Franco smiled sarcastically. “Why would I want to visit a snake hole that often, Ann? No one with a sane mind would ever do that.”
Mrs. White’s face contorted, “It’s a bit harsh, isn’t it? Why are you here today? Given how much you despise my family.”
“Stop pretending, Ann.” Franco hissed, “You need to release the twins NOW!”
Mrs. White acted to play dumb, “What are you talking about, Franco? Hmm, I didn’t see your great-grandchildren in my house.”
Franco grew serious, “The deal between the two houses has been made. You really shouldn’t push the limit further, Ann. Don’t test my patience!”
“Am I the one who’s pushing it? Are you telling me that Lana’s not pregnant with a Bradley grandchild? Are you determined to keep that woman in this city? To be honest, I admire you for being bold, Franco. That woman is a jinx. She could bring disaster to anyone who will accept her.”
Franco knew what this old woman wanted. She wanted to force Cristelle to leave sooner, and the Bradley family was completely under her paws.
Franco hated to waste his time anymore, standing up from the chair, “If this is what you want to tell me, I don’t think we need to continue this conversation anymore. Suit yourself, but be prepared for Linford’s wrath,” With that, the old man just stormed out of the house.
Mrs. White laughed, “Why are you so worn out recently, Franco?”
Franco didn’t bother to look back as he stomped his feet to his car.
Thud! Mrs. White put down her cup of tea heavily against the table, stood up from her chair, and gravely went back to her room.
Lana walked out of the door. She had heard the whole conversation. She knew she couldn’t delay her plan. She must find a way to get the problems solved immediately.
Franco was still so pissed off on his way back home. Jack stared at him in the rearview mirror, “Sir Franco, the attitude of the White family just proved that they don’t like Linford’s way of dealing with things. If Linford keeps ignoring their wishes, Candace and Cody will be put in danger.”
“They won’t dare to do that!” Franco hissed. He was totally disgusted by what the White House had done. What should they do now?
****
“I’ve searched everywhere I can. I’ll send you an address later. It’s in another city. I think Lana probably hid the babies there.” Enzo said on the other side of the phone, “I’ll go find them as soon as I can.”
Linford uttered his thanks before hanging up the call.
“What can I help you with?” Drew asked the minute Linford hung up the phone.
“Get me a plane ticket. I need to head to the address Enzo just gave me a minute ago.” Linford ordered seriously.
Drew was confused, asking him immediately, “Why don’t you use your jet?”
“Those people are watching my moves. Plane tickets are much safer this time.” Linford’s eyes grew severe.
Drew nodded and went to buy the plane ticket immediately.
****
Lana went to Linford’s house when he was away. There were a lot of guards left there to keep the place safe. But Lana walked in without any obstacles. She knew Pop must have secretly allowed her to enter.
“What are you doing here?” Claire hissed the minute she saw Lana. She had been with her sister all these days. The sight of Lana disgusted her.
Lana didn’t bother to look at her. She sat on the couch as if she owned the place. A small smile was on her lips as she looked at Cristelle, “I’m here because I can do whatever I want. Pop allowed it.”
Lana put a hand on her swollen belly, “The baby is growing bigger every day. They didn’t want me and Linford to delay our wedding anymore. We want to get married as soon as possible.”
Cristelle thought about her babies as she heard Lana say, “You and Linford are gonna
get married anyway. Why can’t you leave my babies in peace? Why did you have to do that to them?”
Lana turned to look at her, smiling, “You promised me that you would leave this city with your little bastards, Cristelle. But you failed to keep your promise. I don’t have any choice.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Claire shot up from her seat, “So that’s how you got in the Bradley House? Weaponizing your womb? That’s so disgusting!”
“Our house is better than yours. You can ask what means your sister used to climb to Linford’s bed. She gave birth to twins to get into the Bradley House. She’s much more shameless than I,” Lana huffed, “Cristelle, listen. I don’t even want you to take the babies this time. Just leave this city alone, and I will leave the babies peacefully. That’s a promise.”
“You’re insane and disgusting!” Claire went furious.
Cristelle fell silent. She was worried about her babies more.
“Claire, you need to calm down,” Lana sounded gentle, but her words were cruel,” You have been a refugee for years. I heard you’ve been hiding like a rat. I bet living that way was so miserable. But you don’t need to live a life like that anymore. I can help you with it.”
Claire was not an idiot. She could tell this woman was threatening her right now. “You don’t need to threaten me with my sister or my babies. I’ll leave soonest,” Cristelle suddenly made up her mind.
“Cristelle! No!” Claire instantly went to grab her sister’s hand, “You can’t give her what she wants.”
Cristelle shook her head, “I’m really getting tired of all this chaos. I don’t want to live like this anymore. She has done these things before, and she would do it again if I don’t give up.”
Besides, the White House wouldn’t allow her presence in this city either. Linford could never be able to fight the two big houses simultaneously. She also didn’t want Linford to get hurt.
Claire hated this so much. She knew how it felt to live a life in darkness, hiding and being scared. She didn’t want Cristelle to live a life as she did.
But the White House was so cruel.