novelraw Chapter 745: As Long as She Is by My Side, That’s Enough
Chapter 745: As Long as She Is by My Side, That’s Enough
Delphine was lost in thought when Ignatius Leclair had already turned around to retrieve the gift box he had brought back, speaking in his deep voice: "This is the customized gown for the banquet; try it on."
Delphine opened the gift box to reveal a sea-blue off-shoulder gown, its pure hue shimmering with elegance. The fishtail hem was adorned with blue diamonds as dazzling as stars, stunningly beautiful like a mermaid. This gown was bound to make every debutante of the South Seas green with envy.
Delphine froze momentarily before lifting her gaze toward Ignatius Leclair.
"I think it suits you perfectly." The man’s gaze was dark and deep, his smile intoxicating. His woman was naturally meant to make every other woman envious and jealous, and every man heartbroken.
Delphine held the gown in her hands—a beauty that seemed unreal—her dark eyes flickering with a trace of struggle. As long as he had nothing to do with Beatrice Carter’s death, she would try to accept everything he offered and accompany him for the rest of their lives.
For the next two days, Ignatius Leclair became extraordinarily busy, shuttling back and forth between home and the Leclair mansion.
On the eve of the birthday banquet, when Ignatius returned to the villa, it was already late at night. The man went upstairs first to check on the two children. Seeing Nicholas and Benjamin sleeping soundly like two little cherubs, Ignatius’s expression softened. He gently moved Benjamin’s foot off Nicholas’s small belly, tucked them in properly, and returned to the bedroom.
Delphine was already fast asleep. Lately, her sleep quality had been extremely poor, often waking up in the middle of the night.
Ignatius leaned in to kiss her delicate cheek, closed the bedroom door, then moved to the study to call Richard Shaw.
"Have you found out why Stone is back?" Ignatius sat in his chair, his phoenix-like eyes narrowing faintly as he asked.
"He’s holding evidence that’s unfavorable to you, claiming you were the mastermind behind Beatrice Carter’s case." Richard Shaw had been looking haggard these past days. His handsome face appeared far colder than usual, as though all tenderness had been stripped away, leaving only an icy demeanor.
"Think carefully—could it be possible that your second personality did this without your knowledge?" Richard made a startling conjecture.
Ignatius’s thin lips tightened, his face grew darker, and his gaze chillingly sharp: "So tomorrow’s banquet—Stone plans to use me as a stepping stone to rise and clear his own name? I dare say there are quite a few others involved in this incident as well."
"In any case, don’t let your guard down. If it’s a conflict among noble families, your Leclair Family will remain unshaken. But if an internal strife tears the family apart, it won’t take much effort to dismantle it." Richard’s face took on a serious and icy expression as he muttered, "Because of me, Griffith Squire might also take the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. Your situation isn’t promising."
Ignatius stood up, looking out at the thick darkness of the night, his eyes filled with hostility. He spoke coldly: "Without stepping into the tiger’s lair, how can one seize its cub?"
"Have you still not found Leah Squire? If you ask me, take Griffith directly. Considering Leah’s character, she’d likely show herself within three days."
Richard Shaw’s handsome face revealed a trace of helplessness. This was essentially a last resort.
Ignatius ended the call and returned to the bedroom. Gazing at Delphine sleeping peacefully, he climbed into bed carefully, pulling her soft body close to him. His phoenix-like eyes flickered with a trace of tenderness—as long as she was by his side, it was enough.
The next day was Stone’s birthday banquet. Ignatius ordered Jing Liu to take over the security arrangements at the Leclair mansion and bring Nicholas and Benjamin home to ensure their safety. He did not bring the two children to the mansion, instead heading to the banquet with Delphine.