Chapter 585

—- Chapter 457 “Yes,” Maggie said. “Where’s Isabella?” “She went downstairs to play.” Franklin stood up. “Since you’re awake, shall we go down and make the wine now?” Making wine took time and care. The process was complicated. If they had truly been an ordinary family of three, it would have been a meaningful and enjoyable experience. But she and Franklin… Maggie wanted to say there was no need to make the wine. Before she could speak, Franklin said, “Isabella’s waiting for us downstairs. Let’s not keep her waiting too long.” Maggie stopped for a moment but said nothing.

—- When they reached the first floor, Isabella saw them and ran over, wrapping her arms around Maggie’s waist. “Mom, you’re finally awake. I already learned everything about how to make wine. Let’s start now!” Maggie was speechless. They had picked the grapes before their afternoon rest. The grapes were washed and left to dry before they could be used. They had harvested quite a lot, so the estate manager asked which containers they wanted to use. There were jars of different sizes. Franklin looked at Maggie, letting her decide. “Let’s split them into two jars,” Maggie said.

Later, each of them could take one home. Franklin smiled. “Two jars it is.” —- Before Maggie had woken up, Isabella had already gone to pick corn and pull peanuts. While waiting for the grapes to dry, she dragged both Franklin and Maggie to show off her “amazing” corn-picking skills. Though the three of them were together, most of the time it was either Maggie and Isabella talking, or Franklin and Isabella. Maggie and Franklin themselves spoke very little. After playing, Isabella was covered in sweat. Franklin took her to get some fresh juice.

As they finished drinking and were about to bring some back for Maggie, someone in the distance caught sight of them. Franklin noticed the stare and turned his head. When he saw who it was, he smiled. “Mr. Hardin. What a surprise. When did you get here?” Rex Hardin had little interest in visiting private resorts like this one. He had only come because Yves had suggested it. —- He didn’t expect to run into Franklin here, and his mood immediately lifted. Thinking Julia might be with them, he said, “Just got here a little while ago. What about you?” “We came after lunch.” Franklin smiled.

Seeing Isabella look curiously at Rex, he patted her head. “Say hello to Uncle Hardin.” “Hello, Uncle Hardin,” Isabella said sweetly. Rex had met Isabella before and knew she was Franklin’s daughter. Looking at her face-so much like Franklin’s-he smiled lightly. “Hello.” Franklin didn’t linger. “We’ll head back for now. Maybe we can have a drink later?” Rex wanted to ask whether Julia was with them. He had. been hoping to see her again, maybe even just to say hello. But since she was someone else’s girlfriend, he had to restrain himself.

—- So when Franklin made the offer, he only said, “Sure.” Franklin said nothing more and left with Isabella to rejoin Maggie. Rex watched them walk away, about to turn his gaze elsewhere-when he suddenly saw Isabella run toward a slender figure in the distance. The moment he recognized that familiar silhouette, he froze in place.