Chapter 248
After speaking, Gideon turned and walked back to his room.
Clifton stared at the firmly shut door and sighed. “I just don’t get it–those two act more like enemies than mother and son.”
This latest episode of Gideon’s mother’s illness had come on suddenly.
Treatments abroad had done little more than put a band–aid on the problem.
That’s why Finley had come back: partly to steady the company’s board of old–timers, and partly to bring Clifton over to see if there was anything he could do for her, maybe find a way to help her recover.
Finley shook his head. “Mom pushed Gideon way too hard back then. There are things I can’t figure out, even now.”
He often caught his mother looking at Gideon with a venom usually reserved for hated enemies.
It had started not long after their father passed away.
At first, he’d assumed she was just taking out her grief on Gideon. But deep down, he suspected there was more to it.
After Gideon’s kidnapping, their relationship had deteriorated beyond repair.
In all these years, they could count on one hand the number of times they’d sat at the same dinner table.
The tension in the air had left Cynthia so intimidated that she didn’t dare say a
word.
But as she watched the three adults brood in silence, she finally worked up the courage to ask, in a small voice, “So… does that mean tomorrow I get to stay at Miss Angel’s house?”
Uncle Gideon had seemed to say as much just now.
Mamie ruffled her daughter’s soft hair. “That’s right, sweetheart. Your Uncle Gideon’s had a rough first half of his life–it’s up to you to bring him some happiness from now on!”
Clifton perked up, grinning. “Exactly! Celestine could very well be your future aunt, you know. This whole relationship might just depend on you!”
Suddenly, Cynthia felt the weight of responsibility settle onto her tiny shoulders.
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She raised her hand in a solemn little salute. “Mission accepted!”
The three adults couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
Meanwhile, in his bedroom, Gideon finished listening to Vernon’s work report for the day.
At the end, Vernon emphasized one particular matter.
“Someone from the Fordham Group has been searching the dark web for a top–tier hacker. Looks like they want to use some, let’s say, creative methods to wipe whatever Miss Selwyn’s holding onto.”
Gideon absently toyed with a cufflink, perfectly sealed in its case.
“Keep a close eye on them. If they make a move, reroute the deletion program to the right phone.”
***
The next morning, Celestine was up at the crack of dawn.
By the time the doorbell rang, she’d already prepared breakfast.
Little Cynthia arrived wearing red and blue overalls straight out of a Mario game, her hair done up in two jaunty pigtails.
She was dragging a suitcase nearly as tall as she was, matching her outfit perfectly. The effect was almost criminally adorable.
Celestine melted, gently pinching Cynthia’s chubby cheek. “Good morning, Cynthia.” Cynthia tilted her head, happily letting Celestine fuss over her. “Good morning, Miss Angel!”
Celestine carried her suitcase into the guest room.
When Cynthia spotted the mermaid–themed decorations Celestine had put up overnight, she squealed with delight and started bouncing around the room.
“Miss Angel! I love it! You’re amazing! You’re even better than my mom and dad!”
She threw her arms around Celestine’s neck and planted a big, wet kiss on her
cheek.
Miss Angel just had to become her aunt!
Celestine couldn’t help but laugh, swept up in Cynthia’s enthusiasm. “As long as you like it, Cynthia.”
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Chapter 248
“Oh, right–did your mom and dad just get back in town?” Celestine suddenly remembered to ask.
Cynthia nodded and began chattering away, “Daddy went to bring Great–Grandpa over to the States! They left last night!”
Celestine nodded in understanding and tapped Cynthia’s little nose. “So, for now, I’ll be looking after you. If you need anything, just tell me. Your uncle’s already paid the bill.”
By now, Cynthia had caught the scent of breakfast wafting through the house. She flashed a shy grin, showing off her new baby teeth. “Miss Angel, I’m hungry.”
Celestine laughed. She’d nearly forgotten, what with showing her around.
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