Chapter 433
The message was confusing, almost like a blast from the past before Linda got close to the Windsor family.
Linda glanced down at her phone, her face momentarily puzzled.
Justin had just finished hanging up the New Year’s banner when he turned around and saw Linda’s distracted expression, startling him. “What’s up? Did hearing about your ex getting married mess with your head?”
Linda stayed quiet.
She shot Justin a glare and turned her phone away. “Just focus on hanging those garlands and door decorations.”
“Where are you headed?”
“I’ve got some business at the office. Need to make a quick trip.”
“Want me to tag along?”
Even though their companies hadn’t officially merged, they were pretty clued in on each other’s affairs and often lent a hand when things got hectic.
Justin’s words were casual, but his mind was already swirling with suspicion.
They had carefully planned their work schedules before coming back, so how could the York Group suddenly have urgent business?
Linda hurried out, leaving Justin with a heavy expression, staring at the door, lost in thought.
Simon turned and saw Justin’s expression, which could easily be misunderstood. He couldn’t help but ask, “What’s up with you? Have you really fallen for Linda?”
No way.
Two employees dating wouldn’t end well.
Simon’s interruption snapped Justin out of his heavy thoughts.
His phone vibrated twice—it was a notification that someone had started his car.
It was Linda.
Following the car’s direction, Justin knew Linda was indeed heading to the office, deepening his suspicion.
He rubbed his chin, thinking, and suddenly had a realization.
Simon jumped, “What’s up? Did you get electrocuted?”
“No, I’m just quickly calculating if the Windsor Group has done anything behind the York Group’s back recently.”
“Your companies’ CEOs and assistants are practically interchangeable. What could possibly be hidden from you?”
Simon’s sincere expression left Justin momentarily speechless.
That’s true, but something still felt off.
Becky chimed in, “Even if there’s an issue, it’s Aria and Lewis’s problem. You two are just following orders. What could it be?”
Her words were a wake-up call, and Justin suddenly relaxed.
That made a lot of sense.
Meanwhile, Linda had arrived at the office. Ignoring the stunned employees who had seen her leave and return, she turned into her office and shut the door.
In the quiet office, Linda called Aria, her nervousness as if she were handling a billion-dollar deal.
“Ms. York,” Linda’s deliberately lowered voice came through as soon as the call connected. She hesitated for a moment, then spoke sincerely, “Do you suspect Mr. Windsor of cheating?”
She had pondered the whole way but couldn’t figure out why she suddenly needed to investigate the Windsor Group.
It wasn’t until she was almost at the office that she thought of this possibility.
Aria was silent for a while, long enough that Linda was about to speak again when she heard Aria sigh.
Ms. York said, “Stop reading those CEO romance novels.”
Linda was silent. Okay, false alarm.
“Windsor and York Group’s business is mutually known. I asked you to check if Lewis has made any arrangements behind my back.”
“If he’s hiding something from you, he’s probably hiding it from me too,” Linda said, feeling dejected. “But there is something recently.”
Aria’s heart tightened, and she sat up straight.
“The Windsor Group’s stock hasn’t been stable lately. There’s been constant fluctuation, and the shareholders didn’t look too happy last time. I think it might be related to the shares.”
“I get it. Just make sure Justin doesn’t catch on.”
“Got it. I’ll compile the recent market fluctuations of the Windsor Group and send them to you.”
After hanging up, Aria tapped her finger lightly on the bedside table.
Is it related to the Windsor family?
…
“Justin, if you eat my cupcakes again, I swear I’ll throw you into the pool!”
Linda was furious, gritting her teeth.
The culprit ran off with two cupcakes.
Jenny laughed heartily, “There are more cupcakes. Don’t fight, there’s enough for everyone!”
Yesterday’s incident was like a fleeting episode, quickly brushed aside.
As night fell, the outside began to buzz with activity.
Someone secretly set off the first firework, defying the ban.
The explosion broke the silence of the night, creating a fleeting flower.
The beautiful colors reflected in Lewis’s eyes, softening his expression.
Soon, the entire area seemed to awaken, with fireworks going off one after another.
They lit up the sky, competing to outshine each other.
Simon stared in awe at the spectacle, genuinely swearing.
Damn, do these people not know who they’re living with?
Lewis! The man who personally signed the firework ban!
Everyone turned to look at Lewis, waiting for his reaction.
Lewis raised an eyebrow, “Why are you looking at me?”
“Lewis, this is a challenge to your authority. I think you should handle it.”
“Good idea. You take care of it.”
Simon was silent.
He shouldn’t have spoken up.
Poor Simon had to work overtime on New Year’s Eve.
When Zachary arrived at the Windsor Mansion with Easton, Simon was still out.
Zachary bit into freshly cooked food, puzzled, “Where’s Simon?”
Aria replied with a smile, “He’s out there fighting to uphold Lewis’s authority.”
The next morning, the news showed Simon and a group of rich kids and officials’ children filming an apology video in front of the police station, explaining everything.
It was supposed to be a serious matter, but the comments section was full of joy.
“This is hilarious. I bet Mr. Simon Windsor was sent out to work overtime!”
“Rich kids: I thought you were my friend, but you treated me as your performance target.”
“They’re so bold! Setting off fireworks right under Mr. Lewis Windsor’s nose!”
“Lewis, the man who holds the firework ban.”
The online chatter was lively, and the Windsor Mansion was no less chaotic.
Everyone gathered, making the mansion feel like it was about to burst with noise.
Lewis rubbed his temples, feeling overwhelmed.
God knows how much he wanted to throw everyone out.
Aria saw his thoughts and laughed, “Our Mr. Windsor is beautiful and kind-hearted. Just bear with it. They’re rarely this happy together.”
Lewis sighed, “What else can I do but bear it?”
He held Aria tightly, inhaling her scent, feeling at peace.
Amid the noisy chatter, the doorbell rang three times before someone heard it.
Justin peeled off a sticker from his face and watched the butler go to open the door.
At the door was a bouquet of vibrant red roses with a card.
[To my dearest Clea.—Chris.]