In the garden, two servants trimming the lawn were whispering to each other.
"I think the young mistress is quite cold to her husband..."
"That’s true. I’ve been working at this villa for two years, and it seems like I’ve never seen the young mistress take the initiative to get close to her husband..."
"Do you think there’s something wrong with their relationship?"
"How could there be? I heard from the butler that Mr. Geoffrey and the young mistress are very affectionate. Just take yesterday for instance; as soon as Mr. Geoffrey came back, he and the young mistress were in their room... you know, the young mistress hasn’t even gotten up yet!" The young maid blushed as she finished speaking.
The other maid looked puzzled. "Of course I know that. Mr. Geoffrey has always been very loving towards the young mistress. However, if they are so affectionate, why haven’t they had a child yet? The young mistress is still young and should be able to conceive easily!"
The young maid blurted out, "It’s because the young mistress doesn’t want a child!!"
Seeing her colleague’s surprise, the young maid hurriedly corrected herself, "Uh, I didn’t say anything... I just happened to see Lily Shaw, who was with the young mistress, buy some contraception the other day, so I made a wild guess..."
A man’s cough interrupted the maids’ conversation.
Both maids, engrossed in their talk, clamped their mouths shut when they realized someone had arrived, politely greeting, "Mr. Wood."
Jason Wood nodded to the two maids and walked towards another corner of the garden.
From a distance, Jason Wood saw his boss, dressed casually, sitting in the European-style garden and leisurely enjoying his breakfast.
Jason Wood walked over and bowed respectfully. "Boss."
Howard Geoffrey didn’t even raise his head. "Speak."
Jason Wood reported, "The doctor says Miss Quinn can have the operation in a couple of days. I’ve already contacted Alexander Quentin, and he said it could be done three days from now..."
Howard Geoffrey picked up his napkin and wiped the corner of his mouth, a light, almost imperceptible smile on his thin lips. "Very well!" he said. "Tell Christine I’ll be with her during the operation."
At this moment, Howard Geoffrey seemed to be in a good mood; the deep frown on his handsome face had slightly eased.
Jason Wood hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Boss, when I entered the villa earlier, I heard two maids talking. They seemed to be discussing Miss Quentin’s use of contraception..."
What Jason Wood mentioned was a sensitive subject, but it seemed quite insignificant to Howard Geoffrey. His handsome face showed no reaction.
Without any instruction or response from his boss, Jason Wood didn’t dare to continue.
Just then, an elegant white figure entered the garden.
Seeing it was Rebecca Quentin, Jason Wood stepped aside and politely greeted, "Madam!"
Rebecca Quentin nodded slightly and then walked to her husband’s side, gently calling, "Howard."
Howard Geoffrey drew Rebecca into his arms, his handsome face no longer cold, but filled with a faint tenderness. He looked at her worried expression and asked, "You seem tired. Why don’t you sleep a little longer?"
Not used to being so intimate in front of others, Rebecca Quentin gently pushed him away and said sadly, "Aunt Clare just called to say that Father’s condition has worsened. I’d like you to accompany me to visit him if you have time."
Howard Geoffrey stood up, naturally kissed Rebecca Quentin’s forehead, and said indulgently, "Alright, let’s go right away."