Chapter 25
Stephen deliberately instructed his team to ease up on the surveillance over Ayrton and Walter. It wasn’t that he trusted them any more than before; rather, he wanted to give them just enough rope to hang themselves. By allowing them a little leeway, he could better anticipate their moves and prepare accordingly.
Once his men received the orders, they quickly set to work
Meanwhile, Stephen made sure to inform Chloe about Ayrton and Walter’s impending arrival in Axelvale City.
“What? After everything they did to Lucille, they still have the nerve to show up at her wedding?” Chloe was livid when she heard the news. There was a time when she thought highly of Ayrton and Walter, even considering them potential sons–in–law. But their betrayal was unforgivable, playing games with Lucille’s life like that
She couldn’t forget how Lucille had suffered because of Claire, nor could she forgive Ayrton for turning his back on Lucille in favor of another woman’s flowers. Even if their ploy was meant to force Lucille to realize who she truly loved, Chloe found it unacceptable.
Now, she was simply grateful that Old Mr. Simpson had arranged such a promising match for Lucille. Compared to Ayrton and Walter, Stephen was leagues better–clean–cut, devoted to Lucille, and someone Chloe had known since he was a boy. He was a solid choice.I Chloe and Martin wasted no time expressing their disdain for Ayrton and Walter to their circle. The Simpson family had a prominent reputation in Axelvale City and had recently allied with the Grant family through marriage, making them a force to be reckoned with Other families, eager to stay in the Simpsons‘ good graces, quickly showed their support.
Chloe made it clear that under no circumstances were the security guards at the estate to let Ayrton and Walter inside.
When Ayrton and Walter arrived in Axelvale City, they were met with the chilly indifference of the social elite. Lucille was unreachable; any attempt to contact her was futile, as their calls were either ignored or blocked.
Determined, Ayrton managed to get Martin and Chloe’s contact details from Fiona. Both he and Walter tried to reach out, hoping to explain their side of the story.
“Mr. Simpson, it’s Ayrton. I wanted to… But before he could finish his apology, the line went dead.
Walter met the same fate, his calls were met with the same unyielding dial tone.
Desperate, they decided to go to the Simpson family estate, hoping for a chance to see Lucille. But after waiting outside nearly all day, there was still no sign of her.
As evening fell, a sleek black Rolls–Royce glided through the gates.
Ayrton caught a glimpse of Lucille through the side window. Then Walter quickly maneuvered their car to block Stephen’s path.” “Lucille, please, just come out and talk to us,” Ayrton pleaded, knocking on the window.
Upon seeing the two she least wanted to see, Lucille instinctively frowned. She glanced at Stephen, worrying that he might be upset. Reassuringly, she squeezed his hand.
Stephen smiled softly at her, gently returning the gesture. “Shall we go talk?” he suggested, his voice calm and
d kind.!
He opened his door and, in full view of Ayrton and Walter lifted Lucille out of the car. As her feet touched the ground, a slight blush colored her cheeks.
