Chapter 548 I Did Not Want You To Be Distracted
With a fleeting glance toward the back seat, Josiah quickly averted his eyes, explaining, “His death has nothing to do with me. He got drunk on his own, fell into the river, and drowned.”
“When did this happen?”
“Before we went to Apex City.”
“Wait…” Lysander suddenly realized. “You deliberately sent me to Apex City for the summit, just to sidestep this issue?”
“That was one of the reasons,” replied Josiah. “Attending the summit will more or less help you progress. Plus, it’s been a while since Harry drowned. His body was just discovered late, leading to severe decomposition. I know how much you respect life, so I didn’t want you to be distracted.”
Lysander fell silent.
Josiah reached out and gently covered her hand, patting it lightly. “His ashes have already been sent back to his hometown for burial. A simple funeral was held, giving him some sense of closure.”
“You even arranged his funeral?”
“I hired a local wedding and funeral team to deal with it? Josiah said, “I’m starting to be superstitious now. No matter what, I think it will bring good fortune to our child.”
When they returned to the hotel, Nieva had already returned from her trek, just as expected. She was casually dressed, sitting in the dining room and enjoying the view while sipping on her coffee and nibbling on pastries.
Now that her job was done, Saffron handed the stroller over to Josiah before she returned to her post.
From a distance, Nieva spotted Josiah pushing a baby stroller, walking alongside Lysander. She couldn’t help but tease, “Well, look at that. Aurora seems so well–behaved in your care, almost as if she’s yours.”
Josiah took a seat across from her, eyeing Lysander’s helpless expression. He warned, “You better watch what you say, or I’ll end up getting punished.”
Nieva couldn’t help herself, she slapped the table and burst into laughter. “Honestly, I’d love to see you in such a situation, Mr. Guerra!”
“Sheesh. I can’t believe that I still have to put up with your insults after looking after your kid for free.”
“Because such opportunities are hard to come by! In the past, I wouldn’t dare to offend you, but Ms. Thorne is here today. There’s no way you would lose your temper in front of her.”
Josiah couldn’t help but chuckle. “Alright, alright, I admit, you’ve done me a huge favor this time. Go ahead, say what you wish.”
Nieva brushed her hand against Lysander’s. “But honestly, the way you both walked over here just now made you look like a match made in heaven.”
Lysander knew how candid Nieva was and that the latter would speak her mind without hesitation. Thus, she didn’t mind at all. “It’s no big deal. A man and a woman walking together with a child are bound to
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Nieva waved her hand dismissively. “That’s not necessarily the case. If it were me and Elio… Hmph, passersby would probably just think we are enemies.”
Lysander agreed but didn’t voice any of her thoughts. Reluctantly, she handed Aurora back to Nieva and said, “Ms. Lionhart, Aurora has been missing you.”
“I appreciate what you’ve done for the past few days. Did Aurora cause any trouble or disturb your sleep?” Nieva reached out and took her daughter in her arms.
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Upon seeing her mother, Aurora’s eyes sparkled vibrantly. At that moment, she desired nothing else but to nestle within her mother’s arms, a longing that stemmed from the depths of her heart.
Lysander felt an emptiness within her. She cast her eyes down and said, “No, she was well–behaved all the time.”
This moment was even more unbearable than she had anticipated.
All the mental preparation beforehand had been in vain.
Nieva tenderly kissed her daughter’s face and said, “Oh, I’ve missed you too.”
Josiah observed Lysander from the side, noticing her reluctance to part with Aurora. He turned to Nieva and asked, “If I remember correctly, you’re planning to stay here for a while, aren’t you?”
“Indeed, if you guys are free, remember to come and help me with Aurora for a few days.” Nieva was delighted to have some assistance.
Without any hesitation, Lysander agreed, “I’m truly grateful for your willingness to lend a helping hand this time, Ms. Lionhart. If you ever need anything in the future, feel free to let us know.”
Nieva said half–jokingly, “It’s not just now that I need help, I’ll still be needing it in the future, Who knows, one day I might just leave her with you guys and go enjoy myself.”
Despite her words, Nieva cradled Aurora, her eyes filled with the joy of reunion even though they had only been apart for two days.
Lysander watched them, a wave of envy rising in her heart.
Nieva had been bonding with Aurora for a while when she suddenly remembered something. “Oh, right, I’ve arranged for you to meet someone familiar here.”
The acquaintance Nieva was referring to was none other than Daphne.
Upon learning about the rapid progress of the matter, Lysander was no longer as worried as she previously
was.
Daphne arrived much earlier than expected. That day, she was noticeably more reserved in both her attire and demeanor. Even her greetings were restrained. However, she deliberately gave Josiah the cold shoulder.
“Good morning, Ms. Lionhart/ she greeted. She took out the prepared documents from the folder, placing them neatly on the table. Then, she extended her hand to Nieva.
This was their first face–to–face meeting, but they had previously communicated over the phone, so there was no unfamiliarity between them.
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Josiah glanced at the documents but didn’t say a word.
From the look on his face, Lysander knew that the document prepared by Daphne must have been quite thorough and were without issues.
Observing from the side, Lysander felt a deep sense of satisfaction. It had only been a few days since they last met, but Daphne’s progress was truly remarkable.
“Ms. Lionhart, you’re already aware of Everhart Corporation’s recent circumstances, so I won’t repeat myself. I can only assure you that your investment won’t be in vain. I will strive to protect your principal and generate profits for you.”
Daphne was known for her authenticity, always speaking her mind.
Nieva happened to get along well with people of a similar temperament. She also presented an investment contract with a smile, saying, “Alright, I’m looking forward to the returns.”
She placed a pen on the contract and said, “I’ve already signed it. Ms. Everhart, if you have no objections, you can go ahead and sign it.”
Daphne took several deep breaths in her excitement, managing to steady her hand before she began to pen her signature down.
The opportunity she had been waiting so long for was about to become a reality.
The contract came in two copies. It wasn’t until Daphne held her copy in her hands that she dared to believe she had truly succeeded.
When Lysander the foolish grin on her face, she couldn’t help but give Daphne a slight poke.
Daphne was jolted back to her senses as she grabbed Nieva’s hand and shook it vigorously, saying, “Ms. Lionhart, I appreciate your gesture in my time of need. I will forever remember your kindness!”
Nieva let out a hearty laugh, her gaze then falling onto the other two individuals,
“It’s not as dramatic as you’re making it out to be. If you need to thank anyone, thank Mr. Guerra and Ms. Thorne. I made a promise to them after all. As long as they take good care of my daughter, I will do my best to make this happen. I’m simply fulfilling my promise now.”
The baby in her arms began to laugh along, and in Daphne’s eyes, Aurora brought nothing but good luck to her.
Meanwhile, Nieva’s curiosity was piqued. “By the way, what did Mr. Guerra do to upset you? It seems like you and Ms. Thorne are on pretty good terms.”
Daphne’s feelings were crystal clear. “Ms. Lionhart, you seem to not understand. One’s best friend and boyfriend are inherently adversaries, let alone when it’s an ex–husband.”