Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Chapter 23

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Maria wondered, ‘Isn’t Frank making up an excuse and returning to work? Why is he here?”

Frank spotted Maria standing nearby. He frowned and asked annoyingly, “Why are you here?”

Seeing Frank’s impatient look, Maria felt nervous and explained in a low voice, “Your grandpa asked me to be here.

Soon, Basil’s loud voice arose. “Maria, is that you? Come on in and make yourself at home.”

A man in his sixties stepped out, his gray hair shining in the sun. However, his firm steps revealed a vitality that belied his

age.

Basil carried a cane, not for walking, but to punish people.

Noticing Frank standing still, Basil hurriedly threw his cane in Frank’s direction, yelling, “Your wife has arrived. Why are you just standing there like a fool?”

Frank easily caught the cane. Without looking at Maria, he explained annoyingly, “I’ve got lots of work to do. Grandpa, if you don’t need anything, I’m leaving now.”

Basil shouted, “How dare you!” Then, he pulled out his cane and thumped it on the ground. He warned, “If you dare to leave, I’ll stop by your company tomorrow!”

Basil’s words gave Frank a headache. Frank furrowed his brow, thinking. ‘I was at the office handling business when James called and asked me to come home for a meal. I declined because I had work to wrap up. Later, my grandpa’s doctor called, saying there was an issue. I hurried back home and realized that my grandpa had orchestrated the whole thing.

Basil continued, “I can’t believe you remember I am still alive. How could you have a wedding with Maria and not invite me? I only found out about your marriage two days later. You rascal!” He grew angrier as he spoke and swung his cane to knock

Frank.

Frank did not dodge this time and let the cane hit his head, which terrified Maria.

Frank explained with frustration, “Grandpa, I’m not lying. I’m really busy.”

Basil snorted and ignored Frank. Then, he turned to Maria and waved at her, saying, “Maria, come here.”

Maria glanced at Frank secretly and walked to Basil obediently, greeting, “Hi, Mr. Johnston. How are you doing?”

“All good. Can you lead me inside?” replied Basil.

Maria promptly took Basil’s arm, guiding him inside, with Frank trailing behind.

When Basil sat down, he glared at Frank and asked, “I thought you needed to go.”

Frank strode over, glanced at Maria, and sat beside Basil, replying, “I’ve changed my mind.”

Maria lowered her eyes and pretended not to notice Frank’s gaze, wondering, ‘Why has Frank changed his mind? Is he worrying that I would badmouth him?”

Then, Basil asked Maria how she was doing at the Johnston Court.

Maria knew Basil might get upset if she mentioned the rude behavior of the butlers and servants at Johnston Court. Thus, she chose to keep it positive and conveyed that everything was going well and everyone was treating her nicely.

Basil nodded and said, “You can ask James to send you another batch of servants if you don’t like the current ones.”

“No, thanks, Mr. Johnston. They’ve worked there for years and know how to do their jobs,” replied Maria.

Basil did not ask further when he heard Maria’s answers. He looked at Frank, who remained silent during the conversation, reminding him, “You are married now. You should visit Maria’s family and tell them about it. Also, visit your father, too.”

Frank briefly replied, “Got it.”

After having more conversations with Maria, Basil was tired and asked James to take him for a rest.

Then, Maria and Frank were the only ones left in the room.

Maria sensed Frank’s cold gaze and trembled, feeling uncomfortable. She bit her bottom lip and whispered, “I can visit my family by myself. You don’t have to go.”

She assumed Frank would refuse to go with her, so she gave him a heads–up. She thought, ‘Frank agreed because he needed to please Basil. It was a runaround.