After all, she felt that it would be too awkward to continue speaking as if she were giving him a monologue.
Thankfully, they arrived at the kindergarten in no time.
The two kids hopped onto the car with merry smiles as they greeted, “Daddy! Mommy!”
“Daddy, Mommy. Why are you guys so late today? You picked us up half an hour later than usual,” Connor asked while looking at his smartwatch.
Sharon hadn’t been paying attention to the time, so she hadn’t realized that her parents were late. Now that her brother had blatantly pointed it out, she mirrored his sentiments and nodded enthusiastically.
Natalie cast an apologetic look at her kids. “I’m really sorry. Daddy was a little busy at work today, so we got here late.”
At once, the kids nodded and let out an understanding hum.
Then, Connor spoke up, “Daddy doesn’t have to pick us up if he’s busy. He should focus on working hard.”
“Mmm-hmm!” Sharon nodded in agreement.
A bittersweet feeling arose in Shane, curdling uncomfortably in his chest as he looked at the thoughtful children through his rear-view mirror.
He was happy to know that the children cared greatly for his well-being and career.
Yet, he felt bitter because he had no idea how he would face the children if Natalie’s mother was truly responsible for his parents’ death.
“Shane?” Natalie’s brows furrowed in concern when she noticed him spacing out again. Her worried voice hastened, “What exactly is wrong? Has something happened?”
“No,” Shane snapped at her with his gaze still lowered. He put the car in gear and started driving after sprouting that one word.
Natalie’s lips twitched at his harsh tone. She was undeniably hurt by how he refused to tell her what was wrong. Regardless, she decided against prodding any further.
In the backseat, the kids sensed something was off between their parents. They exchanged knowing looks with each other in silence.
Did Daddy and Mommy fight?
A deafening silence took over the car, and the atmosphere felt dense as the family of four made their way home.
Once the car pulled up in front of the villa, the two children heaved a sigh of relief.
There, Mrs. Wilson and Jacqueline stood by the villa’s doors to welcome them.
“Mrs. Wilson!” The children pretended not to see Jacqueline and ran excitedly toward Mrs. Wilson instead.
At this, Jacqueline was surprisingly unbothered. She wasn’t upset, nor did she bother paying attention to the children. Rather, her gaze was set on Shane and Natalie.
Delight smeared across her face when she caught sight of Shane’s tautly clenched jaw and stormy eyes.
Shane is brimming with a dangerous aura. That means he must have seen the video!
But… Why hasn’t he confronted or severed ties with Natalie yet?
Jacqueline’s face twisted wryly at the sight of Natalie, who was offering to help Shane carry his briefcase.
The man obediently handed his briefcase to Natalie, much to Jacqueline’s dismay.
Jacqueline pursed her lips, feeling aggrieved that the two were behaving as they normally did.
What the devil is going on?
Hasn’t Shane seen the video yet? Why isn’t he treating her with disdain?
Does he think the video is fake?
At this, Jacqueline gnawed so hard on her lip that she nearly drew blood.
If that video isn’t enough, I’ll have to find more evidence.
I’ll do everything it takes to drive Shane and Natalie apart. Otherwise, it’ll be a waste of that precious video that I’ve hidden for so many years.
After all, that video was…
Darkness flickered in Jacqueline’s eyes. Soon, her thoughts were interrupted by Shane and Natalie, who approached her as one. She quickly flashed them a smile. “Shane, Natalie. Welcome home.”
“Ms. Graham,” Natalie acknowledged placidly.
Contrarily, Shane reacted with much more attentiveness. He had noticed Jacqueline’s thin clothing and promptly asked, “Why aren’t you putting on more layers for this chilly weather?”
Glee burst out in Jacqueline’s chest as she tousled her wig and flashed a sickeningly sweet smile at him. Then she spoke in a honeyed voice, “I was in the living room where the heating is on. Plus, there wasn’t enough time to put on another coat before coming here to greet you.”
“Come on, let’s all head inside.” Nodding at her, Shane strode ahead for the villa.
Jacqueline was quick to strut behind him.
This time, Shane hadn’t held Natalie’s hand like he normally would. Rather, he entered the villa on his own.
Pleased with this, Jacqueline whipped around to cast a victorious grin at Natalie. Then she paced beside Shane, staking claim over him. Her voice came out like a purr, “Wait for me, Shane!”
It seems like he doesn’t quite believe the footage. But at the very least, it’s convincing enough to cause some damage to their relationship.
