Chapter 296 It's Not Your Fault

Chapter 296 It's Not Your Fault
Vera's POV

Ruby and her birth mother had been taken away. I felt completely drained, leaning against Atlas's chest. He held me close.

Bill looked at me with tears in his eyes. "Vera, all these years... you've suffered so much. I'm sorry..."

I shook my head weakly, my face pale. "Grandpa, this isn't your fault. You were deceived too."

Bill's guilt remained heavy. "I even gave you a hard time because of that vicious woman. Unforgivable! But I promise you, from now on I'll make it up to you tenfold."

Nathan's eyes were also filled with remorse. He apologized sincerely. "I owe you an apology too. Ruby played the victim in front of me, got me to help her frame you. That V.G. painting—I orchestrated making you tear it up. I'm sorry."

Bill was both shocked and furious. "I can't believe that incident was her doing too! How can such evil people exist?"

I smiled generously. "Let's leave the past in the past. From now on we're family."

Nathan nodded. "You can count on me. From now on you're my only sister. Anything you need at the company, just say the word."

I smiled sincerely. "Thanks, Nathan."

Atlas looked down at my pale face, his heart aching. He said gently, "Let's head back. You've had a long day."

Bill quickly interjected, "Why don't you come back to Grant Estate? I'll have the chef make you something delicious."

Before I could speak, Atlas declined. "Another time. She's too tired today."

Bill looked at Atlas with slight displeasure.

I glanced at Atlas helplessly but went along with him. "Grandpa, with the wedding coming up, we've got a lot to handle. I'll come back next time. Besides, I'll be staying at home the night before the wedding anyway."

Bill didn't insist. He reminded me, "Let Atlas handle the wedding stuff. Don't wear yourself out."

I nodded with a smile. "Okay."

As soon as we got in the car, I leaned against Atlas's chest.

Atlas kissed the top of my head. "Tired?"

I hummed softly. "Even though I've known for a while that something was wrong with my mother's death, when the truth is laid out, it still hurts. She was such a good person. She should have had a happy ending."

Atlas wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "Then live a full and happy life for her. She'd be so happy knowing that."

My eyes moistened. I hugged his waist tightly and nodded.

Atlas pulled me closer. "Let's take a vacation before the wedding. Clear our heads."

I realized I'd been constantly dealing with conflicts since coming to New York. It had been too long since I'd relaxed.

I smiled. "Sounds good."

......

The bedroom.

Atlas was packing summer clothes for our Caribbean island vacation.

I lay on the bed scrolling through my phone. Seeing a news article, I laughed. "Miller Group's stock hit the limit down."

Atlas continued packing. "This is just the beginning."

I turned to look at him. How was my husband so capable?

After packing, we set off. The flight took three and a half hours. I slept the whole way—we'd been up too late the night before.

When we got off the plane, heat hit us—completely different from New York's bitter cold. Azure sky, brilliant sunshine, drifting clouds. I felt more relaxed than I'd been in ages.

Atlas drove us to the resort.

At the hotel entrance, several uniformed staff were waiting. The hotel manager bowed slightly. "Mr. Blackwell, welcome to the Caribbean!"

Atlas nodded coolly. "Get the luggage."

"Right away." The manager waved to his staff. "Take Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell's luggage to the private oceanfront villa."

He presented a keycard. "Let me escort you."

Atlas said flatly, "No need. I know the way."

The manager bowed and gestured. "Of course. Right this way."

Atlas put his arm around me as we walked through the lobby.

I smiled and asked, "Is this hotel a Blackwell property?"

Atlas said three words. "The whole island."

My eyes widened. Just how rich was he?

The oceanfront villa.

I stood on the terrace as the salty breeze blew against my face. I closed my eyes, savoring this moment.

Suddenly, hands settled on my waist. Atlas's familiar scent enveloped me.

I smiled at him. "So, Mr. Blackwell, how do you plan to entertain me?"

Atlas leaned close to my ear. "After all that traveling, let's soak in the hot spring first."

Before I could respond, he scooped me up.

The villa had a large pool scattered with rose petals. A bikini was laid out by the pool.

Atlas went to get something from the luggage.

I quickly put on the scandalously small bikini and got in the water. The temperature was perfect. I leaned against the pool wall with my eyes closed.

Footsteps approached. I opened my eyes to see Atlas in swim trunks. Tall, broad shoulders, narrow waist. Abs, V-line... Everything assaulted my vision. The water suddenly felt warmer.

Atlas stepped in and came to my side. His dark eyes grew deeper. He sat down, opened a box, and smiled. "Come here, baby. Sit on my lap."

Two used wrappers lay by the pool's edge. Halfway through, I collapsed weakly against Atlas's shoulder. The desire in his eyes was still intense. He dotingly kissed my earlobe, his voice husky. "Want to move somewhere else?"

I was too exhausted to speak. I just nodded.

Atlas supported my hips and stood up from the pool. The sudden weightlessness made me tremble and moan softly. I squirmed uncomfortably.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He said with restraint, "Don't worry, almost there..."