The Husband I Loved for Eight Years Never Loved Me-Chapter 82: Rear-end Collision

Chapter 82: The Rear-End Collision

Mr. Fitzwilliam looked at him and said, "It seems you and Evelynn know each other as well, Tristan."

Tristan Sterling replied, "We do."

Mr. Fitzwilliam continued, "Julian introduced her to me. She came today to deliver a gift on his behalf. It seems Melissa is quite fond of her."

Tristan Sterling grunted in acknowledgment.

Afterward, Tristan Sterling accompanied Master Fitzwilliam for a game of chess.

Nina Fitzwilliam took Melissa to the pond. There was a rockery with a flowing stream, surrounded by lush, verdant plants. The pond’s water was clear and divided into three sections, home to a variety of expensive ornamental fish.

Nina Fitzwilliam loved raising fish.

So, Franklin Fitzwilliam had bought her many rare and precious ornamental fish to raise, and a specialist was hired to look after them every day.

Watching the fish swim happily in the pond, Melissa Sterling was absolutely delighted.

Nina Fitzwilliam gave her some fish food.

Rachel Royce sat by the pond with the two girls. Watching Melissa’s pure, happy expression, she couldn’t help but take out her phone and snap a few pictures. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Before returning to the country, she had never imagined she could be with her daughter like this.

’Even if we can never acknowledge each other, just being able to quietly stay by her side, watching her happy smile, is the greatest satisfaction for me.’

However, happy times are always fleeting.

Rachel Royce sat on a bench, weaving a floral wreath. She wore a white, embroidered cheongsam, her hair half-tied up. She had a gentle air about her, and as she worked on the wreath with a soft smile, she looked exceptionally tender.

She finished the wreaths, placing one on Nina Fitzwilliam’s head and the other on Melissa Sterling’s. Melissa’s hair was a bit messy, so Rachel re-braided it for her. With the floral wreath on, she looked as pretty as a little princess.

On impulse, Rachel Royce couldn’t resist planting a kiss on her forehead.

Melissa Sterling’s eyes immediately lit up. "I want to kiss Aunt Evelynn too!"

Rachel Royce leaned down.

Melissa kissed her on the cheek and laughed with delight, like a child who had just been given candy.

Just then, she suddenly called out, "Daddy!"

Rachel Royce’s back stiffened. She turned to see the man standing on the steps of the corridor—tall and stately, with deep, handsome features. She had no idea how long he’d been standing there.

Tristan Sterling strode forward.

Melissa Sterling ran to her father to show off. "Daddy, look! Do you like my braids?"

Tristan Sterling slowly knelt, his gaze softening. "They’re beautiful."

Melissa took the wreath from her head and placed it on her father’s. She clapped happily, revealing two rows of small white teeth. "Daddy looks good wearing the wreath Aunt Evelynn made too!"

Tristan Sterling smiled, then took off the wreath and placed it back on Melissa’s head.

He stood up and said gently to the two children, "Alright, you’ve been playing all morning, you must be hungry. Nina, take your little sister to wash her hands and get something to eat."

Nina replied, "Okay."

Melissa Sterling looked back at Rachel Royce.

Tristan Sterling said, "Daddy and Aunt Evelynn have something to talk about. We’ll have lunch together later."

Melissa Sterling went, "Oh," and then said, "Okay, then!"

But she still ran over to Rachel Royce to tell her.

Nina Fitzwilliam took Melissa Sterling’s hand and led her away.

Once Melissa was gone, the man’s usual indifference returned. He looked at Rachel Royce, walked forward, and stopped about a meter away from her.

Rachel Royce secretly clenched her fists, staring at him without a word.

She then heard the man ask, "Miss Evelynn, you’re the director at Rowan Capital?"

Rachel Royce’s brow furrowed slightly before a sarcastic smile touched her lips. "I thought you weren’t interested in me, President Sterling. So you’ve been investigating me behind my back."

Tristan Sterling sneered. "If you have a clear conscience, why would you be afraid of being investigated?"

