Three men, no women, or any hidden twists and turns.
Except for Adrien, who had a clue, Edmond and Adam were carefree.
The three of them drank, smoked, and chatted, appearing quite harmonious.
It took over two hours for the meal to end. Adrien settled the bill, and everyone went their separate ways.
Three days later, Lizbeth returned to Altney, and Edmond accompanied Erin.
With the wedding approaching, the Murphy family needed to meet and discuss.
Mrs. Murphy stood at the villa gate, welcoming Lizbeth. When she saw Lizbeth getting out of the car, she joyfully opened her arms and embraced her.
"Liz, have you forgotten your mother already?"
"How could I?" Lizbeth held Mrs. Murphy, kissing her hair. "You're my dearest mother. I won't forget you!"
Mrs. Murphy's eyes reddened slightly, tears glistening as she nodded.
Although this daughter hadn't grown up by her side, she was still her flesh and blood.
Blood is thicker than water, and that's a heartfelt tenderness and affection.
Erin watched the mother and daughter, her expression dim.
She had been raised by Mrs. Murphy for more than twenty years, but she couldn't compare to their blood connection.
"Mom," Edmond pulled Erin along and introduced her to his mother, "This is my girlfriend, Ms. Erin."
Mrs. Murphy turned to look at the young woman beside Edmond.
Initially, upon hearing that it was her son's girlfriend, there was a smile on her face.
Though not entirely genuine, it was still polite.
However, as her gaze fell upon Erin's face, her expression changed, a crease forming between her brows.
She was certain she had never seen this woman before, but she had an unmistakable feeling of familiarity.
And this feeling wasn't pleasant; it was even... somewhat unsettling.
"Erin?" Mrs. Murphy furrowed her brows at Erin. "Have we met before?"
Mrs. Murphy's change in demeanor was quite unnerving for Erin.
After all, this woman had raised her for over two decades. Even if she turned to ashes, she would probably still find her familiar.
Could she recognize Erin now?
Erin's heart started to race.
But she believed her successful plastic surgery would prevent Mrs. Murphy from recognizing her.
So, she feigned composure, speaking softly with a serene expression, "Mrs. Murphy, a noble and elegant lady like you, Erin wouldn't have had the honor of meeting before."
"Are you saying we haven't met?" Mrs. Murphy continued to furrow her brows. "Yet, why do I feel like I've seen you somewhere?"
"I also find her familiar," Lizbeth interjected, holding onto her mother's arm. "Mom, doesn't she look like..."
"Aunty," Erin suddenly interrupted Lizbeth, "I've prepared a gift for you. I wonder if you'd like it?"
"You're too kind," Mrs. Murphy faintly smiled. "Please, have a seat inside."
They all then walked toward the mansion together.
Erin linked arms with Edmond, secretly letting out a sigh of relief.
Inside the living room, after changing shoes at the entrance, Lizbeth said to Mrs. Murphy, "Mom, I want to go see Flynn. How is he doing?"
"And me," Edmond added, "What's the situation with Flynn?"
Paul rose from the sofa and said, "Flynn seems to be okay. His eyes are moving. He might wake up soon."
"Truly grateful to the Wonder Doctor," Mrs. Murphy's eyes welled up. "The day I meet her, I'll bow to her. She's the one who brought my son back from the brink!"
"Indeed," Paul said, "Thinking back to how Flynn fell to the ground and seemingly died in Struyria, I'm still haunted by it."
"I'll go upstairs to see Flynn," Edmond said.
"Adam and I will join," Lizbeth said.
"Count me in too," Erin said, "I'm worried about Flynn."
"What are you worried about?" Lizbeth scoffed, "Do you even know Flynn?"
Erin's face tightened, and she replied, "Of course, I don't."
"Then why are you worried?" Lizbeth scorned, "Just showing a bit of concern would have sufficed. There's no need to be so fake."
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