Chapter 33
Marian’s face went pale at lan’s cold and merciless words.
She stared at him, disbelief written all over her small, delicate features
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Why is he treating me like this? I’ve already apologized–why is he still being to hostile? the wondered.
Nina felt embarrassed at the tense exchange. She noticed Mariani’s stricken expression and quickly placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, silently urging her not to say anything more that might offend lan
It was clear–he didn’t like Marian
If Marian kept pushing, she would only humiliate herself further.
Forcing a polite smile, Nina turned to lan. “I’m sorry, Mr. Holmes, but I think it’s best if we leave now. Enjoy the rest of your evening.
Unlike his clear disdain for Marian, lan held no ill will toward Nina. He returned her with an equally courteous nod.
Without another word, Nina took Marian’s hand and led her out of the jewelry store after leaving an address with the store clerk.
The moment they stepped outside, Nina’s smile faded, and she spoke in a firm, quiet voice. “Marian, Mr. Holmes doesn’t like
you.
“From now on, when you see him, just say hello and leave it at that. No more unnecessary conversation, understood?”
Marian’s face, already pale, turned even paler.
“But, Mom,” she protested, her voice laced with frustration. “I just wanted to apologize-
“There’s no need for that,” Nina shook her head, her tone unusually sharp. “If he doesn’t speak to you first, don’t speak to
him
Nina rarely used such a harsh tone.
Marian pursed her lip, knowing Nina was upset.
Still, deep inside, resentment simmered. ‘Why can’t I even talk? I’m always being controlled. It isn’t fair! she thought.
She thought, ‘And the worst part? My mother isn’t on my side. Instead of standing up for me, she’s taking lan’s side—an outsider’s side.
Of course, Marian wouldn’t say any of this out loud. She still needed to stay in the Yates family’s good graces.
So after a while, when she felt Nina had calmed down, she sniffled and mumbled a pitiful apology.
Seeing her dejected expression, Nina finally relented, her irritation fading.
Meanwhile, as Ian and Victor finally left the mall, they checked their phones and realized it was already 7:30 PM.
Yvonne was growing anxious. Unlike them, she had no intention of taking her sweet time getting home.
Kelvin was already back home. When he walked into the living room, he thought he’d stepped into the wrong house. The entire space was filled with bags, boxes, and an absurd number of packages.
It didn’t take long to find out what had happened–Ian and Victor had taken Yvonne out shopping.
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Chapter 88
Kelvin frowned. He wondered when those two got so close to his daughter.
He had been waiting for nearly an hour when Yvonne finally arrived.
But fan and Victor didn’t come in. Instead, they hopped back into the car and drove off, determined to transport the flowers. they’d got from Yvonne back to their own homes.
As soon as Yvonne stepped inside, she was met with the sight of piles of shopping bags and a group of maids sorting through them.
She sighed and turned her head stiffly, only to lock eyes with Kelvin.
“Dad…” she whimpered, trudging toward him.
Dat1…”
After an entire day with lan and Victor, she was utterly exhausted. She dragged her small frame over to Kelvin and flopped against his leg.
“So… tired…” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kelvin cupped her little face in his hands, frowning slightly.
“What happened?” He brushed a thumb gently across her cheek, his voice low and soothing.
Yvonne buried her face against his leg, sighing heavily. “Ian and Victor…”
She wanted to complain, but there was just too much to say.
She thought, “Those two were impossible! They argued nonstop, refused to listen to reason, and kept dragging me around!”
Kelvin didn’t need an explanation.
He had known Ian and Victor since childhood. They had always been lively troublemakers–so it was no surprise that they still made a chaotic pair.
And poor Yvonne, being so young and naïve, was like a helpless little lamb thrown into a den of wolves.
‘My poor girl,’ Kelvin thought.
**********
Meanwhile, Ian had driven through the night to deliver the flowers to Strate City.
When he arrived at the Holmes family estate, he immediately began directing the servants to move the potted plants inside. “Be careful with those,” he instructed.
The Holmes family butler was already in his clothes when he heard the commotion. He hurried outside. “Mr. Holmes, why
are you
back at this hour?”
Ian carried a particularly delicate vase himself. Even through the protective wrapping, the faint scent of flowers seeped into the air.
The butler inhaled deeply, his sharp nose picking up the floral scent. His eyes lit up in excitement. “Wait… is this the same flower from last time?”
Ian’s lips curled into a satisfied grin. “Of course. Oh, by the way, where’s my sister?”
“She has already gone to bed,” the butler replied, falling into step beside him. “The flowers you brought last time were more effective than any sleep aid she’s ever tried…
Chapter 33
The ones from Yvonne’s collection not only smelled incredible but also lasted much longer than normal flowers,
But the ones he had previously gifted were already starting to wither.
“I brought plenty this time. And I got two extra potted plants,” Ian added. “Make sure they’re placed by her bedside when she wakes up.”
The butler was overjoyed. “Mr. Holmes, this is wonderful!”
Then, as if struck by a thought, he hesitated. “But… where exactly did you get these? From Blorence City?
“Maybe we could contact the seller and arrange a steady supply. That way, you wouldn’t have to keep traveling back and forth.”
Ian’s smile deepened, shaking his head. “That won’t be possible,” he said cryptically. “But don’t worry–I’ve found a reliable
source.”
The butler was dying of curiosity but knew better than to push for answers. He simply nodded and followed Ian into the house.
Once inside, Ian carefully unwrapped the flowers. Immediately, their intoxicating fragrance flooded the room.
The butler inhaled deeply, eyes widening in wonder. “Incredible! If these ever hit the market, they’d be priceless!”
Even at his age, the mere scent of the flowers made him feel rejuvenated as if years of exhaustion had melted away.
Ian, watching the butler’s reaction, felt a wave of satisfaction.
Good thing he had acted fast and secured Yvonne’s favor.
After all, no one would have guessed that a little girl could grow something this extraordinary.
Setting the vase down, Ian gave one last instruction. “Make sure these go to my sister’s room first thing in the morning.”
With that, he turned and headed toward his own quarters.
The Holmes estate was massive, with lush greenery filling every place.
As he walked, Ian’s mind drifted. ‘What if I can convince Yvonne to stay here for a while? If she lives at the Holmes estate, won’t all our plants become just as fragrant and beautiful?
“That’s wonderful! Yes… I have to find a way to bring that little girl over.”
Little did he know, Victor had the same idea.
Victor arrived home that very night, quietly sneaking a potted orchid into his room, planning to surprise Liam on his birthday.
But Liam had just woken up to use the bathroom. Seeing the lights turn on through the window, he decided to step outside. Now, seeing Victor sneaking around, he felt puzzled. “Victor! What on earth are you doing at this hour?”
Victor had just shut his bedroom door when a loud, commanding voice made him shudder.
He quickly checked to make sure the door was securely closed before turning around with a sheepish grin. “I–I was just out for a walk.”
Liam scoffed, clearly unimpressed. He could see right through Victor.
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Chapter 33
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As he stepped closer, intending to give Victor a light whack with his cane, he suddenly caught a faint scent of flowers in the air.
