Chapter 433 Unable to Cheer Up
Nicole found it strange too. Even though she did not know Richard very well, she did spend a few days with him. As she spent time with him, Nicole could feel that Richard was not an irresponsible and flashy person. Moreover, through some details that she had observed, she could also notice that Richard fancied Julia.
For that reason, she could not figure out why Richard would call it off with Julia. Nicole felt wholly puzzled by the entire situation as she asked Julia while comforting her, “Julia, did he tell you the reason he broke up with you?”
However, Julia merely shook her head. Her face was full of confusion as she, too, did not know why Richard had broken up with her. Everything happened so suddenly. He just called and told me he was breaking up with me without telling me why. Then, when I called back, he hung up the call.
When she noticed that Julia was equally bewildered by the whole situation, she thought for a while before continuing to inquire, “Julia, was there something unusual about Richard’s behavior before he broke up with you?”
Once again, Julia shook her head, still looking perplexed. She was just as clueless as Nicole. All she knew was that a few days ago, prior to their break up, Miss Zuniga of the Zuniga Family in Durobrivae was diagnosed with a peculiar disease. The Zuniga Family had sought many remarkable doctors and medical experts, yet none of them was able to cure her. Later, when they heard Richard had returned to the country, they invited him over to their residence in the hope that he would be able to cure Miss Zuniga’s disease. But, come to think of it. It has been almost a week since the Zuniga Family invited Richard over to the Zuniga Residence. I know he is there to treat Miss Zuniga, but I am not sure what is going on with him while he is there within this period either.
“If I am right, Richard should still be at the Zuniga Residence now,” Julia said absentmindedly.
When Nicole heard the unknown name, she asked in bafflement, “The Zuniga Family? Is there any business-oriented family that goes by the last name Zuniga in the country?” Odd. I do not seem to remember that there is a family by the last name Zuniga among the domestic businesses.
Julia pursed her lips before she replied, “The Zuniga Family in Durobrivae.”
This time, it was Nicole’s turn to be struck dumb. Although I have been living abroad all year round, I still have heard a little about the Zuniga Family in Durobrivae. They are a renowned political family, and the entire family consists of high-ranking political figures. So if the Gardner Family is a plutocrat in the business world, then the Zuniga Family is a plutocrat in the political world.
All of a sudden, Nicole felt something was fishy behind Richard’s break-up with Julia.
Nevertheless, she figured it would be better for her not to come up with any speculations, considering nothing had been confirmed yet. Therefore, she could only console Julia by saying, “Julia, do not give this too much thought for now. Maybe Richard simply has his own difficulties that he is reluctant to mention. Try to think about the positives. Let’s wait for Richard’s return and think about clearing the air then.”
After Julia heard Nicole’s suggestion, she felt that Nicole did have a point. Hence, she nodded in agreement and said, “You’re right. Thank you, Nicole.”
Nicole reached out to hug Julia. Then, she put one hand on Julia’s back and gently comforted her. But, for some reason, the uneasiness kept circulating in her heart. It was like she could feel that the reason behind Richard’s breakup with Julia was not as simple as it seemed. If this affair really involves the Zuniga Family, I am afraid that I, too, cannot do anything about it.
…
The first clinical trial for the administered vaccine was a great success. Because of that, the research center conducted a second clinical trial without stopping.
As for things on Norman’s side, the evidence was already conclusive, yet he refused to relent and insisted that he was innocent.
Although he was more influential abroad, he was still a highly respected figure. Thus, the police dared not make things difficult for him during the interrogation.
For the time being, both sides could only wait patiently and see who would crack first.
Today was the weekend. The weather was fine, and the sky was blue—one would eventually feel hot and annoyed as the sun hung brightly in the sky.
Julia had been unable to get in touch with Richard ever since the day he called her and broke up with her. Unwilling to give up, she searched for him at the Jenkins Residence and the Gardner Residence. Unfortunately, whenever she mentioned Richard’s name, everyone simply told her they had not seen him.
Day by day, Julia’s mental state was getting worse. Not only that, she had also lost her appetite to the point that her weight loss was visible to the naked eyes.
Nicole was distraught when she saw Julia in such a sorry state. Therefore, she adamantly dragged her out of her house and took her out for a walk on the weekend.
Even after coming outside, Julia’s face still did not show any sign of joy at all. Instead, her face remained sullen, and everyone could tell she wasn’t enjoying herself.
Nicole looked at her and smiled. “Alright, Julia. No matter what, we are outside now. Cheer up a little. You will get wrinkles if you continue frowning the way you do.”
Julia looked over at Nicole when she heard Nicole’s teasing. Finally, she smiled, albeit a bitter one, as she said, “Nicole, I want to cheer up too, but my mind is so preoccupied with everything that it’s making me unable to enjoy myself.”
