Chapter 376 Another Suitor
Hugo was frank about his intention. His honesty caused Jean to hesitate about refusing him. After all, he did all this for his daughter. He was no doubt a good father.
Furthermore, those documents were what Eyer Group needed the most. Unlike expensive jewelry, these documents were priceless treasures. Jean hesitated briefly.
She only needed to act with him. Then, they would each get what they needed. She also noticed that Ellie rarely expressed her feelings to anyone, but she could not understand why Ellie liked her.
Judging from Hugo’s character, Jean knew he would never make such a request unless he had no choice. Susan was anxious when she saw Jean remaining dazed for a while. “Ms. Eyer, I shall take my leave and head back first.”
Jean finally came out of her daze. “Sure, Susan. Please be careful on your way home.”
Susan smiled and recalled the present she saw. She hesitated for a while before asking, “Ms. Eyer, do you have another suitor?”
She was worried that Edgar would lose his chance to be with Jean.
Jean knew what Susan was thinking.
“I guess so.”
Susan’s smile faded considerably. “Ms. Eyer, you should rest early.”
Jean watched Susan leave before closing the door. She believed it was high time to forget the past. Even if Susan told Edgar what she said, Edgar would be too busy to do anything.
Memories will fade with time.
No one is fated to be with anyone in this world.
Jean suppressed the unfamiliar emotion and headed to the second floor.
Suddenly, her phone rang a few times. She frowned and shut the door with a thud.
…
The following morning, Jean did not look at the news notification but deleted them. Instead, she called Hugo.
“What time should I be there?”
Today was the day Ellie’s maternal grandmother and her family came to Mason Residence. Hugo hoped Jean would come over and play a role.
He suppressed his excitement and answered, “You can come over now. I… I’ll send a car to get you.”
“That’s unnecessary. I can go there by myself.”
Jean left the house after saying that.
Meanwhile, the media released news that Gigi and Edgar disappeared at sea.
Hugo put down his phone and soon received a call from his assistant. “What is it?”
“They must have gotten into that ship last night. The weather worsened, and they disappeared at sea along with the ship. The police have sent out a team for search and rescue, but… I’m afraid there’s not much hope.”
Hugo frowned. “Keep observing for any updates on this.”
“Yes, Mr. Mason.”
He put down the phone and pressed the center of his brow. Judging from Jean’s tone, she was probably unaware of this.
Should I tell her?
Ellie changed into a new dress and ran downstairs. She had a delighted expression as she came to Hugo. “Daddy, is Jean coming here today?”
The hesitation in Hugo’s eyes disappeared without a trace.
“Yes, Ellie. Let me ask you something. If I pursue Jean and get her to stay to be your mother, would you want that?”
He patted his daughter’s shoulder with his warm hand.
Ellie blinked excitedly and nodded. “Of course, I want that. I believe Jean is the best person in this world.”
Hugo felt relieved from his worry, but he pretended to be indignant. “What about me?”
“Daddy, you are the best too.”
Ellie laughed and flung herself into his embrace. She whispered, “I think Jean is a lot like mommy.”
A lot like?
Hugo furrowed his brow.
He could not deny that Jean gave off a sense of gentleness that was a lot like his late wife. That was the reason why he immediately noticed her at that banquet.
His gaze dulled as he sank into thoughts. Perhaps, God is giving me a chance to make amends.
When Jean arrived at Mason Residence, the living room was already crowded with people.
According to what Hugo told her, the visiting family was influential and had a few highly successful entrepreneurs who were prominent in the business world.
“Hugo, we are not pressuring you. But back then, Ellie was still a baby, and we understood how you felt, so we let her remain by your side for more than four years. But now, it’s about time for her to start schooling. Are you going to keep her in this country? You can’t give her a better life. Yet, why won’t you let go?”
Lily Astor, the wealthy lady seated at the principal seat, was dressed from head to toe in high-end brands. Although she spoke with a gentle tone, her every word was sharp as a knife.
“We truly want the best for Ellie. You are a man, so, understandably, you will marry again. What if Ellie doesn’t like your new wife? What are you going to do? From what I see, you don’t have a stable girlfriend.”
Hugo dated other women in the past, but because Ellie disliked them, he broke off with all those women.
He did not want to force his date or daughter to accept each other. That was why I remained single till now.
The others agreed with Lily.
“Hugo, you’re a rational man. Let’s put away our emotions and look at the facts. Ellie should follow us. You should stop delaying it.”
“My sister has passed for many years. It’s time for you to…”
“I’m sorry. Am I late?” Jean carried a box of strawberry cake that Ellie liked and walked in with a smile. She was a natural beauty with her fair skin and exquisite facial features. People could not help but be stunned at first glance at her. At a further glance, they would see her elegance and sophistication.
Jean did not usually wear make-up or care about her clothes. But today, she dolled herself up and wore a mauve-colored dress that enhanced her beauty.
Everyone was stunned the instant she stepped through the door.
Hugo was included among them.
He stared at her and forgot what he wanted to say.
“Who are you?”
Lily looked at Jean carefully. She could not find any fault with Jean’s appearance and demeanor and felt she was the kind of lady a wealthy family would like as their daughter-in-law.
Furthermore, Jean sounded like a local from her accent.
Thus, Lily began to worry. Is she why Hugo is confident that he will win custody over Ellie?
“Jean!”
Ellie peered down from upstairs before running down the stairs and flung herself into Suzi’s embrace.
Jean bent down and hugged Ellie.
They seemed close. Moreover, Ellie liked her very much.
The guests were astonished. They had no idea that Hugo secretly got himself a girlfriend. Furthermore, Ellie liked her very much. Worst, they could not find any criticism against her.
It was because Jean appeared perfect and brilliant.
Hugo returned to his senses. He came to Jean’s side and mouthed the word ‘thank you.’
Then, he turned to the guests and said, “Everyone, please meet Jean Eyer, my girlfriend.”
