Chapter 2051 ALL she wanted was a better life and happiness. Was this humiliation her price? Leaving the hospital, Elaine hesitated, her lips pressed tightly together.

Considering a visit to Rena, she wondered if maybe Rena might show some mercy; however, there would surely be strings attached.

Deciding against it, Elaine kept a low profile.

Within a week, her physical scars began to fade, and so did the rumors.

Yet, she was aware that she had become the butt of jokes among her peers.

She pinned all blame on Cecilia and didn’t let go of her infatuation for Mark. As she arrived at Mark's office once again, the receptionist gave her a pitied look. Without even checking with Mark, she said, “Mr. Evans will not be seeing you.” Elaine tried to protest, but was cut off, “Miss Shaw, remember, Mr. Evans has a family to think about.” Just as Elaine was about to voice her anger, a familiar face emerged from the elevator: Peter, one of Mark's associates.

Elaine approached Peter, expressing her desire to meet Mark, believing there had been some misunderstanding about past events.

Peter, who was generally kind to most, held a bad impression about Elaine.

Observing the determined lady before him, he remarked, “Miss Shaw, pressing Mr. Evans incessantly may overwhelm him. While many are unaware of his temperament, I'm all too familiar. His fury can be daunting.” With a touch of regret, Elaine responded, “That wasn't my intention.” Peter thought that Elaine was in over her head.

Suddenly, a vehicle halted nearby, and a woman, appearing to be a housemaid, approached.

Handing over a wooden lunchbox to Peter, she swiftly moved on.

Peter, acknowledging the delivery, ascended the stairs.

Having witnessed this, Elaine surmised that the meal was intended for Mark, prompting her to dash outside.

She momentarily stopped the housemaid, who brought the meals.

Due to Mark's fragile health, he was particular about his diet, avoiding processed foods. Zoey, concerned for his well-being, prepared fresh meals for him daily, entrusting the housemaid with their delivery.

Seeing an opportunity, Elaine discreetly offered the housemaid a hefty sum from her purse, amounting to approximately five thousand dollars.

She proposed a monthly stipend of the same amount to the housemaid, eliciting palpable excitement from her.

The housemaid thought that merely bringing food to Mark in exchange for the money was a reasonable deal, confident in her discretion.

Meanwhile, Peter entered a room upstairs, where Mark was engrossed in paperwork.

Chapter 2052 The gentle sunlight filtering through the blinds illuminated his serene demeanor.

Setting the lunchbox on a tea table, Peter unveiled the meal, commenting with a warm smile, “Your mother painstakingly prepared these four dishes and a soup since dawn. Her love for you is evident.” Mark, without lifting his gaze from the documents, replied, “It would be best if the servant handled the cooking. She doesn't have to do this herself." A smile graced Peter's face once more.

Subsequently, Mark inquired about the status of the branch company in Czanch and a project there that was facing some challenges.

Peter quickly updated, “The person overseeing locally has proven quite challenging. Nevertheless, I've managed to facilitate some solutions.” Mark nodded in approval, concluding his reading by signing the document.

He joined for lunch, savoring each dish Zoey prepared.

Every dish was light, catering to his dietary needs, yet delicious in every bite.

As Mark indulged in the food, a wave of nostalgia and softness enveloped him.

He contemplated moving back to Czanch once the Duefron company was stable, envisioning reuniting with Cecilia and their children.

Angela's Library Meanwhile, Peter consumed his meal, thoughts drifting towards the visitor earlier.

He remarked, “Miss Shaw was here. It seemed she wanted to apologize to you, but I turned her away.” Mark almost forgot about her.

The mere mention of Elaine momentarily clouded Mark's demeanor. Mark confessed, “I prefer Elaine stays away. Cecilia believes there are numerous women Like Elaine and argues it's futile to address each one.” Peter quipped with a grin, “Cecilia seems quite gracious nowadays.

Mark shot a pointed look at Peter, commenting, “Gracious? It’s evident my allure isn't what it once was. In the past, her jealousy would flare at the slightest provocation. Now, she even interacts with Elaine in the same film set.” Amused Peter added, “And don’t forget, Cecilia and Flora remain close.” Mark's expression turned sour.

Placing his spoon down firmly, he uttered, “Peter, that's a topic I'd rather not discuss.” Mark whispered more to himself than anyone, “I haven't interacted with Flora in ages.” Seeing Mark's evident discomfort, Peter tried to Lighten the mood by serving Mark more food, jesting, “I'm aware of that. You've become quite reserved lately.” Mark begrudgingly accepted Peter's offering...

The subsequent day, as lunchtime approached, Mark and Peter sat together.

Chapter 2053 Peter unveiled the lunchbox, beaming, “Seems Mrs. Evans has prepared something else today.” Mark surveyed the dishes and noted some distinct variations.

