Linford’s car was waiting at the gate. Cristelle stepped into the car. Alfred wasn’t in the car today. Linford had to drive by himself.
“We’re gonna go to another city tomorrow for the shooting. I probably won’t be back until the next morning. Please take care of Candace for me,” Cristelle was a bit hesitant when she informed him of this. The idea of leaving Candace alone with another person for too long scared her. She wished she could spend 24 hours a day with her babies if it were not for other things.
Linford didn’t even turn to look at her, “Okay.”
Cristelle was still worried, “You… be careful when you try to take care of her. I don’t want to come back and find my daughter getting kidnapped.”
Linford turned to look at her rigidly, “Am I that untrustworthy to you?”
Cristelle didn’t say anything as she dropped her gaze.
“If you’re worried about the babies so much, maybe you shouldn’t even go on a business trip,” Linford suggested, and his voice was a bit heavy.
Cristelle’s face fell. She looked away.
She suddenly realized something. If Linford were genuinely mad at her one day, he would definitely take the babies away with him. Their contract meant nothing to him. He had money and power in this city. If she wanted to get custody, she must start accumulating her power from now on.
Cristelle was quieter than usual in the car today. Linford was a bit regretful for saying those things to her earlier. But seeing her be with another man broke his heart.
He just couldn’t take it.
He had tried to suppress his possessiveness when he was around this woman, but it just didn’t work.
Should he talk to Drew again?
Maybe he could get better after going through a couple of sessions with Drew.
****
When they went to Franco’s place, Candace had just finished her painting class. The girl was so excited as she showed her parents her work.
Cristelle bent forward a bit, trying to make out what the girl had just painted.
“Aww… Honey. It seems awesome. Is it an apple?”
Candace nodded proudly. The teacher said she was talented.
Linford picked the girl up, “You’ve done such a great job, sweetie.”
Franco prepared a lot of good food for Candace, but Candace had learned to control her appetite. She didn’t even eat as much as before.
She knew she had to lose weight for her future dance career. Cristelle was both happy and worried seeing that. She couldn’t even imagine what things would be like if they went back to their old lifestyle again.
She must work harder for her babies.
“Grandpa, you mentioned you hired a new pianist as Candace’s piano teacher. Is that person okay? Have you investigated him?” Linford suddenly asked.
Cristelle became alert immediately.
“Of course. He’s actually also a famous psychologist. He studied with the Watson family before. He’s got a decent resume, and Candace seems to like him. Don’t worry. I’ve got everything under control. Nothing can go wrong.”
Linford also investigated this Peter privately. He knew that guy was Tanya’s cousin. He was perfect apart from that, but Linford still couldn’t bring himself to neglect that.
Franco could tell he was worried, “They’re not all bad people, Linford. Don’t be stubborn. This is all for Candace’s good.”
Linford hummed.
Cristelle couldn’t understand what they were talking about. But since Linford didn’t deem the whole thing problematic, she also wouldn’t complain that much.
****
The next morning, Cristelle was still quite worried on her way to the airport. She was anxious about leaving Candace too long at home, but a message suddenly burped in.
“Don’t worry.”
It was from Linford.
Cristelle let out a breath. If Linford said it would be okay, he would definitely make sure everything was okay. Her flight arrived at the city where they were about to do the shooting one hour later.
Donny had booked the hotel. Cristelle went to check in with other people. And then, they drove to the seashore.
Due to the theme today, Jasper had to do the shooting by having his body soaked in seawater. But he didn’t seem in his best state today. The whole crew had been waiting for him to get the right picture.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t have much sleep last night. Sorry for making you wait with them.” Jasper handed Cristelle a cup of iced coffee as he said.
Cristelle shrugged, “It’s also not easy for you. Being soaked in the seawater all the time.”
Suddenly, Cristelle felt something damp and cold against her back. She turned to look and saw Candace holding a water gun, smiling at her.
“Honey! Why are you here?” Putting down the coffee cup, Cristelle went to hold the baby in her arms instantly, leaving a kiss on her cheek.
Candace wriggled and pointed in one direction. Cristelle turned to look and saw Linford.
He was wearing shorts today, and his legs looked muscular.
“I thought Candace still had dance class today,” Cristelle asked as Linford approached them.
Linford smiled faintly, “She’s taking a two-day break.”
Cristelle felt her heart was warmed, but she didn’t let the gratitude show. Candace pulled at her arm, taking her toward the changing room. Cristelle suddenly paused and called Donny, “Could you please take care of the garments later? I’ve got all the tags on. It shouldn’t be hard.”
Donny nodded.
Jasper hurried to say, “Cristelle, I don’t feel at ease if you’re not here. Candace, could you stay? So we can play by the shore.”
All the employees were shocked. Was Jasper seriously saying such things to Mr. Bradley’s wife and daughter right in front of Mr. Bradley’s face? Had he had any idea what Linford Bradley was like in his earlier years?
Linford smiled coldly and summoned the director, “Marcus, right? Is this the model you picked? If you can’t finish the shooting today, don’t come to my company tomorrow.”
Marcus was sweating, “The shooting will definitely be finished today, Mr. Bradley.”
Cristelle didn’t say anything. She could also tell Jasper didn’t have his heart on the shooting today. She didn’t like it when someone neglected his work for personal reasons.