novelraw Chapter 471: Let’s Make a Deal
Chapter 471: Let’s Make a Deal
As spring gives way to late days, first Sylvester Cloud left Nanyang, followed by Griffith Squire’s uncertain fate, and Leah left as well, yet has not returned to this day.
Delphine became increasingly melancholic and sentimental. Her health had never been very good, and coupled with excessive worrying, her morning sickness worsened. She grew temperamental, venting much of her frustration on Ignatius Leclair.
The handsome and aloof man didn’t seem to mind. He came to see her three times daily without fail, and all her needs were meticulously attended to.
Not until Finnian arrived in Nanyang did Delphine find an opportunity to send everyone away. The two agreed to meet at a café in the Northern Town cultural district, adjacent to the embassy.
Having not seen each other for several days, Finnian still exuded his refined and elegant demeanor. When he saw her enter, he stood to pull out her seat and smiled warmly. "Delphine, you’re looking well."
Delphine froze briefly, then curved her lips into a slight smile and responded coolly, "You’re the first to say I look well these past few days."
Lying through his teeth, wasn’t he? She had been pale and bloodless from relentless morning sickness, and her foul mood had rendered her withdrawn and taciturn. Ignatius Leclair even feared her depression had returned and was deeply concerned.
Finnian smiled. Ignatius had transformed her home into a veritable fortress. Not even a stranger passing by could get close to the property, let alone someone like him. That so-called road renovation would likely drag on for nine months. He couldn’t enter—Delphine had to come out instead.
The two chose a secluded booth, where Finnian’s people had cleared the surrounding area of onlookers.
Delphine produced two Yellow Jade Seals, sliding them across the table with a directness that wasted no time. "I know you’ve always wanted these two seals. Returning them to me before was just a strategic retreat. Let’s make a deal—these two seals will be yours."
Finnian’s smile faltered momentarily, and he replied, "I thought I had been composed and perfect in my act."
Delphine smiled faintly. Seeing him so forthright about his motives left her unable to summon any feelings of disdain. She spoke softly, "Precisely because you performed too perfectly, I am merely an outsider to you. Trust, for adults, is the hardest thing to obtain."
Finnian was deeply committed to the rise and fall of his family. How could he possibly entrust such a significant responsibility to someone unfamiliar?
"Saying it’s a deal makes it sound too coldhearted. If there’s anything you need my help with, you’re welcome to ask," Finnian said with a smile.
"I want to leave Nanyang. I need your help." Her gaze lowered, her eyelashes fluttering like wings, ready to take flight. Her voice, cold and crisp as a mountain spring, carried no trace of emotion.
Finnian’s smile vanished completely. The stakes of this trade were high—one misstep and he could lose it all.
The man lowered his eyes in thought, his long, slender fingertips tapping rhythmically against the tabletop, one deliberate beat at a time.
"Just you, or you and your child?" When Finnian raised his eyes again, a sharp glint flickered within them.
"Does it make a difference?"
"If your father stays in Nanyang to pin down Ignatius Leclair, I’m seventy percent confident of success. If both of you leave together, my odds drop to thirty percent," Finnian explained, his forefinger tapping the tabletop with a measured composure.
It was evident he had decided to take the risk and proceed with this transaction.
"Both of us—me and my child. You must guarantee my child’s safety," Delphine stated firmly.
She had already discussed this with her father. Even if she left with the child, Ignatius Leclair wouldn’t dare to take any action against Sylvester Cloud.
In a few years, there would naturally be opportunities for the father and daughter to reunite.
"I’m curious. If you give birth to the child, a mother rising in status because of the child and marrying into the Leclair Family wouldn’t be out of the question. Why are you so determined to leave?" Finnian squinted slightly, a faint smile curling his lips.