Chapter 68
Lia thought about whether she should ask Mrs. Yeats to help introduce her to Edward, but after some consideration, she decided not to bring it up.
After all, this was her mom’s best friend’s welcome party, and asking now didn’t seem quite right.
Molly and Remy were talking about something, and soon they both walked into the living room, one after the other.
The other four continued to play cards, paying no attention to what was happening.
Since Lia didn’t know how to play, they started to teach her.
Maybe it was because she was a beginner, but Lia’s starting hands were great.
“Lia is really lucky with her hands.”
“Looks like we’re going to lose.”
“Nah, you guys are going easy on me, I’m sure.” Lia stayed humble.
Lia still hadn’t understood all the rules. If it weren’t for their help, she wouldn’t even know which cards to use
After playing all afternoon, Lia didn’t win or lose, but she learned a little about the game.
In the evening, Coby came to pick up Lia and bumped into Remy, who was about to leave. Coby raised his eyebrows playfully. “Not leaving yet?”
Remy cleared his throat a few times, surprised that his friend was so direct. “I’m leaving right now.”
Molly was also nearby, feeling that her brother was acting a little strange, but she didn’t ask too many questions. Seeing him embarrassed, she instinctively said, “I’ll go see Dr. Walker off.”
Remy felt happy inside that Molly was the one offering to see him off.
Coby didn’t say anything, simply holding Lia beside him.
After they left, Lia pulled him inside.
“The way you said that might make Molly misunderstand.” His attitude earlier was obviously off, as if he had a problem with Dr. Walker.
The man pinched her delicate waist. “Isn’t it better if she misunderstands?”
Lia suddenly realized, smiling at him. “I thought you didn’t want Dr. Walker and Molly to be together.”
Having a good friend become a brother–in–law had its pros and cons.
“It depends on what Molly decides,” Coby said, sounding completely at ease about it.
Remy wasn’t as bold.
“Hmm.” Lia thought that maybe he didn’t know about that incident, otherwise, he wouldn’t have said that.
Since Molly asked her to keep it a secret, she decided to keep quiet.
“Lia, are we going home tonight or staying here?” asked Coby.
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Chapter 68
“Either will work.” Lia felt like it didn’t make much of a difference
“Let’s go home. There are people here who will interrupt us.” Coly preferred being with her in their little home.
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“Interrupting what?” Quinn came over just in time to hear that. She didn’t see her daughter but heard her son’s words, which made it sound like she was the one causing trouble.
Even though she enjoyed chatting with Lia, she didn’t remember a time when Lia didn’t go home.
Coby spoke bluntly, “Mom, sleeping early is good for your health
“I’ve never heard you say you wanted to rest early. It’s always work with you. What’s with the sudden awareness now?” Quinn teased.
Lia blushed and tugged at his shirt, but Coby didn’t mind. It was mostly her who felt shy.
“We still have some things to handle when we get back. He quickly found an excuse.
Quinn understood Lia’s shyness. “Alright, go ahead. I’ll watch TV Lia, be careful on the road.
“Okay.” Lia waved her goodbye.
As they left, Lia’s blush hadn’t faded, and Coby seemed unaffected. “Coby, you’re too direct,” she said.
Coby held her small hand. “You’ll get used to it. My dad was even more direct. He’d pick up Mom right in front of me and Molly, telling us to stay out of the way.”
Lia and her mother weren’t alike. She was more reserved, and some things were better left unsaid, but he enjoyed teasing her.
Lia chuckled softly. “Really?”
“No, he’d just kick me and Molly out. We were just an accident to him anyway.”
His words had a hint of grievance, and Lia hugged his lean waist.
“Poor boy. I’ll always be here for you,” she said.
His fingers gently covered hers, his touch warm against the back of her ear, making her skin heat up. “As long as I have Lia, that’s enough.”
They gazed at each other with deep affection, and slowly, his head lowered. His cool nose lovingly brushed against her soft cheek.
“We… we’re not home yet.” Her delicate eyelashes fluttered, instinctively pulling her face away.
His soft voice made her heart flutter. “Mm, let’s go
home.”
The wind was strong at night, and he wrapped his arms around her to keep her warm.
With his warmth surrounding her, her heart raced, and she tilted her head, resting it against his chest.
“Lia, let my parents take care of the baby when we have one,” Coby suddenly said.
“Why?” Lia asked, puzzled.
“Because I think I’ll kick the little one out of the room too.”
