the two-faced Adopted Girl Who Melted CEO's Ice-Cold Heart

Chapter 459: Clearly Anxious and Nervous, Yet Feigning Calmness and Composure on the Surface

Delphine’s body suddenly stiffened, not daring to move an inch, and she didn’t look back.

Ignatius Leclair saw her like a little beast, her eyes betraying the panic and tension she tried to suppress, while her face maintained an outward facade of calm composure. She resembled a territorial cat, poised to strike at the intruder with its claws when the moment was right, a sight that held a certain charm.

Ignatius Leclair leaned down toward her.

The man’s breath was steady and deep, brushing against the delicate skin near her ear, leaving goosebumps in its wake. Delphine felt her breathing becoming labored, preparing to push him away, but Ignatius already reached out to tuck the stray strands of her hair behind her ear. Then he stepped back and said in his husky voice, "Your hair is messy."

Delphine, partially irritated, ignored him. She moved to the sofa by the window, picked up a book that Desmond Wood had bought, and began reading.

The man looked at her profile as she read. Her eyebrows and eyes were picturesque, her features refined, exuding a calm and composed aura. Her phoenix-shaped eyes had a subtle depth to them. He called someone in to clean up the dining table, then stepped out of the hospital room. His tall and lean figure leaned against the wall, beckoning Maximilian over.

"Has Beatrice Carter woken up yet?"

"No, she’s still unconscious. It’s almost certain she’ll remain in a vegetative state," Maximilian said, lowering his voice.

Beatrice Carter’s condition was still being kept from Isaac Leclair.

Ignatius Leclair frowned slightly.

"When does the inheritance embezzlement case for Cloud Xue begin?"

"Seven days from now. This case is extremely difficult. Even though it’s been over twenty years, any will that existed would have likely been destroyed long ago by Cloud Tao and his wife," Maximilian explained.

Ignatius shook his head and said calmly, "Cloud Xue must have a will or a witness. However, he signed the severance deed himself, which makes this case unwinnable. His efforts in pursuing the lawsuit are not about the inheritance from the Cloud Family but about bringing the truth to light and demanding justice."

As for the inheritance, Cloud Xue had not known about it earlier. It was clear that someone had informed him later on. Ignatius thought of that naïve, doll-faced individual—could they really belong to a hidden aristocratic family? These people often have channels unknown to ordinary individuals to uncover such secrets.

Imperial City, the night draped heavily over the skyline.

With the arrival of spring, it was the prime season for international relations, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was swamped with the year’s busiest workload.

A refined and elegant man stepped out leisurely with a black umbrella and got into a sleek black sedan.

"Brother Mu, Desmond Wood has surfaced," the young driver said.

The man’s hand, mid-way through opening a document, lingered for a moment. He raised his head, the gold-rimmed glasses reflecting a faintly cold glimmer, as he replied in a low voice, "Where has he gone?"

"To Southeast Asia. He’s there as a defense lawyer and just won the case surrounding the infamous assault scandal," the young driver replied.

Southeast Asia? The refined man’s eyes held a trace of curiosity. It seems Southeast Asia has been bustling lately. Even that boy Desmond Wood has emerged. He had suspected the boy would cling to his strict morals and live out his days deep in the mountains.

Now that he’d appeared, there was no way as his older brother he wouldn’t give him a proper welcome. Otherwise, he’d risk being mocked by outsiders for his lack of worldly experience, embarrassing the family.

"The people Desmond Wood has been connecting with recently are the second master and daughter of the Cloud Family in Southeast Asia. The daughter of the Cloud Family’s second master may very well be a descendant of the Clan Leader."

The refined man revealed a meaningful smile, closed the document in his hand, and murmured under his breath, "To Southeast Asia."