My Substitute CEO Bride
Chapter 1406

The sun was setting when Nash went to Southern Heaven Industrial Park to wait for Hera and Melody to finish work. The security guard at the entrance had been replaced.

Nash lit a cigarette, his heart weighing heavily in his chest. Jupiter's head was missing, so there was no saving him now-not even by some deity. Old Holt had to endure the pain of outliving his son. Then, there was Maria...

While he was at the hospital yesterday, his mother-in-law and father-in-law had visited her home. They gave Maria's family ten million dollars as condolence money and gave her son, Adam, a month off for mourning.

Adam brought his mother's body back to their hometown to be buried, and the funeral would be tomorrow. Having looked after Hera as she grew, Maria left a good impression on Nash's heart, so he decided to attend her funeral tomorrow.

Several black Mercedes drive out of the industrial park. Hera and Melody were in the middle car with Robin's former comrades-in-arm being the driver and the co-driver. Apart from Robin and Jasmine, none of the other bodyguards had been injured. In the car ahead were Yasmin and Derek, accompanied by bodyguards. Queenie and Sydney were in the last car.

The cars stopped, and Hera stuck her head out. "Honey, there's no more room!"

Understanding the situation, the co-driver opened the door to offer his seat to Nash.

Nash pushed his hand against the car door and said solemnly, "There's room to squeeze in the back!" It was a rare opportunity to be surrounded by company, and he did not want to miss it.

Hera understood what Nash was thinking and moved closer to Melody, freeing up her seat. Nash's hope of being flanked by both women was dashed, and he had no choice but to sit next to the car door.

"Honey, do you have time tomorrow? Let's go to Maria's funeral together," Hera said in a tone laden with emotion. Maria had worked for her family for over two decades.

Back when her eldest sister had targeted her with the Lewis family, Maria was the only one who treated her kindly. Before meeting Nash, Maria was the kindest to her, aside from her parents.

Nash held Hera's smooth hand and said, "Maria treated you like a daughter. Of course, I'll attend her funeral. Not only that, I'll do so with great respect!"

After saying this, Nash tagged everyone in his Jonford circle chatgroup, informing them that he would be attending a funeral tomorrow and might be unreachable.

The group consisted of people who understood the nuances of social interactions, and so, they naturally grasped the underlying meaning of Nash's message.

...

Half an hour later, at Gladwell Sales Office, the grand launching ceremony was in full swing. The floor was covered with a red carpet, and over a hundred banquet tables were set up.

In attendance were not only the local tycoons of Jonford but also many of Eastjon's elite circles. Tycoons from other regions were not invited.

Nash and the two women got out of the car, with Hera instinctively clinging to Nash's arm. Hera glanced at Melody, then let go of his arm. She was Nash's wife, but Melody was also Nash's woman. Those who knew this would surely whisper and point fingers at Melody walking alone.

Hera moved to Nash's left side and took Melody's arm. "Melody, let's walk together!"

Melody was touched. "You and Nash are married. You can walk together!"

Hera pouted. "Who wants to walk with him?"

Melody was momentarily speechless before she agreed, "Okay then. Let's walk together!"

Nash shoved his hands in his pocket and smiled helplessly.

"Mr. Calcraft, long time no see!" greeted a plainly dressed Walter cheerfully with a gesture of salute.

Nash returned the gesture. "You're practically beaming, Mr. Watson. Something good happened recently?"

Walter wanted to keep it a surprise, but realizing that Nash had more or less guessed it, he laughed heartily. "You truly have divine insight, Mr. Calcraft. But yes, you guessed right!"