novelraw Chapter 1279: Extra Story: Magnolia Hearne & Luca Jennings 4
Chapter 1279: Extra Story: Magnolia Hearne & Luca Jennings 4
Ygraine Lloyd stood rigidly in place, clearly never having considered this issue in her calculations against President Jennings.
Similarly pausing in his steps was Luca Jennings, who had just approached and happened to hear Magnolia Hearne’s last words.
Initially displeased by Ygraine Lloyd’s impulsive expression toward Magnolia, Luca thought it best to handle things himself.
Yet upon hearing Magnolia’s words, he suddenly understood her intentions.
Following this realization was a warmth spreading from his chest.
In his eyes, the firmness melted into a hint of delight.
Delighted because, from past to present, Magnolia was always the one who understood him best.
Concerning so-called undesirable admirers, Luca Jennings had never cared.
Whether it was Ygraine Lloyd or Wang Xiao Wynsia Atkins, they made no difference to him.
However, as a benefactor, Ygraine held a different status for him.
The relationship between a benefactor and the beneficiary is inherently sensitive.
Especially since similar social scandals have happened before.
...
The social status of women has always been awkward.
Society’s expectations for women are high, yet often harsh.
When sexually harassed or assaulted, people don’t blame the harassing men but instead question the woman’s attire, suggesting she gave him certain signals.
When men abuse women, it’s seen as family conflict.
When women abuse men, it’s intolerable, resulting in jail.
Not long ago, as more empowered women stood up, they fought for women’s rights bit by bit.
But some have started to exploit these rights with ulterior motives.
Using labor laws protecting pregnant women, some conceal pregnancy to join companies.
Using the innate vulnerability of women to falsely accuse others of harassment.
Truth and lies, when people can no longer discern truth at a glance, they choose to keep their distance.
What Ygraine Lloyd is doing now is forcing those truly charitable entrepreneurs to cut ties.
She’s burning bridges.
Not just Luca Jennings’ bridge, but those of countless girls hoping to cross the river.
By pointing this out, Magnolia Hearne is giving her a chance to choose anew.
If Ygraine retains any moral sense, she’ll choose to find her way back.
But if she insists on pursuing darkness... Magnolia Hearne has a hundred ways to ensure she remains silent forever.
Today’s incident was merely a gentle warning before harsher measures.
Watching his wife’s rare serious expression, Luca Jennings no longer cared about Ygraine Lloyd’s reaction, his eyes filled solely with pride and affection for Magnolia.
Ygraine said something wrong.
Magnolia, this beacon of purity, does not lose her value because of a regained connection.
On the contrary, because of past losses, he cherishes every day spent with her more.
Previously, he held the heir status of the Jennings Family, even if fond of her, he restrained himself from indulging.
Yet these two years, even the younger generation has noticed how much he’s changed, becoming more attached.
Resuming his steps, Luca Jennings bypassed Ygraine, focusing only on the figure before him, then gently asked her,
"Are you tired? Shall we go home?"
Magnolia Hearne thought to herself she hadn’t gotten serious yet and had only said a few words, so she wasn’t tired.
But catching Luca’s gaze, she acquiesced,
"Okay, let’s go."
As she reached out, the two people seen by outsiders as well past fifty, unabashedly held hands and walked toward the banquet hall exit.
Those around them cast envious and friendly glances, but Ygraine Lloyd’s gaze was complex as she watched their retreating backs.
Her mind awhirl, watching them recede, she couldn’t help but softly call out,
"President Jennings! Mrs. Jennings, wait a moment!"
Luca Jennings and Magnolia Hearne gently paused, turning to Ygraine, as if curious about what else she wanted to say.
Watching them intently, she suddenly bent in their direction, lowered her head, and earnestly said,
"Thank you, and... I’m sorry."
Sorry for letting him down.
She would keep those hidden schemes in the dark.
Even if for those like her needing aid, she’d bury her admiration for President Jennings deep within.
She would no longer seek to approach him.
With nothing more to say, Luca Jennings and Magnolia Hearne waved and departed on their own.
Going downstairs, Luca sent a message on his phone. When he sat in the back of the car, Magnolia Hearne casually glanced over, noticing the undesirable admirers marking had vanished from his features.
Magnolia remarked with some wonder,
"I am quite capable."
Always advising Scarlett to act instead of speak, now it seems she has a knack for persuasion.
Perhaps Donovan Jennings’ performance at the Mystical Council is inherited from her.
Magnolia Hearne felt pride swelling once more.
If not for being dressed in formal attire outside, she might have revealed and flicked her tail in satisfaction.
Luca Jennings observed her pride, a tender indulgence in his serious gaze, saying nothing about having arranged for Ygraine Lloyd to be directly transferred next week to a distant branch office, only nodded in agreement,
"Yes, you’re the best."
His words drew Magnolia’s gaze back to him, her eyes narrowed as she spoke,
"Still, you’re impressive, to have a young girl spellbound at middle age..."
Luca Jennings: ...
His expression helpless, unable to explain, only softening his tone, conceding,
"Magnolia..."
Magnolia Hearne drew closer, "Now that I’m back, am I no longer your beacon of purity?"
Luca Jennings grasped her hand, squeezing it,
"You are."
Always have been.
With satisfaction in her eyes, yet still playfully relentless, Magnolia added, "No matter how old, men only like eighteen-year-olds?"
Luca Jennings replied solemnly,
"I like you, irrespective of age."
The rare confession from an older man, instantly lifting Magnolia Hearne’s spirits, ceasing her teasing to say,
"It’s okay if you like eighteen-year-olds too, I’m fine with that."
As she finished, Luca Jennings felt a momentary blur, the car’s dim light revealing a face close to him suddenly changing.
From a well-maintained, alluring mature woman, she instantly reverted to the youthful and vibrant appearance she had when they first met at eighteen.
Luca Jennings’ eyes darted, a fleeting recollection of past heart-pounding moments.
When she mysteriously severed contact, leaving him anxious and worried, realizing his feelings for her.
When she unexpectedly reappeared before him, walking toward him with a smile, even recalling it years later, he remembers the heart-racing emotions.
That was the unmistakable thrill and the poignant joy of regaining a once-lost treasure.
From that day forth, he vowed never to let her slip away.
As his hand gently caressed the youthful face, Luca Jennings slowly leaned toward her.
Just when Magnolia Hearne assumed he’d habitually kiss her, the man lowered his head, touching her forehead with his own.
His voice hoarse, laced with love,
He said,
"No need for deliberate change, as long as you can always stay by my side, holding and loving me..."
Until I grow old.
Unspoken words, conveyed through the warmth at their foreheads turning into an intimate understanding.
Magnolia Hearne closed her eyes, her youthful visage slowly reverting to one marked by the passage of time.
Saying little more, she tenderly rubbed her forehead against his, tinged with affection and love, softly answering his wish,
"...Okay."