Some slept that night, while others, like Genevieve, lay awake, restless. In twenty years, Magnus had never been so harsh with her; it was unprecedented. Reflecting on his strange behavior earlier, she wondered if he had discovered her affair with Paul. Just the thought sank her heart.
No man takes kindly to betrayal. Even though Magnus was inherently kind and gentlemanly, he was still a man of passion. But if he knew, why hadn’t he confronted her outright? Genevieve spent the whole night mulling over various possibilities.
She couldn’t sleep, and neither could Magnus. His mind was in turmoil, contemplating what to do next. If he confirmed the button belonged to Paul by morning, it would prove Genevieve’s infidelity. He would have to expel her from the Montgomery family, but he feared the repercussions on their two children if his father learned of it.
Although Magnus resented Genevieve, he believed their children, Ivy and Zachary, were innocent. Unbeknownst to him, Zachary was deep in debt due to gambling. He was also unaware that neither child was biologically his!
As a father, his primary concern was the children’s futures. He resolved to confront Genevieve only after the children had successfully joined the company.
He pondered all night, the first half consumed by these thoughts, and the latter filled with memories of Aurora’s mother, Victoria. Their initial meeting had been accidental, invited by a friend to a party where he drank heavily. Waking up to find Genevieve beside him, he had offered her money to leave. Two months later, she reconnected, claiming she was pregnant with his child-a phone call that shattered his life, filled with visions of Victoria’s gentle demeanor.
Victoria was humble and never vain, only adorning herself for significant events, favoring comfort on regular days. She had an elegant air about her, never spoiled, joining him for morning runs and evening walks. Now, all he could recall was her tranquil, gardenia-like visage-all tragically past.
His heart swelled with sorrow for what his actions had driven Victoria to-a deepening melancholy mirrored by his growing disdain for Genevieve.
Meanwhile, Aurora had a beautiful dream. She dreamt of her mother, gentle as moonlight. They were at an amusement park, a happy family without sorrow. She rode a carousel, over and over, until a boy in white appeared beside her, whispering, “Little Bunny…”
The alarm woke Aurora from her pleasant dream. She stretched lazily and got up, dressed neatly, while Ivy and Zachary still slept in. Magnus, Genevieve, and Paul were already up, their faces drawn and dark under the eyes.
It seemed that Magnus had sensed something about last night’s events. Aurora smiled, anticipating the drama that was about to unfold.
“Dad.”
“Why don’t you come to the office with us later, Aurora?” Magnus’s voice softened when he saw it was her.
“Okay.”
Genevieve hung her head like a child who had done something wrong, and Magnus didn’t even glance at her, his gaze sweeping past her to Paul.
Paul’s shirt was missing the top button, a detail that might have been overlooked in others, but for someone of his stature, impeccably dressed in a shirt, suit, and tie was a must.
Even the smallest detail had to be perfect, yet Paul’s top button had mysteriously disappeared.
“Paul, what happened to your button?” Magnus asked casually.
“I’m always a bit careless; maybe it fell off somewhere,” Paul chuckled dismissively.
A button appeared in Magnus’s hand. “I found this button yesterday, cousin. Does it look like yours?”
When he produced the button, Genevieve’s face darkened. She had been worried about Magnus returning suddenly the previous night and in her haste, had accidentally torn off Paul’s button.
It was supposed to be a minor incident; she hadn’t expected Magnus to find the button, considering his strange behavior last night. It seemed he already knew! He was using the button to confirm if the other person was Paul.
Genevieve’s hands trembled as she held her chopsticks, and Paul also realized Magnus’s intention. At that moment, the button was a hot potato, neither to be accepted nor refused.
“How so? Isn’t this your button? It looks exactly like the ones on your shirt. I found it on the stairs yesterday,” Magnus said, noting their expressions.
Hearing it was found on the stairs, Paul reluctantly took the button. “It’s just a small button; you’re being too meticulous.”
“A small button can reveal a lot,” Magnus hinted darkly.
Genevieve couldn’t understand Magnus anymore. If he had already discovered the truth, why was he now giving Paul an out?
However, the outcome was favorable; at least he hadn’t turned against her completely. There was still a chance.
Aurora silently watched the drama unfold. It seemed Magnus knew about their affair, and the button was his way of testing them.
The play was getting more interesting by the minute.
Seeing the gleam of delight in Aurora’s eyes, Genevieve realized that Magnus’s hasty return the previous night and everything else might have been Aurora’s doing. It wasn’t just Magnus who knew, but Aurora as well!
At this thought, her heart grew even more uneasy. What exactly was that young girl plotting?
“Let’s go, Aurora, we’re done here,” Magnus said, ignoring Paul.
Outside, Magnus directly suggested, “Aurora, sit in the front.”
Yesterday, Paul and Genevieve had been up to something; she got out of the car with a flushed face, passion still lingering in her eyes.
Magnus felt increasingly disgusted. Paul was unusually quiet today, not saying a word the whole trip.
Once at the office, after Paul had left, Magnus pulled Aurora aside into a secluded corner.
“Aurora, do you know something? You insisted I come home early yesterday,” Magnus asked seriously.
“There are many things I know, Dad. Which are you referring to?” Aurora responded directly.