Chapter 66

“Don’t get worked up. I just want to get closer to you, Mrs. Munoz,” Tina said softly, her tone faintly icy. “After all, I’m going to marry into the Munoz family someday and start calling you ‘Mom.’ Isn’t that right, Mom?” she addressed her sweetly, but Felicia felt terrified. She had an unsettling feeling that an evil presence had invaded her life, threatening to plunge her son and the entire Munoz family into chaos. She realized she should never have welcomed this “evil presence” in the first place. She regretted it deeply, but it was too late.

Five days went by, and Vespera’s leg was nearly healed. The recent days had been surprisingly peaceful; Luke hadn’t disturbed her at all. After the Instagram debacle, he seemed too wrapped up with Tina, who was dealing with cyberbullying, and the Sowle family, who were facing intense public scrutiny. This likely kept him busy.

Vespera had mentally braced herself for any possible issues. After she spoke with Rebecca that day, she realized that since the Sowle family couldn’t break into Dominic’s place, they might target her parents’ house instead. The more she pondered this, the more anxious she became. Feeling uneasy, she called her father that night and suggested he take her mother to her grandmother’s for a few days. Officially, it was a visit to the elderly, but in reality, it was a safety precaution.

The conversation with her father was brief. Rebecca had already filled them in on the situation, so questions, concerns, and worries were momentarily put aside. Vernon simply advised her to look after herself.

Vespera had taken all necessary precautions. However, the Sowle family didn’t stir up any trouble in the neighborhood, didn’t find her parents’ house, and didn’t even make a… Instagram’s popularity hadn’t waned at all. Were they holding back a major move? Or maybe they were still intimidated by Dominic? Was it just because he defended her at the charity gala? Did his lingering influence really hold that much weight?

As for Dominic, he hadn’t made an appearance since she’d been staying here temporarily. Even Raymond had relocated to the servants’ quarters, only coming into the kitchen or dining room during mealtimes, seemingly to avoid any gossip. Sometimes, he was quite the gentleman and very considerate.

That evening, Vespera noticed Raymond in the kitchen. He was preparing dinner, and she decided to join him, offering help and starting a conversation. “Mr. Chandler, where has Mr. Reid been staying these past few days?”

“Mr. Reid isn’t going to be homeless,” Raymond grinned and explained, “This house is just a temporary spot for him. It’s near the office, which makes it really handy. He left here a few days ago to return to his family home. As it happens, Mr. and Mrs. Reid have been missing him as well.”

Vespera acknowledged with a nod, realizing that “going back home” referred to returning to the Reid household. Raytond, appearing intrigued by a thought, leaned in and murmured to her, “In fact, Mr. and Mrs. Reid have called him back for a very significant reason.”

Vespera followed his lead and inquired, “What is the important matter?”

“Speed dating,” replied Raymond.

Vespera felt stunned as she thought, “Did Dominic truly need to participate in speed dating?”

Kyond said, “As the family’s eldest son, Mr. Reid’s marriage holds great significance for the entire family. During the Spring Festival two years ago, they pressured him about it. He agreed to the arrangements and went on blind dates with several young women from notable families, but nothing materialized. At that time, he was primarily focused on work in Acridia and left shortly after the festival.”

“Ah,” Reid couldn’t do much about it. Now that he’s back in the country, I’m worried he won’t be able to escape the situation.”

“So, he’s like any regular person, unable to avoid the pressure from his parents to settle down,” Vespera remarked with some feeling. She always thought that ordinary matters such as speed dating and parental marriage pressure didn’t quite fit someone like Dominic, who appeared radiant and seemed to reside at the pinnacle of society.

Chapter 87

Dominic should have always stayed enigmatic and distant, appearing as if he didn’t belong to the human realm. That would better suit his disposition.

Raymond sighed, “Sadly, Mr. Reid tends to be rather indifferent, especially concerning love and relationships.”

Vespera pondered, “Is that so? Then what about Nancy, with whom he had a complicated relationship full of love, hatred, and conflict? Even though Dominic claimed he wasn’t interested in women and might prefer men, she couldn’t believe there was nothing between him and Nancy, given her behavior. The probable situation was that they had once been in love. But for some unspoken reason, Dominic decided to end the relationship on his own. Nevertheless, Nancy remained deeply in love with him. It’s possible that Dominic still had feelings for her as well, yet he seemed to take pleasure in tormenting her and found satisfaction only in witnessing her distress and misery.

Vespera envisioned all of this quietly in her mind but chose not to voice it casually. Instead, she offered a reassuring response. “Don’t worry. Destiny decides marriages. Perhaps the next young lady from a distinguished family he encounters on a blind date will capture his heart instantly.”

“I’ll accept your kind words then,” Raymond replied.

As soon as she finished, a deep, smooth, and cool voice emerged from the entrance. Vespera was taken aback. She spun around to find Dominic at the kitchen entrance. How long had he been there? When did he show up? At what moment did he start overhearing their conversation?

Raymond avoided meeting Dominic’s gaze as well. He seldom indulged in gossip, and the one time he did, he got caught. The two colleagues, who had been discussing their boss behind his back, were now extremely embarrassed.

Dominic shot them an icy glare. “Quit cooking. You guys can get some popcorn and go hang out in the neighborhood for some gossip.”

Vespera and Raymond were at a loss for words. He certainly had a knack for sarcasm. Dominic averted his eyes and exited through the kitchen door. Vespera paused for a moment before deciding to follow him to the area near the study. He entered the study, and after a short time, emerged with some items in his hand. Without lingering, he headed directly to the door, indicating that his only purpose for going to the study was to retrieve something.

As Dominic was about to leave the entrance hall, Vespera considered apologizing, but in her rush, a sharp pain struck her chest. “Uh… Dinner’s ready. Are you planning to join us?” Dominic glanced back as a teasing glint flashed through his eyes. “No, I’m occupied with speed dating. Perhaps I’ll meet my true love.”

Vespera was left speechless. Dominic departed without a backward glance, leaving Vespera feeling deflated. Was he really going to be so petty? She mentally replayed every word she had uttered, all polite and well-intentioned.

Raymond exhaled as well. “Don’t worry. Mr. Reid isn’t that petty. He’ll forget it in a few days. Let’s go have dinner.”

Vespera wasn’t as hopeful as Raymond. Still, there was nothing she could do. She realized that upsetting him was as simple as breathing – even the smallest misstep could often…

She barely touched her food during dinner. Midway through the meal, her phone rang, and she was genuinely surprised to see it was Henry calling. Ignoring Felicia’s calls was simple for her, and she could indefinitely block Luke’s number without a second thought. But with Henry, it was different. His consistently kind demeanor and his respectful presence made it difficult. Moreover, as the chairman of Eclipse Group, respect for him…

After a moment of silence, she set her spout aside and picked up the phone!

“Hello, Mr. Munoz,” she still held a measure… No matter if she was outside or back with the Munoz family before, she always addressed him this way, showing respect while keeping some distance. They didn’t like it when she referred to them as “Mom and Dad,” and she didn’t want to embarrass herself either.

“Vespera, you and Luke really must sit down and have another calm discussion. Avoiding each other won’t resolve the… come home tomorrow evening.” Henry spoke gently, though there was a clear note of authority in his voice.