<b>chapter281 </b>


    If Johan took Larissa away now, they’d undoubtedly fight.


    Larissa breathed a sigh of relief, standing quietly behind Wesley.


    Just staying was enough.


    Johan carelessly twirled his car keys. “You know Cecilia doesn’t like her. How d’you think she’ll feel having her stay overnight?”


    Wesley’s brow twitched as he looked toward Cecilia. “Ci, there’s a misunderstanding between Larissa and Johan. Let her stay tonight.”


    Ci gazed at him coldly. “What if I say no? Would you let her go then?”


    Larissa sniffled softly. “Sister–inw, I’ll be staying downstairs. I promise not toe upstairs and bother you.”


    Wesley sighed. “Ci, is that okay?”


    Ci’s lips curved. Wesley asked permission, yet his attitude had already made the decision clear.


    He intended to keep Larissa.


    His question wasn’t truly seeking her consent.


    “As you wish.”


    Ci turned and walked away.


    Larissa offered insincere praise. “Sister–inw is so kind.”


    0.00<b>% </b>


    <b>07:40 </b>


    Johan let out a coldugh. “Wesley, how much sincerity <b>do </b><b>you </b>actually hold for Cecilia?”


    He knew full well how deeply Cecilia detested Larissa, yet insisted on keeping her here.


    Wesley replied impassively. “If you want to stay, I’ll arrange amodations.”


    Johan certainly wouldn’t remain.


    He stared at his wife. “Larissa, if you don’t leave with me today, I’ll nevere for you again.”


    Larissa paled, eyes glistening. “Johan, I want to stay.”


    Johan snorted and strode off.


    Larissa stood with red–rimmed eyes, unusually docile. “Thank you, brother.”


    Wesley remained expressionless. “I’ll have toiletries sent to you.”


    Victor strode upstairs on his long legs,


    Leaving Larissa downstairs.


    Downstairs had always been the servants‘ quarters.


    Larissa felt both ufortable and humiliated.


    But considering she’d managed to stay the night, she swallowed her difort.


    Upstairs,


    Victor didn’t find Cecilia in the master bedroom, so he went to Gwendolyn’s room.


    07:40


    Pushing the door open gently, he saw Cecilia lying beside Gwendolyn


    Shey on her side, bathed in soft light.


    Gwendolyn wasn’t fully asleep–restless without her father nearby.


    Hearing the door, her eyes snapped open.


    “Uncle Wesley!”


    She called to Victor, scrambling upright.


    Cecilia shot Victor an annoyed look. Gwendolyn had nearly fallen asleep before his interruption; coaxing her back would take ages now.


    Victor ruffled Gwendolyn’s hair, murmuring, “Why aren’t you asleep, sweetheart?”


    Gwendolyn puckered her lips, eyes glistening. “When is Daddying back?”


    She needed her father to sleep.


    As Cecilia scrambled for an excuse, Victor stated bluntly: “Daddy’s noting tonight.”


    “Victor.”


    Cecilia’s low voice held a warning.


    Gwendolyn’s glistening eyes welled with tears.


    “I want Daddy.”


    Cecilia had a real headache.


    Wesley picked up Gwendolyn instead, wiping the little one’s tears.


    07:40


    chapterzat


    “Daddy has to go to work, so he asked me to take care of you.”


    Gwendolyn didn’t care about work or any of that. She didn’t understand, she just wanted her daddy.


    She sobbed, utterly miserable.


    Wesley remained calm, coaxing gently, “Didn’t Gwendolyn say she wanted to protect her little sister?”


    Gwendolyn hesitated, then nodded, her crying softening a little.


    “Then Gwendolyn needs to act like a man. You can’t cry over small things.”


    “I’m not crying.”


    Gwendolyn wiped her eyes with small hands.


    But she couldn’t help it. She wiped several times, only for more tears to fall.


    Wesley’s heart melted. Suppressing a smile, he continued soothing her.


    “Well, little sister needs to sleep. Shouldn’t Gwendolyn go to bed properly with her?”


    Gwendolyn thought for a moment and nodded. “Gwendolyn protects sister.”


    She was a man now. She had to protect her sister and not let Mommy worry.


    “Such a good girl. Go/sleep with Mommy and sister now.


    Wesley ced Gwendolyn on the bed. She immediately snuggled up to Cecilia, hugging her arm, perfectly quiet.


    <b>07:40 </b>1


    <b>chapter </b><b>281 </b>


    Cecilia gave Wesley aplicated look.


    He doesn’t like children, but he’s pretty good atforting them.


    But children are simple, and for someone like Wesley, they’re easy to handle.


    Wesley was about to leave when Gwendolyn whispered, “Uncle Wesley, will you protect Mom and my sister too?”


    Wesley’s thin lips curved. “Of course.”


    He walked over andy down beside Gwendolyn.


    Sandwiched between them, Gwendolyn felt just as safe with Uncle Wesley as she had with her dad.


    She soon fell asleep.


    Hearing her steady breathing, Cecilia finally rxed. She’d worried Gwendolyn might throw a tantrum without Luciano here.


    “Gwendolyn’s actually a very sensible child.”


    Wesley’s low, gentle voice cut through the silence. “She’ll understand if you exin things properly.”


    Cecilia replied with biting sarcasm, “Using your business tactics on a child? How generous of you, Mr. Chu.”


    “Effective methods work regardless.”


    Wesley ignored her sharp tone.


    After a pause, he added, “Larissa’s staying tonight. I’ll see her off tomorrow.”


    “It’s your house. Your guests are none of my concern.


    <b>07</b><b>:</b><b>400 </b>


    ???? ??.


    Cecilia hadn’t returned out of love for Wesley.


    Without love, it didn’t matter.


    She’d already refused–he’d simply chosen not to hear.