novelraw Chapter 292: All the entanglements that followed were just a continuation of this mistake.
Chapter 292: All the entanglements that followed were just a continuation of this mistake.
Delphine’s throat was dry, and she couldn’t utter a single word.
Ignatius Leclair’s phoenix-like eyes gradually dimmed, fixed on her as he spoke with a faint tone, "If I let Beatrice go, would you hate me less?"
Even now, he finally said that word. From the first day she returned to the Leclair Mansion, he had seen the hatred in her eyes and chosen to ignore it.
Years ago, battered by wind and frost, he crossed oceans to return to Southeast Asia, bearing the pain of losing his mother. At the wrong time and place, he met fifteen-year-old Delphine Carter.
All the entanglements that followed were merely continuations of that error. Even now, he himself couldn’t say what his feelings for Delphine truly were—not an unforgettable love, yet impossible to let go.
Delphine’s gaze grazed over the familiar yet unfamiliar features of his face. She bit her thin lips tightly, terrified that opening her mouth would bring forth uncontrollable sobs. How could she not hate him? He had destroyed everything she had.
"Delphine, come to me. Since you want to see, then see clearly—all my faces." The man reached out to her, speaking indifferently.
Stone Leclair’s actions thoroughly enraged Ignatius. No matter how many infamies he would carry, as long as he chose not to let go, Delphine would still remain his woman.
Delphine stared into the depths of his ocean-like gaze and suddenly felt an illusion of being loved. She laughed at herself. How could Ignatius Leclair love anyone? This man was born without a heart.
"Mr. Leclair, Stone and Mrs. Carter have reached the entrance," Maximilian reminded, signaling that there was still a tough battle ahead. Miss Delphine could sway Mr. Leclair’s decisions far too easily—it was not a good thing.
Ignatius nodded slightly, his gaze shifting back to Delphine.
Delphine, without saying a word, walked to his side, her uneasiness evident as she glanced at the entrance of the side hall.
Bessie Leclair, watching the drama unfold, was so frightened she didn’t even dare to breathe. Her hands and feet turned ice-cold—her elder brother tolerating Delphine to this extent? How was that even possible? This was Ignatius Leclair: cold, ruthless, high above all others since childhood.
Bessie quickly sent a message to Melody Cloud, telling her about the Leclair family’s situation. If this continued, it was only a matter of time before that burdensome outsider climbed all over her. She absolutely could not sit back and do nothing.
Stone Leclair entered alongside Mrs. Carter, and the scene in the side hall startled them.
"What are you all standing around here for?" Stone’s mood was excellent. Seeing everyone in the side hall, he exerted his authority as the family leader and asked. The scandal had been quelled quickly; the investigation team above saw the issue resolved and essentially turned a blind eye. Stone, seeing a renewed opportunity for his promotion next year, was in high spirits.
Ignatius said nothing. His sharp, handsome features remained carved in cold, unmoving resolve.
Mrs. Carter’s eyes lit up upon seeing Delphine. She stepped forward quickly, grabbing her hand in delight as she spoke, "Little Del, your aunt is now officially Mrs. Leclair. Let me show you the marriage certificate."
Beatrice Carter reached into her handbag and pulled out the red booklet, her face brimming with joy, the sparkling pigeon egg on her ring finger gleaming brightly.
Delphine lowered her gaze, unmoved.
Mrs. Carter’s excitement bordered on madness. Clutching Delphine’s hand, she choked up and said, "You don’t know how long your aunt has waited for this day. Your Uncle Leclair even said, since you’re an orphan, why don’t we just raise you as mine? Write your name into the Leclair family genealogy, and from now on, we’ll be mother and daughter—you can call me Mom."