Chapter 85 17 10:13 The receptionist’s expression transformed into one of shock, struggling to contain her eye roll but evidently at a loss for words. Genevieve, with an air of composure, raised her eyebrows, glanced cursorily at Lauraine, and exhaled a soft nigh. “Lauraine, If your heart yearns for him, follow it. There’s no one here to hinder you.” Genevieve’s Implication was clear – Lauraine’s efforts to stir trouble were futile here, especially since it wasn’t Genevieve who was chasing after Louls. There were bodyguards outside the elevator, so Lauraine couldn’t get Frustrated, Lauraine stamped her feet in dismay, helplessly watching Genevieve disappear into the elevator. Feeling distraught, Lauraine dialed Anthony, her voice breaking into sobs. “Tony, is there something between Louls and Gen? What should I do now? Can you ensure Gen stays away from him?” Anthony, always doting on his frail sister, was taken aback when he discovered her fondness for Louls. He mused. “But perhaps, if Louis were with Lauraine, Genevieve might back off? Anthony then consoled Lauraine with caution, “They’re just ordinary friends, Confronting Genevieve won’t help. Louis is the one showing interest In her. The issue lies with him.” Lauraine declared, ‘I’ll confront him then!” Before Anthony could respond, Lauraine abruptly ended the call. Meanwhile, Genevieve handed Jasper Louis‘ business card, instructing him to personally deliver it to Hoffman Group. While she couldn’t dictate the Hoffman family’s choices, she felt obligated to advise what was best for Frank and Margaret. Anthony realized that Genevieve would remain neutral in their decision making. As Jasper departed, Genevieve’s thoughts drifted to the conversation she heard in the coffee shop. Puzzled, she felt overwhelmed by the complexity of the situation, unable to find a starting point. ‘A car accident… Genevieve pondered, sensing something amiss but unable to pinpoint it. The following day, Selene’s call came through. “Gen, Alden’s sugar baby is desperately trying to contact me, wanting a meeting. What do you reckon her motives are? Selene questioned. Genevieve, engaged in yoga, replied while stretching, “She’s either flaunting her influence or revealing her vulnerabilities. What else could it be?” Selene scoffed, amused. There’s nothing between Aiden and L. If she’s so insecure, why not meet Alden instead?” Genevieve’s expression sharpened as a thought struck her. “Best keep your distance. She’s more complicated than she seems.” Selene retorted, “I’m no fool. Who does she think she is? Why would I hastily agree to meet her? I just find it rather amusing, the way these young women act these days.” Hearing Selene’s Irritation, Genevieve sensed her disdain for Aiden and Cecilia. Genevieve cautioned, “Steer clear of the Campbell family’s troubles. They’re barely managing to keep themselves afloat, don’t entangle yourself” Chapter 85 It was true that the Campbell family had been having a rough time lately. After encountering a delirious Alden in the hospital, Genevieve soon learned of their financial crisis. She doubled Anthony’s intentions of defending her back then, knowing his closer bond with Aiden than with her. She pondered, “Could it be a deadlock of mutual interests? With that in mind, Genevieve freshened up and headed to her office. Upon Genevieve’s arrival, the receptionist pointed to a woman in the lounge and informed, “Ms. Lawrence, that lady over there claims to be an acquaintance of yours. She’s been waiting for a while.” As Genevieve glanced over, she discovered the woman to be none other than Cecilla Recognizing Cecilia, Genevieve’s eyes narrowed, her lips pursed. Without a second thought, she declared, “No, I don’t know her. I’m not meeting her.” “Understood, Ms. Lawrence, the receptionist replied. Cecilia’s timing for the visit seemed linked to the secret Genevieve overheard at the café A few days later, Genevieve fo found herself visiting Margaret, fortunate to catch her awake. The doctor permitted a brief visit but cautioned against disturbing or stimulating Margaret. Genevieve cautiously sat by the bed, feeling a hint of anticipation. Her eyes brimming with tears, she felt a suffocating weight at the memory of the accident, where the perpetrator had fallen from a building, leaving their intentions forever unknown. “Grandma Margaret… Genevieve whispered softly. Margaret’s