Cristelle was talking to Claire when the maid told her that Pop had come to visit.
The sisters exchanged a look. Claire grabbed Cristelle’s hand, “Let’s go to my room.”
Cristelle shook her head, pulling her hand away, “It’s okay, Claire. I need to be with Linford this time.”
She didn’t want to run away anymore. No matter what happened, she wanted to be with that man and face any danger with him.
Claire knew what she was thinking. She nodded and went back to her room.
Cristelle went upstairs and sat beside Linford’s bed. Her voice was soft as she said, “Your grandpa just came to visit.”
Linford grabbed her hand and nodded.
Franco went in soon. Linford was surprised to see so many people at the same time.
“What happened to you, man? Who did this to you?” Drew was pretty anxious as he saw Linford lying in his bed, pale and weak.
Linford shook his head, “I’m fine. Relax.”
Drew turned to Cristelle, “You didn’t get hurt, right?”
Cristelle held Linford’s hand tightly in front of everyone, “I’m okay.”
Franco’s eyes flew across the room before he went to the floor lamp. He twisted a knob on it and the wall behind the lamp shifted. A secret door was revealed.
Mr. Weston seemed to be pretty calm. Drew’s mouth dropped open but he didn’t ask anything. The group of people walked into the secret room. Drew stuttered as he saw all the photos on the wall, “C-Clyde? What the…”
Franco went forward, wrinkled hands brushing the frame of the giant black-and-white photo, “Clyde, you need to
watch over your brothers from above. I’m old enough to protect them. They will avenge your death very soon. The person who killed you will pay.”
Franco had made his stand very clear by saying this.
Linford heard everything from his bed.
His fingers interlaced with Cristelle’s. He didn’t expect Pop to know that he had left a secret room for Clyde in his house.
The door creaked and Cody and Candace also walked in. Cristelle wanted to stand up from her chair but Linford pulled her back.
Cody took his sister to the photo as well. “Don’t worry, Uncle Clyde. I will also try my best to avenge you.”
Franco almost cried as he saw his great-grandson. If Clyde was still alive, his son should be about the same age as Cody. He recalled his grandson’s attitude. Enzo was aloof. Linford was arrogant and dominant. Clyde was the only sweet boy among the three. But his fate treated him poorly. He had died at such a young age. He would have accomplished more if he had been given a longer life.
****
After the short ritual, the group of people walked out of the secret room. Cody and Candace went to their Mom. The babies were still not ready to forgive their great-grandpa after what had happened a couple of days ago.
Pop cast the babies a sad stare, and Cristelle gave the old man a reassuring look before walking out of the door with her children. Mr. Weston, Lily, and Enzo followed. Drew stayed to ask Linford about his situation.
“What happened to you, Linford? You haven’t answered my question yet.”
“It’s a long story. How are things over there?” Linford changed the topic.
Drew sighed, “Things are getting crazy. That Lana White… She’s a psycho. She told Cristelle’s things to the Johnson family. That woman is a vicious psychopath.”
“Johnson?!” Linford arched an eyebrow, “I knew those people must be a factor in Clyde’s death.”
“Forget about them,” Drew shook his head, “You need to get better quickly. We need you to plan everything.”
Linford nodded, but he was bothered by the news.
Drew didn’t leave until dinner.
Claire only showed up after he left, “This young Mr. Weston is quite interesting.”
Cristelle walked out of the kitchen, “He is. And he’s a great person.”
“Why did Pop drop by?” Claire glanced at her.
Cristelle didn’t want to get her sister involved, “Nothing, really. When will you go back with Frank?”
Claire frowned, “Go back? I can’t go back and leave you behind in this current state.”
Cristelle looked serious, “No, you must. You’ve been through enough, Claire. I don’t want you to go through anything because of me. Besides, Linford is with me.”
Claire shook her head, “Cristelle, you need to believe me. I can protect both of us.”
Cristelle fell silent.
A tall figure was standing outside of the room, peeking silently. Frank had used every connection he could use to investigate Selena. He only got to know right now that his assistant’s true name was Claire Friesley. She was the daughter of that famous corrupt politician.
Frank felt so complicated after knowing the truth. He used to be cool about Selena. But solely imagining the day when she disappeared was unbearable to him.
He couldn’t take it if Claire suddenly left him.
Frank walked into the room, pretending he didn’t hear anything, “What are you guys doing in the kitchen.”
Cristelle smiled, “Nothing. We’re just having some desserts and good conversation.”
Claire looked away, feeling a bit weak.
“Really?” Frank walked over and looked at the plate of brownies, “Hmm… Looks nice. Can I join you guys?”
“Of course,” Cristelle went to grab a new glass and poured some white wine for Frank as well.
“Why did you suddenly decide to come out and chat with us, Doctor Frank? You used to be locking yourself in the study room all day.” Cristelle asked casually.
“Well, Linford urged me for the result all the time a couple of days ago. Now the result is finally out. I have no reason to lock myself up anymore,” Frank shrugged.
Cristelle noticed his eyes had never left Claire since the minute he walked in. She understood what he was thinking immediately. She thus cleared her throat, “I…. actually have something to deal with upstairs. You guys enjoy the brownies first.”
Cristelle was pretty worried as she went to Linford’s room. Linford pulled her in as he noticed how concerned she looked, “What’s wrong?”
“I think Frank has a crush on Claire.” Cristelle frowned.
“You only noticed that now?” Linford sounded surprised.
“So you’ve realized it already?” Cristelle was even more surprised.
“Well… I’m also a man. It’s not hard to tell by the way Frank looked at Claire. Frank is a decent man from a decent house. Claire
will be fine with him.”