Chapter 377 Unexpected News
In the following thirty minutes, the guests kept firing questions at Jean, asking about her family background, education, and career. Besides her parents’ death, she was impeccable in every way.
When Mrs. Astor heard that Jean ran an investment company, she could not help but look at her with awe and ask in Hugo’s presence, “Ms. Eyer, you’re an outstanding young lady. Why do you choose to be with Hugo? He has a five-year-old child.”
Hugo finally ran out of patience. “Your question is uncalled for.” But Jean glanced at him calmly and answered Mrs. Astor with a smile, “I’m not that outstanding. After all, I’m a divorcee.”
She brought up the matter frankly and seemed unaffected by it. Hugo clenched his hands. Even Ellie sensed the tense atmosphere and tried to hide behind Jean.
“Oh, you’re a divorcee. No wonder. In that case, you are a good match for each other. I was thinking why a lady from a wealthy family would want to be with him.”
Their attitude toward Jean changed instantly. Furthermore, their eyes were filled with disdain and disgust. It was a complete turn from their attitude when Jean exchanged a business card with them. Hugo’s expression darkened. “You better watch what you say.”
“Why? She said it herself. It makes sense. She knows her shortcomings. Otherwise, why would she choose to be with a widower who has a child?”
Their words grew harsh. Ellie shrank away and hid her face behind Jean’s arm.
Jean turned around slowly and gently held Ellie’s hand. She comforted Ellie, “Ellie, don’t be scared. Go to your room and play with Legos. I will come to see you in a while, okay?”
Ellie considered for a long time before nodding slowly. Then, she grabbed onto Jean’s sleeve tightly. “Jean, please don’t leave.” “Don’t worry. I won’t leave.” Jean comforted Ellie and handed her over to the nanny.
After watching Ellie walk up the steps, Hugo’s expression turned stern. As soon as Ellie got upstairs, he wanted to lead Jean away from those people’s presence. “That’s all for today.”
He would not let these people continue to insult them in his home.
Jean shook her head. “It’s all right.”
Hugo felt his heart tighten. “But…”
“I’m a divorcee, and you have a child. There’s no point hiding these.”
Hugo instantly understood the words she did not say.
We are only acting, after all.
So why does it matter whether what they said is real?
Those people were strangers to her. Their accusations and comments meant nothing.
Hugo’s eyes flashed with a hint of regret.
It was a pity that this was all an act.
Jean turned to the group of people. “Does anyone have any more questions?”
She casually exposed what they were scheming.
Every one of them fell silent.
But Lily chuckled, “Ms. Eyer, your generosity is admirable, and I also approve of you being with Hugo. However, I still insist on having sole custody over Ellie.”
Her smile grew wider. “After all, what will happen to Ellie once you and Hugo have children?”
She spoke as if she was considering the best for Ellie and Hugo.
Furthermore, her tone and gaze seemed kind.
In actuality, she was only thinking for herself. Jean investigated this morning and found that the daughters of this family were all married off for business alliances.
The family used those alliances to develop their company. In truth, they hurt their daughters with their excuse of love.
Yet, Lily spoke as if she was the most righteous person around.
Jean frowned. “That’s a pity.”
Lily immediately smiled delightedly. “That’s why I need to bring Ellie with me. It will be good for you two.”
Hugo clenched his fists.
He bore with them for so long only because they were Ellie’s relatives.
“I’m not done talking.” Jean’s eyes gleamed. “Something happened to me in the past. I won’t be able to bear children, so you all don’t have to worry about this.”
The room fell silent.
Everyone was stunned by her words.
“That’s impossible! Don’t lie to us.”
“If you were in my place, would you lie about this?” Jean looked coldly at the person who accused her of lying.
She turned the table on them.
Jean easily deflected the excuses that Lily and her gang racked their brains to come up with.
Ultimately, they had no choice but to leave the small gifts they brought for Ellie and left sullenly.
Before leaving, Ellie’s uncle said through gritted teeth, “I hope you two remain together.”
Jean smiled naturally. “Thank you.”
Her fearlessness confused them. She behaved naturally through it all.
Even Hugo was dazed for a moment. Is she just acting?
He closed the door and heard cars traveling away.
Jean’s easygoing demeanor faded away. “What do you think, Mr. Mason? Was it a success?”
Her words woke Hugo from his reverie.
He nodded slowly. “Yes. Thank you so much for today.”
“Don’t mention it. Since I accepted your gift, I should help you with your matter. Anyways, I’ll go upstairs to see Ellie before I leave.”
Jean walked onto the stairs as she said that.
“Ms. Eyer.”
Hugo called out to her.
She turned around and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Hugo said slowly, “Have you seen the news this morning?”
He was unsure whether she knew about it and did not want to mention it. He was trying to avoid the matter.
“No, I forgot to charge my phone, so it ran out of battery and turned off.”
Then, Jean smiled and continued, “Luckily, I didn’t cause trouble to your matter.”
Hugo’s eyes flickered with brief hesitation. He took a few steps forward and offered her his phone. “I believe you should look at this morning’s news first.”
He did not wish to take advantage of her.
Jean accepted his phone and opened a news website. She read a few lines and felt her heart sink.
“How could this…”
She kept scrolling down the page, but there were still no updates on the missing ship.
“The police have dispatched an air and maritime rescue team. However, the area that needed to be searched is too vast, causing great difficulty.”
“If there is still no sign of life in three hours, I fear the situation doesn’t look optimistic.”
Jean’s heart beat wildly as if about to leap out of her chest.
She tried her best to hide her panic, but it was useless.
Hugo saw Jean trembling and was about to fall. He immediately went to support her. “Sometimes, no news is good news. I’ll help you to charge your phone first. After that, I will send you wherever you wish to go.”
Jean worked hard to calm her emotions.
Her voice shook uncontrollably as she said, “Thank you.”
The two people that she cared about the most were on that ship.
Is even God unwilling to grant them peace?
