Adelaide felt like her fingernails were about to snap off from the tension. But, when Stuart made it clear what he wanted, she had no choice but to leave the room, her steps heavy and reluctant. She lingered at the door, slowly pulling it shut. Through the sliver of space before the music room door closed, Adelaide saw Stuart offering a strawberry to Morwenna’s lips.”So sweet,” Morwenna cooed, her voice dripping with flirtation.”Is it? Let me taste.”Without hesitation, Stuart’s lips met Morwenna’s, the strawberry juice painting his lips a deeper shade of desire. Stuart, with his devil-may-care allure, seemed even more irresistible in such intimate moments. Adelaide watched, spellbound, her cheeks flushing with heat as though she were the one receiving Stuart’s kisses. Noticing Adelaide’s presence, Stuart’s glance brushed the doorway. Adelaide snapped back to reality, startled, and quickly shut the door.Over the next few days, Adelaide felt like she was losing her mind. Throughout Hetfield’s Homestead, she couldn’t escape the sight of Stuart doting on Morwenna, his devotion laced with an earnest desire that left no doubt about his feelings for her. It felt like a deliberate provocation to Adelaide!But in truth, Stuart wasn’t one to play such games. For the first time, he was simply reveling in the pleasure of being in love, unable to stay away from Morwenna. As for Adelaide… Stuart had been merciful, sparing her any humiliation. He wasn’t harsh to Adelaide, partly because she had once saved him and partly because she hadn’t directly hurt anyone. Sending Adelaide abroad was more about helping her understand her place than punishment. After all, Adelaide had already reaped many benefits from her association with the Gallagher family; any debt of gratitude was well settled. Stuart had no plans to mistreat Adelaide further, adhering to Norbert’s advice to let her see the situation for what it was and leave on her own accord.But Adelaide was far from ready to accept this reality. After witnessing Stuart’s affection for Morwenna, Adelaide was tormented by dreams where she replaced Morwenna in Stuart’s embraces. She was determined to take Morwenna’s place!Morwenna was set to return to school the next day. Adelaide knew her continued presence at Hetfield’s Homestead wasn’t really about teaching Ruby piano lessons. It was Rose’s way of provoking Morwenna. Adelaide couldn’t stand the thought of being reduced to a mere pawn in their games. Regardless of her feelings, Adelaide realized that once Morwenna left for school, her reasons to stay would vanish, and Stuart’s visits would become rare. She had to act fast if she wanted to change her fate. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.With a resolve hardening in her eyes, Adelaide stepped out into the chilly evening.In a nondescript hotel room, Adelaide waited impatiently. Soon, a woman cloaked in anonymity with a hat and mask walked in. Removing her disguise, the woman asked, “Ms. Gallagher, what do you need from me this time? I thought we agreed to part ways as strangers after our last deal.””Thelma,” Adelaide began, “I need your help with something.””Ms. Gallagher, let’s get something straight. We’re not friends, and besides, someone of your stature surely has countless people willing to do your bidding. Why seek out a bartender like me?” Thelma was the woman who had once spread rumors about Stuart’s supposed interest in her, only to be unceremoniously delivered to him by his brothers as a cruel joke.Adelaide replied calmly, “Our connection remains a secret, which is why involving you won’t raise any suspicions. Besides, you need money, don’t you? Your brother’s getting married, and your mother’s been hounding you for help. How will you manage without the funds?”Thelma’s face darkened. “Ms. Gallagher, you’ve been snooping around my life? We’re supposed to be mere acquaintances!” Ads by PubFuture
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