“Focus on caring for Zhou Cheng.”


    Zhou Cheng–her husband.


    Chu Yue understood her father’s unspokenmand: stay out of Carlton family affairs.


    Sheposed herself, a gentle smile returning to her lips.


    “Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t interfere with A Li’s choices. But the household is in chaos–it needs order.”


    Frank waved dismissively. “As you wish.”


    Satisfied, Chu Yue left the study.


    Leaning heavily on his cane, Frank struggled several times before rising from the sofa.


    He moved slowly toward the floor–to–ceiling window, gazing at the gathering dusk.


    This daughter of his… outwardly mild, yet fiercely ambitious, he thought.


    Wesley ran into Amelia at the corner.


    She asked softly, “Did Yue give you any trouble?”


    She knew all too well what Yue was capable of–she’d experienced it firsthand when marrying Brendon.


    Thankfully, Yue had married off to another province within a few


    0.00%


    09:49


    chapter271


    288 Vouchers


    years, only returning during holidays. Life had be easier since then.


    Wesley paused thoughtfully. “Would you like to move in with me?”


    With his uncle hospitalized, his aunt would undoubtedly stay at the ancestral home.


    Seeing Yue constantly would surely unsettle his mother.


    But Amelia shook her head. “No need. Back then, I endured it only because I feared she’d stir up divorce between Brendon and me.”


    “I’m getting divorced now–why should I fear her?”


    She’d stay right at the estate to prevent Yue from bringing Larissa in to disgust everyone.


    Cecilia put her phone away after texting Corrine.


    She sat for a long time, feeling uneasy, then rose to stroll in the garden.


    Footsteps approached from behind.


    She turned and saw Sophia Carlton.


    Sophia had greeted Cecilia twice before, only to receive cold and distant responses. This time, she addressed her directly.


    “Cecilia, I heard you previously headed the fragrance division?”


    Cecilia looked at her. “Just the R&D head, not the entire division.”


    Sophia made an “Oh” sound, extending her hand. “Then I’d like to invite you back as the R&D head.”


    Cecilia arched an eyebrow. Had Sophia taken over the fragrance


    17.76%


    09:49


    1288 Vouchers


    division?


    Didn’t Wesley say he’d suspend the entire operation?


    Still, it wasn’t her concern.


    She declined Sophia’s offer.


    Sophia stepped closer, confusion on her face. “From what I know, your studio isn’t doing well. Even your production line was set up by Wesley. Why not return?”


    Cecilia stared. Where did she get that idea?


    Her studio had only been open for three months, yet it already gained recognition, especially in custom perfumes. She only took two orders monthly, booked solid through the year after next.


    This schedule resulted from deliberately turning down countless requests.


    She wanted a production line to build public recognition for future growth.


    “Miss Carlton can find someone else.”


    Cecilia turned toward the living room.


    Fiona blocked her path, “Cecilia, I mean it. You’re Sir’s protégé. Return to lead the R&D Department, and I’ll double your sry.”


    “Move.”


    Cecilia genuinely disliked Fiona.


    Fiona nced up, spotted Wesley approaching, and stepped aside.


    40 86%


    COU


    09:49


    chapter271


    1 288 Vouchers


    “Cecilia, seriously consider this.”


    Cecilia walked straight past him.


    Wesley waited, then naturally took her hand.


    Her fingers felt chilly, so he cradled them in his palms, rubbing warmth into them.


    “Whye outside?”


    “When are we leaving?”


    Cecilia asked.


    “Right now.”


    Wesley guided her toward the front courtyard, his arm resting lightly around her waist.


    Settled in the car, Cecilia leaned against the headrest, propping her chin as she asked Wesley, “Did your aunt return to take over the perfume division?”


    “Uncle’s ill and needs to transfer to a hospital here. Aunt’sing to care for him. She wants her daughter to get some practice managing the perfume division, so I agreed.”


    Wesley didn’t hide anything.


    Cecilia lowered her eyes. No wonder his daughter had invited her.


    “The production line stays untouched. It’s still yours.”


    Wesley reassured her


    “Mhm.”


    60.38%


    OCD


    09:49


    chapter271


    1288 Vouchers


    Silence stretched between them like widening cracks.


    Cecilia leaned back and closed her eyes. Soothing music carried her into sleep.


    Wesley nudged the heater higher.


    Back at Chaston Vi, the door barely opened when Gwendolyn cannonballed toward them. Wesley caught her mid–air with quick


    reflexes.


    “Gwendolyn, don’t rush at Mom like that.”


    “Ok” she mumbled, though her teary eyes held a pout.


    “Mommy, where’d you go?”


    Pajama–d and clearly fighting sleep, she fidgeted.


    Luciano approached, scooping Gwendolyn up. “She refused to sleep until you came home.”


    Cecilia kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Sorry I’mte, sweetheart. Time for bed now.”


    Gwendolyn clung to Luciano’s neck. “Then I’ll wait with Mommy.”


    “Alright.”


    Luciano carried her away,


    As Cecilia turned toward the bathroom, Wesley grabbed her wrist.


    He said calmly, “Why do I feel like an outsider?”


    Even knowing it was all for the child’s sake, he couldn’t help feeling jealous.


    77.67%


    non


    09 50


    chapter271


    288 Vouchers


    That moment just now, when Cecilia stood on tiptoe to kiss Ping’an, would surely keep him awake tonight.


    Cecilia struggled slightly, her tone detached. “You’re overthinking it.”


    96.47%