Wexford Lane

Meanwhile, at a prestigious hospital in Estravia—

The VIP ward.

After a series of exams and X-rays, the doctor said, “Miss Carrington’s arm has a comminuted fracture, but nothing else is wrong. The bones are properly set, and with some rest, she’ll recover.”

Fenris slammed his hand on the table, furious. “That bastard! She really went all out!”

Mrs. Carrington jumped at the chance to kick her while she was down. “Exactly! It’s been years, and Raina’s gotten bolder and bolder. Fenris, I think you need to teach her a lesson before she climbs all over you.”

Fenris, already boiling with anger from the failed company transfer deal, and hearing Mrs. Carrington’s sarcastic remarks—he sneered coldly. “Climb over me? What does she think she is? Since she’s heartless, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

Mireille’s eyes flashed with triumph, but on the surface, she played the part of the deeply hurt and wronged sister, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Dad... it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have run after Sister trying to make up with her. This arm injury? I did it myself—didn’t happen because of Sister…”

The more generous Mireille acted, the angrier Fenris got. “Even now, you’re still defending that bastard! You did this to yourself? And with your arm injured, won’t the launch of VIREXIN be delayed again?”

The “again” was because Mireille had already been making excuses to postpone the release of VIREXIN.

Years ago, Jasper had come to the Carrington family, forcing a marriage engagement to get the formula for VIREXIN. Mireille, after finding the formula somehow, had been working on it secretly. Lately, she’d been leaking to the public that the pills were ready for market.

If not for the formula, the Hale family wouldn’t have agreed to the marriage.

“Ohhh baby, who upset you? Stop crying, you’re breaking my heart… stop crying…” Jasper staggered in, reeking of booze.

Today was Mireille’s birthday and the engagement banquet for the two families, but not a single elder from the Hale family showed up.

Mireille was injured, and Jasper had been missing for hours, only showing up now smelling like a cheap bar.

He cooed for a bit, then viciously cursed Raina. Mireille sobbed, like she was letting out all her anger, then stopped crying like a good girl.

“By the way, baby, Grandpa keeps asking when those VIREXIN will officially hit the market,” Jasper said as he plopped down on the sofa, legs crossed, demanding an answer.

He was a rich playboy who cared about nothing but partying, clueless about what VIREXIN even were. But the family cared deeply about it, so the old man kept pestering him to come ask Mireille in person.

Fenris looked toward Mireille.

Lying in bed, Mireille’s smile was flawless and calm. “One week... In one week, VIREXIN will be officially announced for market release.”

Jasper clapped loudly, grinning ear to ear. “Awesome! Baby, you’re amazing! I’m calling Grandpa right now with the good news, hahaha!”

He got up, leaned down, and kissed Mireille hard on the forehead before leaving the room, still smiling.

“That’s great... Mireille, I’ll have people get ready to promote it big time. In a week, I want everyone to know that even without Raina, we successfully developed VIREXIN! Mireille, you did great! Dad’s proud of you!” Fenris’s eyes shone with uncontrolled excitement as he spoke passionately.

Mireille barely moved her lips, said nothing more, but raised her chin and smiled. “I wanted to surprise you, Dad. But since I’m injured, I’ll need you to handle the launch.”

Fenris waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. I’ll handle it. You focus on healing. I’m heading back to the company.”

Mrs. Carrington puffed up proudly and offered to go with him. Fenris didn’t refuse. The two of them left the ward like a power couple.

Once they were gone, Mireille’s smile disappeared. She picked up her phone and dialed.

“It’s me. Shut down all final clinical trials for VIREXIN. We’re moving to production. Prepare the first batch for market.”

She paused, voice dropping colder. “You heard me. I said production. And launch.”

...

Wexford Lane.

Several cars arrived at Wexford Lane in a convoy, but all except the Rolls-Royce Cullinan stopped in the parking lot outside. The others didn’t drive in any further.

After a few more minutes, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan stopped in front of a traditional-style courtyard.

The driver got out and quietly left.

Raina was about to get out when a small hand nervously grabbed the hem of her coat.

She froze.

The next second, Leif said softly, “Gale, let go.”

But Gale held on tighter, like he was scared she’d disappear any second.

Father and son stared silently at each other.

After a moment, Leif sighed quietly, “Let go. She’s not going anywhere now.”

As soon as Leif finished speaking, a pair of long hands reached out and scooped Gale up into her arms.

This was truly Raina’s first time holding a child, and her movements were a bit awkward and stiff, her arms a little tense as she cradled the little bundle close. At first, she caught a faint, subtle cool fragrance, then the unmistakable scent of baby milk.

Surprisingly, she didn’t dislike it.

In fact, ever since her child disappeared five years ago, Raina had felt a natural yearning for children, mixed with an unexplainable fear. That’s why she’d never really gotten close to any kids before.

Gale hadn’t expected Raina to suddenly hold him either. They looked at each other instinctively, eyes locking for a moment. Gale’s face flushed a bit, then he stretched out his little arms and hugged her tightly, burying his head in her chest.

Leif had already gotten out of the car, grabbed the luggage, and with one hand pulling it along, said, “Please, come inside.”

Raina, still awkwardly holding Gale, followed him through the gates of Wexford Lane.

Wexford Lane was a famous mansion in the capital, but most people had only heard of it and never actually been inside.

But as soon as she entered, Raina didn’t see luxurious decor or fancy furnishings—instead, she saw a dozen or so colorful chickens pecking leisurely at the greens in the yard, completely unafraid of people, not even moving away.

Climbing up the walls, the pink climbing roses were in full bloom, but under the trellis, there was no romantic vibe—just a lush vegetable garden.

That was one thing. But when she stepped into the main hall, her eyes immediately caught the sight of a painting hanging in the most prominent spot on the high wall, and in that instant, her surprise hit its peak.

Rich people usually liked to show off their taste, whether they understood art or not, and often decorated their mansions with paintings.

Raina’s mother had been interested in antiques and calligraphy, so their family home had hung many famous paintings. Maybe from growing up around them, or just to keep the peace, Raina had picked up a bit of knowledge about antiques and art.

But this painting in the Wexford Lane main hall? It was downright unbearable.

The style was weird and chaotic, the colors and lines messy—not a famous abstract artist’s work, but more like a random doodle that someone had just framed and hung in the most eye-catching spot.

Could it be Gale’s scribbles, preserved by Leif?

***