Chapter 47

Abigail sent the message and set her phone down before heading to the bathroom for a shower. When she came out, a few new notifications lit up the screen. She skimmed through them and replied: [I’m not planning to return to the design industry for now.]

That man once told her that her real talent lay in computer science.

Abigail logged out of the alternate account with practiced ease and switched back to her main one. Almost instantly, a message from Sebastian popped up, asking if she was available the next day.

Thinking of her visit to Adam, Abigail replied: [Mr. Robinson, is it work–related?]

Sebastian: [Nope. Personal.]

That surprised her a little, but she responded: [Sorry, I won’t be free tomorrow.]

Sebastian: [Alright.]

Relieved it wasn’t a company matter, Abigail let it go, though a flicker of curiosity about what “personal” business Sebastian had passed through her mind. Still, she truly didn’t have the time.

She slept soundly that night.

The next morning, her internal clock woke her at just the right time. Abigail got up and headed to the bathroom to wash up. She planned to visit Adam early and spend more time chatting with him.

By the time she finished and checked her phone, her Uber was nearly there. Carrying the things she’d prepared, she left the house.

The household staff were already cleaning. As she passed by, they threw her subtle glances–nothing overt, but obvious enough.

Abigail’s place in this house had always been awkward. Everyone knew the family favored the fake daughter, Daniella, and ignored their real one.

The staff, as always, took cues from their employers. Whoever Gabriel and Bianca favored, the staff would treat with respect. Anyone else? Not so much.

Of course, the Gibsons knew this. They simply didn’t care about that.

Thankfully, Abigail no longer cared either. The only person she truly cared about was her grandfather.

It took nearly an hour for the car to arrive at Green Garden. Situated on the mountainside on the outskirts of the city, Green Garden was quiet, with clean air and tranquil scenery. It was where Adam spent most of his time recuperating.

He’d known Abigail was visiting today and had asked the servants early on to prepare her favorite fruits and snacks.

As soon as Abigail stepped into Green Garden, the butler came to escort her to Adam.

She greeted him. “Hi, Adam.”

Adam was sitting alone in front of a chess table, playing chess with himself. Upon seeing her, he smiled warmly and waved. “Abby, join me.”

Abigail handed her things to the butler, took off her bag, and sat opposite Adam. With just one glance, she took in the entire board.

The game was already into the second half. Adam pushed the white pieces toward her with a grin. “Do you know how to play from here?”

Abigail placed a piece on the board, and Adam’s eyes lit up. “Impressive. I didn’t know you could play. You have to come more often and play this with me.”

She replied, “Your turn, Adam.”

He chuckled and nodded.

When the match ended, a familiar voice sounded behind her. “Since when did you know how to play chess?”

Abigail turned around, a bit surprised to see Ralph.

He gave a casual smile and explained, “I stayed here last night.”

Abigail thought, ‘That explains why he’s here so early!’

“I didn’t used to like it.” Her voice paused slightly.

She had learned chess during her time in prison–from that guy. He was particularly skilled in strategy. He taught her everything from the basics to advanced play, patiently and meticulously.

“Adam, I’ve never been around Green Garden before. Mind if I take a look around?” Abigail no longer felt like playing and made the suggestion.

Adam smiled, “Go ahead. Let Ralph show you around.”

Just as Abigail was about to decline, Ralph had already stepped up beside her. “Come on, I’ll show you around here.”

Abigail replied, “If you’re busy, don’t bother. I can go alone.”

Ralph didn’t respond, but there was a slight frown on his face. Clearly, he didn’t seem too pleased with her attitude.

Abigail didn’t wait for an answer. She picked a direction and started walking.

Ralph followed her closely. The atmosphere between them was far from comfortable.

“Abigail,” Ralph spoke first once they were out of Adam’s view, “can we talk?”

Abigail didn’t see what there was to talk about between them. She asked, “What do you want to say?”

Ralph heard the cold edge in her voice and frowned. “Do you have to sound like that? I just want to know how you managed to get a job at Halden Group. Dani told me their recruitment heavily favors academic background, and you…”

Abigail cut him off, clearly irritated. “Did Daniella also tell you I slept with someone to get the job?”

The biting sarcasm in her tone made Ralph scowl, and he shot back, “Abigail, Dani was just being objective. You don’t always have to pick on her. If you don’t want me to misunderstand, then explain.”

Abigail could only laugh inwardly. ‘It’s absurd. Looking at Ralph now, all the fondness I once had for him seems ridiculous. I must’ve been blind back then to think Ralph was my salvation.’

Her voice was steady and calm. “I don’t see anything worth explaining. The truth speaks for itself. As for Daniella, as long as she doesn’t come after me, I won’t bother her.”

With that, she turned and walked away. Ralph was about to follow when his phone rang.

He answered, “Hi, Mr. Gibson, Mrs. Gibson…”

Back at Ralph’s residence, the Fletchers had just arrived. Daniella trailed behind Bianca.

Elena took Daniella’s hand and said warmly, “It’s only been a few days, but Dani, you’re a designer at Halden Group. How’s that going?”