Anna Hollis’s face was burning with pain. She covered her face in disbelief and turned her head to look at Alice Lynch.
Alice Lynch felt some regret, but still put on a stern face.
"The more lost we are now, the more Eleanor Hollis will feel triumphant. Don’t worry about the online news for now; netizens are very forgetful. If we keep quiet for a while, those rumors will naturally pass. Anna, you can’t waste your pretty face. I’ve invested so much money in you over the years; it’s time you repay me."
Although Anna Hollis resented it, she had no other choice but to listen to her at this moment.
Online discussions were still raging, and netizens’ scorn could practically drown a person.
The Ford Family villa in Serenford.
A woman was seated excitedly in front of a computer, her hand trembling on the mouse. She had thought Alice Lynch’s actions against her would be forgotten forever. Little did she expect a day of vindication, all thanks to her daughter.
Rachel Lynch wept, her eyes full of grievance, anger, and reluctance, which eventually turned into guilt towards Eleanor Hollis.
Her daughter not only lost her father’s love from a young age but also her mother’s love. After marrying into the Quinton Family, her days were even more turbulent.
The door was suddenly pushed open, and a man stood behind her. Seeing her cry, he sighed softly and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"If you still can’t let go of the past, go and talk to them clearly."
Rachel Lynch’s sobbing paused, and she quickly adjusted her expression.
"It’s not that I can’t let it go; I just feel I’ve wronged my daughter. I neglected her for so many years, and there are so many things that can’t be made up for. Even if I rashly try to reconnect now, it will only bring her trouble."
The man tenderly wiped her tears.
"Your daughter is my daughter too. Don’t worry, wherever she needs help in the future, I will do my utmost to support her."
Rachel Lynch looked at the man before her, her eyes filled with affection.
Her face looked different from before. When she was first rescued, the injuries on her face were terrifying, but this man never despised her and stayed by her side, caring for her tirelessly.
"Between us, there’s no need to say thank you."
Rachel Lynch wrapped her arms around his waist, saying nothing more.
The online news continued to ferment, and for many days, people angrily insulted Alice Lynch and Anna Hollis. However, since the parties involved never came forward to respond, the issue eventually subsided.
Although Eleanor Hollis inherited the belongings of the Hollis Family, the family wasn’t a business clan. Apart from going from penniless to a minor heiress, nothing much changed, and she rarely went back to the Hollis Family. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝘯𝘦𝘵
She still stayed at Hugo Quinn’s villa, but Hugo was bombarded daily with calls from Old Master Quinn, urging him to go on blind dates.
The dating partner was Claire Shaw, the woman who had secretly answered Hugo’s phone last time. Old Master Quinn seemed very optimistic about Hugo and Claire being together.
And on their side, there was also mutual interest, so they kept pushing it forward.
Claire Shaw is the granddaughter of Old Master Ford. She was adored from a young age and, being exceptionally talented, she holds dual degrees from a prestigious university.
Such a woman being paired with Hugo Quinn naturally pleased Old Master Quinn, not to mention Claire didn’t mind Hugo’s previous marriage and his child.
Hugo Quinn rubbed his temples. Initially, he could brush off the first couple of meetings, but eventually, he straightforwardly laid it out to Claire Shaw.
"Miss Shaw, we’re not suitable."
His voice was calm, holding a cup of coffee in his hand.
Claire Shaw’s smile stiffened. They had barely spent time together, so how could he know they weren’t suitable?
"I have someone I like; I’m only here because Old Master Quinn insisted."
Hugo continued, hoping Claire could tell her family to stop arranging these pointless dates.
"I know you have a girlfriend, but isn’t it true that Old Master Quinn disapproves? Mr. Quinn, given our backgrounds, we can’t choose our partners. You won’t be happy with her; I am your best choice. After marriage, I will take good care of Marcus and you."
Claire Shaw’s tone was assertive; it was her usual style.
Hugo had already stood up.
"Let’s not meet again."
Claire stood up, wanting to hold him back, but she had always been in an elevated position, never had anyone spoken meekly before her.
Hugo didn’t linger. The last time he didn’t pursue her for answering his phone without permission was because he was friends with her brother, Jude Shaw, and didn’t want to make it too ugly. But now that he’d clearly stated his position, he hoped Claire would carefully consider their situation.
Hugo got into the car, tugged at the tie around his neck, feeling agitated. He didn’t know how long Old Master Quinn planned to force him into blind dates. Every time he saw Eleanor Hollis’s gaze, he felt uneasy.
Returning to the villa, he found Eleanor sitting on the sofa watching a movie. He hung his suit jacket on the coat rack.
"I’ll take you to meet some of my friends tonight. Get ready."
He said to Eleanor, slowly walking to the sofa.
Eleanor Hollis’s heart trembled. The last time he mentioned meeting friends, but it was delayed due to some intervening events.
She had been with Hugo Quinn for quite some time but rarely participated in his private activities, so she didn’t know who his friends were.
"I’ll go put on some makeup."
She hurried upstairs, fussed in front of the makeup mirror for a while, with a cautious look in her eyes.
With Hugo Quinn’s status, his friends wouldn’t be simple either, so she needed to dress herself properly.
Perhaps because she was too anxious, she accidentally applied the lipstick too thick, quickly grabbed a tissue to wipe it off, and reapplied it.
Hugo patiently waited downstairs, but when Eleanor finally came down, it was an hour later.
He looked up to see her wearing an evening gown, and his mouth twitched slightly.
Eleanor was a bit nervous and slowly spun around.
"It’s just a casual meeting, no need to be so formal."
Eleanor’s face turned red, and she quickly ran back to her room to change into something more normal.
When she came down again, she was wearing a chic Chanel-style suit, with a matching handbag, looking sweet and charming.
"This will do. They’re probably waiting."
Eleanor followed behind him, got into the car, still a little nervous, her fingers instinctively clenched.
"They’re all my friends; it’s not that scary."
Hugo held her hand, his eyes full of a smile.
Eleanor awkwardly pulled out a smile, her palms sweaty.
The car finally stopped outside a KTV, and Hugo was the first to get off, helping her out.
Eleanor noticed it was a famous KTV in Serenford, a popular place for gatherings.
"Let’s go inside. They already know you’re coming."