Chapter 137
They slept through the afternoon until the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow into the room.
The sharp rap of the maid’s knuckles on the door finally roused them from their slumber.
“Got it,” Stephanie muttered, her voice still heavy with sleep.
“Dinner is ready,” Sandra announced. “George and Mary are back, so everyone must dine together at the main house.”
“Dominick, wake up…”
She found it perplexing that he could sleep so deeply today, considering his usual early–morning vigor.
Shaking him gently, she suddenly noticed his skin felt warmer than usual, sparking a rush of concern. “Dominick, are you running a fever?” Her hand pressed against his forehead, her tone urgent.
He stirred awake promptly. “I’m fine,” he replied in a raspy voice.
Pushing her hand away gently, he sat up, preparing to leave the bed.
“You’ve been running a fever quite often lately…” Stephanie moved closer, wrapping her arms around his waist protectively.
Caught off guard by her embrace just after waking, Dominick looked at her with a mix of surprise and confusion.
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Turning to face her, he gave her a skeptical look before patting her head affectionately. “Blame it on your nagging,” he teased lightly.
However, Stephanie didn’t find it amusing; instead, worry creased her brow as she sensed him deflecting the seriousness of the situation.
“Dominick, seriously, when you’re sick, you need to see a doctor and take medication. It’s basic self–care. Don’t overexert yourself like last time, even with a high fever….
He had already risen from the bed, adjusting his attire while Stephanie continued to admonish him earnestly.
Approaching her, he enveloped her in a brief embrace, guiding her out of the bedroom. With a sigh, he added, “Stephanie, you’re finally showing concern for me. It’s quite an achievement.”
Stephanie frowned, fighting the urge to kick him as they made their way to the main dining room.
Entering the grand dining room of the main house, George, Mary, and Hayley were already seated. Hayley greeted them warmly, while Yvonne sat demurely at the opposite end of the table, her demeanor reserved and proper.
Dominick’s face remained impassive as they both took their seats. Brad promptly gestured for the maids to start serving.
“Ms. Isaac, I’m terribly sorry,” Sandra apologized as she poured the soup, her right hand trembling slightly, causing a spill.
“No worries,” Hayley reassured, standing up and taking the ladle from Sandra’s hand. “Let me do it. There’s no need to be too formal among family,” she said warmly.
“Mr. George Wellington, have some more.” Hayley personally served him a bowl of soup.
George made a slight sound of acknowledgment but his face remained deeply preoccupied, his food untouched.
Mary, on the other hand, seemed quite friendly with Hayley, gladly accepting the soup and casually inquiring. “Everything settled for your move back to Havencrest for work? Like your housing and all?”
10
Chapter 137
“Hayley, you’re being transferred to Havencrest from Serenburg?” George suddenly looked up, showing concern.
Other maids came over to assist with serving, and Hayley calmly sat down to eat, glancing over at the old man before politely replying, “Yes,” I’ve completed all the handovers at work. Barring any surprises, I’ll be focusing on my career here in the country.”
Mary’s smile grew brighter at her response. “Staying at home is a good decision. After all, you initially left to take care of Isa…”
“Let’s not discuss work during meals.” George’s stern voice cut through their conversation.
Mary immediately toned down her enthusiasm, quietly focusing on her meal. Meanwhile, Stephanie didn’t dare utter a word at the table, occasionally stealing glances at Dominick beside her, who ate with the same expression he wore at work, stoic and emotionless.
“Hayley, do you have any plans after returning here?
to keen bo
“Since Yvonne adores you so much, you must come visit Wellington Villa often to keep her company. Otherwise, with her temperament, she might struggle to make friends…”
After dinner, they moved to the living room for coffee and some fruit. Mary engaged Hayley in conversation while Stephanie, unable to drink coffee due to her pregnancy, simply passed through. Listening to the two women chatting and laughing, she couldn’t help but think if it weren’t for Mary’s constant cold attitude towards her, she would’ve actually thought that Mary was easy to get along with.
‘When did I offend her?‘ Stephanie reflected countless times.
Like her, Dominick didn’t enjoy lingering in the living room; he headed straight for the study.
[I don’t have the guts to ask now.]
StephForce: [I don’t want to argue with him.]
Stephanie stepped out of the living room, unwilling to linger in the bedroom. She found herself in the backyard garden, where the full moon hung high overhead, casting a serene glow that evoked a sense of reunion. However, despite the picturesque setting, tonight’s dinner had left her feeling uneasy.
Not one for moonlit reveries, she pulled out her phone to pass the time.
Molly had sent her a series of new messages on WhatsApp, mentioning that the company would be welcoming a new senior executive tomorrow, which had her quite excited.
SnugglePig: [Stephanie, you really shouldn’t quarrel with Dominion anymore. He was genuinely worried about you today. Later, I heard they found you at Avalon Lakes, which finally put him at ease.]
Molly recalled yesterday, feeling somewhat shaken.
SnugglePig: [Stephanie, I’m really impressed by you. You showed such kindness in bringing the child home, but how did you manage to get lost yourself? Luckily, you’re okay. Otherwise, I think your husband would have turned Havencrest upside down.]
Stephanie stared at her phone screen, her expression slightly darkening with emotions stirring within her.
She knew he cared.
SnugglePig: [The high–ranking executive joining the company tomorrow is Hayley Isaac. Could she be the hypothetical rival you mentioned? StephForce: [I never said she was my rival I just find her relationship with Dominick quite peculiar.]
SnugglePig: [Stephanie, you don’t need to worry about that. Hayley has a good reputation; I interned at the Serenburg branch for six months
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Chapter 137
during my studies in Aurorastra. Though I didn’t have direct contact with Ms. Isaac, her standing in the company is quite positive.
Molly paused, then remembered something else. [By the way, I heard Hayley is very loyal; her boyfriend has been in a coma at a private hospital in Serenburg for several years. She visits him every day, patiently waiting for him to wake up.
“Hayley’s boyfriend?”
After ending her conversation with Molly, Stephanie realized it was getting late and prepared to return to the bedroom.
Clutching her phone tightly in her right hand, she furrowed her brows, pondering, Vincent never mentioned her boyfriend, I was in Serenburg Hospital for so long. How come I’ve never heard of this?”
Dominick’s study was next to their bedroom. As Stephanie ascended the stairs, she unexpectedly heard faint voices.
The study door seemed to have been impatiently pushed open. “I know you came back here because of Oscar. I will find him…” It was Dominick’s voice, but Stephanie couldn’t hear clearly due to the distance.
Stephanie slowed her pace, standing at the bend in the staircase, discreetly craning her neck to peer towards the study.
“Dominick, did Mr. George Wellington say something to you?
“The person I’m concerned about is you….
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