Love Her to No End

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 cheating and becoming a mistress in a relationship.

Even though the behind-the-scenes of wealthy families could attract the attention of the public, it seemed 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. Before long, 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 for Michaela’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 the caller ID was not who he expected, all of the excitement would drain from his body as he tossed his phone 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 they would 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 messages due to connection problems, or if there were something wrong with his phone that was preventing him from receiving phone calls.

It wasn’t long before Walter started avoiding Jonathan as well, praying not to bump into the latter, for he could 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 in Jonathan’s bed, yet Michaela seemed to have no desire to be associated with Jonathan. On the other hand, 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 be simple.

In the end, Michaela still did not call. Rather, it was Gary who brought the news that Jacob had returned to 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 humidity was almost overwhelming.

Before dinnertime, Michaela had just stepped out of the shower when she heard someone calling her from 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 find an opportunity to invite Jacob back home for the past two days. After all, at the end of the day, they were a family. If she could not marry Zack, then she would work 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, he cooed, “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, she immediately 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 be happy as well!”

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

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

The moment her silhouette appeared, Jacob immediately turned to look at her and gestured to her with a loving 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 were boxes of all shapes and sizes. Inside those boxes was an assortment of limited edition purses, designer gowns, 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…” she faltered.

“Mich, about your marriage, I have thought long and hard about it during my time away and have been self-reflecting. It was my fault. I have failed you and your mom. I promise that this will never happen again. Please, consider all these an atonement for what I have done.” As Jacob spoke, he gestured to the 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 voice failed 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 riches and 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 to Hannah and Michaela. It had been so long since the family had such a happy time together that even Michaela 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. After a moment of hesitation, he broke the silence cautiously. “Mich, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”

“Sure, Dad. What’s up?”

Without a second thought, Michaela answered Jacob with a bright smile. Her amber eyes turned to look at 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 voice rang 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 convince Michaela, 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 back his words. Without any other choice, Jacob steeled himself and continued the subject. “Hannah, even though 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 through Jacob’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 with the Xander family. He was well aware that he alone could not persuade the Xander family to let Lucille marry 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 be talking 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, he had 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 to reign in his anger.

“Hannah, think of it as showing her pity. Surely you can’t be heartless enough to see Lucille having no future, 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 my projects 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 a calm expression and a faint smile on her lips, her eyes glimmered as she looked Jacob in the eye. “I agree with you, Dad.”