Chapter 686
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Jessica was speechless. Wendy’s smooth, sly words had pushed her right to the edge.
Horace looked at Jessica, urging, “Say something, Jessica.”
What could Jessica say? If she kept silent, Horace might start to suspect her for real.
Finally, she said, “I made plans with Sienna. We wanted to go dancing at a bar. I just want to go out and have some fun.”
“No!” Horace snapped. “It’s too late to be out. You need to get to bed early.”
“Dad, I-”
“Your mom will come back to see you in a few days.”
What?
Jessica’s eyes widened in shock. “Mom’s coming back? But I thought she was dead.”
“She’s not dead,” Horace said firmly. “She’s coming back to see you.”
Jessica was speechless again. She had always believed Brittany was gone for good. But now, somehow, she was
still alive.
If Brittany returned, wouldn’t her secret be exposed?
Wendy was Brittany’s real daughter. The connection between mother and daughter was far stronger than between father and daughter. Now, Wendy was staying at the Larson family’s estate. Wouldn’t her true identity slip out?
Wendy glanced at Jessica. “Your mother’s coming back. Why don’t I see even a hint of joy on your face?”
Jessica didn’t know how to reply. She hated Wendy more than anything.
“I was abandoned in Hovendale when I was a baby,” Jessica spat bitterly at Horace. “I blame both you and Mom!”
Without another word, she turned and walked inside.
Wendy curled her lips into a knowing smile.
Jessica was clever. Those words would only stir up more guilt in Horace’s heart, making him even more protective and eager to make up to his daughter.
Horace glanced in the direction Jessica had disappeared, then looked back at Wendy. “You seem to really make yourself at home. You even came into my study.”
Wendy quickly apologized, “Sorry. I did knock, but the door was open. I happened to see you and Jessica talking, so I just came in. My apologies.”
Looking at Wendy’s clear, delicate face, Horace found he couldn’t bring himself to be angry. No one who worked for him was as bold as Wendy.
They both stepped into the study.
That was when Wendy noticed a painting hanging on the wall–a portrait of a stunning woman. It was Brittany.
It was Wendy’s first time seeing Brittany’s image. In the painting, Brittany wore a vibrant red dress, radiant and
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Chapter 606
striking like a blooming rose.
Wendy seemed drawn to it. She slowly stepped closer, reaching out as if to touch the canvas.
But Horace’s voice stopped her, firm and sharp. “Don’t touch that.”
Her hand froze mid–air, awkwardly pulling back. “Sorry.”
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She hadn’t meant to–there was something magnetic about the painting, pulling her closer, making it impossible to resist.
“Is this Ms. Brewer?” Wendy asked quietly.
Horace nodded.
“Did you paint this yourself?”
Horace didn’t answer, but his silence was answer enough.
Wendy suddenly chuckled, sounding almost mischievous.
Horace raised an eyebrow. “What are you laughing at?”
She lifted her finely shaped brows. “I’m laughing at you.”
“Me? Why?”
“I’m laughing because when Ms. Brewer was around, you were tangled up in a messy love affair with your first love. After you lost her, you painted a portrait of her so it’d remind you of her. You probably think you’re so romantic.”
