Chapter 103 Who Pissed Him off This Time?


    A clear, apologeticugh came from the other end of the line.


    Tess had been firm about saying no earlier, but with Abel, a bit of doubt crept in.


    They hadn’t known each other for a long time, but he’d been a real help to her and La. Saying no t out now felt a little harsh.


    Besides, he’d been a lifesaver for both of them.


    Tess pressed her lips together and looked down at La. Her voice softened as she politely declined, “I don’t think it’ll work. I’m not okay leaving La alone at Evermount… I mean, at home.”


    “You can bring La with you,” Abel quickly suggested. “I’ll help take care of her.”


    He caught the hesitation in Tess’s voice and added, “If you agree, I’ll have someone get dresses ready for both of you. You won’t have to worry about a thing.”


    “La, do you want to go?” Tess hesitated but gently tugged La’s tiny fingers, letting her choose.


    Hearing that, Abel felt his heart tighten.


    His status meant no one would question him showing up at the auction without a date.


    But still, a little selfish feeling stirred inside him.


    Then La’s soft giggle came through the phone.


    She looked up at Tess with her big, shiny eyes, curious and excited.


    Tess felt something inside her move.


    One day, I’ll get back what’s mine, and La won’t have to stay hidden anymore. She deserves to live freely and boldly.


    Yeah, I should take La out to see the world.


    “Send me the time and ce.”


    Abel felt like a cloud had lifted, happiness making his head spin.


    “Okay.”


    He lowered his voice, trying to hide how excited he was, but Tess wondered if he’d strained his throat.


    As soon as they ended the call, Abel dialed someone else.


    “Uncle Finn, I’m bringing a date to the auction.”


    The man known as “Uncle Finn” poured wine into his ss and swirled the rose-colored liquid between his long fingers. “Why are you telling me that?” he asked with a chuckle.


    Still, worry creased his brow.


    When did Abele to Aetheris?


    Finn’s mind shed to the name “Shaw” on Tess’s contacts.


    But he shook his head. It can’t be. It’s too much of a coincidence.


    Abel’s voice was light. “My date’s bringing a kid. No kids have ever been at the Aetheris auction before, so I figured you’d want a heads-up, so we don’t run into trouble.”


    A kid?


    Finn’s voice grew serious. “Don’t tell me you have a secret kid. If your mom found out … ”


    He snorted coldly. “Don’t forget who you are. You must marry someone from a respectable family. If she learns you’re running wild in Aetheris with a kid before marriage, I’m sure you can imagine what will happen.”


    Abel froze.


    Uncle Finn really hasn’t changed. He’s still so strict. But…


    “Don’t worry, Uncle Finn. It’s not like that.”


    The kid’s not mine.


    But I’m really interested in the mother.


    Even if my mom finds out, so what?


    “That’s good. You figure it out. Next time, just tell Zane.


    “By the way, when did you get to Aetheris?”


    Abel raised an eyebrow, holding his phone while looking at the night sky.


    “There’s a big power struggle in the family. Mom told me not to contact you because she didn’t want to drag you into it while you’r in Aetheris. So I didn’t look you up right away. I’m staying with my ‘cousin’ now.”


    Finn understood.


    “Safety first. If anything happens,e straight to us.”


    “Got it. <fn882c> Updates are released by find?novel</fn882c>


    “Oh, and Uncle Finn, I heard your wife’s out of prison now. Will you bring her to the auction? Or will you bring yourpany’swyer?”


    The casual question hit Finn’s ears like a thinly veiled challenge.


    Thinking of Tess’s firm tone and sharp, mocking eyes, Finn felt his chest tighten even more.


    “I’m not bringing a date.”


    Finn’s voice was cold and sharp.


    2/


    Abel noticed the harshness and wondered silently. Who pissed him off this time?


    Althought Uncle Finn’s wife betrayed him, doesn’t he still have that secretary? Would he really show up alone?


    Abel stayed puzzled but didn’t press.


    Their call ended on an uneasy note.


    After hanging up, Abel rubbed his chin.


    Why does Uncle Finn sound so much like Tess’s heartless husband?


    Abel clicked his tongue, shaking off the confusion.


    Tess’s husband is a cold man who doesn’t appreciate her, and they’re getting a divorce. Meanwhile, Uncle Finn’s wife betrayed thepany and spent time in prison.


    3/