Chapter 13

Bobby was cowed for a split second when he saw Thomas since the latter certainly carried a presence. However, something else soon came to his mind, and Bobby grinned evilly as he approached Iris. "Oh, Iri, did you forget about me? We were neighbors, and I've been asking your grandma where you've been—I really think she got senile, saying this place one day and somewhere else the next day… I'm so surprised when I ran into you. You really should take the time to visit your grandma. She's really not as healthy as before." Iris looked concerned at the mention of her grandmother, but Thomas was staring darkly at Bobby as he growled, "That's the one?" Iris nodded, while Bobby simply smiled at Thomas in greeting. "Hello. I'm Bobby Lambert—I'm in construction." Thomas simply put a hand around Iris’ waist and led her to his car, shoving her inside the front passenger seat. She realized then that he had come alone and saw through the window that Thomas had started speaking to Bobby before they went to the woods nearby together. She quickly tried to open the door, only to find that Thomas had already locked it. Ten minutes later, Thomas emerged from the woods, making a call as he returned to the car. Getting in the driver's seat, he lowered the car window and used the car lighter to light a cigarette. Looking at her coolly for a moment, he growled, "Tell me." Iris appeared flustered and tugged at her skirt as she shuddered and explained, "Once, he cut me off in an alley when I was on my way home from school. He told me that my grandma asked him to pick me up, but I just thought something was wrong and tried to run. He caught me and was starting to drag me away when my aunt and cousin stumbled on us and helped me since they usually used the same path. After that, I made a habit of bringing a knife with me wherever I go." While her aunt and cousin had been strict with her during those years, she was still thankful to them for saving her at that time. On the other hand, Thomas' glare was murderous as his fingers brushed against her cheek. "How did they save you?" Iris hastily explained, "It was winter and I was dressed in layers. He only managed to open my jacket when my aunt and cousin arrived. My cousin was my classmate and we would leave school at the same time, but she wanted doughnuts and my aunt made a stop to get her some that day while I headed home earlier. Because of that incident, even if my aunt disliked me, she still had my cousin wait for me after school every day, and we would go home together." That was only because Iris' grandmother pressured her aunt with reputation—if Iris' reputation was sullied, her cousin's would be as well, which would impede on her efforts to get married. And Iris' story was identical to Bobby's, although Bobby had spiced up the story. Thomas said coolly then, "Yeah. Want a hug?" Iris promptly threw herself into his arms while he brushed his finger over the corner of her eyes, saying coolly, "I'll handle him." Iris shook her head. "No. Don't break the law." If he had already gone that far with Josh, she was really afraid that Bobby would just get killed. Thomas simply stayed silent, though his smile broadened while his eyes flashed dangerously. - When Iris returned to her room the next day since she was in Thomas' room for the night, she found Mrs. Watson tidying her closet. Not only was her closet filled to the brim, but there were plenty of bags too, all in the shapes and designs that girls of her age loved. She then glanced at the dressing table, only to see various skincare products and cosmetics on it. Mrs. Watson greeted her respectfully, explaining, "I've left the jewelry in the drawers, though Mr. Franklin ordered too much for you, and some had to be kept in the guest room." "Thank you, Mrs. Watson," Iris said, despite knowing that the servants in Franklin Manor all called her “seductress”. "It's just our job. Also, breakfast is ready—I'll tidy things up here in the meantime." "Actually, I'll help," Iris said and started getting to work. Mrs. Watson stopped her, however, bowing respectfully as she said, "I'm afraid not, Ms. Lynd. You're Mr. Franklin's woman now, and you just need to ask for anything you want—there's no need to assist us. Mr. Franklin has always been strict about statuses, so please be aware of your status as our master." Iris froze—though Mrs. Watson sounded formal and showed her deference, there was still disdain in her voice somehow. Nonetheless, Iris left the room and headed to the dining room, noticing along the way that all the servants were respectful instead of giving her the cold shoulder as usual. And before this, the breakfasts they made for her were slapdash unless she was eating with the others. Today, however, an assortment of cuisine and maids stood by, awaiting orders. "Is there anything that you dislike, Ms. Lynd? I can ask the kitchen to change the dishes or cook something you have in mind." Iris stared at the maid named Mandy, who used to insult her in her face—but right now, Mandy was all smiles and offering perfect service. Nonetheless, Iris shook her head. "It's a little too much. Just one person's portion will do." She finished a bowl of soup and left, while Mandy returned to the kitchen, looking like she was about to go on a rant. However, she stopped when Mrs. Taylor shot her an icy glare. On the other hand, Iris headed upstairs and ran into Sue, who was dressed in another red dress, looking entrancing with her thick makeup and earrings. "Kiddo, let's hang out for the day." Iris did a double take. "Actually, I…" She was about to refuse, but Sue told her right then, "I'm just visiting an old friend, but she keeps bragging about her daughter to rub it in my face that I don't have one. I just need you with me for a bit." "I mean, you're far prettier than her daughter," she teased Iris, pinching Iris' cheek and sighing feebly. "Honestly, how nice it'd be to be eighteen again. Those cheeks are as soft as silk… Alright, go on and get changed. I'll be waiting." Iris returned to her room with bewilderment before texting Ida… Half an hour later, Sue brought Iris to a cafe, and they took a comfortable seat. While Sue's friend had yet to arrive, Iris was stunned when she saw Thomas arriving with a sultry woman!