Chapter 1828: Chapter 2042

After an hour of play, the babies grew weary.

Lucinda requested Zenia to take them upstairs for their nap.

With Kern’s assistance, Lucinda gently pushed Norton back to the bedroom.

After aiding Norton to lie down, Kern escorted Lucinda out of the villa.

They descended the stairwell, one following the other quietly.

Reflecting on the reason for her return, Lucinda casually inquired of Kern, “Kern, you have been working here for quite a long time, right? How many years have you been with the Payne family?”

With wrinkles covering his face, Kern offered a kind smile.

“I started working for the Payne family when I was a teenager.

I even helped the driver pick up Mr.

Norton Payne from school.

Time flies.

I never expected to spend half my life with the Payne family.

”

Lucinda nodded and sighed.

“No wonder Grandpa trusts you so much.

The Payne family is fortunate to have such a dependable butler like you.

”

“Thank you, madam, it’s truly an honor,” Kern replied, and they both smiled warmly.

As they were about to reach the first floor, Lucinda tentatively asked, “Kern, you must be the longest-serving staff member in the Payne family now, right? Then, you must have met Nathan’s parents, my parents—in-Law?”

Kern’s smile faded, and his voice took on a somber tone.

“Yes, I knew them.

Nathan’s father was the eldest son, and Mr.

Norton’s favorite.

When he and his wife passed away, Nathan was still very young.

”

Reflecting on the past, he sighed.

“Nathan faced many challenges then.

Losing his parents so young, and with his uncles competing for the family’s wealth, he was in a precarious position.

Fortunately, Mr.

Norton protected him, taking him under his wing.

Though he was strict, he foiled many plots and schemes against Nathan.

”

“Many plots and schemes?” Lucinda quickly focused on the key issue.

“It seems there are many dark corners in wealthy families, hiding even darker secrets.

” She paused, then seized the opportunity to probe further.

“They targeted a young Nathan with their schemes.

Did his parents really die in a car accident? Or was it not an accident at all?”

Kern appeared puzzled.

“Why do you ask that? At the time, Mr.

Norton was still commanding the military region.

He personally investigated the car accident and eventually closed the case.

There can be no mistake.

”

Lucinda studied Kern’s expression carefully and saw nothing unusual.

It seemed he truly was unaware of the underlying details.

Norton had personally closed the case, declaring that Nathan’s parents died in an accident.

However, Mylo’s claim contradicted this, suggesting it wasn’t a car accident but something else, possibly even orchestrated.

Who was telling the truth?

Given Norton’s seasoned nature, could he really be ignorant of the actual circumstances?

If there were hidden factors, Norton’s choice not to even inform his most trusted servant indicated the significance he placed on this matter.

The more Lucinda pondered, the more her suspicions grew, especially given Norton’s evasive behavior.

“Madam? Madam!” Kern, noticing her distraction, called out to her several times.

“What’s wrong?” Lucinda asked, snapping back to reality.

“Why do you want to ask about Nathan’s parents?” Kern inquired.

Lucinda offered a smile.

“Oh, it’s nothing serious.

I just regret never having met my in-laws, so naturally, I’m a bit curious.

That’s all.

”

“I see.

” Kern nodded, accepting her explanation.

“Ma’am, we’re at the gate of the villa.

Are you heading back to N&L Fairy Land or to the garage?”