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Chapter 68
Under the warm streetlights Molly and Remy walked side by side, cach lost in their thoughts.
Molly was frustrated about why she hesitated this time. After he said he wouldn’t be a brother, she didn’t respond immediately and changed the subject, not even understanding why herself.
The words were right on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t say them.
On the other hand, Remy wondered if Molly not directly rejecting him meant there was still hope.
Seeing they were getting farther apart, he stopped and said, “Molly, go back. No need to walk me out.”
“It’s fine.” She didn’t want to interrupt those two couples.
There was no need to mention her parents. Her brother and Lia were probably all over each other too.
Seeing him stop with a strange expression, Molly didn’t walk on. Dr. Walker, is there a problem between you and my brother? Is it because of me?”
She had been expecting this to happen. If their once close friendship was now strained, Molly would feel guilty.
Remy smiled. “I want to pursue his sister. It’s normal for him to have a problem with me.”
If he had a sister, he’d probably have the same reaction if his close friend were interested in her.
“I’ll explain when I get back. Don’t worry. It’s my fault.” Molly turned to walk back, but Remy grabbed her delicate wrist.
“Molly, you don’t need to explain,” he said.
She glanced at their joined hands, and he awkwardly let go..
“What I mean is, you don’t need to explain that I like you. I’m being sincere. Last time, I was too eager and didn’t consider your feelings. I’ll think things through better this time. If you don’t like me, it’s okay,” said Remy.
Remy realized he hadn’t prepared properly. This kind of thing needed to be done step by step, not rushed.
Molly felt it was pointless for him to persist, and she didn’t want to keep him hanging. “Dr. Walker, I…”
“Molly, can I hug you?” Remy didn’t know if it was a spur–of–the–moment thing or if he’d lost his mind, but the words just slipped out. Even he thought he was crazy for making such a bold request.
Distracted by something scurrying under the light, Molly didn’t process his words. Without thinking, she replied casually, “Okay.”
Remy was overjoyed–Molly didn’t reject him and even agreed.
He didn’t know if this was his chance, but since Molly had agreed, he was determined to seize it.
As Remy approached her, Molly instinctively stepped back.
Seeing her retreat, Remy froze in place, his heart sinking as if bathed in the cold night air.
“I was just kidding…” he started to say.
“It’s coming!” Molly interrupted him in a panic.
“What is…” Before Remy could process her words, Molly grabbed his arm.
“Molly.” Seeing her frightened expression, he gently touched her face. “What are you scared of?”
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Chapter 68
“Dr. Walker, there’s a mouse behind you!” Molly screamed.
He turned his head to look but saw nothing. Before he could ask inore, Molly let out a piercing scream.
“Ahhh! Dr. Walker, it’s coming closer!” Molly jumped up, clinging to Remy with her arms around his neck and her legs wrapped tightly around his waist. She buried her face in his shoulder, trembling.
Her soft fragrance filled his senses, and the warmth pressed against him brought back memories of that night. His entire body stiffened.
“Molly,” he said in a low, deep voice.
Remy wanted to hold her but didn’t dare, frozen in place.
Feeling herself slipping, Molly tightened her grip.
Without thinking, Remy’s body acted faster than his brain, and he supported her.
Molly’s voice trembled as she kept her eyes shut. “Dr. Walker, is the mouse gone?”
He hadn’t seen anything, but after clearing his throat, he said, “It’s still there. Let me carry you somewhere else.”
“Okay.” Despite her usual bravery, Molly had an intense fear of mice. As a child, a classmate had played a prank by putting a large black mouse in her bag.
Unaware, she had opened her bag, and the mouse jumped out, leaving her utterly terrified. Since then, she had been deathly afraid of such creatures.
Molly was light, and carrying her was effortless for Remy. One hand supported her thigh, while the other gently stroked her back. His voice was soothing. “Don’t be scared.“.
“I hate mice the most,” Molly muttered, refusing to open her eyes.
Remy carried her back toward the villa and stopped by the side of the house.
“Molly, there’s no mouse anymore.” Although he didn’t want to put her down, he had no choice.
“Huh?” Molly opened her eyes.
“We’re home,” he said.
She glanced up and realized he had carried her all the way to the door.
The tension from earlier had dissipated, leaving only embarrassment.
‘Molly, what are you doing? Why are you hanging on him?‘ Molly thought.
She quickly let go and climbed down, her face full of guilt. “Dr. Walker, I didn’t mean to…”
“I know. It’s okay.” He reassured her.
