Chapter 318

The vehicle eased to a stop by the roadside.
Nathan tenderly adjusted Fenna’s head, then exited the car and exchanged seats with Phoebe.
As Phoebe settled into the back seat and fastened her seatbelt, she couldn’t help but steal a glance at
Fenna, who was pretending to be asleep.
She thought Fenna seemned respectable enough, holding a steady job in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. She shouldn’t behave this way. Only someone as oblivious as Nathan wouldn’t notice. No
wonder Mila looked so troubled.
With a soft snort, Phoebe closed the window and leaned against the windowsill, observing the passing
scenery as the car glided along the road.
Mila shifted in her seat, feeling a slight tension in her muscles. Yet, her mood gradually lifted as she
gazed ahead.
After a while, Fenna finally opened her eyes. She frowned at Mila and Nathan in the front seats, gently
biting her lip before closing her eyes again, pretending to sleep.
Evening had already descended by the time they arrived back in Phoenicia.
The vehicle halted in front of Sudvilla, directly opposite Hudson Manor. After expressing her gratitude,
Fenna alighted from the car and left.
Nathan unfastened his seatbelt but remained seated. After a brief silence, he said in a gentle tone,
“Would you still like to try the cake I bake?”
Upon hearing this, Phoebe promptly exited the car and took her place by the roadside.
Mila wrestled with her conflicting emotions, unable to muster the courage to meet his gaze. She wanted
to, but in the end, she decided against it.
Given the recent events, she reasoned that Nathan must have pressing matters to attend to. He
must be busy.
“Perhaps another time,” Mila murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Her words carried a distant, indifferent tone, leaving Nathan feeling dejected as he reclined in his seat
and exhaled softly.
Unwilling to give up, Nathan pressed, “When will that be, then?”
Mila slowly lowered her head and remained silent.
Nathan waited, his patience stretching into what felt like an endless expanse of time. His once fervent
heart gradually cooled, and in the end, he received no response from her.
He would have braved any trial, even faced death itself, if only she had spoken. Yet, she showed no
need for him. The feeling of being rendered unnecessary stabbed at his heart, making each breath a
struggle.
Without saying another word, Nathan swung open the car door and stepped out. Ife walked away
without a backward glance.
Mila’s gaze lifted slowly, her eyes moist with unshed tears as she watched him leave. A heavy burden
weighed upon her heart.
Phoebe opened the car door and slipped inside. Sensing Mila’s inner turmoil, she chose not to make it
worse. Starting the car, she drove off swiftly, leaving the weight of their unspoken emotions lingering in
the air.
Upon their return to Hoffis Manor, dinner was already underway.
Mila and Phoebe entered, extending polite greetings to Zach and Loretta. Zach’s eyes shimmered with
kindness, his smile inviting, while Loretta and Sally looked frustrated, their eyes nearly rolling in
exasperation.
Oliver’s expression remained unreadable as he glanced back and forth between Mila and Zach.
“Suzanne, Phoebe, you haven’t had dinner yet, have you? Come, join us,” Zach warmly invited.
Phoebe approached without hesitation, taking her seat with gratitude. “Thank you.”
Mila offered a soft smile as she gracefully settled into her chair.
Putting down his utensils, Zach leaned in toward Mila, curiosity lacing his gentle tone. “Where did you
go these past few days?”
Mila casually mentioned a tourist spot.
Zach smiled softly as he inquired, “Did you enjoy yourself?”
Mila nodded in agreement. “Yes, we did.”
“Oh, after dinner, give me your phone number, so I can reach out to you when needed.”
“Sure.”
Zach smiled. “You must be starving. Please, help yourself.”
Loretta and Sally were both taken aback, thinking they must have misheard or misunderstood.
Zach had always been stern and authoritative with everyone. Yet now, he displayed such tenderness
and care toward an outsider, his eyes and voice brimming with warmth.
Loretta questioned, “Zach, have you lost your mind?”
Sally put down her utensils, pouting. “Grandpa, I’m your granddaughter, and I’ve never seen
you this gentle with me. Are you having an affair with her?”
Her words left everyone present in shock.
Even Oliver found himself momentarily speechless, wishing he could quiet Sally’s thoughtless words.
Loretta slammed her hand on the table in frustration. “How dare she,” she exclaimed.
The sudden sound startled Mila, prompting her to frown at Loretta.
She had always recognized Loretta’s blunt and unpolished nature, but she never anticipated
her behaving so foolishly, failing to consider the situation carefully.
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