Chapter 552

The next morning, Marguerite woke up to the sun high in the sky.

As soon as she opened her eyes, her mind involuntarily revisited the bombshell Maurice had dropped on her – Yuna and Frederick were getting hitched. The idea soured her stomach, and the last thing she wanted was to face the lovebirds first thing in the day.

After a quick wash-up, she planned to dodge Yuna and Frederick and head straight to the office. That’s when Teresa burst into her room, latching onto her arm with a whine.

“Mommy, you’re up just in time! Sadie made a super-delish breakfast!”

Seeing her daughter, Marguerite’s troubles seemed to melt away. She stroked the little one’s head, indulgently explaining, “Mommy’s got to run to the office, sweetie. No time for breakfast.”

But Teresa was having none of it, shaking her head with a pout. “No way! Hayes’ daddy is finally home for breakfast, and both he and I want you to join us!”

As Teresa dragged Hayes into the plea, Marguerite found herself at a loss. Somehow, Hayes had crept into her heart, almost on par with Teresa. She couldn’t pinpoint why, but the sight of Hayes’ puppy-dog eyes always tugged at her heartstrings.

However, the thought of breakfast with Frederick and Yuna at the same table didn’t exactly boost her appetite.

“How about next time? I’m going to be late for work!”

Teresa wasn’t letting go, pulling Marguerite towards the door. “But Hayes’ daddy hasn’t left yet. How could you be late? He’s isn’t he?”

your Marguerite was stumped. “How did you know that?”

Teresa twirled her head, smugly saying, “My godfather and godmother told me!” Then she leaned in conspiratorially, her finger to her lips, whispering to Marguerite, “Don’t worry, Mommy, I’ll keep your secret. I won’t tell Daddy Maurice! So now, let’s make a deal. I keep your secret, and you come down for breakfast with me.”

Marguerite was speechless.

The kid had mastered the art of negotiation, not to mention the concept of quid pro quo.

She was clearly influenced by Maurice, though Teresa was nothing like him. Maurice was more cunning and subtle, whereas Teresa was straightforward, wearing her emotions on her sleeve – a trait that reminded Marguerite of the fiery Frederick.

Lost in thought, Marguerite was already being ushered into the dining room by Teresa.

The breakfast crowd was incomplete, with none of the elders present. Marguerite knew that since Frederick’s involvement with Poppy Petal Fragrances, Jocelyn had been preoccupied with Thunderbolt Enterprises.

As for Lisette, she hadn’t seen her for days.

The atmosphere at the table was peculiar. Frederick and Maurice sat opposite each other, with Marguerite at the end, forming an awkward triangle with them. It felt eerily like a love triangle.

Marguerite glanced at Frederick, noticing his dark circles and general air of exhaustion. He sipped his black coffee with an innate aristocratic grace.

Suddenly, Yuna sprinted down from upstairs, visibly distraught, “Freddie, Manley is refusing to come down for breakfast. Could you please try to speak with him?”

Frederick set down his cup, his voice even, “Perhaps he’s not hungry.”

“But he didn’t eat last night either. If he skips breakfast, he’ll get stomach issues!”

Frederick frowned slightly, “He didn’t eat last night?”

Yuna glanced at Marguerite and shook her head anxiously, “No.”

He rose immediately and headed upstairs.

Teresa and Hayes exchanged puzzled looks. Why wouldn’t Manley eat? He loved food and always ate heartily. Could he be sick?

They jumped from their seats, and Teresa grabbed Marguerite’s hand, “Mommy, let’s go check on Manley! He really relied on you at the hospital; maybe he’ll eat if you talk to him.” It made sense to Marguerite, so she followed the little ones to Manley’s room.

But as soon as Marguerite entered, Manley freaked out as if he’d seen a ghost, clutching his head and screaming, “Aunt Marguerite, I’m sorry! Please don’t hit me, I’ll never pick on Teresa again…”