Chapter 248
“What did I do? I didn’t do a thing.” Lucia thought.
I took her to meet my friends as a favor and tried to broaden her social circle. She was the one being difficult and spouting nonsense. She made me look like a fool and got me thrown out of the flower shop!”
“Over this trivial crap, Yann’s taking away my secondary card? How could he do that?
No matter how bitter Lucia felt, the card was surrendered to Eden.
At Hillcrest Gardens, Audrey had no clue Yann had stuck up for her.
Wearing headphones, she was deep into revising her script when a pair of arms snaked around her waist.”
Audrey instinctively tensed to elbow the person, but the person intercepted the move, grabbing her armi mid–air:
“It’s me,” Yannsaid.
Audrey craned her neck to look up at him, yanking one headphone out. “Thought you were eating over there.”
“Dropped something off.” Yann reached for her notebook
over it, body shielding the pages.
Audrey quickly leaned over it
She’d been writing like a maniac, but letting Yann read it? Mortifying
“You can watch the short after it out,” she said.
“When’s it dropping?” he asked
“They should wrap editing by tomorrow”
The crew pulled an all nighter, plecing together a rough cut by sunrise.
After Audrey gave notes, they reshot scenes the next day, wrapped editing that night, and dropped it on social media the following day.
The medical aesthetics product was Audrey’s project, so she poured resources into it–buying ad space. Views were solid, but only 100,000 orders clicked through.
It was a new launch, after all Real traction would hinge on review.
Clayton, stuck in his hospital bed, scrolled and stumbled on the short
The more he watched, the odder the déjà vu got
In the short, a guy headed to a boys‘ night. His wife dolled up excitedly, but as she grabbed her purse, he gave her a loo
He said the other guys wives bailed, so he “couldn’t bring her.
The truth was, he thought her vibe and job were an embarrassment, worried bebuddies would tease him for marrying a “hick.”
“He’s lying” Luna whispered, snuggling against him as she pointed at the phone.
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Chapter 248
She could make sense of the sliden.
In the private dining room, all the other guys had brought their wive some even their kids. When a sinta nea knocked over a plate while being plat the dad had just laughed and called the kid adorable.
“He’s awful,” Luna said.
Clayton’s eyes felt gritty, Squeezing her hand, he muttered hoarsely, “He’ll regret it
He was already drowning in regret.
At his buddies‘ get–togethers, they’d begged him to bring his wife multiple times. He’d always brushed it off with a laugh. “She doesn’t like crowds. Maybe she’s just insecure.”
But who was really the insecure one? Deep down, he know
Valerie and Cheryl were still in detention, facing charges of child abuse, blackmail, and fraud With Ashbourne and ironhaven polica together, it had become a major investigation. They’d definitely seek the maximum penalties.
As Luna’s legal father, Clayton was legally obligated to take care of her.
Luna was incredibly mature for her age. She’d never once asked about Valerie or Cheryl
sometimes she even looked out for Clayton.
Now, the short video platform kept recommending him these “scumbag husband” kits based on his watch history.
The more he watched, the more frustrated and miserable he felt.
Clayton pressed the call button for the nurse. “Can use your phone for a minute?
The nurse glanced at his phone.
“Just need to make one call, Clayton said.
She didn’t really want to lend it, but thinking that Clayton would be moving into the sterile ward tomorrow and that someone needed to look after the kid, she handed over her phone.
Clayton found Audrey’s number in his own phone and dialed on the nurse’s phone
Audrey had just finished dinner and was out for a walk with Yarn to digest when she answered the unknown call “Hello?”
“It’s me” Fearing she might hang up, he blurted out quickly, “I’m about to go in for the bone marrow donation, Valerie and Cheryl are in custody Luna has no one to take care of her
Part of him needed help with the kid, but another part just wanted to see Audrey
He knew she had a soft heart under that tough exterior.
Even after Valerie had made her mad, she’d still taken Luna to the police station for help.
They’d been husband and wife once, after all. For something as serious as a bone marrow donation, surely she’d come
Clayton couldn’t explain why, but having Audrey Around just made him feel secure.
“Can you please look after her? Just for one day?” Clayton practically pleaded, his voice dropping to a desperate murmur
“No.” Audrey hung up without hesitation
Clayton returned the phone to the nurse and buried his face in his hands, ashamed to let anyone see him cry.
Chapter 248
“I have yummy snacks. Come with me. The mute thered Luns but of the ward
Clayton rolled onto his side and choked lisi k sobs.
This was what it meant to be utterly alone, deserted by everyone he knew.
Meanwhile, the Lunesad face mask made a huge splash. Beyond the attention grabbing thort, the product itself received nonstop glowing reviews
Top influencers started contacting the team, desperate to collaborate,
Audrey was swamped with work until Lucia showed up again.
Life without access to money was brutal.
Without influence, even the servants had started treating her differently. At least Jenna still cared like always
“Audrey, I messed up last time. You’re not still angry with me, are you?” Lucia asked softly.
Audrey kept her head down, scarfing down her food. She had to head to the studio soon to check video metrics.
When Audrey stayed silent, Lucia tried again, voice still warm. “Logan’s birthday party is coming up. Let’s go shopping for dresses together? Your taste is amazing. Help me pick something out?”
Audrey looked up, her expression blank
That calm stare felt like a stab to Lucia’s chest, reopening old wounds.
Ever since she was a kid, Audrey had never been on her side. She’d been glued to her good–for–nothing father, George. She’d always run to tell him first when she got good grades, even only betting him attend parent–teacher meetings.
After George died, Audrey’s grades had tanked, and every time Lucia went to school, the teachers lectured her,
“Mrs. Audrey Winifred.” Jenna piped up. “Ever since that day, Mrs. Lucia Winifred hasn’t had an appetite. The media loves juicy high–society gossip. Some things are better sorted out in private, don’t you think?”
“Who are you?” Audrey set down her fork and picked up a napkin to’dab her mouth,
“I work for the Winifred family. You can call me Jenna,” Jenna said, standing stiffly upright.
Audrey motioned, and Ted immediately stepped forward. “Mrs. Audrey Winifred,” he addressed her
“Is this how all Winifred family servants talk to their employers?” Audrey asked, her tone cool
Jenna’s proud demeanor vanished instantly, her face freezing,
“The first rule in the Winifred family servant guidelines–Respect the employers and know your boundaries,” Ted stated firmly, turning to Jenna. “When the employers speak, you don’t interrupt or give lectures. You’ll have half your monthly bonus deducted.”
Jenna quickly looked to Lucia for help. She’d only stepped in to defend Lucia.
Losing her under–the–table perks was bad enough. Losing half her bonus would be a disaster.
Lucia’s hands clenched into fists beneath the fable.
Forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, she said to Audrey, “Jenna has served the Winded family longer than I’ve been part of the family. There are lots of unspoken rules in wealthy families it’s wise to listen to her.
08:59 Fri, 13 Jun –
Chapter 248
“You’re new to this household. You can’t penalize servants just because you don’t like their words Who will work toyally for your thient same water that floats a boat can also sink it.”
Audrey gave a soft, dry laugh. “So you’re all about leading with virtue,” she said.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
