im
celine returned to Abater Residence When she entered the living room, she saw someone she would never forget Larry Slick
Years ago, Lucy had sent her to the countryside, cing her under Larry’s care. Larryws her so called adoptive father.
Now, Mary and Larry were seated on the living room couch with Mary entertaining him.
“We have you to thank you for raising Orline while she’s in the countryside Mary smiled
Larry was blind in his left eve. He was a burly figure, notorious for his drunken tages and for beating his wife in the past
As he sat on the luxurious couch, his remaining eye rommet greedily over the expensive decor, his gaze lingering on the antique paintings andvish furnishings. His excitement was barely concealed
However, Larry feigned humility. “You’re too kind, Mrs. Alvarez Senior. I just hope Celine hasn’t caused you any trouble since marrying into your family”
Mary smiled. “How could she? Celine is such a well–behaved girl.”
Larry smirked as though he had thought of something. “Oh yes, Celine has always been a good girl”
Orline felt her stomach chum. A wave of nausea hit her, and she wanted to vomit
Just then, the butler, Alfred, noticed het. “Wee back, Mrs. Alvarez“
Larry <b>looked </b>up at the sound of the butler’s voice and saw Celine.
It had been ten wars siner Larry hadst seen Celme. The little girl he remembered had grown into a graceful woman. His gaze fell on herce and then slowly trailed downward, his eyes roaming over her slender figure.
Larry stood up, his voice tinged with false affection. “Celine, you’re back. It’s been ten years since we
west saw each other. I’ve thought about you every
yday.”
Mary didn’t catch on and smiled at Celine. “Celine, your adoptive father came to visit
it you”
Celine’s gate hardened at Larry. This man was the nightmare of her childhood. Seeing him again made her tremble uncontrobly.
in the next moment, an arm draped over her shoulders. She heard a voice above her bead. “Why are just you standing here?”
Celine looked up to see Adam. His handsome face came into focus
Adam bad returned.
He studied Celine. Her dared eyes seemed nk and distant. She looked pitifully fragile.
A maid stepped forward to take Adam’s coat. He hummed “Why are you <b>so </b><b>cold</b>?”
His hand gently gripped her shoulder, rubbing it lightly to warm her.
Celine felt the heat of his hand through her shoulder, the warmth spreading from his touch. With his arm wrapped around her, her <b>figure </b>was entirely encased in h could feel the warmth of his chest through the thin fabric of her clothes
His presence brought a sense of security, afort she couldn’t help but lean into
Celine snapped out of reality. “Maybe I’m just underdressed.”
Mary introduced Larry to Adam. “Adam, this is Celine’s adoptive father. He came from the countryside to visit her.”
Adam’s eyes shuted to Larry
his embrace<b>. </b>She
Larry’s gaze, in turn, fell on Adam. The man standing beside Celine radiated an <b>imposing </b>alt of authority, his every movement exuding the confidence of someone used tomanding respect
The sight made Larry grind his teeth in jealousy. That wretched girl had managed to marry someone this fine!
Larry forced a smile. “It’s a <b>pleasure </b>to meet you, Mr. Alvarez I’m d to see that Celine married well. Seeing you two so in love puts my mind at ease. I’ll take my leave now. I
wouldn’t want to intrude<b>.</b><b>” </b>Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.
Mary immediately protested, “Oh, <b>don’t </b>be <b>in </b><b>such </b>a hurry! stay for dinner. It’s <b>rare </b>for you to make the trip here. I’ve already asked the kitchen staff to prepare a feast. Let’s enjoy amed together”
Adam’s piercing gaze lingered on Larry “Stay for dinner.”