Facade of Love

Chapter 191 Stirring Up Trouble

I barely dodged as the girl lunged at me, but before I could stumble, strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind and yanked me back. The girl who had been barreling towards me tumbled to the ground with a thud.

“Ouch!” she cried out from the ground, clearly in pain.

I spun around to see my rescuer and found myself staring up at Idris, who was easily a foot taller than me. He was poering down with concern. “You good?” he asked,

His jaw was set in a determined line, and I quickly nodded, stepping away from his hold. “Thanks,” I managed to say.

He seemed a bit miffed by my quick retreat and the awkwardness between us. He frowned and glanced over at the girl who was still picking herself up.

With a subtle cue, he motioned to Ensio, who stepped forward to help her up.

The girl’s eyes darted from me to Idris, glaring at me for one second and then looking totally thrown off the next second when she saw him. She froze, and before she could even process her surprise,

blurted out, “Iddy?”

I blinked, surprised by the familiarity. Did they know each other?

Idris just gave her a cool look and a slight frown. “Christina?” he asked, seemingly detached.

She bobbed her head eagerly, her eyes lighting up. “Iddy, I can’t believe you remember me!” Then, as if a thought struck her, she asked, “Are you here to talk business with my dad?”

Idris did not answer her question. Instead, he turned to me, seeing my confused expression, and explained, “She’s my sister–in–law’s cousin. She’s been to the old manor a couple of times.”

process that. Emily’s cousin, huh? I hardly ever visited the old manor, so not recognizing her made sense. I gave a small nod, still piecing it

out, a group of men approached from the

man, was all smiles as he walked up to Idris.

and a friendly, “Mr. Zanier,

name. That was Jack Zanier, the

above a murmur, but in the hushed corridor, it cut through the silence. Her face was a mess, her voice wobbled like she was

and caught sight of Christina looking all kinds of rough. His

191 Stiming

his shock. “Christina, what in the world happened to you? Your

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saw the slap mark on her cheek, Jack’s anger was plain as day. His voice dropped an octave. ” Who

fast now. She turned, pointed straight

hit

even though he kept his cool, it was downright scary. Before

surprised, then looked up to see Idris’s broad shoulders

move, his frown deepened, but the rage in his face eased up a bit. His tone was a touch gentler as he asked, “Mr.

detect any hint of emotion as he spoke, “This is my wife Yvette, Mr. Zanier. I

was subtly hinting that Jack

standing behind Idris, frozen for a few seconds, before I moved to stand by his side. With a steady

was my doing.”

a look at Idris next to me. Lowering his voice, he turned to me and asked, “Ms. Scott, there’s usually

shifting my attention to Christina. “So, what’s it going to be, kiddo? You want to tell him,

should I?”