Chapter 258
Irene stared at the disconnected phone.
She violently swept the tray off the table.
Bird's Nest Soup splattered across the floor.
The shattering of the porcelain bowl was piercing.
"Madam..." The housekeepers trembled, not daring to look up.
"Get out!" Irene pointed at the door, her refined features contorted.
The housekeepers hastily retreated.
Irene collapsed onto the sofa, her chest heaving violently.
All these years, she had desperately tried to please the old couple.
The old man had softened, at least allowing for peaceful coexistence.
Only the old lady remained perpetually cold and distant.
"Sir is home." The butler's announcement barely finished before Theodore stepped inside.
He saw the mess on the floor.
His gaze swept over Irene.
He said nothing and headed straight upstairs.
Irene shot to her feet. "Aren't you going to ask why I'm so upset?"
Theodore loosened his cufflinks, his tone indifferent. "Suit yourself."
He could always buy new things.
"Theodore! I am your wife! Could you at least show some concern for my feelings?"
The man raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with you today?"
"You've been like this for years, and only now you ask?"
Irene gritted her teeth. "I just found out today that your parents returned a week ago! Your son deliberately kept it from me!"
Theodore admitted calmly. "I knew. I had dinner with them a couple of days ago."
Irene's anger flared instantly. "You knew and didn't tell me? The whole household knew, only I was kept in the dark! I'm treated worse than the help!"
Theodore frowned. "No one deliberately hid it from you. Even the housekeepers knew your parents were back, but you didn't? Shouldn't you reflect on that?"
It was her fault again!
It was always her fault!
Irene completely lost control. "Do you think it's all my fault that your parents despise me? You and your son are the same, never considering me!"
"They are my parents, yet you went to have dinner with them alone. Is that appropriate, Theodore?"
The man looked at her calmly. "They are your parents, and also my in-laws. What's the problem with me having a meal with them?"
"In-laws? Right. No matter which Sullivan daughter you married, they would always be your in-laws, wouldn't they?"
Theodore's face darkened. "What nonsense are you talking?"
"Nonsense? You visit them abroad every year, but you never take me. Theodore, just who are you playing the filial son for?"
The man's expression was blank. "Don't you know why I don't take you?"
"Ha... I know! You all blame me! Your parents blame you, and you blame me! You think it should have been me who disappeared back then, not Emilia!"
"You all wish I were the one who died!"
"Enough!" Theodore's eyes turned icy. "Say another word about death, I dare you."
"Twenty-eight years! Do you still think she's alive? The old man and old lady refusing to give up, I understand. But you, Theodore? We've been married over twenty years, our son is about to start his own family, and you're still pining for her? Isn't that disgusting?"
Slap—
The slap was sharp and clean.
Theodore's veins bulged, his gaze frigid. "If you can't speak properly, then never speak again."
He turned and strode away.
Irene screamed at his retreating back. "Theodore, you have no conscience!"
Why did everyone remember Emilia?
Just because she was the biological one?
...
Meanwhile, Sebastian followed the elderly couple through the courtyard.
They exited through a small gate onto the street.
Sebastian was surprised. "I've been here so many times, I never knew this gate existed."
Isaac chuckled. "Your aunt used to sneak out this way all the time. We found out long ago, just never said anything."
A slight smile touched Florence's lips at the memory.
The old man looked down the long alley. "Everything else has changed. Only this place remains the same."
Sebastian said softly, "Dad and I bought the three surrounding streets. They won't be developed. We'll keep them as they are."
Just in case the lost one returns, she can still find her way home.
Florence's eyes grew warm. "Your father is thoughtful."
Sebastian pointed ahead. "That street has changed a lot. Shall I take you to see?"
The elderly couple nodded in agreement.
The snack street had long queues.
The bakery was bustling with activity.
Florence squinted. "Is that T&T Bakery?"
"Same old storefront. It's a internet celebrity store now."
"Emilia loved their mung bean cakes the most."
Sebastian helped the elders rest in a tea house. "I'll go queue."
The line was very long. At least a ten-minute wait.
"Sebastian?"
A familiar voice called out.
Sophia waved from further up the line. "It is you! Even the CEO has to queue himself?"
Sebastian smiled lightly. "What are you doing here?"
"Bringing my parents to visit Atlante Gardens."
"Where are your parents?"
"Resting in the tea house. I'm here to buy mung bean cakes."
Mom suddenly wanted some.