."I still disliked rainy days."Is the family home far from here?" I asked Atlas."Not really. It's on the other side of the hill," Atlas r
This must be David's bedroom. A wooden board divided the interior.In front of the board, there was a set of redwood tables and chairs, with three seats on each side.David, who was wearing a white suit, was sitting on the main redwood armchair.As we approached him, I could see that although he was thin, he didn't seem frail, which contradicted the news we had heard on the phone, that he had been gravely ill.Atlas’s expression was cold, indicating that he had anticipated this.However, I felt unsettled. They had claimed he was critically ill, but everything seemed fine. What was the point of that deception? Why was Celine so eager for us to return? What was her motive?Thankfully, Atlas remained composed, indicating he had anticipated this.But that woman had said things weren't looking good when he called her. I had clearly heard her, and I knew she wasn't our nanny.David was the first to speak, setting down his teacup and looking at us as we approached."If it weren't for
Celine was there before me. She was dressed meticulously, and although she was middle-aged, she still took great care of herself.We were standing very close to each other, so I could see the expensive foundation on her face that was failing to conceal her wrinkles.Not far behind Celine stood her 'shadow,' the sinister Kenzie.Celine didn't seem surprised to see me emerge from the room. However, Kenzie’s eyes widened, and she looked at me in disdain.I glanced at her and cursed silently. ‘Damn.’Celine faintly said, "So, you've finally become part of the Pierce family?”I smiled calmly and replied, "I have, Celine. Didn't you say grandpa was critically ill? As his granddaughter-in-law, I had to come see him, of course."She probably hadn’t expected me to be so bold. Her eyes darkened slightly, and her complexion turned pale."Granddaughter-in-law?" She repeated skeptically. "You seem quite eager to claim that title."I glanced at her and calmly walked out of the room.I mo
I intentionally made that remark.Suddenly, I noticed the old man glancing at me.I had heard about the Pierce family's history from Grandma Rose.When the Pierce family first arrived in Nocturnia, things weren't easy for them. Their fortunes had completely turned around only after David had married the eldest daughter of the Cross family.I figured this mansion must have been built during that time. Everything about it, from its location and architectural style to the overall maintenance of the courtyard, exuded an ancient style. However, Celine's mother was just a mistress who favored luxury and fashion, so she wouldn't have liked it here. Even if she had, she wouldn't have been entitled to live here, as it belonged to the eldest daughter of the Cross family.So it was only natural that Celine had never lived here.The drizzle continued, and I couldn't be bothered to contend with Celine. Instead, I strolled leisurely in the courtyard, admiring the view of the garden. I didn't
He turned to me and said, "Why don't you go change and rest for a while? Dylan and I need to go out. We might not make it back for lunch, but I'll join you for dinner. After eating, you can take a nap until I return, okay?""Sure," I replied meekly. I could sense that Atlas had important matters to attend to since we returned here.He swiftly left with Dylan, and I watched their car disappear into the rain.As expected, Atlas didn't return for lunch with me.However, with Sandy and Iris keeping me company, I didn't feel lonely at all. In fact, I was quite content.They entertained me with stories, although I couldn't recall any of the events they described. Still, I found their tales exciting.To be honest, the more I learned, the more intrigued I became by the estate currently under Celine's control.After lunch, Sandy suggested I take a short nap upstairs. I simply agreed and went back to my room.I checked the time, and it was about 3 p.m. back home. After a moment's thought
"I can assure you that she didn't." I affirmed confidently. "Before we came, Atlas gave me reassurance.""Oh? What did Atlas say?" Lauren asked with great curiosity."He said that I'm the true lady of the Pierce family, and I shouldn't worry about anyone else. Of course, he was referring to Grandpa. He was afraid that Grandpa would cause trouble for me, so he comforted me in advance," I explained."Atlas really spoils you." Lauren sighed in admiration."Besides, Celine is focused entirely on Grandpa and Atlas during their discussions. She has no time to bother with me anymore. That's why I say she's nervous.“But I have to admit that she's good at maintaining her composure, pretending like nothing's wrong. Just thinking about Celine's face, honestly, I really want to slap her.""Desperation makes people do strange things, don't you know?" Lauren scoffed. "But let me remind you, the more desperate she is, the more cautious you should be. Be careful of her making reckless moves and
Atlas led me to the dining table, and the dishes were promptly served as soon as we sat down.I was actually hungry. My pregnancy symptoms were mild this time, with hardly any morning sickness. I was just incredibly sleepy. Additionally, I noticed I had a hearty appetite. Despite having a bland taste in my mouth a few days ago, I always felt hungry.Today's dish was lobster. The white, steamed lobster meat looked appetizing, and I wanted to dig into it immediately.Seeing my eagerness to eat, Atlas smirked. "You've got quite the appetite, huh?""It seems like I want to eat everything Sandy makes,” I replied honestly.Atlas chuckled even more. "Everything she made was what you used to love. Take this lobster, for example. You’d only eat it with garlic oil drizzled on top. You don't like the spicy kind."As he spoke, I realized I craved spicy flavors the most.Back in my hometown, there were no cinnamon toasts, so every time I ate toast, I felt a strange emotion. I vividly remem
"You know, this time she used Grandpa as bait, which means she's eager to get me back. There must be something fishy going on. Plus, I verified what the old man told me.” Atlas was very clear in his explanation to me, actually answering a question I'd been wanting to ask him."The things Grandpa told you? Is it what he mentioned yesterday?" I asked curiously. "Do you believe him?""That's why I needed to verify it," Atlas answered ambiguously.Clearly, his words indicated that he didn't trust his grandpa."Celine is the one who fabricated the military information, but the idea came from Grandpa. Celine currently has no idea about his true health condition as well," Atlas asserted confidently."How is that possible?" I found it hard to believe.Atlas raised an eyebrow. "I found out that for a long time, Grandpa didn't meet anyone. The news of my marriage was indeed reported to Grandpa by Celine, but he was just putting on an act.""What exactly does he want?" I was a bit puzzle