Chapter 157: Mrs. Rose

Arthur

I processed that information, and my mind immediately jumped to the obvious question. "The boss had her ring? How?"

"I don't know," Ceci admitted. "But Mrs. Rose called him a good man when I mentioned meeting him. Which is—I mean, he runs a criminal organization, Arthur. He was never a good man by any reasonable definition. But to her—"

She paused. "I think he might have helped her escape. Perhaps he was the 'unknown figure' mentioned in those Grey family files."

The pieces clicked together with uncomfortable clarity. The boss’s unusual attitude toward Sophia, the assistance he offered us to infiltrate Grey Manor, and his parting words hoping Audrey had found peace all fell into place.

"He loved her," I said quietly.

"Maybe," Ceci agreed. "Either way, getting that ring back meant everything to her. She had worn it nonstop ever since opening the box."

"I'm glad," I said, and I meant it despite my frustration over Ceci’s absence. "She deserved some happiness after everything she had endured."

"She truly did." Ceci’s voice brightened, sounding more lively. "And Arthur, they are deeply in love. Mr. and Mrs. Rose—the way they gazed at each other, how he held her when she grew anxious, and how she smiled at him as if he were her whole world. It was truly beautiful."

Something in her tone prompted me to ask, "Did you tell them about London? About what happened with the Grey family?"

"Good heavens, no." Ceci sounded horrified by the thought. "I told them we had traveled to Europe for vacation. I said we ran into Sophia there and enjoyed sightseeing and fine meals together. I never mentioned the Grey family at all. Mrs. Rose never needed to know her daughter had been anywhere near those vicious people."

"Good," I said, relief washing over me. "That was the right choice."

"Mr. Rose asked about Sophia," Ceci went on, her voice softening. "He wondered why she hadn’t returned with us. I could tell he struggled to hide how hurt he was by her continued estrangement."

She paused. "He blames himself, Arthur. He feels he failed to protect his wife, failed to stop Carter Ashford from breaking off the engagement, and regrets countless other things."

Unexpected sympathy stirred within me for Victor Rose. I had only met him a few times at business events, always viewing him as capable yet unremarkable. Learning he carried such heavy guilt and self-reproach struck a chord.

"He told me he had planned to arrange another strategic marriage for Sophia after her engagement to Carter fell apart," Ceci said. "But Sophia locked herself in her room and cried for days. Mrs. Rose scolded her severely upon hearing the news. He then gave her an invitation to a charity gala, telling her she could meet Carter one last time, and promised to send her to Europe afterward to recover."

"Yet Carter never met Sophia at the gala," I said. "Carter stayed by my side the whole time."

"That’s right." Ceci spoke gently. "I saw Sophia myself. She exchanged a few words with me, glanced at Carter from a distance, then left. Still, she and Carter were slowly sorting out their feelings."

A comfortable silence settled between us as we stayed connected over the phone.

Then Ceci spoke again. "Mrs. Rose really wants me to stay. She held my hand for the past hour, flipped through old photo albums and shared stories of Sophia’s childhood. I believe she’s lonely, Arthur. She cherishes this companionship."

"Then stay," I said, even as every instinct urged me to demand her immediate return. "Keep her company and comfort her. Just send me a message when you leave, alright? I need to know you’re safe."

"I will," Ceci promised. "I love you, so very much."

"I love you too," I replied. I hung up quickly, afraid my words would betray how uneasy I felt without her nearby.

My phone soon buzzed with a new message: Mrs. Rose is showing me Sophia's baby photos. They’re lovely. I also want to see your childhood pictures. Love you.

I stared at the text, jaw tightening.

I regretted not taking more photos when I was young.

Just as I was buried in paperwork, Ethan stepped into my office with an unusual look on his face. He hesitated, caught between professional duty and fear of bringing upsetting news that might jeopardize his job.

He carefully set a folder down on my desk, then shifted his weight nervously, far from his usual poised self.

I looked up from the contract I had been examining. My patience had worn thin after three hours with no news from Ceci. "What is it?"

"Sir, this is—" He paused, cleared his throat and tried again. "This matter requires your urgent attention."

"Speak plainly instead of standing there as if facing judgment."

Ethan clenched his jaw and visibly steeled himself before speaking. "It’s Miss Locke’s resignation letter."

The words barely registered at first. I stared at him, waiting for a joke or a correction.

Ethan maintained a neutral stance, awaiting my reaction.

"Her what?" My voice turned cold and sharp.

"Her formal resignation from the position of Strategic Investment Director, sir." Ethan regained his professional demeanor, though tension lingered in his shoulders. "She submitted it to Human Resources this morning. She gave standard two weeks’ notice, citing personal career development as her reason for departure."

I opened the folder stiffly. There it lay—Ceci’s neat handwriting on official Winston Corporation stationery.

Dear Mr. Winston,

I am writing to formally tender my resignation from my current position, with my final working day scheduled two weeks from the date of this letter.

I reached this decision after careful reflection on my long-term career aspirations. I am grateful for the opportunities and growth Winston Corporation has offered me, yet I have chosen to pursue a new path that better fits my personal goals.

I will ensure a seamless handover process. During my notice period, I will finish all ongoing projects and assist in training my successor.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Cecilia Locke

I was on the verge of breaking down. Was this why Ceci insisted I come to the company? She said she would explain everything tonight, yet she’s stuck at the Rose family residence now.

"Sir?" Ethan’s voice pulled me back to reality. "How should I respond to HR?"

I lifted my head, and Ethan instinctively stepped back at the look on my face.

"What do you suppose I should tell them, Ethan?" My tone remained icy and restrained.

"I—" Ethan hesitated, aware of the delicate situation. "There is no proper reply I can suggest, sir."

"Precisely." I closed the folder slowly. "Inform HR to reject the resignation. State officially that it cannot be approved."

Ethan raised his brows slightly. "Sir, with all due respect, you cannot legally refuse an employee’s resignation."

"Cannot?" I cut him off. "I cannot block it legally, that much is true. But Ethan—" I leaned forward, palms pressed flat against the desk. "Have you ever seen a boss’s wife hand in her resignation?"