Eliana stared at the bustling scene before her and couldn’t help asking Samuel, who had somehow retreated to the doorway, “What on earth is going on
here?”
Samuel smiled and explained, “These parents chose to stay and help of their own accord, thanks to Mr. Theodore Russell’s persuasion
When the parents learned the Therapy Center had burned down, they went into a frenzy, desperate to confront Bernice. As the center director, she had failed to protect their children.
But Theodore personally intervened and persuaded the parents to join the reconstruction efforts of the Therapy Center.
Now, everything had come to a perfect conclusion.
After glancing at Bernice, Samuel whispered to Eliana, “If Mr. Theodore Russell hadn’t covered up Ms. Halverson’s whereabouts, those parents would have torn her apart by now.”
Just then, Bernice asked, “Where’s Theodore?”
“Mr. Theodore Russell said he’d come to see everyone right after work and then join us for a reunion dinner,” Samuel said, glancing at his watch. “It’s already 6:30–he should be here any minute now.”
They had all expected a farewell dinner, but to their surprise, it turned out to be a heartwarming reunion dinner–with their families invited too. This thoughtful gesture made everyone like Theodore even more.
Just then, a female teacher wiped away her tears and smiled, “Time to get cooking. Who’s joining me?”
“Me! I’ll cook the best dishes to properly entertain Mr. Russell,” someone replied.
“Count me in,” another one chimed in.
“Come on, ladies, let’s do this,” a teacher shouted.
Seeing everyone’s overflowing enthusiasm, Eliana felt deeply moved. It was Theodore who had breathed new life into this once–lifeless Therapy Center, bringing everyone back to their cheerful selves.
At 7:30 PM, Theodore arrived at the Therapy Center.
The place was festively decorated, filled with the mouthwatering aroma of food, and cheerful laughter drifted from inside–it was like a grand family
celebration.
For someone who hadn’t felt the warmth of family in so long, Theodore lowered his eyes slightly. ‘If only my birth mother were still alive, how wonderful that would be,‘ he thought wistfully.
Just then, the tightly closed door in front of him was opened, revealing Eliana standing there.
Seeing him outside, she looked at him in surprise and asked, “You’re here? Why didn’t you knock?”
Theodore said hoarsely, “Darling, is everyone satisfied with everything here?”
“Absolutely,” Eliana replied. “They’re all competing to cook, just to show their gratitude. Do come in.”
Eliana turned and took a few steps, but when she didn’t hear his footsteps behind her, she couldn’t help but look back.
Seeing him still standing at the doorway with a lonely expression, Eliana walked over, took his hand, and urged softly, “Come on in.”
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Theodore was momentarily stunned as she pulled him along, then gripped her hand back, excitement flickering in his eyes
It was the first time in a month that she had taken the initiative to get close to him.
“Ellie,” he asked softly, “does this mean you’ve forgiven me?”
Eliana paused for a moment and said, “Today’s a happy occasion. I don’t want to talk about anything unpleasant–let’s put a pin in that for new
Theodore couldn’t help but force a bitter smile. ‘How naive I was, he thought. ‘She still hasn’t settled accounts with me over the company and Hansah
As soon as the meal began, everyone competed to propose a toast to Theodore. “Mr. Russell, all my gratitude is in this glass I really appreciate what you’ve done.”
Theodore didn’t turn anyone down and downed each glass in one go.
Seeing this, Samuel instinctively came to his rescue. “Alright, everyone, let’s eat something first–or you’ll get drunk way too fast.”
To Samuel’s surprise, the crowd saw right through his ploy. “Dr. Wilson, we’re not letting Mr. Russell leave tonight unless we drink him under the table.”
Samuel could only give Theodore a sympathetic look. “Sir, since you can’t refuse their hospitality, take care.”
Theodore just raised his hand slightly, signaling it was fine.
This was also the first time Bernice actually looked Theodore in the eye. She demanded, “Are you doing all the to show off your deep pockets, or to prove you’re some kind of do–gooder?”
At her words, everyone was taken aback, thinking, ‘Is Bernice deliberately picking a fight?‘
Theodore set down his glass and replied coolly, “I just want to demonstrate that your assumptions aren’t always right.”
Bernice narrowed her eyes. “Oh? What assumptions are you referring to?”
Theodore couldn’t be bothered to spell it out. “You know perfectly well.”
‘Isn’t she just afraid I have ulterior motives?‘ Theodore thought bitterly. ‘Ever since my grandfather bound Ellie to me with that contract, Bernice has always assumed the worst about me.‘
Bernice pressed on. “So, from now on, will this Therapy Center be under my management, or yours?”
Theodore met her gaze, his eyes sharp. “What you can handle is yours. What you can’t–I’ll take care of.”
His words sent shockwaves through the room. If Bernice was the one running the center, then Theodore was its formidable guardian angel. No one would dare cross the line now.
Meanwhile, at Russell Manor, Alice suddenly covered her mouth mid–meal and rushed toward the bathroom.
Seeing this, Lainey said to the new maid behind her, “Go check what’s wrong.”
The maid replied, “Yes, Madam.”
When the maid reached the bathroom door, she heard the sound of retching from inside.
A moment later, Alice finally opened the door and walked out.
The maid hurriedly asked, her voice full of concern, “Ms. Powell, are you alright?”
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Chapter 220
Alice’s pretty face darkened. “What did you just call me?”
The maid replied, “Ms. Powell“, but she was abruptly cut off by a sharp slap.
She looked at Alice in shock and grievance, unable to understand why she was suddenly struck.
With a chilling tone. Alice said, “Say it again.”
“M–Ms. Powell-” The second slap landed before she could finish.
Alice enunciated coldly, “Call me Mrs. Russell.”
The maid instinctively stammered, “But you and Mr. Anthony Russell aren’t married yet…”
“What did you say?” Alice grabbed the maid by the hair with a vicious jerk, yanked her face close, and sneered coldly, “Are you talking back to me?”
The maid whimpered in pain, tears welling up in her eyes.
Anthony stepped forward and said coldly, “Enough. She’s new here and doesn’t know the rules yet. Why are you being so harsh on her?”
“That’s exactly why she needs to be disciplined,” Alice shot back, turning to him with a smirk. “Darling, why don’t you tell her–should she call me Mrs. Russell or Ms. Powell?”
After a moment’s hesitation, Anthony addressed the pitiful maid, “Call her Mrs. Russell.”
The maid begged tearfully, “Mrs. Russell, I was wrong. Please spare me.”
“If you call me by the wrong name again,” Alice said coldly, “I’ll brand these words into your skin. That way, every time you look in the mirror, you’ll never forget.” With a vicious shove, she flung the maid to the ground.
Though the fall hurt, the maid dared not utter a word. She scrambled to her feet and fled.
Anthony said expressionlessly, “You’re getting more and more out of line.”
AD
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