Chapter 191: Old Enemies, New Trouble
Fortunately, the Drake couple didn’t notice her—Yunice’s clothes were far too plain for people like them, who had no interest in anyone poor and powerless.
After Yunice left, the Drakes still lingered near the Saunders estate.
Inside the living room, Owen stared at the wrecked room and drew in a long, heavy breath. In the end, he warned everyone, “For Elsie’s safety, no one is to mention Lauren again. We’re not going to provoke the Drakes or Melina—pretend none of this ever happened.”
Eyes red, Elsie said softly, “Owen…it’s all my fault. I dragged everyone into this…”
Owen replied, “There’s no such thing as dragging anyone down. Yunny’s family. We should’ve kept her secret safe.”
“…What?” Elsie bit her lip, stunned that Owen was still standing by Yunice.
Owen looked toward his destroyed study and said coldly, “Oscar’s due back any day now. Once he returns, he’ll deal with her.”
Elsie frowned. She wasn’t sure if Oscar’s return was a good thing or a bad one. Oscar was the eldest of the Saunders siblings. When Elsie married into the family, Oscar had just left to join a research program. The project was rigorous and highly confidential—he wouldn’t be allowed home for five years. All Elsie knew was that Oscar was stern and inflexible. Given that he’d spent more time with Yunice than anyone else, would his return make things harder for her?
Just then, Paul got a phone call—he had to leave. Elsie walked him out, only to find a red Mercedes G-Class parked outside the Saunders estate.
Taylor leaned against the door, one hand hooked on the handle. She swung her long legs down from the car, her red lips and tailored coat glowing against her dark curls—a radiant, commanding presence.
Elsie clung to Paul’s arm and whispered, “Paul…is Ms. Taylor here to seduce you?”
Paul’s brow furrowed, his voice cold, “Taylor, quit wasting your time. I’ll never be into you.”
Taylor snorted, raising an eyebrow. “You think I like you? I go for men with presence, courage, broad shoulders, a tapered waist, and long legs. You know—Wyatt Cooper types.” She gave Paul an obvious once-over, her gaze dripping with scorn. “You have any of that?”
Of all people, she had to name Wyatt. Paul clenched his fist. But no matter how angry he got, Taylor had both the Kendall and Powell families behind her.
Taylor pointed her chin toward the car. “Get in. Mr. Jackson’s waiting.” She tossed a look Elsie’s way before opening the car door and climbing in.
Elsie shrank behind Paul; just one glance from Taylor made her fingers ache. But this time, Paul didn’t comfort her. “Go back inside, Elsie. I need to deal with Taylor.”
Elsie froze, watching Paul get in the car with her. They chatted easily in the car for a while, and then it drove off, washing from her sight.
Inside, Paul buckled his seatbelt while jabbing at Taylor, “How’d you know I was at the Saunders place? Were you following me?”
“Please.” Taylor laughed. “You’re not that hard to figure out. I don’t need to follow you.”
Paul gave her a sidelong glance, tapping the window with his fingers.
Taylor added, “Mr. Jackson asked me to let you know our wedding will be on the same day as Wyatt’s. He called you here today for a prenuptial health screening.” She glanced sideways at him. “I don’t just marry anyone, you know.”
Paul scoffed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Meanwhile, Yunice drove with a heavy heart. She had thought about it over and over—Melina was a time bomb. Lauren hadn’t exactly died because of her, but…if you looked closely, Yunice had played a role in it. That’s why she was fulfilling Lauren’s final wish—doing her best to care for Melina in her place.
Thankfully, Melina was blind. She’d touched Yunice’s face many times and long since accepted her as Lauren. Even if someone showed up talking nonsense, as long as Yunice didn’t admit anything, Melina probably wouldn’t believe them.
That thought brought Yunice some comfort.
Just then, the phone on the passenger seat rang—an unfamiliar number. She hesitated, then picked it up. A flat, emotionless voice came through—it was Wyatt. “Come to the hospital.”
Yunice blinked. “Are you hurt? Sick?”
A pause on the other end, then, “Don’t ask.”
Yunice was speechless.
Wyatt followed with a warning. “Don’t defy me twice.” He hadn’t forgotten how she’d ditched him at the banquet hall last time.
“…Got it.” Wyatt wasn’t someone you wanted to provoke. Yunice turned the wheel and made a U-turn.
At the hospital, as soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she ran into Jordan—already waiting for her at the door.