Chapter 914: Chapter 913
According to Rose, Sean didn’t take her cash in the end. Instead, he dropped a cool $5 million on candy for her.
"Good for him, showing some sense." Hunter loaded up his sister’s plate with more breakfast delights, explaining, "I meant to come home to check on you three days back, but this nasty business abroad popped up and I had to stick around to handle it."
His sister had been rattled by that mess with the derelict building, and here he was, only now showing his concern. He felt a twinge of guilt and self-reproach.
"You have got your hands full, lots of irons in the fire - it’s normal. Don’t sweat it, I’m grown up now, don’t need to be babied."
Rosemary understood where Hunter was coming from, his situation, his feelings.
Take her, for example, she had her own pile of stuff to sift through, often too swamped to catch a break.
Like the company Grandpa Alberto left her to inherit, she hadn’t even had the chance to pop over there once. And with the New Year around the bend, she hadn’t even had the Princess’s gown tailored.
"The first time I came home to see you after you returned, I spotted Serena’s low-key shenanigans right off the bat." Hunter said while peeling a boiled egg for her.
"I had a sit-down with her back then, but the way she was all jittery and scared, I thought she’d straighten out."
Rosemary hadn’t realized Hunter had taken Serena aside. He had seen through her a long time ago, no wonder he’d sometimes expose her little tricks in front of everyone, even with a hint of reproach in his voice.
As Hunter methodically peeled the shell, his voice remained calm as ever, "I even warned Martha. Never thought those two would double down and pull a stunt like this."
Seeing Hunter place the peeled egg in her bowl, Rosemary said, "Don’t beat yourself up, Hunter. Even if we could roll back time, our family would still take her in. What’s meant to happen will happen."
Because with the Collins’ family’s character, not to mention their wealth, supporting a foster daughter was no issue, especially one they’d grown attached to over eighteen years.
You don’t just toss aside a foster child when your own daughter comes home.
"Rose." Hunter realized his sister had a clear-eyed view of everything. Her principles, her experiences, her breadth of heart, and her grace – Serena couldn’t hold a candle to her.
Even if Serena had another go at life, she wouldn’t reach the heights or the depth of insight Rose demonstrated.
"I bet you’ve figured out that I deliberately fell into Martha’s hands, and I engaged her on purpose, all to show the family their true colors."
Hunter had indeed noticed, "You’re brave, smart, and adept at thinking on your feet. You did good, but next time, let’s keep the danger to a minimum, shall we?"
Because luck wasn’t always on her side, and it still worried him.
"This time, it was thanks to Sean. Without him, I wouldn’t have gotten out so quickly. So, let’s not hold a grudge against Sean, okay? He’s been good to me."
Seeing his sister sticking up for Sean, Hunter nodded gently, "But if he ever dares to cross you, you should tell me, alright?"
"Will do."
Breakfast done, Hunter ushered her into the study and sent out a message, [You can come in now.]
A person quickly appeared on the study’s balcony, moving so fast Rosemary barely caught how he got there before he was bowing before them.
"This is my sister, Rosemary Collins," Hunter introduced her in his usual composed tone.
"Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Collins," the man said, his disciplined demeanor suggesting he was no ordinary Joe.
"This is Lone Wolf. Heard of him?" Hunter looked to Rosemary.
"Lone Wolf?"
Rosemary was surprised. She hadn’t expected the legendary Lone Wolf to be a real person.
Rumor had it his team moved like phantoms in the night, quite elusive, commanding respect from many people.
And here he was, one of Hunter’s own.
Hunter had such a force at his disposal, kept so well hidden.
"From now on, he’s with you."
Hunter’s words took Rosemary aback, "What?"
"You can command him and his men to do anything, have them protect you from the shadows." Hunter was entrusting his most capable, most trusted squad to his sister.
The incident had him worried sick about his sister possibly facing danger.
He couldn’t stand the thought of anything happening to her.
"And what about you?" Rosemary’s gaze shifted towards Hunter, "You’ve given me all your most trusted and capable guys. What about you, Hunter?"
"There are others at my disposal, don’t worry about me," Hunter replied before turning to Lone Wolf,
"From now on, whatever Rose asks of you, you do it. No need to report back to me. Stick with her and you’ll be fine."
"Understood." Lone Wolf nodded, bowing slightly to Rosemary as a sign of his allegiance, "I’ll follow Ms.Collins’ lead from here on out."
Just then, Hunter heard footsteps outside and glanced at Rosemary.
She quickly signaled for Lone Wolf to step back.
Swift as a shadow, Lone Wolf vanished from their presence.
Rosemary was impressed. He could move in and out undetected, even with the Collins family’s extensive surveillance. His skills were indeed exceptional.
"I know you’ve got plenty of guys, but one more can’t hurt," Hunter said gently, "Got your phone on you?"
"Yes."
Rosemary pulled out her smartphone, and to avoid prying eyes, Hunter keyed in a number himself.
"This is his contact," Hunter cautioned, "I know your phone’s secure. Encrypt his number and keep it hidden."
"Will do." Rosemary looked at Hunter, feeling a warm sense of gratitude.
Meanwhile.
Descending the stairs, Sean wore a smile as fresh as the spring breeze.
The staff noticed his good spirits and greeted him, "Good morning, sir."
What got into Sean today? He seemed so cheery.
Could it be because Serena’s not around?
"Didn’t you see my new pajamas?"
Sean’s sudden remark caught the staff off guard, but they quickly complimented him, "Your new pajamas look sharp, Sean."
"Right? I think they’re quite nice too. A gift from Rose." Sean couldn’t hide his pride.
That explained it!
The staff didn’t expect Sean to have such a childish and endearing side.
"Mr. Sean, you are so lucky to have such a thoughtful and caring sister."
"The design Ms. Rose chose is so stylish. You look incredibly handsome in it."
"Your pajamas are both warm and trendy. Ms. Rose sure has a unique touch."
"Mr. Sean, breakfast is ready whenever you are."
Basking in their praise, Sean’s spirits soared, "I’ll wait for Rose to wake up before eating."
"Ms. Rose has already had breakfast with Hunter," one of the staff informed him, "She was up early today."
Sean was shocked. He thought, "What?
She’s finished already?
What time is it even?
Has Hunter whisked his sister away already?"