Rachel Royce’s expression turned cold. "President Sterling, you’re the very model of unreasonableness. I really have nothing to say to you."

With that, she strode past the man and walked away. She was afraid that if she said one more word to that bastard, she’d die of a heart attack from sheer anger.

Suddenly, she heard the man call out to her, "Miss Evelynn, do you know someone named Rachel Royce?"

The moment he spoke, Rachel Royce’s heart clenched. A sudden panic washed over her, like needles on her back. She took a quiet, deep breath, then turned partway around to look at Tristan Sterling with a calm gaze. Her face was cold as she said, "President Sterling, do I need to repeat myself? I have nothing to say to you."

She quickly walked away.

Only after she was some distance away did she slow her pace. Clutching her chest, she looked up and took a deep breath. ’Is he starting to suspect me?’

Tristan Sterling’s words just now clearly meant he had investigated her. But back then, Julian Jennings had altered her records.

’At the time, I didn’t think it was necessary. Even if I joined Rowan, I wouldn’t run into Tristan Sterling that often. He wouldn’t go so far as to investigate me. It’s obvious he’s still deeply in love with Claire Ainsworth. Other than her, I’ve never heard any rumors about him and other women.’

’Now, I never would have imagined that after returning to the country, I’d not only run into him time and again, but he’d also target me as if he’s on something. I have no idea how I offended him.’

’I guess he and I are just destined to clash! It’s still the same, even after changing my identity.’

Rachel Royce took a moment to compose herself. Once she calmed down, she headed toward the main house’s living room.

「At lunchtime.」

Only Master Fitzwilliam, Madam Fitzwilliam, Tristan Sterling, Rachel Royce, and the two children were present.

Melissa Sterling insisted on sitting next to Rachel Royce.

Madam Fitzwilliam looked at the two of them and said, "Melissa really does like you, Evelynn."

Rachel Royce had met Madam Fitzwilliam the last time she came to visit Master Fitzwilliam, but the madam was unaware of Rachel’s true identity.

Rachel Royce gave a faint smile.

Melissa Sterling replied, "Because Aunt Evelynn is very nice."

With the two elders present and the joyful laughter of the children, the atmosphere in the dining room was harmonious.

「After lunch.」

Rachel Royce said goodbye to Mr. Fitzwilliam and Madam Fitzwilliam, preparing to leave.

Although Melissa was reluctant to see her go, she knew Rachel was busy and didn’t try to make her stay. Rachel said goodbye to Melissa. Throughout the entire exchange, she never once looked at the man, nor did she show any intention of greeting him. She simply turned and left.

Mr. Fitzwilliam watched them. The atmosphere between the two was clearly off, and he couldn’t help but frown secretly.

Tristan Sterling left Melissa at the Fitzwilliam residence to play with Nina Fitzwilliam.

"Daddy will be back to pick you up tonight."

Melissa Sterling obediently replied, "Okay."

Nina Fitzwilliam took Melissa Sterling’s hand and led her toward her house.

Tristan Sterling said goodbye to Mr. Fitzwilliam, who suddenly asked, "Are you and Evelynn at odds?"

Tristan Sterling’s handsome face was calm as he replied, "Is Grandfather Fitzwilliam concerned about my business with her?"

Mr. Fitzwilliam’s expression darkened. ’This brat is as sharp as ever,’ he thought. He waved his hand dismissively. "Just asking. Off you go!"

Tristan Sterling smiled, said goodbye again, and turned to leave.

By the time he got into his car, Rachel Royce’s car was already gone.

Rachel Royce was driving. When she stopped at an intersection, her window was halfway down.

Just then, a familiar car slowly pulled up beside hers.

Rachel Royce instinctively glanced over and saw the man in the driver’s seat. She immediately hit the switch, and the window began to rise.

The light turned green. She stomped on the gas and sped away.

However, the Bentley behind her quickly overtook her, changed lanes, and got in front. But at the next intersection, the light was red again, and the Bentley suddenly stopped.

Rachel Royce slammed on the brakes.

BAM!

The front of her car crashed into it.