Chapter 26: Chapter 26

+15 BONUS Chapter 26 Uncle Jeffrey A person got down from the car and stood respectfully in front of their vehicle. Melanie immediately recognized him. It was the assistant who stood behind Jeffrey Morgan’s wheelchair during the gala selections.

Recalling her agreement with Stephen the previous day, she exchanged a few words with Annie and got out to join the assistant.

“Miss Melanie, I’m here to take you to the Morgans‘ residence to meet the old madam,” the assistant said, handing her several pages of documents.

“Wasn’t it supposed to be this weekend?” she asked.

*The old madam returned from abroad ahead of schedule and wishes to meet you immediately,” the assistant explained.

“Very well.”

Observing her elaborate attire, Melanie hesitated for a moment before saying, “Please drop me off at home first so I can change into more suitable attire.”

The assistant, not wanting to make decisions on his own, picked up the phone and dialed Jeffrey Morgan’s number. He then handed the phone to Melanie. “Miss Melanie, the president would like to speak with you.”

Melanie answered the call. On the other end, Jeffrey’s cold voice came across. “There are some documents in the car for you to familiarize with. You might face some questions later. Make sure you don’t get it wrong.”

Melanie furrowed her brow.

Stephen sure seemed unreliable. He needed her to join him as his pretend wife and yet he involved his uncle in the preparations.

As she glanced over the documents, they contained information about birthdays, preferences, and habits. When she saw that his preferences included reading and meditation, Melanie could not help but chuckle.

“What’s so funny?” Jeffrey asked.

She composed herself and replied, “Rest assured, President Morgan, I’ll make sure to memorize everything.”

In the eyes of the old madam, did Stephen enjoy meditation and reading? It seemed that Stephen’s act in front of his family was quite different from his usual self.

The car arrived at the Morgans‘ family residence. It had a vast courtyard.

Upon entering. Melanie spotted Jeffrey sitting in a wheelchair.

Every time she saw him, memories from that night came rushing back. She knew it was not him, but her heart could not stop racing. The resemblance between Stephen and him sure was striking.

Moreover, the aura surrounding Jeffrey exuding authority and decisiveness was something Stephen could not hope to match.

“You’ve arrived.” Unexpectedly, Jeffrey initiated the conversation, interrupting her thoughts.

It took Melanie a moment to remember how Stephen addressed Jeffrey and then she smiled warmly. “Hello, Uncle Jeffrey.”

‘Uncle?‘

Seated at the center of the sofa, the elderly Madam Morgan raised an eyebrow and tapped the housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson.

Mrs. Hudson considered it for a moment and leaned in to explain, “Madam, perhaps...it’s the way they tease each other as a young couple...”

“Ah.” Madam Morgan pushed her gold–rimmed reading glasses up and relaxed her posture, finding the term endearing.

She then welcomed Melanie and talked about various topics including Stephen and his interests. Melanie was well–prepared and provided suitable answers.

+15 BONUS Madam Morgan also inquired about Melanie’s leg. “Jettrey, why haven’t you had Ur. Noan take a look at Melanie’s injury?

Seeing Jeffrey’s silent demeanor, Melanie responded with a reassuring smile, “Uncle Jeffrey has already made arrangements for me.”

“Very well.” Madam Morgan nodded. “With Dr. Noah around, you won’t need crutches. I remember watching you dance back in the day. You were magnificent.”

“You’ve seen me dance?” Melanie said, surprised.

Mrs. Hudson explained, “The madam spent many years overseas, organizing international events. She saw you perform the Swan Lake years ago and wanted to invite you to the International Socialites Gala. However, you were young at the time, and your education took precedence.”

“Granny, are you the chairwoman of the International Socialites Gala?” Melanie was amazed.

She had heard about the prestigious chairwoman in the international fashion scene, often referred to as “Madame“. A mere nod from her could influence numerous connections in upper society. It was astonishing to discover that she was the matriarch of the Morgans. “It’s just a fancy title.” The elderly lady chuckled warmly. “Don’t worry, dear. With Dr. Noah’s help, you’ll soon be back to your old self.”

Melanie’s heart warmed, and she grasped the elderly lady’s hand.

Madam Morgan also showed concern about Stephen’s treatment of Melanie. “Has my boy been treating you well?”

“He has.”

“Isn’t he a little old for you?”

“Hmm?”

Melanie took a moment to react and then chuckled. “Not really. We’re quite close in age.”

Madam Morgan nodded in agreement. In today’s world, a ten or eight–year age gap was considered reasonable.

“What about his personality? He’s not making things difficult for you, is he?” Madam Morgan inquired, casting a glance at the silent and reserved Jeffrey.

Melanie could not help but think that it was quite frustrating to meet the family before the wedding when Stephen was not even present She kept a reassuring smile and said, “Don’t worry, Madam. When he’s with me, he’s quite reasonable, unlike his usual self.”

“Pfft!”

One of the household servants could not contain their laughter.

Jeffrey felt a tightening in his throat. It appeared his carefully constructed image was about to unravel.

Madam Morgan raised her eyebrows. After a brief pause, she asked, “What do you mean unlike his usual self?”