Chapter 542

“Did you not rest well last night?” Derek’s gaze swept over the cup of untouched coffee on the table.

Shifting his focus, Marcus inquired, “How has the woman from the wedding photography crew fared

lately?” Last night’s peculiar events had deterred him from sleeping.

“I have assigned personnel to monitor her. Currently, she appears safe. As Harlan proposed, it’s

plausible that he merely sought reprieve and was not engaged in a mission.”

“He wouldn’t engage in photography without an agenda. Exercise caution.”

Derek’s impending departure was interrupted by his ringing phone. His gaze shifted to Marcus.

“Mrs. Thomas’ father is present downstairs. He’s seeking an audience with you.”

A discerning suspicion filled Marcus. He deduced that this was likely about raising funds for the Brown

family’s company. His wife Gianna had nearly cost him his child, and he had the audacity to solicit

funding from Marcus.

“Inform him that the Thomas Group’s investigative unit is still probing his company. We will convene a

meeting once the results are ascertained.”

Derek comprehended the directive and nodded.

At home, Millie had concocted a pot of milky white fish soup, the aroma wafting enticingly through the

air.

Celeste, engrossed in television viewing within the living room, was drawn by the scent, intercepting

passing servants.

“What’s the chef up to today? The fragrance is quite alluring.”

“The aroma arises from Mrs. Thomas’ fish soup.”

Celeste experienced a moment of astonishment. Millie could actually prepare fish soup.

After a brief interval of sitting, Celeste rose, venturing to the kitchen to inspect the source of the scent.

“Did you genuinely prepare this?”

The aroma grew more captivating as Celeste approached.

Pausing in her soup preparation, Millie nodded in affirmation.

As she noted that Celeste lingered rather than exiting the kitchen, Millie’s confusion grew. Was there an

issue?

“The fragrance is truly tantalizing. May I have a taste?”

Millie stood there, momentarily rendered speechless.

Celeste, maintaining an air of haughtiness, remarked, “I’ve been in a rather melancholic mood lately.

Nourishing tonics will help.”