“Understood,” Skyler Robins murmured, rubbing: his temples, overwhelmed by the weight of his predicament.
“Matthew and I will mobilize our resources to locate Shirley. You should focus on your family matters,” Veronica assured Skyler. “I consider Shirley as my own sister, and I won’t allow her to endure any more harm from your family.”
Veronica carried a heavy burden of guilt for Shirley’s disfigurement, and her resolve to protect Shirley was unwavering.
“I know what I need to do,” Skyler replied, gazing out of the car window, lost in thought. Upon returning to the city center, Skyler went his separate way, while Veronica and Matthew made their way to the Pinewoods Villa.
As they arrived at the grand estate, their eyes were drawn to a graceful figure donned in a vibrant red dress, waiting in the courtyard.
None other than Eleanor stood before them. The sedan glided into the villa’s garage, and Veronica and Matthew alighted from the vehicle.
Eleanor approached them, a piece of Limburger in hand, her voice filled with curiosity. “Veronica Murphy, what’s going on? What brings you here?”
Eleanor’s unexpected fondness for these inexpensive Limburger, despite having enjoyed the finest delicacies during her time in the hidden clan, amused Veronica.
“Why are you eating those?” Veronica asked, bemused. Eleanor, with a plate of Limburger in hand, replied, “Troy Ritter was munching on these while drinking, so I decided to give them a try. I actually quite like them,” she explained, offering Veronica a taste. “Want to try some?”
Chuckling softly, Veronica declined the offer. “No, thank you. I’ve had enough of those since I was a child,” she said, smiling. Indeed, the allure of those Limburgers was hard to resist.
Disappointed, Eleanor reclaimed the plate of Limburger and glanced at them, her curiosity undimmed. “So, what’s the reason behind your sudden divorce? If Troy Ritter hadn’t informed me that it was a sham, I, Princess Eleanor of the hidden clan might have thought there was a chance for me.”
In front of them, Eleanor referred to herself as Princess Eleanor of the hidden clan without reservation, a reminder of their shared history.
Raising an eyebrow, Matthew affectionately wrapped his arm around Veronica’s waist, drawing closer to her, his warm smile filled with tenderness. “Put aside those unrealistic notions, Eleanor. Roni and I are deeply in love.”
Eleanor, Limburger in hand, suddenly found them unappetizing. Pouting, she cast a disdainful glance at Matthew. “Tsk, how boring.”
Without a backward glance, she turned and walked toward Troy Ritter, who stood not far away. “Troy Ritter, let’s head home.”
“We’ve only just arrived. Can’t we stay and have some fun?” Veronica playfully brushed off Matthew’s arm, her voice tinged with complaint. “Why do you insist on provoking her?”
“I’m simply worried that my wife might become jealous,” Matthew replied, his warm smile exuding approachability and gentleness, a far cry from his previous aloof demeanor.
“I came here to have fun, yet you two keep displaying your affection in front of me. I can’t take it!” Eleanor declared without turning back. She then addressed Troy Ritter, who stood by the car. “Forget it, let’s not go home. Let’s go find Skyler Robins.”
“Skyler Robins is busy today and won’t be able to accompany you,” Veronica reminded her. “If you’re feeling bored, you can seek out Miguel Lynch. He always seems to have plenty of free time.”
Matthew and his brothers were all engrossed in their respective endeavors, Caleb Shaw was aiding in the search for Shirley Wilson, and only Miguel Lynch had a relatively open schedule. Eleanor shook her head. “Miguel Lynch is too serious and rigid. I don’t like him.”
Ring,ring,ring…
Just then, Veronica’s phone rang. She answered the call. “Crazy?” “Why would he be calling at this moment?”
Veronica pondered the reason behind his call.
