Chapter 10
Darren sounded surprised. “The countryside work is tough and won’t do much for your career advancement. We have a spot available, but there’s no obligation to go…”
But Bianca was firm. “Mr. Norton, I’m willing to go. Think of it as a break for me.”
Seeing her determination, Darren didn’t argue further and agreed. “Alright, you can go for two months.”
*****
A month passed in the blink of an eye.
Winnie had started school a month ago.
After two months of unsuccessful attempts at a second child, Blair was once again pressured by his family, so on the 15th of the month, he returned earlier than usual.
It wasn’t even six o’clock when he arrived at Golden Residence.
Lila was surprised to see him back so early. “Sir, back so soon today?”
Blair didn’t explain. As he walked toward the second floor, he said to Lila, “If Mrs. Avery returns, tell her to come to the bedroom.”
Lila nodded, watching him head upstairs.
Blair passed by the study without stopping, heading straight for the bedroom.
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He had come back for one reason–only to discuss the second child. There was no need to go anywhere else.
After a shower, Blair waited for her in bed.
Seven o’clock. Eight o’clock. Nine o’clock….
Three hours passed, and Bianca still hadn’t returned.
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Just as Blair was beginning to lose patience, he finally heard footsteps outside the door…
When the door was gently pushed open, Blair instinctively reached out to turn off the light.
The room was immediately consumed by darkness.
As he untied the sash of his robe, Blair spoke up, “It’s getting late. Let’s just get started–I have something else to take care of later.”
When the door opened, light from the hallway spilled in, casting a shadow on the figure in the doorway, making it hard to make out clearly.
Lila, hearing Blair’s words, froze. She hesitated, then quietly spoke up, “Sir, it’s me.”
Blair paused, realizing who it was. He turned the light back on and looked at Lila with a puzzled expression. “She still hasn’t come back?”
Lila, sweating slightly, said, “No.”
The mood in the room immediately shifted, growing tense.
Lila could tell Blair wasn’t happy. She was at a loss for what to say but finally tried to comfort him, “Mrs. Avery usually comes home early.
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Chapter 10
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Last month, she was back before six. She must have gotten held up today.”
Blair caught the hint in Lila’s words but didn’t respond much. Instead, he simply said, “I understand.”
Lila was about to suggest that Blair rest for the night, but before she could say anything, he abruptly sat up from the bed.
She swallowed her words.
Five minutes later, Blair had changed and left Golden Residence.
Lila saw him off at the door, but a nagging feeling told her she’d forgotten something.
It wasn’t until Blair’s car was out of sight that she remembered–Biancal had asked her to remind him of something in the study.
As soon as Blair left Golden Residence, he received a call from Diane.
“What’s going on?” In the dim light, Blair’s expression was calm, soft, and without any edge.
Diane’s voice floated through the phone. “Blair, I have an important performance tomorrow, but Winnie’s kindergarten is having a parent- child event. I’m afraid…”
Before she could finish, Blair already understood what she was trying to say.
“I got it. I’ll have Bianca go in my place.”
Diane let out a sigh of relief. “I’ve already talked it over with Winnie. Just tell Bianca.”
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Blair replied, “Alright, just focus on your performance.”
After the call ended, Blair pulled the car over to the side of the road.
He opened his call history but couldn’t find the familiar number he was searching for.
It took him a while to realize that Bianca hadn’t called him in a long time.
