Midnight Bride The CEO’s Temptation

"I know you don't trust me," Hazel said, looking calm, "so I called in two servants who could testify that I didn't do anything but only feed mom congee."

"Yes," the two servants explained in panic, "What Mrs. Denmark said is true."

Ted looked a little embarrassed. Since Hazel didn't cook the congee, two servants watched out for her all the time. Of course, there couldn't be anything wrong with this bowl of congee. Hence, it could be said that he had a very suspicious mind.

"Hazel, you did the right thing. You are open and upright, but you also ought to keep others from trying to judge your big heart with his mean heart," Joshua said in an earnest tone as he sat down beside Hazel. "Mr. King knows he made a mistake, but he's too proud and tries to save face, so he won't apologize to you. I can only feel sorry for you."

Ted's face turned very pale. Wasn't Joshua saying that he was mean? However, he had no intention of apologizing to Hazel because he had been in a high position for so long that he was used to being flattered.

"... I really got you wrong this time," Ted spoke with reluctance. "But don't blame me for misunderstanding you. Why did you suddenly feed Stacy?"

"I called the doctor because I found mom was much thinner than before. The doctor told me she was malnourished, so I had the kitchen cook something homely and nutritious," Hazel said in a serious tone.

"Malnutrition?" Joshua stared at Ted coldly, his voice full of reproach. "Mr. King, how did you do that?"

The reason he was willing to take Hazel back to the manor was that Ted had many shortcomings, he was at least sincere and kind to Stacy. But Ted actually made Stacy malnourished?

Even Hazel was shocked to hear that Stacy was malnourished.

In the face of their criticism, Ted felt less exasperated and more guilty.

"I've been trying to figure out what to do about Stacy's malnutrition," Ted said, his face tinged with guilt and remorse.

"But no matter what kind of delicious food I gave her, she seemed to have little interest in it and did not like to eat it at all. Does she like this home cooking?" Ted asked as if he understood suddenly.

Joshua' eyes twinkled. Ted had brought a lot of chefs to the manor before, which impressed him. He had thought that Ted did that on a whim to feed his appetite. But now, it seemed that Ted did that for Stacy's illness.

"Mother wasn't picky about food," said Joshua, his eyes darkening, "but she's anorexic now. You should figure out what's causing her to lose her appetite."

Ted looked strangely pale. Even though he was conceited, he knew Stacy became like this because of him. He was the one who made her suffer so much that even now, she still unconsciously repelled him.

"Come… and spend as much time with Stacy as possible," said Ted dejectedly, walking away. His back looked rather bleak.

After he left, Hazel asked, "What were you talking about? If it is not convenient for you to tell me, you may not have to."

"There's nothing I can't say," said Joshua in a deep tone. "He'll throw a party tonight. He asked me to come with Simon."

"A party?" Hazel frowned slightly. She wasn't surprised that Ted was having a party, but for some reason, she thought that he wouldn't do something so weird. This party was obviously not simple.

"Yes. He has some influence in Country M. he wants to give a party to tell others that he is back," Joshua explained lightly. "I have to go to the party tonight. Would you like to come with me?"

"I don't want to go," Hazel said with a shallow smile. "It's not convenient for me right now. I might as well stay with mom."

Ted didn't invite her, which showed his attitude. After all, she hadn't been acknowledged by Ted yet. If she went to the party with a big belly, there were bound to be people wondering who she was.

It would only make their relationship with Ted worse. Besides, even if Ted did invite her, she'd probably need to be a little more careful and be wary whether Ted was planning to do something to her at the party.

Joshua frowned despite himself. "I might as well not go."

"What are you talking about? At least you should go through the motions!" Hazel looked at him, amused. She knew what he was worried about. "Don't worry. I'm with mom. Who dares to do anything to me?"

Joshua pondered for a moment, then nodded at last. Stacy was Ted's most cherished person. It would be safest if Hazel stayed here.

In the evening, Joshua went to a party while Hazel stayed with Stacy.

Because of the things happening in the daytime, Ted had given Hazel free access to here. In addition, Ted rarely went to the party.

It was a relief for Hazel, who actually enjoyed spending time with Stacy. Stacy was very quiet, and most of the time, Hazel didn't have to do anything or say anything and just needed to stay with Stacy quietly.

Hazel played some soothing music directly to Stacy. Then she sat reading a parenting book.

Suddenly, a whisper reached Hazel's ears.

Hazel raised her eyebrows slightly.

The servants of the manor were highly qualified, probably because Ted was too severe. But why did obedient servants suddenly whisper? Plus, this was the place where Stacy lived.

Hazel put down her book and went to the door.

The two servants who spoke were cleaning the floor in the corridor outside the door. The two of them talked as they cleaned up, seemingly oblivious to Hazel's presence.

"I just peeked at the party too. Oh, my god, it's so luxurious! I don't think we've ever been so lively at the manor!"

"Yeah. The old master was not in the mood for a party in the past. Now, of course, he wants to make it known that he has two promising young sons."

"Speaking of the two young masters, they are really excellent! Especially Master Joshua. He looks so gentle. He appears reserved, but he's a real heartthrob!"

"I like Master Simon. When Master Simon smiled at me, I was so happy I almost fainted!"

"Don't be so obsessed. Clearly, Master Simon smiles at everyone, okay? He looks like a playboy. It'll never be your turn to be his woman!"

"Aren't you ashamed to criticize me? Master Joshua is the man the ladies at the party want to chase after! Especially the lady with whom he first danced. They seemed like a perfect match..."