All Chapters of Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford: Chapter 221 - Chapter 230

Rebecca answered the call, noting the background chatter that suggested Vance was stepping out of a meeting."I saw the ticket. Tomorrow afternoon to Denver, right?" he said."Yeah," she confirmed, weaving in details to make it sound seamless. "We'll stay overnight in Denver, then rent a car for a self-drive adventure through the state.""Cool," he replied easily. "Oh, and pull me off your blacklist. It's a pain not being able to send you anything properly.""Alright." She nodded, realizing he'd been limited to calls and texts.In the background, someone teased him as they passed. "Whoa, who has the guts to block our great CEO?"Vance's laughter filtered through the line. "Mr. Osborne, you've got me there. I accidentally ticked off the wife."That name was unfamiliar to Rebecca.Russell Osborne let out a hearty guffaw. "Makes sense. Only Mrs. Bradford can knock you down a peg.""Alright, Rebecca. We'll hash out the details when I'm home," Vance said, wrapping up. "The client's

"I've got you," Vance said. "Or the staff can shell the crabs for us.""I want the crab risotto," Rebecca said, a rare flash of defiance after years of accommodating his tastes. "If king crab is what you're after, order it yourself."He paused, surprised by her uncharacteristic edge. She had always been so yielding."What do you feel like?"Sure, sounds good.""I'm flexible."Still, he managed a smile. "It's just risotto. We're not exactly pinching pennies. No need to get so fired up."He snapped the menu shut and addressed the waiter. "We'll go with that lineup, plus a seasonal vegetable. Dealer's choice."Rebecca couldn't shake the sense that his attentiveness carried an ulterior motive. His solo invitation and deference to her menu picks screamed "buttering up", hinting at some revelation he'd drop.She hoped he'd hold off until after the meal. She didn't want to lose her appetite.Fortunately, he obliged.Her appetite was great, aided by the restaurant's petite portions.

Rebecca snorted inwardly, "Dream on."But Vance's request was rhetorical; he didn't truly expect assistance.He simply showered, then methodically packed his things. Once done, he lingered instead of leaving.Rebecca itched to call Josette, his presence an unwelcome obstacle. She urged, "Aren't you leaving yet?""Couldn't you soften that a touch?" he replied, moving behind her.Seated at the vanity, Rebecca was untying her hair. He assisted, removing the band before leaning down to hug her.Their reflections met in the mirror, his cheek pressed to hers.Proximity to him now repulsed Rebecca. It evoked traces of Catherine's scent, churning her stomach. She shifted uncomfortably, but his embrace tightened."I'm about to hit the road. Won't you wish me safe travels?" he whispered into her ear.Rebecca regretted her lingering softness. A harder heart might have entertained darker fantasies, like the perks of inheritance.Glaring at his mirrored image, she retorted, "Aren't you wo

Thankfully, the lounge was quiet."Hello?" Rebecca answered."Why the whisper? What are you up to?" Vance asked."I'm having breakfast. The place is quiet; I can't talk loudly," she replied, muffling her voice further. "Why all these calls?"It grated on her nerves.He sounded affronted. "What, am I bothering you now?"Far beyond that. She rolled her eyes. "Not exactly. Just irritating.""But taking the money wasn't irritating, was it?" he snorted.She took a deep breath, trying to make it quick and avoid arousing suspicion. "Got a point?""Can't I just call you?" he countered.Rebecca stifled her exasperation. His behavior was getting more and more baffling."Of course," she conceded with feigned patience. "So, may I hear your instructions?""Cheeky." He softened his tone. "I'm on a layover, not boarding yet. Just checking if you're awake."That was pure idleness."Anything you want to tell me?" he prompted.Munching a grape, she mumbled an indistinct "oh"."Rebecca?"

"That relieves me," Catherine said, her probing gaze lingering on him. "With you always placing me ahead, I feared she'd be heartbroken.""She understands the history," Vance mused. "We, as a group, endured the toughest phases together, paving the way for her comfortable life now. She gets it and will remain steadfast."Vance's interruption earlier had derailed Rebecca's desire to linger in bed.Josette had already breakfasted on store-bought bread from their prior outing, with a fridge stocked full of milk cartons and a fried egg on the side. Noticing Rebecca's rise, she cheerfully prepared another egg."Grandma, let me handle it," Rebecca offered.Josette waved it off. "At my age, staying active is the best workout."Rebecca shook her head, amused by Josette's persistent excuses for caring for her.For lunch, they cooked together. After the meal, they tidied up, and Rebecca prepared to set off.With Josette set to navigate Arelmoor alone, she unleashed a torrent of advice, co