Francis could catch a faint whiff of a lavender liniment as he stood close to her, a clear sign she had been using some sort of ointment.
Satisfied, he nodded and slipped into the car.
Drive, he instructed the chauffeur.
The car pulled away, heading towards Rosewood Mansion.
This particular property had been bought by Francis long ago, with the intention of it being for Rebecca White. It had once caused quite a stir when Caroline found out about it. Now, after all the twists and turns, Rebecca was finally moving in.
The mansion was quite spacious for just one person.
Isn’t it too big? Rebecca White wondered aloud, standing at the garden gate, a slight frown on her face.
This is actually one of the smaller ones, Francis remarked as he walked ahead. I don’t own anything smaller, so you’ll just have to make do.
They entered the garden, one after the other.
Waiting at the entrance were two people Francis had hired: a housekeeper to manage daily tasks and a caregiver to look after Rebecca.
The caregiver, as it turned out, was someone she knew.
Jane? Rebecca White recognized her immediately. Jane had been her caregiver back at the Southern District Sanatorium.
Yes, Ms. White, Jane replied with a warm smile. You remember me.
Of course… Rebecca White returned her smile, then tugged on Francis’s sleeve to pull him aside.
What is it? Francis asked with a gentle smile, teasingly adding, Got a secret to share?
Rebecca brushed off his jest and lowered her voice. Isn’t this a bit much? I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I don’t need all this help.
A caregiver was enough to ensure she didn’t hurt herself during her sleepwalking episodes.
It’s not too much, Francis replied, shaking his head to dismiss her concerns.
I know what you’ve been eating in that dorm room-instant noodles, takeout… You’re too young to be living off that kind of diet.
Well, it wasn’t easy to cook in those cramped quarters. Plus, she worked until six every day, which was exhausting.
Rebecca tried to protest, I eat lunch in the company cafeteria… It’s not that bad.
Nope, Francis said firmly, You’re James’s mom. If I’m going to take care of you, I’m going to do it right.
He gave her a pointed look. And besides, for me, hiring a caregiver and an extra housekeeper is no big deal.
Rebecca White faltered, once again reminded of the vast difference i
rem situations. Some
their
BUMS
in
things were just hard to argue with.
Just then, Sawyer brought in her luggage.
Jane moved forward to take it. Let
me handle it. I know Ms. White’s preferences. Back at the Sanatorium, I took care of all her things.
She glanced at Rebecca for approval.
Rebecca smiled and nodded, Yes…
However, things were different now. Her eyesight was fine, and she wasn’t used to being waited on.
Jane, I can manage myself…
Suddenly, Francis placed a hand on her shoulder. We need to go.
Rebecca blinked, Where to?
Where do you think? Francis chuckled. To see James, of course. The little guy was so upset not seeing you last night. I promised him
Ms. White would be here today Any later and he’d be sulking again.
Ah, to see James.
Rebecca’s eyes lit up with excitement. Let’s go, then!
She hurried ahead, eager to see her son.
Francis watched her with a hint of surprise. Such urgency? The bond between mother and son was indeed powerful. He squinted slightly, thinking to himself: Rebecca White, with ties like these, do you still think you can just slip away?