Looking at Yuma’s delighted face, Karin asks casually, "What is it?"
"Mia is sent away by Mr. Troy."
"To where?"
Karin still looks very calm. There is no excitement and joy in her face.
"She is sent to the Charlie Mansion. Mary also goes with her." Yuma clenches Karin’s hands, saying, "What a good news. Now nobody will find make trouble for you in Ziteng Garden now."
Karin nods, glancing at the living room and asks, "Where is he?"
"Upstairs."
Yuma lowers her voice, "After you ran away, Mr. Troy quarreled with Mr. Mia. And then, he asked Mary to pack up and drove them all away."
"Was Mia willing to leave?"
"Yes, it seems that she decided to leave on her own."
"Did you hear what they quarrel about?"
Yuma shakes her head, "No. They fought in the room. The door was closed, so I couldn’t hear clearly."
"Okay, I got it."
Karin takes a deep breath and then goes upstairs directly.
The door of the bedroom is ajar. From the warm yellow light, Karin could see Troy stand before the French window, gazing at the moonlight outside.
Karin moves quietly to his back, and, disregarding whether he hears her footsteps or not, says, "I am back."
Troy turns around slowly, looking directly at her with his deep eyes. His eyes are clear, but difficult to see through.
"Good to be back."
Troy takes her in his arms, holding her tightly, "Promise me you will never disappear from my sight again."
Karin stiffens, not knowing what to answer.
"Is it difficult?" Troy frowns.
"No, I can promise."
Karin says softly. Feeling relieved, Troy holds her again, "I have sent Mia away."
"Yuma told me that." Karin stops and then continues, "How did you manage to do this?"
"I did nothing. Maybe she found it useless to continue like this, so she moved out."
"Really? I don’t think Mia is easy to deal with."
"You don’t believe me?"
Karin shakes her head, "No, I trust you."
She should have trusted him. She always trusts him. But why does she still feel so worried?
Lying on the big bathtub, Karin closes her eyes, trying to get rid of those nasty things.
Troy goes out after he receives a phone call. Karin does not ask who the caller is, and Troy does not tell her either.
Ziteng Garden restores its peace and tranquility as before. Nothing changes except the dead dandelions which were about to bloom.
Troy comes back early this evening. Karin is writing with a brush when he comes back. He steps forward, looks for a while, and then says, "Much better this time."
Karin looks up immediately. She smiles brightly when she sees Troy, "Why are you back so early tonight?"
"Go to dress yourself. We will have a dinner tonight."
"Business again?"
Karin feels nervous. After having an unhappy experience last time, she feels a deep sense of revulsion towards business dinner.
"No, it’s just family gathering. Only within our family. No other people."
"You mean all the Charles?"
"Yes."
Karin sucks in her breath. Although she hates social engagement, she hates the so-called family dinner more. God knows that.
The thought that they will look down upon her and behave condescendingly makes her get goose bumps. Nobody in the Charles family likes her.
"What’s wrong?"
Troy asks caringly seeing her sullen look.
"Can I not go?"
Karin purses her lips, looking terrified, "I am afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
"Afraid of your family members. Milan, Uncle Lennon, Uncle Emmanuel’s daughter and those who I have seen or haven’t seen but hate me."
"Little fool." Troy smiles with resignation, "What are you afraid of them for? If they hate you, you can hate them back. Besides, there are still people who like you in our family, like Lily, Arya and Uncle Emmanuel. They all like you."
Karin lowers her head helplessly, "But evil ways can always prevail."
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