Chapter 597
—- Chapter 469 That night, Maggie and Johnny worked late before finally leaving the office. When she returned to the Miller residence, Maggie sat with Old Mrs. Miller for a short chat. Just as she went upstairs, her phone buzzed with several new messages from Isabella. Opening them, she found a series of photos. Isabella grinning brightly in every one of them. Franklin, Harry, and Levi were also in the pictures. A voice message followed: [Mom, I’m at the hot springs with Dad and the others! What are you doing?] Maggie replied: —- [Mom’s about to take a shower.
Have fun.] After sending the message, she set her phone aside and went to bathe. Later, she read for a while, looked up some work notes, and when she was finally ready to sleep, another notification lit up her screen. It was Isabella again. She opened it and saw another photo, this time taken indoors. In the center were three delicate straw dragonflies, clearly handwoven. But in the corner of the shot, the edge of a handbag anda men’s suit jacket were visible on the bed beside them. Maggie recognized the handbag immediately.
Julia had carried that Hermés limited-edition model before, one with a seven-figure price tag. —- Isabella probably hadn’t noticed. Her voice message came right after: [Mom, look! Dad and Uncle Harry made these dragonflies for me! Aren’t they pretty?] Maggie replied briefly: [Yes, they’re very pretty.] Isabella must have been in high spirits, because moments later she called her. Maggie sighed and answered. “Hello?” “Mom!” Isabella chirped. Before Maggie could respond, Franklin’s voice came faintly through the phone. “Haven’t you taken your bath yet?” “Wait a minute!
I’m talking to Mom first!” Isabella protested. Franklin chuckled. “All right.” —- Then, just as the girl started to speak again, another voice joined in-Julia’s. “Isabella? Didn’t you say you were going to take a bath? Why aren’t you in the shower yet?” Isabella hesitated mid-sentence, her voice suddenly small. She knew Maggie didn’t like Julia. Maggie took the cue and spoke gently but firmly. “It’s late, Isabella. You really should get some rest. We’ll talk another time.” Her daughter sounded disappointed but obedient. “Okay, Mom.” The call ended.
They said they’d talk next time-but over the following two days, Isabella didn’t call again. Saturday night, Nolan happened to be off work, so Maggie met him, Johnny, and Yulia for dinner. —- Just as she arrived, Johnny did too. But as they got out of the car, they spotted members of the Brown and Green families walking toward the restaurant. Sophia noticed Maggie immediately. Thinking about how Franklin’s “busy schedule” had once again caused him to miss the divorce deadline, her expression turned smug. Looping her arm through Janice’s, she raised her voice deliberately.
“Auntie, your wedding anniversary with Uncle is coming up soon, right? Uncle’s not here yet because he went to pick up your custom-made gift. I heard it cost at least ten million this time. He’s really devoted, so thoughtful every year.” Maggie’s face didn’t change, but Johnny’s eyes darkened with quiet anger. Just then, the sound of an engine drew their attention. Asleek car pulled up, and Franklin and Julia stepped out together. —- Sophia’s smile widened. “Sister, brother-in-law, you’re here!” she called out loudly, brimming with satisfaction.