Chapter 23
“Alright, I understand,” Harvey said as he prepared to hangup.
But then he casually added, “How did Elara get in touch with you?”
August answered respectfully, “It was Mr. Snapp who introduced me to Ms. Jones.”
Harvey’s gaze darkened, and a shadow settled over his sharp eyes. “Theodore Snapp?”
August nodded quickly. “Yes, him.”
Harvey said nothing more, but a chilling air seemed to emanate from his composed face.
+25 BONUS
When Elara returned to the Jones residence, the maids had ready prepared dinner. Now that she was divorced, she felt it was time to have an honest conversation with her parents.
She first took Bambi upstairs to change into fresh clothes. After washing up, she held Bambi’s hand and led her out of the room, only to run into her parents.
“Ah, you’re home, Lara?” Her mother, Daphne Larkin, coogd while being carried princess–style in her father, Abel Jones‘ arms..
Daphne had a doll–like face that made her look no older than 30, though she was actually 46. Since Elara had been brought back into the Jones family, she had rarely seen her mother step outside.
Daphne was always dressed in pure white dresses, and she’d always curl up in Abel’s embrace like a fragile baby
bird.
Abel, who was past 50, was tall, lean, and weathered in a way that added to his mature charm.
“Hey, Mom, Dad,” Elara greeted them distantly.
“You’ve got some nerve coming back!” Abel snapped with astern expression.
Daphne shrank into his chest like a kitten and nuzzled him Abel, don’t yell! You’re scaring me!”
Abel immediately softened, redirecting his attention solely o Daphne. After carrying her down the stairs with the utmost care, he placed her gently–onto a baby highchair.
Elara entered the dining room and forced herself to look away from the scene, She took a seat with Bambi across from her parents.
In front of Daphine was a baby bowl. She nibbled at her spoon and glanced toward Bambi before asking, “Why aren’t you using a baby bowl, Bambi?”
Bambi picked up her fork and replied, “I’m growing, so a baby bowl isn’t enough for me anymore.”
Daphne blinked her large eyes and pouted at Abel, “Now I’m the only baby in the house.”
Abel’s gaze softened with love. “Daffy will always be my baby!”
Elata lowered her head, pretending not to hear her parents mawkish exchange.
Her mother had been sheltered by Abel since she was young To Daphne, Abel was her entire world—her oxygen.
Meanwhile, Niamh had already seated herself at the table. She extended her hand toward Daphne. “Mom, what do you think of my bracelet?”
Charter 23
+25 BONUS
The sapphire bracelet sparkled brilliantly under the light.
Elara showed no reaction, but Bambi was unable to hide her feelings, and she gasped audibly. “Aunt Niamh, bracelet looks a lot like the one Daddy gave Mommy.”
Niamh had been waiting for this. She blinked innocently. “Ch, does it? I didn’t notice.”
your
Elara let out a soft laugh. “What, you thought something left on the ground wouldn’t be claimed, so you picked it up and brought it home?”
She gently advised Bambi, “Don’t follow Aunt Niamh’s example, okay? Never pick things up off the ground.” Bambi nodded obediently. “Aunt Niamh, things on the ground are dirty. You have to watch out for germs!”
Niamh, who was seated next to Daphne, found herself immediately targeted.
Abel’s expression darkened. “Niamh Jones! Who taught you to pick things up off the ground? Take it off right now and wash your hands!”
“Dad!” Niamh protested indignantly.
“Be a good girl and wash your hands, Nini!” Daphne chimed in, urging her as well.
Niamh had secretly kept the bracelet, intending to flaunt it in front of Elara. But instead of gloating, she had been caught and humiliated.
“This bracelet was a gift from Harvey!” Niamh declared smugly.
She added with a smirk, “Elara, you’re divorced now. You won’t be mad if Harvey gives me something, will you? Not that you have the right to be mad anymore…”
Her eyes sparkled with malicious glee as she spoke.
