novelraw Chapter 282: How Can I Have the Mood to Deal with Stone Leclair When You Argue with Me Every Day
Chapter 282: How Can I Have the Mood to Deal with Stone Leclair When You Argue with Me Every Day
After Delphine finished her call with Leah, she went downstairs.
On an early winter morning, the air carried traces of frost. The camellias in the courtyard bloomed in the wind. She sat under the porch in the side hall, wrapped in a fluffy sweater, waiting for the residents of the Leclair mansion to wake up.
From outside came the sound of an engine. Someone passed through the deep shadows of the courtyard’s trees, the cold wind brushing against their clothes, creating a rustling noise.
"When did it happen?" A man’s voice, deep and melodious, spoke unhurriedly.
Ignatius Leclair returned carrying the chill of early winter. He unexpectedly caught sight of Delphine sitting under the porch, bundled up like a ball. His steps halted and slowed, his phoenix-like eyes fixed on her, deep as an ancient pool.
"An hour ago. The ramifications are severe; the prominent families are speculating that it was you who acted against Stone Leclair," Maximilian followed closely behind. Noticing Ignatius suddenly stop, he nearly bumped into him.
Ignatius didn’t respond. He walked straight to Delphine. Seeing her with her head down, sitting obediently under the porch, the anger from yesterday had completely dissolved. He reached out to lift her into his arms, intending to carry her into the side hall.
Delphine originally planned to play dead and ignore him. But now, being picked up, especially in front of outsiders, her expression changed slightly. In a low voice, she said, "Put me down."
The sound of her voice, soft and husky from just waking up, landed in his ears, scratching at his heart with a faint, tantalizing itch. Without saying a word, Ignatius carried her inside and placed her on the sofa in front of the fireplace. He spoke heavily, "The wind outside is strong. Sitting out too long will make you catch a cold."
He reached out to touch her cheek. Feeling its icy chill, he frowned in displeasure. She was so thin, and yet she never cared for her body.
"Why are you up so early?"
Delphine thought of the situation with Stone Leclair. It was the perfect opportunity to ask him about it. The minor quarrel from the previous day was momentarily set aside.
"Leah called me this morning and said Stone Leclair was in trouble. Does this have anything to do with you?"
She looked at him, her large, black, grape-like eyes glimmering with intelligence and vitality. Her quiet demeanor radiated an undeniable sweetness and tenderness.
Ignatius’ phoenix eyes grew darker. He glanced at Maximilian.
Maximilian immediately said, "We just learned about this matter as well. Last night, Sir Leclair slept at Emerald Hill Villas. Upon hearing the news, he returned early this morning."
The Gold Medal assistant was purposefully dropping hints about Sir Leclair’s whereabouts. Why would he not sleep at the Leclair mansion? If Delphine misunderstood, life in the coming days would be harder.
"Has Beatrice Carter woken up yet?" Ignatius asked casually.
Delphine shook her head.
"Have the housekeeper wake her up," the man said with displeasure, his brows furrowing. "Once Stone finds out the news, he will likely return soon. Then it’ll either be dealing with Ms. Carter or directly marrying her to quell the rumors."
Delphine’s expression changed slightly. She stared at Ignatius and, with a raspy voice, asked, "It really wasn’t you?"
Seeing the trace of doubt and unease in her gaze, a peculiar softness welled up in Ignatius’ chest. He lowered his head, his face so close to hers that their breaths tangled. In a low tone, he said, "You spend every day arguing with me. How would I have the energy to take on Stone Leclair?"
His words were steeped in tenderness and layered with meaning. Delphine’s face flushed fiercely as she lowered her eyes, avoiding his scorching gaze.
At that moment, the housekeeper walked into the side hall. Seeing everyone present, he was startled and said, "Has the eldest master returned?"
"Housekeeper, have someone wake Ms. Carter. Tell her I need to see her," Ignatius ordered indifferently.
Before the words had fully left his lips, hurried footsteps sounded from outside the side hall. Without seeing Stone Leclair yet, his voice already rang out, tinged with anger, "Where is Beatrice Carter?"