Chapter 466
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Meanwhile, inside the sprawling estate on the outskirts of the city, at the dining table, Rita glanced at Yulia, sitting beside her sipping orange juice, and said, “Yulia, I heard Morris yelling at you yesterday. That must’ve been hard on you, wasn’t it?”
After taking a sip of her juice, Yulia nodded slightly, her expression showing a trace of discomfort. “Yes, it was upsetting.”
Rita chuckled softly before saying, “That’s nothing. Back when I was with the Muller family, your grandfather scolded me far worse than that.
“But look at me–I’ve held onto my position as the matriarch of the Muller family all these years. If it weren’t for Cherise showing up, I’d still…” She let out a snort.
The mention of Cherise’s name made Yulia, who had just picked up a piece of bread, grip it tightly. In a split second, the bread was crushed in her hands, crumbs scattering everywhere as jealousy flared in her eyes.
Rita caught the reaction entirely, but she said nothing. She simply sipped her coffee quietly, observing the scene.
They were at the long–established Hawkins family property on the outskirts of the city. It was serene and secluded. The villa’s staff were trusted confidants who had been with the family for year
Apart from this expansive estate and a solitary, quiet road, there wasn’t
her soul in sight.
The tranquility was broken by the sudden ring of a phone, which extinguished the fire of jealousy in Yulia’s eyes. The sound came from Rita’s phone.
Rita glanced in the direction of the phone, which was sitting on a nearby sofa, her gaze calm and steady.
Seeing that her grandmother didn’t move, Yulia got up, walked over briskly, and grabbed the phone. Upon seeing the caller ID, she hesitated for a moment before saying, “It’s Grandpa.”
“I see,” Rita responded, her tone indifferent, showing little surprise.
“Should I answer it? What if it’s something urgent?” Yulia asked.
Rita smiled faintly but didn’t reply. The phone stopped ringing after going unanswered for too long. Yulia felt a slight pang, of regret.
However, just a few seconds later, the phone started ringing again. This time, Yulia couldn’t wait. “Grandma, should I answer it?”
“Answer it. Bring it to me,” Rita instructed.
The call connected, and Rayburn instantly said, “Rita, let’s meet
Without hesitation, Rita replied, “Alright.” Watching her grandmother agree so quickly, Yulia couldn’t help but think it must be because her grandfather still held a significant place in her heart.
After wiping her mouth with a napkin, Rita called someone and gave a simple command when the call connected. “Release the information I told you about yesterday.”
*****
Meanwhile, Cherise was still focused on breaking the curse, having worked tirelessly for eleven hours since Morris’s sudden disappearance.
Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as the serum coalesced under the influence of the insect.
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She couldn’t deny the anxiety gnawing at her. Only she knew that her calm exterior was just a cover for the slight vulnerability inside her.
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She thought about what would happen if it failed but immediately dismissed the idea, telling herself that failure had no place in her life.
+5
An hour and a half later, outside a café in the heart of the city, Rita stepped out of a sleek black luxury car.
Gone was the simple attire she usually wore at the Muller residence. Instead, she was wearing a dress crafted from shimmering silk satin, embellished with intricate gold thread embroidery, exuding an air of opulence.
She didn’t look like an older person; her skin was smooth and radiant, making it evident how enchanting and elegant she must have been in her youth.
With a composed grace, she entered the café, ascended to the second Rayburn had specified. Knocking lightly, she pushed the door open a
and stopped in front of the private room
ed in.
Rayburn was already seated, waiting. When he saw her, a flicker of disdain crossed his face.
Rita noticed and chuckled as she took a seat. “If you dislike me so much, why did you ask me to meet?”
Rayburn exhaled heavily and replied, “I won’t beat around the bush. You know where Morris is.
“I don’t care how you’ve managed to trap him or what your intentions are, but you need to release him right away. You know full well who he is. What you’re doing is a direct challenge to authority.”
Rita chuckled lightly and sneered, “I knew that was why you wanted to meet me. But tell me, who are you to demand anything of me? On what grounds do you come to me with this?
“Besides, Morris’s disappearance–what does that have to do with me? Do you have any evidence?”
Rayburn slammed the table as he stood. Then he snapped, “I knew this conversation wouldn’t end well. Fine, I’ll beg you if that’s what it takes. I’ve wronged Megan too much already.
“I can’t bear to see our granddaughter suffer. I know this is all because of me. Whatever your grievance is, take it out on me! Leave Cherise and Morris out of this!”
Rita glanced at her nails with a cold smile. “Morris is the grandson–in–law I’ve chosen. There’s no way I’m leaving him out of this.”
“I–I knew it was you! You’re impossible!” Rayburn pointed at her shaking with rage. “He’s already Cherise’s legal husband!”
Rita stood as well, her face radiating defiant pride. She declared, I’ve been living like a widow for decades. Death doesn’t scare me anymore. You’re right–this is all because of you.
“Since I can’t live in peace, why should anyone around you? Dont worry. Next will be Jason, followed by Toby and Seraphina. And finally, it’ll be your turn.”
Without waiting for Rayburn’s response, she turned and walked out of the private room, leaving Rayburn seething in silence.
***
As Rita left the suburban villa, Yulia carried a tray of breakfast into the room where Morris was “confined.”
Morris was already awake, hoping that after a night’s rest, he might have regained some strength in his legs. But nothing had changed. No matter how hard he tried to move, he remained immobile, as if paralyzed by a stroke.
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When Yulia entered, his stomach churned with revulsion. He felt so uncomfortable that he thought he might vomit at any
moment.
Unfazed, Yulia smiled sweetly and said, “Morris, you’re awake. Let me help you sit up so I can feed you breakfast, okay?”
Without waiting for Morris’s reply, she adjusted the bed’s mechanism, raising the headrest to make him appear seated.
Picking up a bowl of oatmeal, she scooped a spoonful and brought it close to his lips. “Come on. Open up. I’ll feed you.”
Morris remained motionless, his cold, sharp gaze fixed on her as he turned his head away. “Get away from me.”
Yulia, undeterred, patiently brought the spoon closer. “Just eat a little. It pains me to see you like this.”
This time, as the spoon nearly touched his lips, Morris’s large hand swung out, knocking the spoon and bowl to the floor. The oatmeal splattered everywhere, shards of the shattered bowl litterin the ground.
a resist me forever.” She slipped off her jacket, Yulia bit her lip, as though making a grave decision. “Fine. Let’s see if y leaving only a thin camisole that exposed her slender shoulders and elegant neckline. Slowly, she approached Morris.
Morris’s eyes widened with fury, and he roared, “Get the hell away from me, you shameless wench! Like grandmother, like granddaughter–you’re both vile!”
Even as he yelled, he struggled to move his legs, veins bulging in defiance. Yulia ignored his insults and continued inching closer, step by step.
When her hand was about to touch his legs, Morris let out a primal roar, summoning all his strength. His legs kicked out violently, sending Yulia flying backward.
She crashed heavily against the wall with a thunderous impact, coughing up a mouthful of blood as the force of the collision left her internal organs damaged.
