CHAPTER 143

Chapter 143

“Grandpa!” Lillian and Kevin came running over, their little heads peeking into the video call as they called out in their sweet voices. The sight of the two little ones instantly brought a loving smile to Patrick’s face. He entertained thern through the screen for a while before ending the call after chatting with Debra After the call, Debra still seemed slightly upset. Hence, Stacey comforted her as best as she could.

In the following days, more young people tried to befriend Stacey, and some even attempted to get close to Lillian and Kevin. Fortunately, Debra had already sensed something amiss and instructed the bodyguards and the nannies to stay vigilant, keeping strangers away from the children. Half a month later, the filming at the ancient town was completed. The film crew packed up and prepared to move to the next location,

Time flew by, and two months had gone by as they moved from place to place, experiencing numerous events. Finally, the filming of “The Empress” was wrapped up, and the film crew prepared for the final wrap party. Charlie, who had some free time, flew over to visit and celebrate Stacey’s completion of the film. On the last day on set, everyone had a joyful feast.

However, back at the guesthouse, with only their family present, Charlie shared some troubling news with Stacey. It was news about Theodore managing to acquire 80% of the Edwards Group, and Gifford had been formally ousted from the Edwards Group. Even Michael had been expelled from the board of directors. “What?” Stacey was stunned. Debra was equally shocked, unable to believe that Theodore had managed to deal with Michael so thoroughly.

After a moment of silence, Charlie explained, “Theodore sent several underage girls to Michael. Greedy and Justful, Michael initially resisted, but after being tempted a few times, he fell for the trap. With evidence in hand, Theodore blackmailed Michael into transferring all his shares and resigning from the board of directors to avoid jail time.

Arthis, both Stacey and Debra’s faces darkened. Just days ago, they had discussed how both Theodore and Michael were direct relatives of Lillian and Kevin, and if either of them went to prison, it would affect the children’s future. “Is Theodore out of his mind? Has he thought about the children’s future at all Debra was so enraged her chest hurt, cursing through gritted teeth but keeping her voice low to avoid being overheard Theodore’s ruthless pursuit of the Edwards Group’s shares without considering the consequences was infuriating. She thought, What if people find out what he did? Did he ever think about the potential fallout for the children? Such a Goundrel doesn’t deserve to be the children’s father!

“Forget about the Edwards family for now. Let’s just head back. We haven’t been home in a while.” Stacey sighed. The matters of the Edwards family were beyond their control for now

Debra looked at Stacey, her heart aching with concern, but she nodded in agreement. “All right.” They stayed one more night at the guesthouse, then packed up the next day and headed back to Hivalis.

On the flight home, Stacey’s mood dually lifted. Her busy work schedule was finally over, and she felt a sense of relief Additionally, Lillian and Kevin seemed to have grown quite a bit, becoming more adorable with each passing day, which brought immense joy to her heart.

Upon returning home, they were greeted with several bouquets. Patrick had prepared one for his beloved wife, one for his precious daughter, and even smaller bouquets for his little grandson and granddaughter. “Dad, where’s mine!” Charlie asked, wide–eyed with disbelief as he realized he was the only one without flowers.

Patrick glanced at Charlie and said coldly, “I forgot about you.” Charlie was flabbergasted by Patrick’s response and wondered if he was actually the latter’s son. Finally noticing the heavy look of resentment in Charlie’s gaze, Patrick explained, “You didn’t tell me you were coming back with them, so I wasn’t expecting you.” Indeed, since Charlie hadn’t informed Patrick of his return, no flowers had been prepared for him.

Charlie froze at his father’s words and started to reflect on his actions. He realized he hadn’t informed Patrick about his plans to return home with Debra and Stacey. However, he thought of something and complained, “But you’ve never bought me flowers before whenever I returned home.”

Patrick was silent for a moment before Saying, “Fine, I’ll go out and get you a bouquet now.” Debra suddenly laughed Stacey joined in, her eyes twinkling with amusement. They both looked at Charlie.

“It’s not fair! Why do you all get flowers and I don’t? I want flowers too,” Charlie grumbled.

09:24 Mon, Jul 29 G *

Chapter 143

“All right, stop fussing. Your dad will buy you a bouquet. Debra id with a smile. When she saw that the hem of Charlie’s clothes was wrinkled, she reached out to straighten it.

Stacey entered the house and glanced around. At the thought of Adrian, she couldn’t help but ask, “Is Adrian at work? Since it was a weekday, a Tuesday to be exact, she guessed he was bus

Debra was momentarily taken aback before nodding. He should be. However, when evening came and Adrian still hadn’t returned, they grew curious. Debra turned to her husband, asking. Patrick, where’s Adrian?”

Patrick seemed to snap out of a daze. He smiled warmly, yet with a hint of mystery. “He’s our on a dare”

“A date?” Stacey and Debra exclaimed in unison.

Charlie, who had been watching TV, leaped off the couch, shocked. “Adrian is dating someone? Since when? How come I had no idea?“.The rapid–fire questions revealed his inner turmoil.

Debra’s hands trembled as she fixed her intense gaze on Patrick, trying to discern if he was joking. She thought. Is he pulling a fast one on us!” Her expression grew serious as she said, “Patrick, don’t joke about this. It’s not funny.”

Patrick glanced at Debra, then at the equally curious faces of Stacey and Charlie. Finally, his eyes met the innocent gazes of little Lillian and Kevin. Even the little ones were staring at him, their curiosity piqued. Patrick’s smile widened as he spoke seriously, “I don’t know all the details, but this came straight from Adrian. He admitted it himself. However, he said the girl’s situation was a bit special and asked us not to disturb her. Otherwise, their relationship might fall apart.”

“What’s so special about her?” Debra asked, intrigued.

Patrick shook his head. He thought for a while and finally said with a smile, “Well, let’s not get to the bottom of this. The kids will handle their own matters.” In response, Debra nodded happily in agreement.