Winifred’s eyes were full of malice, completely different from the obedient look she had just given Aubrey, as if she had transformed into a different person.
From Winifred telling Aubrey to pick her up from school tomorrow afternoon, Leland could tell that she was planning something, but he wasn’t sure what method she would use.
This was the first time Winifred had been so direct with Leland, expressing her desire to kill someone, specifically Aubrey.
If Winifred wanted to kill someone, why would she call Aubrey to a crowded place like the school?
Over the years, Leland had learned a lot from being by Winifred’s side. Between them, there was an unspoken understanding, sometimes just a glance was enough for Leland to know what Winifred was thinking.
Aubrey was a popular artist, and sometimes, killing didn’t require poison or knives. Winifred wanted to completely destroy her reputation, even if she stayed alive, her life would be over.
After Winifred threw the necklace into the gutter, she took out a tissue she carried with her to wipe her hands, her face showing disgust as if she had touched something dirty.
Casually, as she wiped her fingers, Winifred said to Leland, “My father has had so many mistresses, it’s not just this one who got pregnant. I remember a woman who was forcibly taken for an abortion by him before, the shock was so great that she became mentally disturbed and is still being treated in a hospital. If we were to tell her that my father is going to marry someone else, who is already five or six months pregnant, do you think she would be provoked? A mentally ill person suddenly harming someone should receive lenient treatment.”
In just a few minutes, Winifred thought of a solution. She instructed Leland to take care of the matter now and only return once it was done.
Gregory returned that evening, and it had been a long time since father and daughter had sat down together for dinner. Leland had not returned even by the time dinner was served.
When Gregory asked, Winifred simply replied, “He still has some things to do at school.”
Gregory nodded and quietly ate his meal. Several times, he tried to speak but eventually stayed silent until they finished dinner. Then, he brought up Aubrey’s situation and apologized to Winifred for not taking care of the people around him.
“No worries. Miss Whitlock is pregnant, she claims it’s a boy, and she says she’s your girlfriend and will marry you. I thought, after all these years of loneliness, it’s a bit lonely for you without a companion. As your daughter, I can’t always be by your side, after all, I have to get married in the future.”
Gregory was somewhat surprised. “Do you really think so? You don’t mind the child in her belly?”
“I don’t mind. It’s been four or five months, she can’t have an abortion now. And if it’s a son, maybe he can help you with the company in the future. As for me, dad has already written a will inheriting the company, so I just need to collect dividends.”
Winifred was aware of Gregory’s affairs outside, and he had never hidden it from her, knowing she could investigate anything she wanted.
However, Gregory had always known that Winifred was reluctant to have a stepmother in her life. In these past years, he had thoughts but hesitated to act out of consideration for his daughter’s feelings. As he grew older, he felt more lonely and longed for a companion. Aubrey happened to appear before him, beautiful and gentle, being with her made Gregory feel much younger.
Aubrey suddenly got pregnant. She had hidden it from Gregory at first, using the excuse of filming abroad to secretly carry the baby until she returned with a visible bump.
Gregory despised being deceived, but when he saw Aubrey’s protruding belly and the ultrasound images, he felt like a caring father. So, he used Aubrey as a test to gauge Winifred’s reaction, not expecting her to be so understanding.
He was relieved and felt that all those years of doting on Winifred hadn’t been in vain.
“I still hope to leave the Dawson Group under your full responsibility. Take over when you graduate from university. By the way, what major do you want to pursue?”
“Economics and Finance. I haven’t decided on the specialization yet.”
“Have you decided on which school to apply to?”
“Not yet, there’s still plenty of time before the college entrance exams.”
The father and daughter talked about various things, and Winifred then excused herself, saying she needed to review her schoolwork in her room.
Winifred had already finished her assignments at school, so there was nothing for her to review. With her current abilities, choosing a university would be a breeze for her. She had even rejected prestigious schools that offered her and Leland direct admission.
Winifred stood by the window, watching the lights coming closer, signaling Leland’s return.
She immediately called Leland and asked him to come to her room.
Leland ran up the stairs, looking composed.
“Is everything taken care of?” Winifred inquired.
“It’s done.”
Winifred was confident in leaving tasks to Leland; among the people in this mansion, he was the only one she trusted.
Winifred fell silent, just watching Leland quietly.
Leland remained silent too, and they locked eyes. Eventually, he relented, his gaze softening, and Winifred spoke.
“I’m tired and want to rest.”
Being tired was good, as it meant she wouldn’t cause trouble. Leland was about to leave when Winifred spoke again, “Leland, wash my feet.”
“Okay.” Leland had washed Winifred’s feet before and even blow-dried her hair. Over the years, Winifred had grown to rely on him. Leland felt like he had surpassed Mr. Hamilton in Winifred’s heart.
The lady knew how to enjoy life. If she was tired, she wanted a beauty treatment. For foot washing or a massage, she didn’t need to go anywhere; there was a dedicated room in the house, just like those in spas.
But it was late, and Winifred didn’t want to go there. Instead, she had Leland bring a foot basin to wash her feet.
Once back in the bedroom, Winifred was already seated on the bed.
He carefully placed the foot-washing water on the ground, added some scented lotion, and knelt down. Gently holding Winifred’s feet and placing them in the water.
Winifred’s feet were also beautiful, with round and cute toes, a touch of pink on the tips, slender ankles that he could wrap his hand around, and slightly arched insteps.
After soaking her feet for a while, he proceeded to massage them. He was focused and attentive; whatever task Winifred assigned him, big or small, he did it with full dedication.
The water would soon cool down, and Leland was ready to dry her feet with a cloth for a foot mask. Suddenly, Winifred lifted her foot from the water, leaving a wet mark on his shoulder.
“Have you ever kissed someone?” Winifred asked with a smile, as if inquiring about his dating life.
He was always by Winifred’s side, hardly having time for dating. As for kissing, he had only kissed his mother.
Leland looked at Winifred and shook his head earnestly.
Winifred laughed suddenly, “Then let me teach you.”