Chapter 4
Genevieve took a deep breath.
She couldn’t risk being recognized. She couldn’t stay.
And there was no way she was going to Boston.
Im priceless.”
With that, she brushed past Arthur and walked out.
Arthur didn’t stop her, but his gaze followed her every step.
There was something about her, a faint, familiar scent that didn’t resemble ordinary perfume. He couldn’t place it.
Moreover, she possessed a unique aura that was strikingly similar to Genevieve!
Genevieve seemed soft, but she had a tough side.
She was independent and decisive.
She left without giving him a chance or leaving any room for negotiation, just like now.
His frown deepened. Five years later, and he still thought of her, of how she’d looked at seven months pregnant, of the child that should have been five years old by now.
Back then, he hadn’t loved her, but he’d never considered divorce. And he had wanted that child.
Lost in thought, Arthur’s demeanor became somber.
“Arthur, this auctioneer is too arrogant. Let’s find someone else. There are plenty of antique experts in the world.” Martha’s voice snapped him back. Arthur frowned. There may be many antique experts in the world, but Grandpa specifically wants her. Henry, look into her. I want complete
information.
“Arthur, why? Are you interested in her?” Martha probed carefully.
Since Genevieve disappeared, Martha had stayed by Arthur’s side, yet he’d never mentioned marriage. Martha was growing impatient. Fortunately, Arthur was cold by nature and showed no interest in other women.
But today, the way Arthur looked at that auctioneer gave Martha a sense of crisis
“No. But since Grandpa wants to see her, it’s best to run a background check.” Only after hearing this did Martha feel relieved.
Arthur was only looking into her because of his grandfather.
After all, how could Anthur possibly be interested in some hideous woman who didn’t even dare show her face?
“Well return to the hotel now. Arthur turned and strode away.
Genevieve returned to her office, hand pressed against her pounding heart.
Anthur wanted to bring her back to appraise antiques. Having been married to him for three years, she knew how domineering he could be. He would probably come again. She’d revealed herself before him today. Had he recognized her? Would he investigate her? Everything about her, especially her children, she couldn’t let Arthur find out.
Genevieve grabbed her phone and made a call. The line connected quickly, and a deep, lazy voice came through, “Darling, what’s up?”
‘I need favor Someone might be looking into me. I can’t let them find anything.”
While Genevieve couldn’t stop Arthur’s investigation on her own, the man on the other end of the line certainly could.
With just that one word, Genevieve knew he would get it done.
“The third time
Genevieve didn’t understand what he meant by that drawn out “third time.”
MOL
Chapter 4
This is the third favor in five years, sweetheart. Two more and youll marry me. How does that sound?”
On the other end, the man lounged carelessly on a sofa, his tall frame draped in a half–open robe that revealed sculpted abs. A smirk played on his lips.
Genevieve shuddered. Marrying him, a man more terrifying than Arthur?
“Not interested. You help me, I make money for you. We’re ev
“Rather than making me money, I’d prefer you manage it for me.
“You can find someone decent to manage your wealth. I’d just run off with it
You heartless creature.”
Genevieve hung up the phone and texted her manager to request two days off. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open her office door. Penny, I’m done with work. Let’s go. Penny?”
Genevieve looked around the room, but Penelope was gone.
Meanwhile, in the underground parking garage, two little figures peeked out from behind a wall. Oliver sighed and quietly opened his laptop, preparing to clean up Caleb’s mess.
Caleb had drawn on Arthur’s car. They’d definitely check the surveillance footage, and if they were caught, they’d be in big trouble.
Oliver quickly hacked into the security system and deleted the relevant footage, finally relaxing
Up ahead, Caleb stood with Penelope, grinning as he waited to see Arthur’s reaction to his masterpiece.
“What? Who did this?”
A group of men approached, led by none other than Arthur himself
Henry stared in shock at the words scrawled across the car and instinctively read them aloud, “Wife–abandoning, child–deserting super scumbag!” Sir…”
Henry turned to Arthur, horrified.
Who would dare do this?
Were they trying to get themselves killed?
“Who did this? How audacious!” Martha frowned as well.
Arthur’s face darkened as he scanned the words, a total of seven characters, two of which were misspelled. It was clearly the work of a child.
“Sir, I’ll check the surveillance footage immediately,” Henry said.
Then, a faint laughter was heard.
Arthur’s sharp hearing caught it instantly. His sharp gaze snapped toward the source, immediately sporting two little heads peeking out from behind a
Caleb reacted first “We’re busted! Penny, run!”
Huh? What?”
Penelope startled, turning just in time to see both Oliver and Caleb sprinting away.
“Oliver! Wait for me!”
She tried to chase after them but, in her haste, the edge of her dress got caught on something, and Penelope tripped and fell with a thud.
By then, it was too late. Footsteps were already closing in. Trapped, Penelope stayed flat on the floor, covering her face with both hands.
She thought,“If I can’t see them, they can’t see me…”
Arthur strode over and stared silently at the tiny lump on the ground before scooping her up effortlessly.
Penelope kept her hands clamped over her eyes as if that would make her invisible.
What a classic case of self–deception.
1 can see you. Stop covering your eyes.”
Penelope, who had thought herself perfectly hidden, opened her eyes wide, confusion filling them.
How dul be find me!
Whenever the played hide and seck with her brother, she was always
< Chapter 4
Reluctantly, she lowered her hands. Dangling in mid–air, she wiggled her tiny arms and legs, realizing escape was impossible.
She looked at Arthur with her big eyes, seeing him up close for the first time. She blinked, noticing how much her brothers resembled their father.
She thought to herself, Tm glad I take after Mommy, not the hideous, bad daddy”
The thought caused her to unconsciously lift her chin, her expression one of disgust.
Arthur observed her silently, realizing that she had a lot on her mind.
“Where
your
parent? Why did you vandalize my car?”
His voice was cold and detached
Penelope wasn’t afraid of him. She simply pressed her lips together tightly.
Her mommy had told her not to talk to bad people, and their daddy was a bad person who would take her away and not let her see her mommy again.
“If you don’t speak, I hand you over to the police, and they’ll find your father, Arthur said coldly
Penelope blinked, thinking, “Silly Daddy, don’t go looking for yourself.”
Arthur had assumed children this age would fear the police, but this little kid seemed utterly unfazed. “When children misbehave, their parents get punished, Well have your father arrested soon.”
“Go ahead and arrest him! I support that!” she responded silently.
There was still no reaction. Arthur studied the stubborn little face.
Then well arrest your mother instead.”
“Why arrest Mommy? Just arrest Daddy! Don’t arrest Mommy Penelope burst out, tiny hands on her hips, putting on her fiercest scowl.
Ambur let out a couple of chuckles.
Arresting her mom was unacceptable, but arresting her dad was perfectly fine.
What a terrible father she had!
