The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 429

Upon hearing the news, Neera knitted her brows. She promptly called her aunt.

Adriana answered swiftly, her voice carrying a hint of relief, "Neera, you've returned. I tried calling home earlier, but Auntie Zuniga mentioned you weren't back."

"Yes, I've just gotten home."

Neera asked worriedly, "Aren't you coming home tonight? How is she?"

"It's not a big deal, but I need to stay with her. Don't worry; I'll return by dawn."

Adriana chose not to mention her plans to stay at the Garcia house over the phone, thinking it'd be better to discuss it in person the next day.

Relieved by the news, Neera responded, "Okay, just ensure to cover yourself with a blanket when you sleep at the hospital. I don't want you to catch a cold."

The next morning, when they went downstairs, they saw that Aunt Adriana had returned home.

"Grandaunt, you're home!"

The triplets were full of enthusiasm as they rushed over to hug her.

Adriana felt her heart melt with their warm hugs.

"Yes, but I have to leave soon. You three must behave and not trouble your mom, understand?"

This news surprised everyone.

Neera hurriedly asked, "Where are you going?"

Helplessly, Adriana replied, "I have to stay at Garcia's residence for a few days. Don't worry; it's only temporary. I'll return once my mother recovers."

How could Neera not be worried about her?

Her mother met a tragic end as a result of that family's bullying in the past. Her perception of that family was overwhelmingly negative. For her, that residence resembled a nest of tigers and wolves.

Adriana had always been a maternal figure to Neera. The thought of how that family might exploit her for their own gain deeply disturbed her.

She may have been vulnerable once, but times had changed; she was stronger now.

Neera didn't want any harm to befall Adriana.

"Aunt Adriana, can't you stay here? Even though you have to take care of your mom, can't you visit during the day and avoid spending the night there?"

Adriana, recognizing Neera's underlying concerns, responded with a warm smile.

"Silly child, I know what you're thinking, but I'm not someone who's easily taken advantage of. I won't let myself be mistreated."

Adriana was aware of the knot in her heart. She gently caressed her hair and addressed it directly.

"You must remember, I'm not your birth mother. Our temperaments are totally opposite. Your mother had a soft nature, which led her down that tragic path. But I've weathered many challenges in the corporate world. Even the craftiest of the lot would find it hard to beat me. How could that family possibly harm me?"

Neera felt dejected. Although she agreed with Adriana's points, the worry persisted.

"You know the true nature of that family. They are ruthless in reaching their goal. They want you to stay there to create an opportunity for your company and theirs to merge. If you disagree, who knows what they might do to you? I don't feel good about you staying with them."

However, Neera also recognized that, given Marnie's current state, Adriana needed to be there.

After giving some thought, she decided, "Once you go there, remember to call me three times a day. It's the only way I'll find some peace."

Adriana chuckled and readily agreed.

She then proceeded upstairs to pack some clothes and essentials, and later descended with luggage.

As Neera was on her way to take the triplets to school, she decided to drop Adriana off at Garcia's home en route.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the villa.

Roxanne had been eagerly waiting for Adriana at the villa's entrance. Upon spotting her, a warm smile blossomed on her face.

"It feels like we've waited ages for your return, and now you're finally here. Let me help with your luggage."

As she spoke, she shot Neera a subtle and triumphant glance.

Disgusted by Roxanne's demeanor, Neera didn't even bother to step out of the car.

She greeted Aunt Adriana and sped away without another word.