Celine returned to the Abater residence. When she entered the living room, she saw someone she would never forget: Larry Slick. Years ago, Lucy had sent her to the countryside, placing her under Larry's care. Larry was her so-called adoptive father.
Now, Mary and Larry were seated on the living room couch, with Mary entertaining him.
“We have you to thank for raising Orline while she was in the countryside,” Mary smiled.
Larry was blind in his left eye. He was a burly figure, notorious for his drunken rages and for beating his wife in the past. As he sat on the luxurious couch, his remaining eye roamed greedily over the expensive décor, his gaze lingering on the antique paintings and lavish furnishings. His excitement was barely concealed.
However, Larry feigned humility. “You’re too kind, Mrs. Alvarez Senior. I just hope Celine hasn’t caused you any trouble since marrying into your family.”
Mary smiled. “How could she? Celine is such a well-behaved girl.”
Larry smirked, as though he had thought of something. “Oh yes, Celine has always been a good girl.”
Orline felt her stomach churn. A wave of nausea hit her, and she wanted to vomit.
Just then, the butler, Alfred, noticed her. “Welcome back, Mrs. Alvarez.”
Larry looked up at the sound of the butler’s voice and saw Celine. It had been ten years since Larry had last seen Celine. The little girl he remembered had grown into a graceful woman. His gaze fell on her lace, then slowly trailed downward, his eyes roaming over her slender figure.
Larry stood up, his voice tinged with false affection. “Celine, you’re back. It’s been ten years since we last saw each other. I’ve thought about you every day.”
Mary, oblivious, smiled at Celine. “Celine, your adoptive father came to visit you.”
Celine’s gaze hardened. This man was the nightmare of her childhood. Seeing him again made her tremble uncontrollably.
In the next moment, an arm draped over her shoulders. She heard a voice above her head. “Why are you just standing here?”
Celine looked up to see Adam. His handsome face came into focus. Adam had returned.
He studied Celine. Her dark eyes seemed blank and distant. She looked pitifully fragile.
A maid stepped forward to take Adam’s coat. He hummed, “Why are you so cold?” His hand gently gripped her shoulder, rubbing it lightly to warm her.
Celine felt the heat of his hand through her shoulder, the warmth spreading from his touch. With his arm wrapped around her, she felt the warmth of his chest through the thin fabric of her clothes. His presence brought a sense of security, a comfort she couldn’t help but lean into.
Celine snapped out of it. “Maybe I’m just underdressed.”
Mary introduced Larry to Adam. “Adam, this is Celine’s adoptive father. He came from the countryside to visit her.”
Adam’s eyes shifted to Larry. Larry’s gaze, in turn, fell on Adam. The man standing beside Celine radiated an imposing air of authority; his every movement exuded the confidence of someone used to commanding respect. The sight made Larry grind his teeth in jealousy. That wretched girl had managed to marry someone so fine!
Larry forced a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Alvarez. I’m glad to see that Celine married well. Seeing you two so in love puts my mind at ease. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
Mary immediately protested, “Oh, don’t be in such a hurry! Stay for dinner. It’s rare for you to make the trip here. I’ve already asked the kitchen staff to prepare a feast. Let’s enjoy a meal together.”
Adam’s piercing gaze lingered on Larry. “Stay for dinner.”