Love Her to No End
Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Chapter 26 Hidden Intentions

In a matter of a week, the spotlight on Quentin’s interview shifted to the news of some celebrity cheatingand becoming a mistress in a relationship.

Even though the behind-the-scenes of wealthy families could attract the attention of the public, itseemed as though people were more interested in the personal lives of celebrities.

Following suit, more and more secrets of famous people were revealed, overtaking the internet. Beforelong, the Xanders and the Lingards were no longer the topics of discussion.

Meanwhile, ever since they had bid farewell at Haversville Pavillion, Jonathan had been waiting forMichaela’s phone call.

Usually, a phone was like an accessory to Jonathan. It was something he could live with or without.However, ever since that day, Jonathan had not let his phone out of his sight.

As Walter put it, it was as though Jonathan sprang up to life whenever his phone rang, but when thecaller ID was not who he expected, all of the excitement would drain from his body as he tossed hisphone aside.

The desolation in Jonathan’s eyes made Walter’s skin crawl.

Because of that, everyone in Shappiray Mansion had been actively avoiding Jonathan, afraid that theywould accidentally trigger the ticking time bomb and cause themselves unnecessary issues.

In the beginning, Jonathan would even request Walter to check if there were any intercepted messagesdue to connection problems, or if there were something wrong with his phone that was preventing himfrom receiving phone calls.

It wasn’t long before Walter started avoiding Jonathan as well, praying not to bump into the latter, for hecould not bear to trample on the poor man’s hope.

However, Walter could not help but think it strange. Many women would have given anything to be inJonathan’s bed, yet Michaela seemed to have no desire to be associated with Jonathan. On the otherhand, Jonathan seemed determined to win her over.

Walter could almost predict the storms of the coming days. He had no doubts that life would no longer besimple.

In the end, Michaela still did not call. Rather, it was Gary who brought the news that Jacob had returnedto Haversville Pavillion with a mountain of gifts.

From the looks of it, Jacob had finally caved under the pressure.

It was already nearing the end of autumn, yet it did not cool down after the summer. In fact, the humiditywas almost overwhelming.

Before dinnertime, Michaela had just stepped out of the shower when she heard someone calling herfrom outside her room. “Ms. Michaela, Mr. Lingard is back!”

“Okay. I’ll be down in a minute,” Michaela shouted in response before hurrying into the closet to change.

In truth, she had been thinking if she should replace an opportunity to invite Jacob back home for the pasttwo days. After all, at the end of the day, they were a family. If she could not marry Zack, then she wouldwork harder and help Jacob with the company in the future.

She never expected Jacob to return first.

Doesn’t this prove that Dad still cares about me?

As Michaela made her way downstairs, Jacob was handing a box to Hannah. In a doting voice, hecooed, “I think this watch would look great on you. Why don’t you try it on and tell me if you like it or not?”

“There’s no need for that.”

Evidently, Hannah was still furious at what Jacob had done. Without even glancing at the box, sheimmediately shoved it back at him. “If the reason you’re back is to talk about Mich’s and Zack’s marriage,I’d advise you to keep your mouth shut because I will never agree to it!”

“Am I that kind of person in your eyes, Hannah? Mich is my daughter too, so of course I want her to behappy as well!”

A hint of helplessness was detected in his voice as Jacob sighed, seemingly acknowledging that he wasat fault.

Michaela had been listening in on the conversation closely. Aware that tension was high, she quicklyemerged from the corner and descended the stairs.

The moment her silhouette appeared, Jacob immediately turned to look at her and gestured to her with aloving smile. “Hurry over, Mich. Look what I’ve got you!”

As he was speaking, Jacob placed the rest of the bags onto the coffee table. Inside those bags wereboxes of all shapes and sizes. Inside those boxes was an assortment of limited edition purses, designergowns, limited edition perfume, and all sorts of luxury goods.

For a long while, Michaela gaped at those gifts on the table in surprise, speechless. “Dad, these…” shefaltered.

