Talking about going back to Simeria made the already solemn atmosphere grow even heavier."Just wait a little longer," said Malcolm, who seemed to be emanating an air of restlessness.He wanted to wait for Bianca? It seemed that having her around would make things more convincing.But Horatio had a different perspective."Your current fiancee is Ms. Holly, and..." he trailed off.Not mentioning that would've been better.As soon as Horatio brought up Seraphine, Malcolm exuded an even more terrifying aura.Initially, he had made the decision to be with Seraphine to provoke Bianca. But now, it seemed somewhat unjustifiable in certain respects.Especially after leaving everything behind to follow Bianca, the recent incidents involving Seraphine made everything seem... sinister. If Malcolm were to return with Seraphine now, it would only confirm suspicions."That damn woman!" Malcolm cursed.He felt frustrated every time Bianca's name came up. It clouded his judgment, leading to
Curtis' breath caught in his throat upon hearing that Bianca had fled."She’s gone?""Yes… Father, Bianca harbors resentment towards you and Mother. Let's give her some more time," said Seraphine in a resigned yet gentle tone, seeming like a devoted daughter.However, Curtis's brow furrowed in response. "Seraphine!""I'll find a way to convince Bianca once we locate her.""No need!" snapped the middle-aged man.Seraphine was stunned. She hadn't expected Curtis to be so direct, even a tad impolite."Father!" she cried out, sounding aggrieved."How did you end up engaged to Lord Malcolm?" Curtis asked sharply.Seraphine went pale.When Malcolm announced their engagement, Curtis had still been in the hospital. At that time, Seraphine had thought her father wouldn't make it, given how dire his condition had been.Yet, here he was, alive and back with the Holly family."And why is that?" Curtis' voice dripped with suspicion."It was Lord Malcolm's suggestion. He wanted to retur
Bianca wouldn't be busy with work for a while, at least not until Malcolm returned.Her phone rang with a call from Natalie."Malcolm's coming back," she said casually over the phone.Bianca raised an eyebrow at the news. "So, do you still think his return is purely for my sake? Or do you believe he genuinely sacrificed everything for me previously?"Natalie hesitated, her silence speaking volumes.Clearly, there was an answer forming in her mind. She knew Bianca was sharp in business matters, but hadn't anticipated her being so cutting in her insights. In just a moment, Bianca seemed to have seen through everything.Taking a deep breath, Natalie replied sincerely, "Bia, thank you."However, Bianca scoffed, "What do you think I've sacrificed for you?"Natalie’s solemn gratitude made it sound like she owed Bianca a great debt. In reality, though it was indeed a favor, it was not in the way Natalie perceived it.Before her friend could respond, Bianca continued, "Alright, let's
Seraphine exited the room, leaving Curtis and Malcolm alone.Setting down his tea cup, Curtis looked at Malcolm. "Lord Malcolm, why did you come here?""Obviously, I'm here to assist you," Malcolm replied."Assist?" Curtis chuckled, his laughter tinged with sarcasm.Malcolm's expression tightened, unsure how to proceed.At the other man’s silence, Curtis asked, "Are you here for Seraphine or Bia?"The different ways Curtis referred to the two women revealed his affection for Bianca and hinted at her unique place in his heart.The older man’s question left Malcolm at a loss.If he answered that he was here for Bianca, then why was he engaged to Seraphine? But if he chose Seraphine as his answer, then what did Bianca mean to him?"Unsure how to respond, Lord Malcolm?" Curtis's sharp gaze bore into Malcolm.There was no hint of hesitation in the older man's demeanor. Despite the Holly family's current situation, Curtis still exuded an aura of authority.Malcolm hadn't anticipat
Gazing at the kneeling Seraphine, Curtis harbored no shred of tenderness in his eyes. Instead, they grew sharper and colder with each passing moment.Previously, Seraphine had once knelt before his wife. Time and time again, she evoked sympathy by making herself seem like a pitiable figure bereft of support.But the Holly family had nurtured an arrogance in Seraphine that she shouldn't have possessed.Curtis shut his eyes. "I'll give you an hour to leave. If you're still here after an hour, then..."Then, what?Curtis didn't finish his sentence, but judging by his icy tone, it was clear he wouldn't allow Seraphine to remain part of the Holly family any longer.Her initial fervent pleas rendered futile, Seraphine fell silent.Who would have thought that this would be the outcome?Curtis was different from Eleanor. Though Eleanor could be sharp, she was also a woman with a soft heart.But Curtis… At this moment, he was the very embodiment of a saying: when a man becomes ruthless
There was still no word from Bianca. Both Malcolm and Seraphine were searching for her, but they couldn't find anything. Seraphine had been avoiding Curtis lately, afraid he might kick her out of the Holly family."Is there still no news?" Malcolm's voice over the phone sounded tense and threatening.How long had it been? Nearly a month! Yet, there was still no sign of Bianca."We've scoured every village nearby!" Horatio exclaimed.They had searched every possible place, but Bianca remained elusive. Before Malcolm could speak, Horatio continued, "Ms. Sanders is probably not in Weiss Town anymore."Malcolm tensed at the news. "That's impossible! She couldn't have left within an hour of departing Snow Peak. We had the town locked down tight by then.""But we've checked everywhere here," Horatio replied calmly, implying the obvious.If Bianca wasn't in Weiss Town, how did she leave? Malcolm's eyes flashed with icy determination."Horatio!""Yes?""Check the airport survei
Clearly, even now, mentioning Simeria still made her complexion change slightly.Simon noticed her expression."Lately, Malcolm Entes has been looking for you in Simeria. How did you manage to get on his bad side?" Simon's tone indicated Malcolm's notoriety. Also, Simon didn't know Bianca was in Simeria until recently. It was quite a surprise for him to find her there!He learned about it when he went on a business trip to Weiss Town.Bianca replied, "It's a long story. Anyway, I'll take your case."Simon was taken aback, evidently not expecting Bianca to agree so readily. He had thought it would take some convincing."Really?" He looked at Bianca.On her way here, Bianca had already reviewed the relevant materials of the lawsuit and understood how challenging it was. Yet, she agreed."Why? Don't you trust me?" she asked."No, I just want to tell you that this appeal is crucial for us," Simon replied.Indeed. They had already failed twice. If they couldn't win this time,
When did she leave?Malcolm's suspicious gaze was clearly directed at Austin now, indicating his doubt.Austin paid no heed to his suspicion. Over the years in Simeria, he knew Malcolm's every move, especially considering Malcolm's tendency towards suspicion. There had been far too many mistakes caused by his suspicion before things were clear."It should've been before you came back that she went back to Verde City, right?"Austin's words implied that he had nothing to do with what happened. Malcolm felt like his head was throbbing. He wanted nothing more than to tear Bianca to pieces. So, she had already gone back to Verde City before he returned to Simeria? She left Weiss Town right after leaving Snow Peak? She had been planning everything before that?! He thought of how obedient she seemed in those last few days, as if everything had been going smoothly. But he should have realized that a woman with such pride could never be so compliant! There must have been some hidde