The presence of lean meat dishes was conspicuous.

Taking a bite, he frowned, remarking, “This wasn't prepared by my mother today. Perhaps she took a day off and let the servant handle it. The meat is overly chewy and undercooked.” Ever the flatterer, Peter grinned, replying, “Your palate is truly impeccable. I doubt even the renowned food critics on air could rival you." The duo conversed with ease.

Mark, being both talented and a charmer, quipped, “My taste buds discern more than just food. They've also won over many women, including difficult ones like Cecilia.” Engrossed in their banter, neither noticed the figures by the door.

ANGELA'sLIBRARY Cecilia, along with Mark's female secretary, had overheard.

The blood drained from Cecilia's face, a mixture of embarrassment and irritation evident.

The secretary, equally flustered by the situation, swiftly made her exit.

Cecilia, though intending to leave unnoticed, caught the eyes of the two men.

Peter, realizing the gravity of the situation, attempted to defuse it, saying, “Mr. Evans is just naturally charming, always full of sweet nothings. .

In her younger days, Cecilia would warmly address Mark as ‘Uncle Mark* and do wild things with him.

But hearing Mark discuss intimate matters so nonchalantly, a wave of discomfort and indignation washed over her.

Without a word, she turned and departed.

shifted from composed

food, he dashed

with urgency, he was a sight

elevator, Cecilia tried to regain her

cheeks still flushed, she replayed Mark's words, feeling a mix of anger

fresh tear, blurring her

reaching her car, Cecilia wasted no time

of facing Mark

the seldom-used residence on Gamous

the stairs and nestled herself

Edwin alongside

driver to fetch Edwin and soon drifted off

to follow her, was a step

mobile and even landlines of known locations yielded

help, he searched for

a moment of introspection in his car

arrival, the quiet ambiance of

bag lay on the sofa,

took off his coat

still in her day

peaceful, uncovered by the quilt

Mark took a moment to

seen each

urge to be close, he settled beside her, drawing her

had settled when

warmth emanating from Cecilia,

his dismay, she

thoughts, attributing her state to the day's

fever at 38°C, he promptly summoned a private

fever. Assessing her overall condition, he remarked, “She seems fatigued. Best let her rest.” As Mark escorted the doctor out, the latter cast an appreciative glance back, commenting, “Is this the Cecilia that Charlie mentioned? She's quite the

curtly signaled for the doctor's

on the ambiance, hinting

firm stance

to the room, Mark seated himself

him to prepare a meal in the kitchen. He meticulously

he resumed his position by Cecilia's side, patiently waiting for her

open, the clock indicated it

distinctly unwell, a cold perspiration drenching her

Mark gently inquired, “How are you feeling?” Weak and overwhelmed, Cecilia merely

engulfed the

Mark's

finally voiced her desire to

wary of her fever, suggested a more

me help you freshen up with a damp towel.” However, Cecilia was insistent, rising to retrieve her pajamas

ambient sounds from

shower, Mark entered. He approached just as Cecilia was about

took the towel from her grasp,

She didn’t respond verbally but reached out for a second towel, a move

her with a dry towel, cradling her

reassurances into her ear, hoping to bridge the widening

avoiding the

need for a temporary truce, Mark let her dress before they sat down for a

Cecilia, gathering her courage, addressed the

she began, “your words earlier hurt. While Peter may be a confidant, our personal life is not a topic for

Cecilia's face, searching for any

even say that?” he mumbled, the weight of regret

sorry” Cecilia could sense his genuine remorse. Why hold on

and general discomfort

on her

then whispered, “I already called back home. You should stay over tonight.” Cecilia looked up sharply,

go home.” He brushed a hand

up. Just one night, okay?” She huffed,

to.” Mark pieced

had overshared with Peter

fresh start, it was probably

She might feel violated.

in Mark's gaze

watch some TV. You can clean up and then take me home.”

a romantic

Mark could've escorted her home after cleaning, he was reluctant to break the moment's fragile tranquility. He knew she was hurt

he decided to

He'd recently experimented with various cookie recipes -milk-infused treats perfect for Olivia, who

he lacked cookie cutters, he managed by hand, crafting small animal shapes, mainly strawberry-flavored

some bear-shaped chocolate cookies that

the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air. Mark placed a batch on a plate and stored the rest in two quaint

living room, he noticed Cecilia, engrossed in

the couch next to her, offering the plate. She was immediately tempted

you get them?” Mark, drawing her closer, whispered, “Fresh out of the oven, made by yours truly.” She paused, savoring another bite. Its delightful taste evident

always attentive, fetched a towel and began to pat

day, she settled into a comfortable position

murmured, “There's my girl,” and leaned down, their lips meeting

Cecilia focused back on the

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