eyes, clouded and distant, slowly focused on Genevieve. She reached out to touch Genevieve’s hair, Such a simple gesture had exhausted all her strength. She flashed Genevieve a smile, as if to comfort the latter, before her expression relaxed and her eyes dimmed. Margaret shut her eyes slowly, slipping back into a deep slumber. Genevieve, feeling a wave of discomfort, hung her head low, her shoulders giving a slight, involuntary tremble. Emotions welled up inside her, bringing her to the brink of tears. Suddenly, she felt a large hand on her shoulder, its touch light as a feather yet enveloping her in a familiar but distant calming cedar scent. Startled, Genevieve scrambled to her feet to face Anthony, who had appeared unexpectedly. He stood there, clad in an impeccably tailored black shirt that highlighted his elegant demeanor. Backlit perfectly, he appeared almost ethereal, as if he were encased in a halo of light that shimmered around him like a dusting of fine diamonds, bestowing upon him an aura of both dazzle and nobility. For a brief moment, Genevieve found herself momentarily disoriented, the man before her blurring into the memory of an elusive figure from a distant encounter three years prior In Genevieve’s eyes, a subtle redness lingered, the remnants of unshed tears, revealing a seldom–seen fragility and vulnerability. Even in moments of strength or weakness, Genevieve’s beauty and temperament shone remarkably. Anthony slowly y retracted his hand, his deep and intense gaze resting upon her as he spoke in a calm, low tone. “Don’t cry. I’ve made arrangements with Atharia’s research center. We’ll be sending Grandpa and Grandma there next month.” Chapter 85 7 16:13 Genevieve reacted with visible surprise, seemingly taken aback by his swift acceptance of her suggestion A fleeting shadow of bitterness crossed Anthony’s brow as he continued with his characteristic warmth, “There’s no sense in rejecting something that will only benefit them” Their moment was interrupted by a soft knock on the door as the doctor entered, gently reminding them, “Mr. Hoffman Ms. Lawience, it’s time for you to come out now” Genevieve averted her gaze, swiftly regaining her usual composed and cold demeanor as she exited the room Anthony’s deep, contemplative gaze followed her lingering for a few moments longer Standing just outside the glass wall, Genevieve spoke in a hushed tone. That business card came from a friend You should conduct a thorough investigation before making any decisions. This isn’t a trivial matter, Anthony, his lips pressing together, inquired in a quiet, earnest voice, “Why havent you been around these days?” He had moved for some time now but never stumbled upon her by “chance” Anthony harbored a suspicion that she might be intentionally avoiding him, a thought that cast a shadow of gloom over him. He wondered. Tve already made the first move and offered her an opportunity nity Why doesn’t she just take it? Genevieve’s expression hardened slightly as she retorted. “This is my freedom‘ With those words, she turned and left Anthony, his brow furrowed in thought, was about to depart when the doctor called out to him. Meanwhile, Genevieve descended the stairs and found Cecilia waiting at the door, her expression even darker than before Approaching Genevieve, Cecilia bit her lip and said, “Ms. Lawrence, I’ve tried various ways to reach you, but you refused to see me I had no choice but to follow you here” Genevieves expression was cool and detached I’m not well–acquainted with you, so I have nothing to discuss” Cecilia, seeking assistance, pressed further, “I need your help. Aren’t you also interested in dealing with Rosali If you assist me in a matter, I’ll share the information with you” Cecilia had thoroughly prepared for this negotiation, gathering insights from Aiden She was aware of the longstanding conflict bet Genevieve and Rosalie, and saw no reason why Genevieve would decline an opportunity to confront Rosalie Watching Genevieve closely with a hint of nervousness, Cecilia noted her delicate features her expressions that flowed naturally and gracefully Genevieve’s cool distinctive presence was captivating effortlessly oscillating between radiance and allure Cecilia couldn’t help but think, How could someone like her bear to lose to Rosalie? With a sense of urgency, she made her audacious request. Help me steal Rosalie’s baby!”