Chapter 126: Fireworks

“A few older guests came downstairs,” Wendy said. “They’re friends of Mom’s from past collaborations. Do you want to go down and see them?”

Wendy shook her head. “They’re all elders. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to go down… forget it, just stay here with me for a while.”

They settled into the study. As soon as Chase sat down, Wendy rested her head on his shoulder. Chase wrapped his arms around her. “Stella is still young and studying abroad,” he said. “She will grow up. Besides, as long as Henry stays away from her, it’ll be fine.”

“No,” Wendy replied. “I’ve realized Stella recently started using a live-streaming platform that seems tied to Henry. I didn’t notice it before, but Zynn found out about it recently.”

“You sent Dawn abroad before Christmas to investigate this, didn’t you?”

“Sort of. I thought it would also give Dawn a chance to check in on Stella.”

They remained in the study until Louis knocked, announcing that the guests had left and they should come downstairs.

In the living room, Mandy appeared cheerful. Gifts, recently delivered, sat beside her. Louis had already taken the others away, but these seemed destined to stay.

“I just called Stella,” Wendy said, her tone strained. She sat beside Mandy, staring at the television’s meaningless program. “I’m worried Henry might be making moves on her.”

Mandy didn’t look at the TV, seemingly indifferent. But whenever the Harrison family was mentioned, she always acted this way. Her apparent indifference masked a simmering desire for retribution.

Chase had always considered Mandy quiet but ruthless when necessary. He’d never seen her make a difficult business decision, but now, he sensed she was on the brink of something breaking.

She simply said, “You handle it. Stella is your younger sister, and as for Henry… that kind of person, I won’t let him into the Quinn family, whether it’s you or Stella. You’ve understood this, and I hope Stella will too.”

But Stella clearly didn’t fully understand. Her initial attraction to Henry stemmed largely from admiration for her older sister. Now, Wendy had distanced herself from Henry, but Stella hadn’t.

“Well, for now, let’s leave it,” Wendy said. “I’ll figure something out about the live-streaming platform.”

As evening approached, fireworks blossomed outside. In the kitchen, the chef and housekeeper bustled about; Louis was video-calling his children. Mandy watched television, while the young couple headed to the backyard to watch the fireworks.

“It’s been years since I’ve seen fireworks up close,” Chase said wistfully.

“Somewhere else to see fireworks?” Wendy suggested. Chase, unfamiliar with the area, glanced at her. She already held his hand, heading to get her coat.

“You’re going out?” he asked.

“I’m taking Chase to see the fireworks,” Wendy answered. “We’ll be back soon.”

They donned their coats, Wendy’s hand never leaving Chase’s.

It wasn’t fully dark. A week before Christmas, the property management had decorated the trees with colorful lights, illuminating the neighborhood. Many houses still displayed festive lights.

Wendy held Chase’s hand as they walked to the back of the neighborhood. A small gate, only wide enough for one person at a time, stood before them. Wendy’s eyes gleamed mischievously as she looked back at Chase, smiled, bent down, and squeezed through. Chase, puzzled, followed.

The gate was designed for slim figures; anyone heavier wouldn’t fit. As Chase straightened up after squeezing through, he was astonished.

A large, undeveloped space lay before him, filled with people setting off fireworks. It seemed like all the families in the area were gathered there with their children.

Wendy pointed to the area. “When I was young, my dad used to bring Stella and me here to watch fireworks,” she said. “Back then, there weren’t so many people in this neighborhood. Now it’s a lot more lively.”

Paul had always ensured their family’s happiness before his passing. That happiness now highlighted the insurmountable gap his death had left.

Remembering Mandy’s declaration that Henry could never enter the Quinn family, Chase felt the depth of her pain. Her husband should have been beside her, sharing the joy of their daughter and son-in-law. But the Harrison family’s greed had stolen that. Perhaps there were even deeper reasons behind it all.

Chase instinctively squeezed Wendy’s hand. Before she could react, he pulled her forward.

Seeing Chase approaching a child, Wendy stopped him. “What are you doing?” she asked.