Bride Behind The Mask (Frederick and Marguerite)

Chapter 896

Memories from the past tugged at Marguerite's heart, dissolving the irritation she'd felt earlier in the day. Almost without realizing it, she wandered over to where the others were gathered.

Hayes was crouched on the ground, picking something up. The moment he spotted Marguerite, his eyes lit up and he gave her a beaming smile.

"Mom, you're here!"

Marguerite's gaze drifted to the kitchen counter, where a small saucepan was bubbling away. The savory aroma of instant noodles and eggs filled the air, making her mouth water.

"Where did you get a stove?"

She was pretty sure Silas hadn't brought one with him.

"Ms. Marguerite, the stove was our prize for winning a game this afternoon!" Hayes announced proudly.

"You three won it?"

Hayes shot Marguerite a disgruntled look, his voice full of mock complaint. "That's because you took a nap all afternoon, Mom. I had to team up with Uncle Silas for the games."

Then, turning to Margot, he added, "There are dandelions over there. Want to go pick some?"

Margot instantly understood Hayes's real intention. They were trying to give their dad and mom some time alone-classic kid teamwork.

With a grin, she agreed, grabbed Hayes's hand, and the pair dashed off, giggling.

Silas, meanwhile, kept his head down, focused on cooking. He didn't so much as glance in Marguerite's direction.

hold back anymore and

a moment before he lifted his gaze to her, only to look

"Talk about what?"

She wanted to lash out, but the words caught in her throat. After a long silence, she managed only

ever do to

he replied without

at him

"Nothing? Seriously? Yesterday

me a hard time? You wouldn't let the press conference thing go, you made me

voice rose, catching Silas off guard. He turned off the burner and looked

investor, did I say anything that wasn't true? And don't forget, when Maurice's wife tried

she had to admit-when Daphne tried to hit her yesterday, Silas

mocked me

help but criticize my photos! Whether my smile looks natural whether

to leave-but Silas suddenly

nothing between us that I treat you the

habit of

for anyone. I just

Marguerite caught a flicker of something heavy in his

she found herself at a loss

it that, sharp-tongued as she was, she always seemed to

fanned herself