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.

from composed to

his food, he

a sight for the onlooking secretaries as he frantically pressed

the elevator, Cecilia tried to regain her

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

brought a fresh

Cecilia wasted

facing Mark was

Eventually, she drove to the seldom-used residence on Gamous Road, seeking solitude.

nestled herself in bed, without bothering to

another city, she had intended to pick up Edwin alongside Mark.

to fetch Edwin

having attempted to follow her,

and even landlines of known locations

help, he searched for any hotel check-ins under Cecilia's

a moment of introspection in his car led him to drive to the residence on

his arrival, the quiet ambiance of the house greeted

conspicuous red Hermes bag lay on

off his coat and

Cecilia, still in her day attire, clutching

uncovered by the

Mark took a

each other for

he settled beside

settled when

emanating from Cecilia, he swiftly felt

dismay, she

clouded his thoughts, attributing her state

fever

seems fatigued. Best let her rest.” As Mark escorted the doctor out,

Mark curtly signaled for

on the ambiance, hinting

Mark's firm stance ushered the doctor

seated himself at the

the kitchen. He

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

eyes fluttered open, the clock indicated it was nearing

unwell, a cold perspiration drenching

“How are you feeling?”

the room.

Lingered on Mark's earlier

Cecilia finally voiced her desire to

fever, suggested a more

damp towel.” However, Cecilia was

to lock the door as she showered, the ambient sounds from the bathroom were audible

of running water, indicating the end of her shower, Mark entered. He

took the towel from her grasp, tending to her with gentle

respond verbally but reached out for a second towel, a move halted

with a dry towel,

into her ear, hoping

pivoted to face him, avoiding the sensitive topic, she remarked, “I'm

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

thick with unsaid words until Cecilia, gathering

she began, “your words earlier hurt. While Peter may be a confidant, our personal life is not a topic for casual banter.” Her voice conveyed the depth of her embarrassment, now knowing how to face Peter

face, searching

mumbled, the weight

really sorry” Cecilia could sense his genuine

fever and general discomfort overshadowed

focused on her meal instead.

few moments of silence, Mark hesitated, and then whispered, “I already called back home.

hand over her forehead, concern evident

okay?” She huffed, annoyance

pieced together the

overshared with Peter about

their fresh start, it was probably too

She might feel violated.

depth in Mark's

cheeks, Cecilia distractedly said, “I'll watch some TV. You can clean up and then take me home.” Nodding,

a romantic movie to distract herself and tearing open a

escorted her home after cleaning, he was reluctant to break

he decided to bake

rummaged through the cupboards and found a bag of flour. 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

in some bear-shaped chocolate cookies that Edwin

tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air. Mark placed

living room, he noticed Cecilia, engrossed in her

onto the couch next to her, offering the plate. She

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

long raven hair was slightly damp. Mark, always attentive, fetched a towel

from the day, she settled into a

“There's my girl,” and leaned down, their lips meeting in a gentle kiss that tasted faintly of the milk-laden

Cecilia focused back on

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