“Mich, about your marriage, I have thought long and hard about it during my time away and have beenself-reflecting. It was my fault. I have failed you and your mom. I promise that this will never happenagain. Please, consider all these an atonement for what I have done.” As Jacob spoke, he gestured tothe gifts on the coffee table. “So Mich… would you forgive me?”

The sincerity in Jacob’s voice moved Michaela. Michaela sniffled as her eyes turned red. When her voicefailed her, all she could do was nod fervently as her tears streamed down her face.

All she had ever wished for was for her family to live together happily and peacefully, regardless of richesand status, just like the heartwarming scene that was happening at the moment.

That night, dinner was extremely pleasant. Jacob did not eat much as he kept giving more food toHannah and Michaela. It had been so long since the family had such a happy time together that evenMichaela could not recall the last time they had such a fun time.

After dinner, the three of them had tea in the living room while watching the news as per usual.

Just as Hannah was cutting fruits in the kitchen, Jacob took the opportunity to sit next to Michaela. Aftera moment of hesitation, he broke the silence cautiously. “Mich, there’s something I want to discuss withyou.”

“Sure, Dad. What’s up?”

Without a second thought, Michaela answered Jacob with a bright smile. Her amber eyes turned to lookat him intently.

“Mich, I want to discuss about your sister.”

Taken aback by the mention of Lucille, Michaela’s smile faltered. Before she could speak, a cold voicerang out in the living room. “The Lingard family only has one daughter, and that’s Michaela. What sister

are you referring to?”

Jacob had originally planned to discuss the matter privately with Michaela. If he could convinceMichaela, Hannah would have no other choice but to comply.

To his dismay, Hannah had overheard their conversation. However, it was too late for him to take backhis words. Without any other choice, Jacob steeled himself and continued the subject. “Hannah, eventhough Lucille was adopted, she’s still part of our family. With the whole fiasco between her and Zack,the reputation of the Lingard family has been severely and negatively impacted.”

“So what? This is the true intention behind your apology and all those gifts, isn’t it?” Seeing throughJacob’s plans, Hannah pointed it out right in the open.

Although displeased, Jacob bit his tongue. After all, he still needed to exploit Hannah’s relationship withthe Xander family. He was well aware that he alone could not persuade the Xander family to let Lucillemarry into their family.

“Hannah, it was our choice to adopt her. Naturally, we have to take responsibility for her. Think about it,how will she get married in the future after what happened with Zack? If word got out, people won’t betalking about Lucille’s character. They would be judging us and saying that we didn’t raise her well.”

As an experienced businessman, Jacob possessed a sense of dominance. At that moment, however, hehad suppressed his commanding presence in order to gain Hannah’s agreement, but to no avail.

“You want Lucille to marry Zack?” Hannah asked in disbelief.

“Jacob Lingard, have you no shame? How could you do this to Mich? Have you considered her feelings?Does she have a place in your heart at all?” she thundered.

Seeing Hannah’s persistence, a hint of annoyance flickered across Jacob’s eyes, but he managed toreign in his anger.

“Hannah, think of it as showing her pity. Surely you can’t be heartless enough to see Lucille having nofuture, right? Once she got married, whether or not she’s happy will no longer be our business. That way,we don’t have to feel sorry for her anymore. What do you say?”

Without missing a beat, Jacob continued, “Besides, ever since Mich’s and Zack’s wedding got canceled,many projects of Jacob Real Estate had been forced to be terminated. I can’t afford to lose any of myprojects anymore.”

If Jacob had not brought up his business, perhaps he would have a higher chance of convincing Hannah.Lo and behold, Hannah’s wrath went off the rails at the mention of work.

All of a sudden, Michaela, who had remained silent throughout the entire time, suddenly stood up. With acalm expression and a faint smile on her lips, her eyes glimmered as she looked Jacob in the eye. “Iagree with you, Dad.”