Chapter 556
Horace’s sharply defined features were cast in shadow, making it hard to see his expression day or the to light.
The butler went on softly, “Sir, Ms. Jessica has lived among the common folk all these years the only the she may have picked up a few, um, flaws in her character, ce she returns to the Capital, I’m on the gow into someone better with your guidance,”
After reuniting with Jessica, Horace had ordered a full investigation into her past. He drearyen everything les had done. E
Still, she was his biological daughter–his own flesh and blood.
Horace glanced in the direction Wendy had gone. “Let’s go
Stanley returned to the office, but he didn’t do any work. Instead, he opened a bottle of vintage wine and began drinking–glass after glass.
Right now, he needed the burn of alcohol more than anything, just to numb the pain inside.
Zayn stood nearby and said gently, “Mr. Hawk, maybe you should ease up on the wine. It’s not good for your health.”
Stanley held the glass in his hand and gave a bitter smile.
“After I recovered from my coma, Wendy made me stick to a strict diet. No smoking, no drinking
“Back then, no matter where I was–at the office or on business trips–I’d get a text from her every day. It became a part of my life, but I never once replied.
“After our divorce, she vanished from my world all at once. Sometimes I’d find myself staring at my phone, waiting…hoping for one of her messages. I realized I missed them.
“It always felt like I was the one in control between us, but now I see… She was the one giving, and I was the one taking. When she finally left, those little things I took for granted disappeared, and it felt like I lost…half my soul.”
Zayn’s heart ached. He had always liked Wendy and the way she matched with Stanley.
“Mr. Hawk, it’s okay. Things will get better. Ms. Wendy is just hurt right now. She might still come back to you, Zayn said softly, trying to comfort Stanley.
Stanley drained the wine in his glass, his face etched with pain. “No. She won’t. I know she won’t come back. She has Samuel now, and they have a baby. What do I have to offer her?”
“Mr. Hawk-
“Zayn,” Stanley cut in quietly, “Leave me. I want to be alone for a while.”
Zayn nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Once Zayn left, the office fell into silence. Stanley sat there, completely alone. Wendy’s absence had out. Without her, there was no home left for him–only emptiness.
“Wendy… Don’t go…” he murmured, slumping forward on the desk.
wed him
The next morning, when Zayn came in, Stanley was still samped over the desk. The air reeked of alcohol
Zayn rushed forward and called softly, “Mr. Hawk, it’s time to wake up.
Stanley opened his eyes slowly and sat up, looking, worn and defeated “What is it?”
Zayn lowered his voice, “We just received word. Ms. Wendy is leaving Hovendale today.”
Stanley froze, “What?!”
He had known she would leave eventually–but not this soon! Was she leaving already? Zayn continued, “She’s already on her way to the airport with Mr. Samuel.” Wendy was heading to the airport with Samuel. She was leaving
Stanley’s eyes widened; in the next moment, he jumped to his feet and ran out the door.
He didn’t want Wendy to go.
+25 BONUS
