By Zephyria The Butler was momentarily surprised and paused, but soon straightened his posture. The master seemed to be concentrating on the call with his mouth shut again. His coldly hardened face was not much different from usual, but the pheromone scent that spread thickly revealed his emotions. If the Butler had been even 10 years younger than he was now, he would have been afraid of the transformation, it was such a strong scent.
“Continue.”
Winston urged in a quiet voice, as if he had noticed such a sign even though he was on the other side of the phone. He just listened silently to the report that followed. It seemed that a faint voice was heard over the receiver, but it was difficult to understand the contents, so the Butler stood silently, waiting only for his master’s orders.
“I understand.”
Winston finally opened his mouth. The Butler pricked up his ears at the low voice that followed.
“So where is he now? That low-quality hyena.”
A smile flickered in his voice. But even a three-year-old child would know that he wasn’t laughing because he was happy. Winston, who had been listening for a while, suddenly got up. The Butler was inwardly nervous, but his face reflected in the glass was no different from usual.
“Good, 30 minutes should be enough.”
Winston, who checked the watch on his wrist, hung up the phone and headed straight to the bathroom. He handed the cell phone to the Butler who followed him and continued in an indifferent voice.
“Prepare the car. We’ll leave in 15 minutes.”
“Yes, sir.”
The Butler was surprised at himself for inwardly worrying about the safety of Yu-jin and Angela. He could understand about Angela, since she was an innocent child. The reason he had let his guard down was also because the other party was an innocent child.
But Yu-jin?
Until now, he had only been faithful to his role, half by his own will and half by the position of being the person chosen by the master of the Campbell family, according to his orders. Even after they left the mansion, he was worried about his master’s safety.
But now, he felt worried when he thought that they would be found. He should be relieved that his master’s wishes had been fulfilled, but he felt his true feelings, and he felt very embarrassed.
If Mrs. Campbell knew about this, I would be fired on the spot.
Thinking that way, his mind became complicated. What made him even more embarrassed was the fact that he was still more worried about Yu-jin and Angela. Ha, really. He sighed briefly, left alone after the master went into the bathroom. He had never felt any doubts or questions about his work. The fact that he was feeling such emotions now was confusing.
Many things have changed since they came to this mansion. Thinking that he was also one of the things that had changed, he unexpectedly smiled bitterly rather than feeling unpleasant.Mr. Campbell wouldn’t harm them, would he?
He wanted to believe that, but he couldn’t be sure about Yu-jin. Winston wouldn’t vent his anger on a young girl. After all, the child wouldn’t have had any say in the matter, and Yu-jin was the mastermind behind it all.
A sigh welled up, but there was nothing he could do.
* * *
“Well, Jay, I had a great time today.”
Grant smiled back at his ex-wife, who was smiling at him in front of the door.
“How about another cup of coffee? Just the adults.”
His ex-wife chuckled and shook her head, glancing meaningfully inside the house.
“Stop it, Jay. We agreed not to do this.”
Grant smiled, but it soon turned bitter.
“So, it’s really not possible?”
His ex-wife gently stroked the shoulder of the man she once loved and replied.
“Jay, we’re divorced. You know that.”
“Yeah, I know.”
Grant nodded readily and added.
“I’m still hoping for a little bit of a chance.”
“Don’t.”
His ex-wife continued bluntly.
“We agreed not to. Besides, Jay, I’m seeing someone.”
Grant blinked, momentarily speechless.
“Who? Don’t tell me it’s that crazy cowboy hat guy? No way, I can’t accept that guy as my daughter’s stepfather!”
“Jay Grant.”
She stopped her ex-husband, who was jumping up and down, with a stern voice and replied calmly.
“It’s not him. And he wasn’t crazy. Anyway, I’ll introduce you next time.”
His ex-wife smiled at Grant, who closed his mouth with a sulky expression, and added a warning.
“Just so you know, whether you approve or not is none of my business. You’re not my father, you’re Phoebe’s father. Got it?”
Grant couldn’t resist any longer at her gentle but sharp words.
“Okay.”
She smiled at him, who was drooping his shoulders, gave him a warm hug, and stepped back.
“Well, goodbye, Jay. Thanks for watching Phoebe over the weekend.”
“Anytime.”
Grant quickly added before the door closed.
“Weekdays, anytime. I’m not dating like you are.”
His ex-wife frowned and chuckled at his petty remark. Knowing that he was being petty, Grant couldn’t help but ask.
“Don’t tell me you went on a trip with that guy over the weekend?”
“Goodbye, Jay.”
Instead of answering, the door slammed shut. Grant stared blankly at the closed door before finally turning around. All sorts of fantasies ran through his head as he walked to where he had parked his car. His stomach churned as he imagined his ex-wife kissing a faceless man. Kate was an elegant, wise, and beautiful woman. If she had one flaw, it was that she didn’t know the world very well. Some scoundrel must have seduced her with ridiculous nonsense. She would definitely get angry if he said this, but Grant was serious. Dating that guy is proof that you don’t know the world! Grant was going to say this confidently. Even though he didn’t know who the guy was, not even his initials.
“Break up with that trash right now and come to me!”
He clenched his fists and shouted loudly, continuing his imagination in his head. When he felt a little relieved, he suddenly noticed a man standing not far away.
Oops, someone else was here.
His ears burned at the thought that someone had seen his unsightly behavior. Grant quickly lowered his head and hurried away. He had to pass the man to get to where he had parked his car. He was walking almost running, feeling embarrassed, when he suddenly smelled a faint fragrance. He didn’t realize what it was at first, but it became much stronger as he got closer.
…Huh?
An absurdly sweet scent filled the air. It was seductive, but on the other hand, it made him feel a chilling fear.
What is it? Is it because of this scent?
It suddenly occurred to him, but he shook his head. No way, it can’t be…
“Jay Grant.”
Just as he was quickly denying it, a low voice suddenly called out to him. Startled, Grant stopped and looked up. The man, shrouded in darkness, was literally huge. Grant was tall, but the man looked four or five inches taller than him. He swallowed hard without realizing it.
Suddenly, the man’s face looked familiar.
…Huh?
After blinking a couple of times, his memory finally returned.
“Oh!”
This time, he exclaimed out loud.
Winston Campbell.
How many people in the world wouldn’t know that man? The emperor of the financial world. The king of the Campbell family. The man who has everything in the world.
Without realizing it, the man grabbed his shoulder as he took a step back. Seeing Grant inhale sharply as his shoulder was grabbed tightly, he opened his mouth.
“I have something to ask you.”
There was no introduction about himself. He seemed to know that it was a waste of unnecessary time. Grant also realized that it was no use pretending not to know him. Winston whispered in a low voice to Grant, who was at a loss in confusion and fear.
“Where is Yu-jin?”
* * *
Yu-jin, who was dozing off, woke up with a start at the sound of the doorbell ringing in the middle of the night. He quickly checked his phone and saw that it was a call from Grant.
“He, hello? Grant?”
What time is it? It was still dark outside. He fumbled for the clock on the side table, and Grant shouted abruptly in a rough voice from the other side.
“Were you Campbell’s partner? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Yu-jin was so surprised that he almost dropped his phone.