They sent Cody and Enzo to the airport. Cody couldn’t stop waving at Candace before leaving. Candace almost cried. She had never separated from her twin for so long in her life.
“Stop crying, honey. Let’s go have some desserts,” Cristelle tried to make Candace feel better.
They found a nearby bakery and sat in.
Candace was still a bit down after finishing some desserts. She was also quite tired. So she fell asleep in Linford’s arms.
They got in the car. Linford suddenly said, “We’ve found the person behind the whole thing.”
“Who is it?” Cristelle was determined not to talk to him again. But she was still curious about who tried to use that snake to kill her babies.
“Zoe Wayne. She’s in jail now, and they’ve got enough evidence. The trail will be in days.”
“Zoe…” Cristelle mumbled to herself, “But why? Is it because of what happened last time? She can’t be that dumb, can she?”
They had argued in that strip mall last time. The Wayne house had been taught a lesson. Why would she do that again?
Linford’s voice was stern and cold, “There’s another reason besides that.”
“What is it?” Cristelle frowned.
Was it because Zoe had some sort of secret crush on Linford Bradley? Was that why she wanted to kill her?
It was so stupid.
Linford kept a straight face, “It’s because of Jasper Johnson. The Johnson house used to be falling behind among the wealthy houses. The Wayne house helped them a lot because there was an engagement between the two houses. Johnson and Zoe should have been getting married. But Jasper Johnson somehow decided to abolish the engagement, making Zoe a walking joke. Zoe thought Jasper canceled the wedding because of you. She loves that man. I guess that’s why she hated you so much.”
Cristelle shook her head, “There’s nothing between Jasper and me. She’s delusional.”
Linford huffed, “You probably thought there was nothing between you two. I doubt if Johnson shares the same thought with you.”
Cristelle frowned. What did he mean?
“It just won’t work for us,” Cristelle looked out of the window, “I’m only treating him as a friend.”
Linford smiled faintly, “I know.”
Cristelle sighed. It seemed like it was time to explain everything to Jasper. Or things would be even more chaotic in the future.
****
Linford suddenly pulled out his phone when they returned to their apartments and frowned at the screen.
After a pause, he looked up, “I probably need to go.”
“Oh,” Cristelle’s attitude was cold, “You can go wherever you want to go. Why are you reporting to me?” It was not like they were a thing or something.
Linford shook his head, “Mr. Wayne passed away this morning. There will be all sorts of reports on the internet. Don’t click them.”
Cristelle’s eyes widened. But she soon regained her composure, “Okay. I won’t read them.”
Now that Linford mentioned this to her on purpose, she knew those journalists must have written something about her. Cristelle decided to turn a blind eye to those crappy reports.
Linford said goodbye and left.
The friendship between the Four Families had already fallen apart after so many years, but the older generation still wanted to show their respect. As the young leader of the family, Linford must fulfill his obligation out of respect.
When he left the car, he saw the Wayne mansion had been crowded with columns of fancy cars. Linford frowned. He could recognize their owners by looking at those cars.
He sighed and walked in.
The whole house was filled with people. When they saw Linford, they went silent for an awkward pause. But they soon started to talk again as if they didn’t see him.
Linford didn’t waste his time in the parlor, walking directly into the room where Mr. Wayne’s body was placed.
He saw Mrs. White on the chair next to the coffin. She was holding a cup of coffee, eyes blank as if she was pondering something.
She looked up and let out a weary smile, “You’re finally here, Linford.”
Linford went forth and placed a bouquet of white lilies before the coffin. Mr. Wayne was lying pale and bloodless in the coffin. He looked even smaller right now.
Mrs. White placed her cup of coffee on the table, “Why isn’t your grandpa here?”
They both went a bit confused after those words left Mrs. White’s mouth. Mrs. White’s place was the furthest. Franco’s house was pretty close to Wayne’s. But he hadn’t shown up yet.
It just proved that this was all Mr. Wayne’s arrangement. He informed Mrs. White first and then Linford.
Why did he want them to come first?
Linford thought for a pause and understood Mr. Wayne’s intention. The old man was trying to leave him a message.
The answer Linford had been looking for had something to do with the White House.
Mrs. White was smiling, pretending she wasn’t aware of that, “We’re all getting old. One day I’ll also lie in that coffin. Don’t bring me lilies by then, Linford. I hate lilies.”
“You’re gonna enjoy a long life, Mrs. White. Besides, no one can escape his fate. You have to leave it to God,” Linford sat beside Mrs. White, his tone cold.
Mrs. White nodded, “You’re right. We shall leave the decision to God.”
Linford smiled coldly, “But some people tend to decide their fate against the will of the lord. They are so determined to get what they want that they don’t even care to slander other people.”
Mrs. White’s eyes went cold, “What do you mean, Linford? The history of your family is not entirely honorable. Sometimes, you need to make choices. If your ancestors didn’t make those choices, you wouldn’t have been able to live a wealthy life and sit here to say such things.”
Linford sniffed, “You’re right, Mrs. White. But don’t you think some people are just too greedy for their own good?”
Before Mrs. White could say anything, Franco and Mr. Weston walked in. The two old men started to cry as they saw Mr. Wayne’s pale face in the coffin.
Linford went forward and supported Franco. He didn’t want the old man to get too sad and faint, “Pop… Pop… Mr. Wayne has gone to a better place. Please don’t be too sad.”
Franco didn’t expect Linford to come so early, “Mr. Wayne was playing chess with me a couple of days before. I didn’t expect him to suddenly leave so soon.”