Isabella and Andrew returned to the villa after dark.
She was extremely tired. After taking a bath and changing into her pajamas, she went straight to bed. He stayed in the study handling work and did not disturb her.
The next day, Isabella slept in late and was eventually woken up by Andrew.
“Don’t bother me, let me sleep a bit longer,” she murmured lazily, turning over.
“Come on, if you don’t get up, you’ll miss the good show,” he said with a warm smile, reaching out to lift her out of bed.
She lay limply in his arms, unwilling to open her eyes.
“If you don’t wake up, I’ll kiss you,” he said, gazing at her.
She still didn’t respond, but her slightly trembling eyelashes gave her away.
Andrew’s lips met hers. As soon as he kissed her, she laughed and pulled away.
“Andrew, are you playing ‘Sleeping Beauty’ so early in the morning?” she giggled, pushing him away and jumping out of bed wrapped in the blanket.
He sat by the bed, looking at her with gentle eyes, “Not pretending to sleep anymore?”
“You already woke me up,” she pouted slightly in annoyance.
“Go get ready, we’re going back to the Turner family soon. If you don’t change, we might miss the start,” he said, glancing at his wristwatch.
“Fine,” she said, stretching lazily and slowly walking into the bathroom. As she stepped in, she turned and warned, “If today’s show at the Turner family isn’t good, you’ll be in trouble!”
Isabella quickly freshened up and changed, then left with Andrew.
They drove back to the estate, which was calm and quiet, with nothing unusual happening.
Isabella looked at Andrew suspiciously.
“The show hasn’t started yet, why rush?” he said, holding her hand as they walked into the villa.
Inside, Jacob and Henry were not around. It was said that Jacob had found a large company for Henry to intern at, as Henry was getting older and needed to be more productive.
Hannah, Stella, and Nora were sitting in the courtyard, drinking tea and chatting happily. When they saw Andrew and Isabella, they were surprised.
“Oh my, the sun must have risen from the west. Andrew, always so busy, actually has time to come back and sit with us,” Stella said sarcastically.
Hannah gave her an annoyed look, frustrated by her insensitivity. Thomas had already fallen from power and didn’t have much time left. In the future, they would likely have to rely on Andrew. This was the time to repair their relationship, not to make snide remarks for momentary satisfaction.
“Andrew and Isabella, you’re back! It’s rare for you to visit, so stay for lunch. I’ll ask the maid to cook a few extra dishes,” Hannah said.
“Thank you, Mom,” Andrew replied with a smile, taking Isabella’s hand and sitting down on a stone stool by the table.
“Mom, I remember you like green tea. A friend just sent me a pack of this year’s pre-rain tea, and it’s quite good. I’ll bring it next time for you to try,” Andrew said casually, glancing at the teaware on the table.
Hannah waved her hand with a smile, “At my age, my taste buds aren’t as sharp. Good tea is wasted on me. You should give it to the gentleman in Schenectady town who once took you in; you owe him some filial piety…”
As Hannah reminisced about the past, she spoke at length.
Andrew listened quietly, his expression unchanged. He understood her intentions perfectly well; she simply wanted to mend their relationship.
Shortly after, the car door opened, and a woman stepped out, holding the hand of a little girl who looked about seven or eight years old.
The woman appeared to be in her early thirties, wearing a long dress, with delicate features. The little girl had her hair in braids and looked very much like the woman; it was clear they were mother and daughter.
“Ma’am, we’ve arrived,” the driver said respectfully, getting out of the car.
The woman looked at the castle-like building in front of her, both surprised and delighted. She hugged the little girl and said, with tears in her eyes, “Gina, this is Daddy’s home. It’s our home now too.”
“Mom, where’s Daddy?” the little girl asked.
The woman wiped her tears and turned to the driver. “Where’s Thomas? Why isn’t he here?”
“Mr. Thomas isn’t well and couldn’t come out to greet you. I’ll take you inside,” the driver replied courteously.
As the woman took the girl’s hand and started to walk, they were stopped by a voice.
“Hey, who are you? Do you know where you are? How dare you barge in here,” Stella said impatiently, getting up from her chair.
The woman looked at her in confusion and replied cautiously, “I… I’m looking for Thomas.”
“What do you want with Thomas?” Stella asked, scrutinizing the woman and child.
The woman, looking delicate and demure, moved her lips slightly but didn’t say anything. Instead, the little girl in her arms looked up and said, “Thomas is my daddy. We’re here to see Daddy.”
“What did you say? Who’s your dad?” Stella was stunned, her head buzzing.
Nora, even more agitated, came over and pushed the little girl. “What nonsense are you talking about! Who let you in here? Get out now, or I’ll call the police.”
The little girl stumbled and almost fell, crying in fright. The woman, panicking, hugged her child tightly, tears in her eyes as she pleaded, “Where is Thomas? Call him out, and you’ll know if we’re lying.”
Seeing the woman and child in such a pitiful state, Mrs. Hannah had a pretty good idea of what was going on. She subtly signaled a servant, who quickly went into the villa to fetch Thomas.
“Stop standing out here in the garden. Let’s go inside and talk,” Mrs. Hannah ordered, and everyone followed her into the villa.
Inside the hall on the first floor, Mrs. Hannah sat in the central seat. Stella and her daughter Nora sat on one side, their faces showing their uncontrollable emotions. On the other side sat Andrew and Isabella, both looking as if they were waiting to watch a show.
The woman stood in the center with the little girl, looking anxious and fearful.
Soon, a servant helped Thomas down the stairs. When he saw the woman and child standing in the hall, he looked as if he had seen a ghost.
“Elettra, what are you doing here?”
“Thomas!” The woman, holding the child, quickly walked up to Thomas. The little girl cried as she threw herself into his arms, calling out, “Daddy, Daddy!”