‘Even if it wasn’t intentional, ‘ Molly thought, ‘I shouldn’t have clung to him like that.’ To ease the awkwardness, Remy said calmly, “Molly, go on in. I’ll head back myself.” “Okay. Goodbye, Dr. Walker.” Molly nodded quickly and hurried inside.
Remy rubbed his slightly warm fingertips, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
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Molly rushed into the house, her face burning. As she passed through the living room, she noticed her mother staring directly at her, making her even more embarrassed. “Mom, why didn’t you say something?
“I’m just sitting here watching TV. What’s there to say?” Quinn replied, her gaze lingering on Molly’s blushing face.
Seeing her daughter’s shy demeanor, Quinn wanted to ask what had happened.
“I’m heading to my room. Enjoy your show,” Molly said, trying to escape. She knew if she stayed, her mother would bombard her with questions.
“Wait, Molly, why is your face so red?” Quinn asked knowingly.
“It’s a little warm,” Molly replied quickly and dashed to her room.
Quinn chuckled to herself. It was nearly winter, and the weather wasn’t exactly hot. Her daughter’s flustered excuse only amused her more. “This little girl is clearly hiding something?
Bruce came down from the second floor and sat beside his wife. “Quinn, why do you enjoy teasing them so much”
‘Is she addicted to playing matchmaker?‘ he wondered.
He could ignore his son’s situation, but not his daughter’s. The thought of her being taken away so early made his heart ache.
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Quinn fully understood her husband’s thoughts. She thought Remy was a decent match, but whether anything developed between the two wasn’t up to her. First, though, she had to make sure her husband didn’t object.
“Would you rather I tease you instead, hubby?” She pouted and wrinkled her nose. “Why do I smell perfume on you?”
Bruce leaned closer, a playful smile in his eyes. “Smell again. Whose is it?”
“Well, it’s definitely not mine.” Quinn only used S&C perfume and could recognize it instantly. She poked her husband’s face. “Tell me, whose is it?”
She wasn’t worried about the servants seeing them. After so many years, everyone was used to it and went about their tasks quietly.
“Quinn, who did you play cards with today?” He hadn’t even had a chance to hold her properly before she left him to watch the drama unfold.
“Haha, I knew it.” Quinn tried to sneak away, but Bruce grabbed her and scooped her up.
“Let’s go back to the bedroom,” said Bruce.
Back in Skyview Villa, Coby nudged Lia’s legs apart with his knee, positioning Lia to sit facing him on his lap.
The room was warm, and Lia’s cheeks were flushed. She took off her coat and helped him loosen his tie.
“Let me do it.” Coby reached out to do it himself. While he enjoyed his wife helping, he didn’t want to seem overly domineering.
“It’s fine. I like doing it.” Lia gave him a soft smile, her eyes alluring.
Her response made Coby’s mood brighten.
Her fingertips accidentally brushed against his Adam’s apple, causing it to bob as his gaze darkened.
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Suddenly, she remembered something. “I want to ask you something.”
“What is it?” His focus was already wavering.
“Do you know Edward?” asked Lia.
Since their elders were acquainted, they should know each other, right?
Coby placed her pale, delicate arm over his shoulder. “No. Why do you ask?”
Hearing another man’s name from his wife’s lips wasn’t exactly pleasing.
As they talked, he unzipped his pants, but Lia was too preoccupied with her thoughts to notice.
“Edward is Mrs. Yeats’s son. I thought you’d know each other.”
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Coby and Dr. Walker were close friends, so it didn’t make sense for him not to know Edward. Had they really never crossed paths? It didn’t add up.
Sensing her confusion, Coby explained, “I know Mrs. Yeats’s husband is the chairman of the Howard Group, but I’ve never met Edward. They moved abroad as a family very early on. I’ve only heard about Mrs. Yeats through my mom.”
That made sense. No wonder they hadn’t met.
“Should we ask Mrs. Yeats to introduce us? With Edward staying out of sight, approaching her might make securing K&H easier,” said Lia.
“No rush.” His voice was hoarse as he lifted her skirt.
The sun had been strong earlier, and while Lia initially wore a gown, she had changed into clothes Molly prepared after playing cards in the garden.
Underneath her coat was a purple dress paired with black stockings.
“Why not, Coby?” Lia noticed something was off about him and tried to stand up, but he grabbed her small hand. When he saw her outfit, his heart skipped a beat.
He had a thing for black, especially when Lia wore it…
“Baby, don’t go.”
