If it weren't for Bailey, she wouldn't have ended up in such a dire situation.
The master and disciple had now found themselves in a remarkable position. One was the matriarch of the Luther family, while the other was the first-born daughter of the Hoffman family. Both had achieved significant fame and reputation.
Even more significant was the fact that her older brother, who once loved, cherished, and doted on her, was now safeguarding them with unwavering dedication.
How could she bear to accept this harsh reality?
Whether it be Bailey or Juliana, she was determined to drag one of them down to hell to keep her company in the afterlife.
The more she dwelled on it, the stronger the aura of death enveloped her.
She eagerly anticipated her meeting with Bailey tomorrow.
Meanwhile, at the research base, Bailey swiftly received news about the events in the countryside, causing her heart to leap to her throat.
Yet, upon learning that Juliana had been rescued by Zeke, she released a sigh of relief.
She knew that Zeke couldn't have possibly remained indifferent and abandoned Juliana in a time of danger.
Without her awareness, he had already set up protection for Juliana.
However, as Bailey contemplated the decisions he now had to confront, her worries resurfaced.
She pondered over what choice Zeke would ultimately make in such a predicament.
Would he diminish the power of the Hoffman family, completely shattering Juliana's aspirations and confining her within the Shurmer family forever? Or would he aid her in toppling Tucker's authority, supporting her rise to become the family head, thus making her the most influential woman in Adrune and realizing her dream of attaining fame and fortune?
Whichever decision he opted for, it was implausible to appease both sides simultaneously.
Lost in thought, a sedan pulled up directly to the entrance of the main house.
Zeke emerged, stepping out as the car door swung open. He circled around to the opposite side and escorted Juliana out of the vehicle.
Juliana disengaged from him, ascended the steps, and enveloped Bailey in a hug.
“Master, thank you. Were it not for you, I would have perished in the countryside tonight.”
Bailey raised an eyebrow.
Why is she thanking me? What did I do?
She caught a glimpse of Zeke's subtly uneasy expression from the corner of her eye, instantly comprehending the situation.
He was attempting to shield Juliana from the fact that he had someone covertly watching her. This was perhaps why he was deflecting blame onto her.
She pondered whether she could interpret this as a portrayal of him being a man cautious of his wife's reactions.
Suppressing a chuckle, she lightly patted Juliana's back and offered solace. “Tucker has allowed power and self-interest to cloud his rationality. I assumed he might resort to taking your life to eradicate any future complications permanently. Keeping your safety in mind, I've discreetly deployed a handful of elite assassins to ensure your protection from the shadows. Based on tonight's events, it seems my decision was correct. It at least spared your life. Remember, you can't be impulsive in the future. Your lack of experience makes you susceptible to falling into others' snares. It would be a shame if your efforts capsize in the gutter. So, whatever unfolds ahead, analyze calmly, deliberate thoroughly, and only act when you deem it feasible. Are you following me?”
Juliana nodded, leaning weakly against her without saying a word.
The accumulation of recent concerns had likely robbed her of proper rest, as her visage bore signs of exhaustion.
Bailey addressed Zayn the butler, “Could you please escort Ms. Juliana to the guest room for some rest?”
“Of course.”
Juliana clung to Bailey. “Master, there's so much I want to discuss with you.”
Bailey playfully nudged her, laughing, “I'm not going anywhere. Why the rush? Look, head back to your room and rest for now. Once you've recuperated, we can delve into the matters at hand.”
Juliana nodded in acquiescence, then obediently trailed Zayn upstairs.
Bailey stayed quiet, sighing as she watched him leave.
At that moment, Artemis emerged from the living room and wrapped his arms around Bailey.
“There's often a middle ground that can be found to mitigate the situation. Even if you can't see it now, there might still be ways to minimize the damage. Speculating about things that haven't happened yet can be futile. Let's not trouble ourselves unnecessarily.”
Bailey shook her head, casting aside her jumbled thoughts. She asked, “Did you find out what Simon's plans are when you met him today?”
Artemis nodded. “Catherine seems intent on returning to the Rogers family. Once we have our affairs in order here, I think we should head to Gregan. Our position is clear: we want both Catherine and the Fragrance Manual. If the Rogers family opposes us, then we'll let our actions speak for us.”
Bailey's smile showed she was on board with Artemis' plan.
“Good, things here are coming to a conclusion. After Zeke meets with Zoey tomorrow, the matter of the true and false heiress should be settled. Tucker will be the final piece of the puzzle. Zeke will determine his next step. If he wishes to witness the decline of the Hoffman family, Tucker will meet his end. If he opts to back Juliana's rise to power, Tucker's fate won't differ much.”
Ultimately, the closest kin of Mr. Philip and his son would abandon them.
“Right, so stop overthinking and let's wait for tomorrow's outcomes.”
He then scooped Bailey into his arms and headed toward the room.
“What are you doing?” Bailey asked, somewhat surprised.
Artemis looked at her abdomen and mused, “Well, there's been no news yet. It seems I need to be more diligent.”
“Artemis, why do you have this on your mind all day and night?”
“Didn't you mention you wanted to start a family? I'm just keeping your wish in mind.”
Bailey was rendered speechless.
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