Chapter 421

Marguerite’s heart raced. Lifting her gaze abruptly, sure enough, she saw Frederick at the door, leading Hayes by the hand.

Frederick stood tall and imposing, exuding a potent aura of capability even in silence.

Jocelyn was checking their luggage, while Yuna, holding Manley’s hand, was looking at her in disbelief.

It took Marguerite at least half a minute to snap out of her stupor, her eyes instinctively seeking Maurice’s. Judging by his expression, he seemed oblivious to Frederick’s return.

Suddenly, Marguerite felt a premonition of bloodshed and turmoil looming ominously ahead.

Hayes had also noticed Marguerite. He broke free from Frederick’s grip, running towards Marguerite.

Looking up at her with his round eyes, he radiated sincerity and anticipation.

Teresa watched the unexpected arrivals, her mind filled with questions. Grabbing Hayes’ hand, she couldn’t help but ask, “Little mute, why are you here?”

Hayes reluctantly tore his gaze away from Marguerite and earnestly answered Teresa, “Daddy said…

Grandpa… is sick.”

Grandpa? Teresa’s beautiful eyes widened in shock, her mouth dropping open, “What? My grandpa, is he your grandpa too?”

The atmosphere plunged into an unprecedented awkwardness. As Teresa was about to speak again, Marguerite quickly covered her mouth, whispering, “Don’t ask. It’s complicated. Mommy will tell you later.”

At that moment, Powell, seated in a wheelchair, extended a shaky arm towards the door. His face was a picture of poignant longing:

“Jocelyn, my dear Jocelyn… come, let me have a good look at you…”

Jocelyn’s back stiffened noticeably as she checked the luggage.

Marguerite noticed Jocelyn’s hesitation. Rising to her full height, Jocelyn turned around, her gaze calm and gentle, and walked over.

She crouched down in front of Powell’s wheelchair, her delicate hand resting gently on his knee.

Instantly, Powell clutched her hand, his lips trembling as tears falling down.

“How have you been these years? You left without a word… Did you know how heartbroken I was? You didn’t even let us know when you returned…”

Jocelyn smiled softly, “I’ve been helping Frederick. I didn’t have time.”

It was clear that Jocelyn still held affection for Powell. However, she was no longer the docile woman she once was, and now held a certain confidence.

Marguerite knew that this confidence came from Frederick. From the moment Jocelyn chose to leave Stonebridge City with Frederick, she no longer needed the support of the Winston family.

This also indirectly proved how much Frederick had flourished over the years.

Marguerite mused on this, her gaze lingering on Frederick.

Yet, Frederick’s gaze remained fixed on Jocelyn and Powell, his expression inscrutable.

In that moment, Marguerite could feel the deep-seated hatred Frederick harbored for the entire Winston family.

If he held such resentment, why had he chosen to return? Marguerite didn’t understand.

Yuna, standing by the door, looked utterly confused. She quickly took Manley’s hand and hurried over to Powell, urging. “Manley, it’s your grandpa.”

Manley, who probably never knew he had a grandfather, clung to Yuna’s leg in fright, not uttering a word.

Yuna, exasperated, yanked Manley in front of her and shoved him towards Powell, “Say it! Haven’t I taught you manners? Say it!”

Marguerite thought Yuna was ridiculous. Trying to acknowledge an enemy as kin in front of Frederick?

Her intentions couldn’t be more obvious.

Expectedly, Marguerite noticed Frederick’s expression growing even darker. But before Manley could utter “grandpa”, the long-absent Lisette finally made her leisurely descent from the stairs.

She was dressed in a blue velvet dress, a pink silk shawl draped over her shoulders. She was the picture of opulence.

Her voice rang loud and clear, her tone dripping with sarcasm and disdain. “What are you all standing around for? Let’s go to the dining room! Otherwise people would think that I have been neglecting you as the lady of this house.”