Chapter 9: Chapter Nine: Father Xuan

Phoebe Conrad looked at the people in front of her, not wanting to waste her breath. She directly addressed Lambert Vaughan with a cold expression, “Surely, as the president of the Vaughan Group, you wouldn't be someone who doesn't distinguish right from wrong, would you?”

“I just came from the police station and have already confirmed that it was the car behind that deliberately crashed into yours. I will do my best to cooperate with the police to find the offending vehicle.” Lambert Vaughan's voice lacked any warmth, but it was clear he was trying to explain himself to Phoebe Conrad.

“That's good. I won't let anyone who hurts my daughter get away with it. As for the rest, I hope President can keep his family in check. Framing and entrapment are punishable by law. Don't push me too far, or don't blame me for being impolite!” Phoebe Conrad had no intention of guessing what others were thinking. She was determined that anyone who harmed her child would not escape her wrath.

“I will take note. For the inconvenience and misunderstanding caused to Miss Conrad, I apologize. And thank you for saving An's life.” Lambert Vaughan glanced coldly at Gloria Vaughan, who, feeling his gaze, didn't dare to breathe.

“Your apology is accepted, as long as you don't cause me any more trouble. If it weren't for Ji An's sake, this matter wouldn't be so easily resolved.” Phoebe Conrad, holding Maria Conrad, was about to leave when a man suddenly rushed in, heading straight for her.

“Ling, I heard you were in a car accident! How is Shuang?” Matthew Vaughan, upon hearing that Phoebe Conrad had been in an accident, and that his goddaughter was also in the car, left his company and took the fastest flight back.

Phoebe Conrad hadn't expected Matthew Vaughan to show up, but it was a welcome surprise, as he could help her deal with some of the trouble.

“Aunt, Cousin, do you know this woman?” Vaughan's mother was surprised that her nephew knew someone like Phoebe Conrad.

“Aunt, Cousin, this is my fiancée: Phoebe Conrad.” Matthew Vaughan wrapped his arms around Phoebe Conrad, smiling at the three shocked faces.

He had actually arrived earlier, intending to avoid causing trouble for Phoebe Conrad and wait until Lambert Vaughan and his family left before making his appearance. But he couldn't stand by and let his aunt speak ill of Phoebe Conrad, especially since they were close friends.

“What? Fiancée! Mingxuan, how could you choose such a fickle woman as your fiancée! Do your parents know about this?”

“Aunt, what are you saying? Phoebe Conrad and I have a child together, and I know what kind of person she is. I won't allow you to speak of her in this way!” Matthew Vaughan's brows furrowed slightly, his voice still polite, but his displeasure was evident.

“A child?” On the way here, Lambert Vaughan had wondered if the child might be his. But when Matthew Vaughan mentioned the child, Lambert Vaughan felt a sudden sense of loss. The little girl resembled Ji An because he and Matthew Vaughan were cousins, and their mothers were sisters.

“Yes, Cousin. Phoebe Conrad and I met abroad. Due to my status, the child was given her surname at birth. This time, Phoebe Conrad has returned for our wedding. As for what Aunt said, I think there's a misunderstanding. Phoebe Conrad never slept with anyone else, and she is certainly not the gold-digger you claim.”

“How could that be! I saw with my own eyes...” Gloria Vaughan didn't believe Matthew Vaughan, but she quickly clamped her mouth shut.

“What did you see?” Phoebe Conrad, who had been silent, fixed her icy gaze on Gloria Vaughan.

“Nothing, nothing at all.” Even though she knew Matthew Vaughan was defending Phoebe Conrad, she couldn't say anything.

Gloria Vaughan glared at Phoebe Conrad and then closed her mouth, remaining silent.

Lambert Vaughan's gaze shifted between Gloria Vaughan and Phoebe Conrad, sensing that there was much they were hiding from him. What had happened back then?

At that moment, Maria Conrad, who was in Phoebe Conrad's arms, woke up. He opened his eyes to see Phoebe Conrad holding him and Matthew Vaughan standing nearby, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

Since Matthew Vaughan had always taken care of them while abroad, and both he and his sister liked him very much, they often sought his comfort when they were upset. Matthew Vaughan usually helped mediate with their mother.

Seeing Matthew Vaughan, Maria Conrad instinctively turned to him, looking pitiful, and said, “Daddy…”

Hearing Maria Conrad call him, Matthew Vaughan quickly took the child from Phoebe Conrad, “I'm sorry, son. I came too late and made you suffer. It's my fault.”

Seeing the three of them together, if Matthew Vaughan had only claimed to be Phoebe Conrad's fiancé to help her out, it might have been understandable. But children don't lie. Maria Conrad, unaware of the recent events, seemed genuinely close to Matthew Vaughan.

“I'm sorry, Ling. I shouldn't have let you go through this. It's my fault. I won't let it happen again.” Matthew Vaughan raised his free hand and gently stroked Phoebe Conrad's hair.

Phoebe Conrad blushed and lowered her head. At that moment, Maria Conrad added, “Mommy, I'm sorry for making you worry. From now on, I’ll protect you with Daddy.”

Maria Conrad had always called her Phoebe and never Mommy. Hearing him call her Mommy, Phoebe Conrad felt a bit awkward. She looked up to see Maria Conrad grinning mischievously at her, and she chuckled inwardly. Little rascal, so cunning.

Seeing the happy trio, Gloria Vaughan seethed with jealousy. Why did all the good men flock to Phoebe Conrad?

Five years ago, she had arranged for a lecherous old man, but in the end, it was Lambert Vaughan, the so-called diamond bachelor, who ended up with Phoebe Conrad. Then, after switching Phoebe Conrad's child and marrying Lambert Vaughan herself, he hadn't touched her in five years. Her adopted son, Ji An, had even grown to despise and abuse her after meeting Phoebe Conrad. Now, even Lambert Vaughan's cousin, Matthew Vaughan, was engaged to Phoebe Conrad!

Ignoring Gloria Vaughan, Phoebe Conrad prepared to leave with Matthew Vaughan. Maria Conrad suddenly asked, “Where's Brother An?”

Only then did Vaughan's mother realize her precious grandson was still in the room and hurried to the VIP ward. Seeing her mother-in-law leave, Gloria Vaughan followed.

“Mr. Vaughan, a word of advice: Ji An is still your son. Even if you don't like him, don't harm him. Be careful of those around you.”

With that, Phoebe Conrad and the others left the hospital, leaving Lambert Vaughan behind. Vaughan's mother, now calm, realized that her opinions of Phoebe Conrad had all come from Gloria Vaughan.