Chapter 274

Chapter 274

Arthur felt a sting from the determination in her eyes, his arm freezing in place.

Taking advantage of his momentary daze, Elaine had already turned sideways, unhesitatingly holding Vera, brushing past him and pushing the door open to leave.

Arthur stood there, staring at the door that had closed again, his expression dark and unreadable.

"Arthur, don't be angry."

Emily's soft voice sounded in his ear. She gently took his arm and sighed, "Elaine is probably in a bad mood and upset... Look at her, she's so cold even to the child. Julius was so hurt just now."

Arthur didn't respond. His gaze unconsciously drifted toward the window.

He saw Elaine holding Vera, walking quickly toward the villa's main gate.

Outside the gate, a black sedan was parked by the roadside.

Seeing Elaine come out, the driver's door immediately opened. Bradley got out and hurried toward her.

The distance was too far to hear what they were saying, but Arthur clearly saw Bradley naturally reach out, seemingly wanting to take the child from Elaine's arms. Elaine shook her head and got into the passenger seat while still holding Vera.

Bradley then carefully closed the car door for her before walking back to the driver's seat.

The whole process was smooth and natural, as if hinting at their close relationship.

"Heh..."

Emily had also seen this scene and let out a scoff. "No wonder she wouldn't stay for dinner. Turns out she's rushing to take her daughter to have dinner with Mr. Lewis. Arthur, looks like we worried for nothing. She's got her own plans."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it struck precisely at Arthur's most sensitive nerve at that moment.

His jawline tightened sharply, his eyes fixed on the black sedan slowly driving away, his gaze frighteningly dark.

Inside the car, Elaine held Vera, who was still clinging tightly to her, and let out a soft sigh of relief.

"These past two weeks... things have been pretty rough outside, haven't they?"

Elaine spoke first, her voice somewhat weary.

Bradley focused on the road ahead and nodded. "Yeah. When the news first broke, public opinion was almost completely one-sided. Although the Smith family quickly stepped in to suppress a lot of it, the damage was already done. Some of the online comments were really nasty, saying you... saying you and your mother were both traitors colluding with foreign forces."

He paused, glancing at Elaine through the rearview mirror. Seeing her calm expression, he continued, "Vera's kindergarten was also affected. Some parents were making snide remarks in the group chat, and the kids probably passed along some things too... Vera came home from kindergarten a few days ago in a bad mood. So I took it upon myself to ask for leave for her and didn't let her go back to school for now. I didn't have time to discuss it with you. Sorry."

Elaine's heart clenched. She looked down at her daughter in her arms.

Vera seemed to sense something and buried her little face deeper into Elaine's embrace.

So while she had been isolated for investigation, her daughter had been enduring gossip and pressure outside.

"No, I'm the one who should apologize."

Elaine shook her head, her voice somewhat hoarse. "Thank you, Bradley. Really... thank you for taking care of Vera so thoughtfully."

If it weren't for him, who knows how much Vera would have suffered these past few days.

"Don't say that."

Bradley's voice carried a reassuring strength. "We're friends, and you're Dr. Harris's only daughter. Both emotionally and logically, I should help you."

He paused, shifting away from this heavy topic. "You and Vera haven't eaten, right? I know a nice private restaurant. It's quiet, the food is light, good for kids and for you... to help settle your stomach. These past two weeks, you probably haven't eaten properly."

His thoughtful consideration warmed Elaine's heart.

She was indeed tired and hungry, and Vera needed to eat something too.

"Okay, I'll follow your lead."

She nodded, not refusing this kindness.

Vera in her arms seemed to relax a bit. Her little hand grabbed Elaine's finger and asked softly, "Mommy, where are we going?"

"Bradley is taking us to eat something good. What does Vera want to eat?"

Elaine asked gently.

"I want... I want Mommy's Garlic-Butter Shrimp & Dill Frittata."

Vera blinked her still slightly red and swollen eyes and said softly.

Elaine's heart melted completely. "Okay, when we get home, Mommy will make it for Vera. Tonight let's try the food Bradley recommends, okay?"

"Mm."

Vera nodded obediently, leaning against Elaine. Gradually feeling more secure, she was no longer as tense as before.

Bradley watched this scene through the rearview mirror, a smile unconsciously appearing at the corner of his mouth.

The private restaurant was tucked away deep in an old alley, elegant and quiet.

Bradley had reserved a small private room. Outside the window was a small courtyard with swaying bamboo shadows.

The food came quickly—several homestyle dishes, but prepared with particular refinement and freshness.

Bradley carefully served Vera a small bowl of soup and helped Elaine with her food.

"Eat more, you've lost a lot of weight."

He placed a dish with the most tender part of the fish in front of Elaine.

Elaine thanked him and first fed Vera a few bites.

The little one was perhaps tired from crying, and being back with her mother, her appetite had improved considerably. She ate in small bites, her eyes gradually regaining some of their usual sparkle.

The atmosphere was rarely warm and peaceful.

Halfway through the meal, Elaine's phone on the table lit up with incoming messages.

The first message came from the official work group of the National Vaccine Research Institute where she worked.

A group announcement was pinned at the top, mentioning all members:

[Statement Regarding Researcher Elaine's Recent Cooperation with Relevant Departments' Investigation]

The announcement was worded carefully, clearly stating that she had not leaked any state secrets.

Almost immediately after, a second message popped up—a link to an official police platform announcement.

The announcement briefly explained the investigation progress regarding a laboratory confidentiality incident, and the content helped clear her of suspicion.

Two messages, one after another, like two reassuring pills.

Elaine held her phone, her fingers trembling slightly.

Although she knew she was innocent, seeing this official statement finally allowed her to truly breathe a sigh of relief.

"The official statement cleared me."

She turned her phone screen toward Bradley, her voice somewhat hoarse but more filled with relief.

Bradley took the phone and looked carefully, a genuine smile appearing on his face. "That's great! I knew it—the innocent will be proven innocent. Now those nasty rumors should die down."

He raised his teacup. "Tea instead of wine—congratulations, Elaine. The storm has passed."

"Thank you."

Elaine also raised her teacup and gently clinked it with his.

Although Vera didn't quite understand what had happened, sensing that her mother seemed a bit happier, she lifted her little face and said in a sweet childlike voice, "Mommy, don't be sad."

Elaine's heart softened. She kissed her daughter's forehead. "Mm, I'm not sad. Vera, eat your food."

But this moment of peace didn't last long.