Hearing my exclamation, Tiffany studied me nonchalantly before scoffing, “Carlette, you need my help, right? Why are you acting this way, then?”
“You’re wrong. I’m not asking for your help.” I was unfazed. “Anthony is in this state because of the Hall family. He’s the only one keeping your family afloat. If you want to lead a wealthy lifestyle, you should pray for his safety. Otherwise, you won’t remain a socialite for long even without me in the picture.”
“Carlette! Know your place. How dare you talk to me that way? Do you seriously think you will be Mrs. Featherstone forever? I will drag you down from that position one day! I’ll let you pay the price for being arrogant!”
Tiffany seemed to recall something and let out an odd chuckle. “Anthony forgot he used to love Sienna, so you got to be Mrs. Featherstone. Since his wife just needs to look like Sienna, do you think our family will choose someone as arrogant as you or create a perfect substitute ourselves?”
The Halls were smart, but they had used it in the wrong way.
I couldn’t bring myself to comment on their crazy idea.
However, Tiffany thought she had something on me as the grin on her face widened. “I know what you’re planning. You want to help Anthony reverse his hypnosis, so he will be indebted to you. That way, you can get the Halls’ and Featherstones’ fortune, right? Dream on! The expert who hypnotized Anthony is a world-class hypnotist. He won’t be able to break free from our control!”
She paused before leaning closer to me. “Guess how long will it take before the next substitute takes over your position?”
Suddenly, she looked up and cackled crazily. “He won’t revert back to the man he was! He will be nothing but an emotionless machine for the rest of his life, incapable of love or reciprocating your love!”
I clenched my fists as my body tensed up. Gritting my teeth, I retorted, “You’re wrong. Anthony isn’t a machine. At least he knows how to retaliate. What about you? You depend on the Hall family to survive. You knew Anthony went through a lot just to avenge you lot, but you abetted the devil and destroyed his hard found happiness. People like you are puppets controlled by others. You’re so cold- blooded. What right do you have to criticize him?”
“Shut up!” Tiffany reacted angrily. “That’s nonsense!”
I stuck my chin up and scoffed, “You know perfectly well whether I was talking nonsense or not.”
Seeing how Tiffany’s expression contorted in anger and shame before falling silent, I relaxed and stalked away happily.
Since six years ago, I knew Tiffany and Anthony were different though they were related by blood.
Tiffany was selfish and would remain quiet if it concerned her own benefits.
Meanwhile, Anthony might seem indifferent, but he cared for his loved ones. No matter how badly he was hurt, he would still carry his burden and move ahead.
Tiffany stretched her arms wide and yelled, “Carlette, don’t you leave! You better explain yourself!”
Ignoring her annoying shrieks, I entered my car and buckled my seatbelt.
When my car drove away, I smirked for I had an answer now.
The person who hypnotized Anthony was none other than Nicolas.
Those with vested interests would not remain silent for the interests of others.
I was about to search for world-class hypnotists when I received a text from Anthony.
Anthony: John is here.
He was asking me to return home now.
I had texted John to ask him to bring Audrey home so she could get to try Anthony’s cooking. John wanted to see Anthony make a fool of himself, so he agreed readily.
I forget to remind him that Anthony was no fool.
As that thought occurred to me, I reminded Millie to speed up lest both men ended up in a physical fight at home.
When I arrived home, I rushed in to a surprisingly harmonious sight.
Gregory and Audrey were playing in the living room merrily.
In the kitchen, Anthony was wearing an apron in front of the kitchen island, while John leaned on the wall and crossed his arms arrogantly like a commander.
I couldn’t help but stare at Anthony’s househusband outfit.
It was a heartwarming sight.
Gregory spotted me first and called out, “Mommy!”
He scurried toward me. Audrey flung her toy aside and hopped after her brother.
They both hugged my legs, so I couldn’t move.
“Mommy!”
My lips curved up into a smile as I ruffled their hair affectionately. “Hello, darlings.”
John turned upon hearing my voice. “You’re back.”
“Mm.” I gave him a nod while furrowing my brows.
John waved his hand and came to sit on the sofa. “Anthony is getting worse at cooking. He couldn’t even cut the vegetables properly. Any random chef out there would do a better job than him. He can’t take care of you.”
I was amused by his snarky comment.
Previously, I told John that Anthony had lost his memory, so I arranged for him to be a househusband.
Alas, John didn’t know Anthony had seen through the ruse.
After hearing John’s mocking words, Anthony must have planning his revenge.
Still, I remained suspicious. This morning, Anthony insisted he wouldn’t cook, but now, he was acting like an obedient househusband. What makes him changed his mind?
Shortly after, I realized what was going on.
I was having fun with the kids in the living room when a figure appeared beside us.
Turning at my shoulder, I saw Anthony standing in between the couch with a tray in his hands.
Before I could react, he bent down and placed the tray on the table. I saw panda, rabbit, and cherry- shaped sushi on the tray. It was an adorable sight.
Audrey immediately hopped down from my embrace and took the rabbit-shaped sushi to eat.
It was tiny enough for her to finish it in two bites. After she finished the rabbit-shaped sushi, she took one from the remaining sushi and gave it to Gregory. “Here, Greg. It’s yummy.”
Gregory took the sushi from her and bit into it. They giggled at each other happily.
Their laughter infected me as my eyes crinkled up. Looking aside, I was surprised to see a usually aloof Anthony smiling. He turned as his smile widened.
Suddenly, it occurred to me why this wealthy man was willing to stoop so low as he wanted to please Audrey, who was a little glutton.
Anthony belatedly realized the teasing look in my gaze and immediately returned to his usual indifferent self. He shot me a look that seemed to scream—stay out of me and my daughter’s business.
Feeling both exasperated and funny, I averted my gaze and asked, “Audrey, is the sushi Daddy prepared yummy?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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