Chapter 1654
“Ding”
Her phone lit up with a new message from Elysia.
[Hey, I’m home. Are you asleep yet p>
Winona picked up her phone and typed back.
[All settled in. Still awake. It’s late, you should get some rest p>
Elysia replied instantly:
[Send me your hotel address. I’ll have some good food sent over tomorrow. You’re in a special condition now, you need proper nutrition p>
[Don’t worry, I won’t bother you. I’ll have someone drop it off at the front desk p>
Winona’s heart warmed. She sent a hug-and-kiss emoji, followed by her location.
Elysia replied, [Got it. Rest well tonight, Your Majesty. Await my food offering tomorrow p>
Winona: [Love you, Elysia p>
Elysia: [You can call me anytime you want to talk. I’m on call for you 24/7.] Winona smiled, a genuine curve of her lips. [I know. Kisses p>
She chatted with Elysia for a little while longer, her mood lifting considerably.
Staring out at the dark expanse of the ocean, Winona took a deep breath, then stood up and returned to the bedroom.
Whatever happens, happens. For now, her worries could take a hike. She and the baby needed their beauty sleep.
The next day, at the Huber estate.
Janelle woke up and found Richard’s side of the bed empty.
She yawned and called out toward the bathroom, “Richard p>
Curious, Janelle got out of bed and checked the bathroom. He wasn’t there.
She freshened up, got dressed, and went downstairs. Before she could even ask about Richard’s whereabouts, a maid rushed over, her face etched with worry.
“Ma’am, you’re finally awake! You have to go see the master. He’s been in the family chapel all night p>
Janelle froze. “He’s been in the chapel all night? What for p>
“I don’t know,” the maid said, looking distressed. “He won’t let anyone in. He seems to be in a very bad mood p>
Janelle frowned. “But he went to sleep with me last night. When did he go to the chapel p>
“Around one in the morning, ma’am. He’s been there ever since p>
Janelle’s frown deepened as she walked towards the private chapel on the estate.
Inside, Richard stood stiffly before the wall of Huber family portraits, his head bowed in solemn silence.
He heard the door open and, assuming it was a maid calling him for breakfast, was about to snap. But then he heard Janelle’s voice.
“Richard p>
Richard turned. Janelle was startled to see his eyes were completely bloodshot. p>
She closed the chapel door behind
her, walked forward, and gave a respectful ned to the portraits of the Huber ancestors. Then she knelt beside Richard and whispered, “What’s wrong p>
Richard sniffled. “My heart is just so heavy p>
“Hmm? Why does it ache p>
Richard let out a heavy sigh.
Janelle asked quietly, “It’s not about Beatrix’s baby, is it p>
She knew how old-fashioned Richard was, how he viewed continuing the family line as his greatest duty. Even though h disliked Beatrix, if the baby had truly
het
been a Huber, it would have been a
joyous occasion for the family.
Cóntent
Richard’s eyes welled up with tears.
“I am a little disappointed that Beatrix’s child isn’t a Huber. But that’s not the root of
my pain p>
Janelle was confused. “Then what is p>
Richard sniffled again, his gaze fixed on the portraits of his forefathers.
“I had a dream about them. The Huber ancestors p>
Janelle’s eyes widened. “Oh? Did they miss you p>
Richard shook his head. “They were ready to disown me! They tore me apart for
failing the family name p>
Janelle: Why would they haunt you like that p>
Richard’s voice-cracked with
emotion. “They called me a failure! Said I’d let the Huber legacy crumble under my watch. They told me I’d abandoned my duty that I was a totak disappointment to Othe bloodline p>