Chapter 204
The words steadied Cedrick somewhat. Truc–Lucille had zero life skills, even relied on maids for basics. Without him, she’d be helpless. This little escapade would make her learn the hard way. She’d understand the cost of throwing
tantrums!
Watching his expression, Maricela pressed on softly, “Also… don’t get jealous or angry just because she went out with some guy. You’ve kept Lucille so innocent, unaware of how cruel the world is. Even if something happened… she’d be tricked. She’s the victim…”
Using concern for both him and Lucille as her shield, Maricela reignited the fury in Cedrick’s heart.
“Cedrick-” She deliberately drew out his name when he stayed silent.
His tense expression softened slightly. “I know. Go to sleep. I need to cool down.”
“Alright. I won’t disturb you.”
Maricela smiled, radiating obedience.
She’d stirred enough–best to stop before suspicion or annoyance set in. But one last push wouldn’t hurt…
Lying down, Maricela fired off a long text to Harlan.
Meanwhile, Cedrick stared blankly at Lucille’s chat screen when Harlan’s message popped up: Cedrick?
Your wife causing trouble again?
Harlan had always been on bad terms with Lucille. Cedrick didn’t intend to let them know about Lucille’s situation, so he casually replied: How did you find out?
Harlan: Maricela told me. She’s so worried, so worried about you.
Cedrick glanced at Maricela who had already lain down on the bed.
Harlan’s message came again: Something this big and you didn’t tell the guys? Don’t blame Maricela for meddling- she’s just worried sick about you. She asked us how to cheer you up, begging me not to mention she told me, scared you’d get mad.
Cedrick replied: I appreciate your concern. Won’t get angry.
Harlan sent a hugging emoji–the one Maricela always used: Seriously? Next you’ll say we’re nagging. You spoiled Lucille for five years till she became reckless. If she had half of Maricela ‘s sense, would you suffer like this?
Cut off her cards! Let’s see how she struts without cash!
Broke, she’ll crawl back!
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Chapter 204
Cedrick didn’t reply.
He couldn’t cut her off.
She had her own account. He transferred funds directly–she didn’t solely rely on his cards.
Harlan messaged again: Don’t tell me you gave her enough for financial freedom?
In her own hands?
Still no reply from Cedrick.
Harlan understood, sending a “fool” emoji: Ced, are you actually an idiot?
Wouldn’t shock me if Lucille vanished with your fortune. You’re really…
When Cedrick stayed silent, Harlan shifted gears: Whatever. You married her.
She’s your destined calamity.
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What’s done is done. Whether she’s off enjoying life or ran off with someone, stop overthinking. Fate’s fixed. Lucille’s here to torment you, but we’ve got your back. If the sky falls, the guys and Maricela will hold it up.
Another hugging emoji followed.
Cedrick felt warmth then–brothers forged through time.
He sent a smiley: You stole Maricela ‘s emojis again.
Harlan replied with a grin: She’s our little sun. Since rejoining the group chat, she warms us daily. Right?
Ced?
Cedrick glanced at Maricela, replying: Absolutely.
That night, two people told him: You spoiled Lucille rotten. Treated her like a princess–no wonder she ran wild. Lucille planned to rest at the hotel that afternoon but couldn’t sleep. Ms. Meredith hadn’t returned, so she got up to help.
Outside, she found everyone at the rehearsal hall instead.
They’d already started practicing!
Lucille stayed all afternoon, watching Ms. Meredith and the students dance while handling support tasks.
Seeing dancers execute complex moves, she recalled the phoenix–like clouds before takeoff. A phoenix stirred inside her, desperate to soar and twirl.
She wanted to dance.
But didn’t dare.
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Chapter 204
Facing such talented performers, she felt inferior. She was no longer Birdie.