Chapter 20 The Biological Father
The strong scent of cologne grew stronger, making it hard for Xandra to keep pretending she was asleep.
She opened her eyes and met Frederick's gaze.
"He wants to hold his great-grandchild. Are you going to go along with that?" Frederick asked.
"I..."
Xandra's eyelashes fluttered as she bit her lip, staying silent.
"If you don't say anything, I'll take that as a yes," Frederick teased, moving closer.
Xandra's heart pounded as she stared at his chiseled chest.
Inappropriate thoughts raced through her mind. She gripped the blanket tighter and tried to speak.
Frederick chuckled softly.
"You're stiff as a board. Don't worry, I'm not into zombies. Get some sleep; I've got work to do."
Xandra stayed silent, watching him walk toward the study, separated by a wooden partition. She felt oddly relieved.
She suddenly realized Raymond had been teasing her.
Raymond could be so wicked, always enjoying his little games!
Xandra exhaled, closed her eyes, and tried to sleep.
That night, she slept surprisingly well.
In her half-asleep state, someone gently wrapped their arms around her.
Her eyelashes fluttered as she tried to wake up.
The person patted her softly, soothing her like a child.
Unable to resist, Xandra snuggled closer and drifted back into a deep sleep.
At Lucius's Villa.
Vivian sat on the couch, feeling a surge of satisfaction as she read the online comments.
What good did Lenora's defense of Xandra do?
Vivian was now the hot new designer at Russell Jewelry, and no one would believe that someone who didn't even finish college had guided her.
From now on, Xandra could only watch as she basked in glory!
Footsteps approached, and Lucius embraced her from behind, his breath warm and smelling of alcohol against her ear.
"What are you looking at?" he asked.
Vivian knew Lucius was back.
She put away her phone and turned to face him.
"Just browsing. Is your skin still itchy?"
"Much better," Lucius replied, puzzled.
It was strange. He didn't know why his skin had been itching so badly. He had seen a doctor, but they couldn't find a reason.
Fortunately, the itching had subsided.
Lucius couldn't help but think of Xandra, his eyes darkening.
He tightened his hold on Vivian, kissing her ear.
Vivian was also thinking about Xandra.
Recalling what Xandra had said to her earlier, her eyes flickered.
"Lucius, you've broken off your engagement to Xandra. When will you marry me?" she asked.
Lucius paused his kissing, "Wait a little longer."
Vivian's heart sank slightly, "Wait for what? Lucius, I'm already twenty-four. I'm not getting any younger."
Lucius frowned, "I know. I didn't say I wouldn't marry you. Just wait until I secure the Russell Group project, then I'll marry you, okay?"
He had planned to send Xandra to the Russell Group executive's bed to facilitate securing the project.
But Logan hadn't answered his calls lately.
Lucius wanted to ask Logan in person why he hadn't slept with Xandra that night.
Instead, the man driving the Bentley had gotten lucky!
Did Logan know the man driving the Bentley?
"Lucius, do you love me or Xandra? Won't it be like Xandra said, where one day, for the sake of profit, you'll send me to another man's bed?" Vivian asked.
Lucius's eyes flashed with impatience, pushing her away.
"Look at you. I've told you, that's what Xandra said to mess with us. She's trying to drive a wedge between us, and you're still hung up on it?"
Vivian quickly hugged him, "Because I love you so much, I'm afraid of losing you, afraid you'll regret it when you see Xandra married to another man."
She knew Lucius was lying.
But what did it matter?
Men were like that, always keeping an eye on the next opportunity.
She had worked hard to win Lucius's heart and wasn't about to let go now!
She couldn't let Xandra laugh at her!
Lucius's gaze darkened. He lightly patted her back, then pushed her onto the couch.
"How could I regret losing a worn-out shoe? Once it's gone, it's gone."
He didn't exactly regret it; he felt a sense of loss. He hadn't slept with her.
That's human nature.
You don't cherish what you have, but once it's gone, you miss it dearly.
The unattainable always stirs desire.
Even now, with Vivian beneath him, it was Xandra's face he saw.
Xandra, he would get her one day!
---
The next day.
Riverside Estates.
Breakfast was once again prepared by Frederick.
With Richard now in the house, it felt even livelier.
Xandra thought Richard might look down on her for not being able to cook, but he said nothing.
After breakfast, Frederick headed to the office.
Settling in, he remembered something and called Aiden in.
"Have the Russell Jewelry design department draft an announcement. Say that early next month, there will be a jewelry design competition to recruit talent. Participants will be judged on skill, not education. Anyone who thinks they have the ability can participate…"
Frederick repeated what he had told Xandra the previous night.
Aiden was slightly taken aback.
His boss was very busy and typically wouldn't bother with such minor matters. Why was he personally issuing this order?
Though puzzled, as a competent assistant, he didn't ask questions and left to carry out the task.
The Russell Jewelry design department was even more perplexed upon receiving the notice.
But with orders from the big boss, they didn't dare delay.
Soon, the announcement was posted on Russell Jewelry's website.
Frederick saw it and smiled faintly, preparing to message Xandra to inform her.
Just then, someone walked in.
"Fred."
The newcomer's features bore a resemblance to Frederick's.
But unlike Frederick's cool demeanor, he had a more carefree attitude.
This was Frederick's cousin, Philip Russell, who had previously helped Frederick investigate Xandra.
"Aren't you on a business trip to Imperial City? Back so soon?" Frederick glanced at him.
"You're getting married. I had to wrap up my work quickly to come back and see the show!" Philip teased.
Frederick ignored him, finding Xandra's profile picture and sending her a message.
Philip glanced over, noting Xandra's name, his alluring eyes slightly raised.
"Fred, are you really marrying this Xandra?"
"Yes," Frederick replied coolly.
Philip had been somewhat prepared, but still found it unbelievable.
"Why? Xandra is a single mom!"
Frederick's eyes narrowed, turning cold.
"What's wrong with being a single mom? Does it bother you?"
Philip was momentarily speechless. "You're really defending her? Seems like Xandra has truly won your heart!"
Frederick didn't respond, sending the message.
Philip scrutinized him, rubbing his chin.
"Just a few days apart, and you look much better. Is it because of the marriage?"
"Yes."
Philip had been joking but was surprised by his cousin's affirmative answer.
Intrigued, he asked, "What's so special about Xandra that made you decide to marry her?"
Frederick set his phone down, replying, "She can cure my insomnia."
Philip was taken aback. He knew Frederick had suffered from insomnia since a car accident four years ago.
"So that's why you married her?"
"Yes."
Frederick's long fingers tapped the desk, his gaze deep.
The first time he saw Xandra, she felt oddly familiar.
So when a drunk harassed her, he stepped in.
The second time they met was in bed.
He found that holding her allowed him to sleep soundly through the night.
With Richard pressuring him to marry, why not her?
"Do you still want to investigate the child's biological father?"