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Novel Catalog
Chapter 40
Sam fell silent for a few seconds before finally sighing. “I just blame myself for not being strong enough to protect you. I was sent abroad by my dad back then, and now he’s frozen my bank card.”
With a frustrated punch, Sam hit the wall, his frustration evident.
Gale smiled bitterly. “Everyone wants to stay away from the Warm family, scared of Shawn’s wrath.”
“Gale, Uncle Warm was a brilliant doctor. How could such a huge mistake lead to a life being lost?” Sam’s voice was filled with disbelief.
“My dad didn’t make any mistakes,” Gale said quietly.
Sam looked at her, confused. “What did you say?”
“I said,” Gale continued, her voice trembling slightly, “my dad said he was framed. Do you believe me?”
She had never shared these words with anyone before. She couldn’t bring herself to tell anyone else—especially not Shawn, who might use the information against her.
“I trust Peter,” Sam replied firmly. “There must be another explanation. I know your father wouldn’t make such an error.”
“I will find out the truth,” Gale said, her voice steadying. “One day, I will clear my father’s name, and all of this will be over.”
“Gale,” Sam said, concern creeping into his voice, “how are you going to do that? If Shawn finds out, he’ll be furious! I’ll help you, no matter what.”
“I don’t have a clear plan yet,” Gale admitted, shaking her head. “You can’t help me much, but thank you for wanting to.”
She forced a smile, turned, and headed back toward the venue.
In the distance, she noticed Susan staring at her. When Gale came out of the bathroom with Sam, Susan’s eyes narrowed. Something seemed off, and Gale could feel Susan’s gaze lingering with suspicion.
The auction continued, with various items being sold, but Shawn remained quiet, not bidding on anything. Joe, ever the curious one, commented, “Twenty million for a jade bracelet? I can’t believe you spent that much. Shawn, what’s going on in your head?”
Shawn casually swirled his champagne glass. “Too much money,” he said, a hint of nonchalance in his tone. “Anyway, it’s for charity. The more I bid, the more gets donated. It’s good for the Wood Group’s reputation.”
Joe chuckled, a little impressed. “You’ve figured it all out, haven’t you? You’re something else!”
Shawn smiled and handed Joe the champagne. “I’ll leave first. You stay.”
“Why? I’m leaving too,” Joe protested.
“Because you’re my subordinate,” Shawn said, with a slight smirk. “There’s a celebration feast after the auction, and you’ll be attending on behalf of the Wood family.”
Joe grumbled, “I hate you, you wicked capitalist!”
Later, inside the car, Shawn frowned as he ordered the driver, “Return to Temperley Hall.”
“Yes, Mr. Wood,” the driver replied, and the vehicle slowly began to move.
Shawn pulled out his phone and quickly sent a message to Gale: Find a way back yourself.
Gale, upon receiving the message, felt a wave of relief. Finally, she could leave. Just as she was about to take a step forward, her phone rang again.
It was a message from an unknown number.
Want to know who the child belongs to? Come to room 6888 in the hotel.
Gale’s heart sank. She immediately guessed that Susan was the sender. No one else would know. The thought of what Susan was up to sent a chill down her spine.
What was Susan planning? If Gale went, would she finally learn the identity of the child’s father? But if she didn’t go, she’d remain in the dark.
Yet Shawn had urged her to return home. Torn between the two, Gale made a decision. She would go to the hotel room and find out what Susan was playing at.
Arriving at room 6888, Gale rang the doorbell several times, but there was no answer. She tried the doorknob, and to her surprise, the door opened.
“Susan?” Gale called out as she stepped inside. “I know it’s you. Don’t try to play tricks. Come out!”
There was silence.
Was Susan really not here? Had she just been toying with Gale all along?
Gale’s heart pounded as she stood in the quiet room, uncertainty hanging in the air. Where was Susan?