Rose with Thorns

“Yvie, my dear Yvie…”

The minute Yvette got out of the car, she was tightly embraced by a beautiful woman, who had rushed toward her.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

The woman’s face was pale, making her look somewhat frail. However, her eyes were filled with longing and excitement. “My dear Yvie is finally back!”

Irwin Murray followed closely behind, his eyes also slightly reddened as he called out warmly, “I’m your father, Yvie. Welcome home!”

A warm feeling flowed through Yvette’s heart. She lowered her gaze and nodded slightly.

“My precious Yvie, you’ve finally returned to me!” Yara Strauss couldn’t contain her excitement as tears streamed down her face.

She held onto Yvette tightly and was unwilling to let go of her.

Upon seeing her so emotional, Irwin quickly stepped forward to support her. “Yara, you can’t get too worked up, it’s not good for your health. Our daughter coming home is a happy occasion; no more tears.”

Watching Yara’s emotional state, Yvette pressed her red lips together and said somewhat awkwardly, “Don’t be sad, Mom. I’m back.”

Hearing the word “Mom”, Yara immediately let go of Irwin’s hand and clung to Yvette’s arm, her eyes full of expectation. “Yvie, can you call me ‘Mom’ again?”

Irwin could only sigh after Yara pushed him aside.

It seemed that with his precious daughter’s return, his standing with his wife had instantly plummeted!

Yvette’s long, delicate eyelashes fluttered slightly, but she still softly called out again, “Mom.”

“That’s my good girl!” Yara’s pale face lit up with more energy, a radiant smile spreading across her beautiful face.

“Yvie, I’ve prepared a room for you. Come with me and choose which one you like.” With that, she gently took Yvette’s hand and led her into the manor.

Irwin, who was completely ignored, sighed helplessly before quickly following them.

He needed to make his presence known in front of his precious daughter; he couldn’t let her mother outshine him so thoroughly!

Inside, the manor’s décor was even more luxurious and opulent than expected. The household staff stood in a neat line and greeted her respectfully, “Welcome home, Ms. Murray!”

Yara’s gentle voice sounded, “Yvie, you have five brothers. But they’re not at home at the moment. I’ve already told them to hurry back. You’ll see them soon!”

Yvette nodded, and her expression remained calm. “Okay.”

“Yvie, I decorated this room especially for you. Do you like it?” Yara had led Yvette to the second floor and opened the door, looking at her expectantly. Irwin stood quietly in the back.

Seeing that the room was pink, Yvette pressed her lips together. She then met Yara’s hopeful gaze, and after a moment of hesitation, she nodded. “I like it.”

“I knew you would!” Yara’s smile grew even brighter. She had so much she wanted to say, but she also knew Yvette would be tired after her long journey.

She patted Yvette’s head and spoke softly, “It’s late, Yvie. Get some rest and we’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

“Goodnight, Yvie!”

Yara and Irwin left the room reluctantly. Their enthusiasm and affection were a little overwhelming for Yvette, but she felt warm inside.

Earlier, when Yara was holding her arm, Yvette took the chance to check her pulse. She found that Yara’s health was indeed frail, likely due to lingering issues from past illnesses.

Yvette resolved to help her recover properly.

Royal Pavillion was Jubilife City’s largest entertainment district, renowned for its extravagance and frequent visits by the wealthy and influential.

A black Maybach was parked at the entrance.

“Mr. Quinn, Mrs. Quinn Senior just called again. She said that the Murray family has been reunited with their long-lost daughter, and suggested that you visit them during your free time. She’s your fiancée, after all. You should meet her,” the man in the driver’s seat said.

With the car window half-open, a cold and dignified man lounged in a lazy posture. “If I remember correctly, that girl is only 18 years old this year,” he remarked.

His sharp knuckles held a cigarette, adding a touch of allure to his composed demeanor.

“Do all of you think I’m some sort of monster?”

Samuel replied hesitantly, “This is just Mrs. Quinn Senior’s suggestion, Mr. Quinn. I’m simply conveying it to you.”

“Hmph.” Wilson crushed the cigarette in his hand, his handsome yet sinister face turning cold. A sudden chill seemed to permeate through the air, causing a shiver to run down Samuel’s spine.

“Prepare yourself. I’ll be calling off the engagement with the Murray family in a few days.”

“You’re calling off the engagement?” Samuel was shocked. “Mr. Quinn, the engagement between the Quinn family and Murray family was arranged by the previous generation. If Mrs. Quinn Senior finds out that you canceled it, she’ll be furious…”

“Then I won’t let her find out about it.”

Samuel wore a troubled expression. “But Mr. Quinn—”

Wilson, however, had no patience to hear him out. With a chilling gaze, he challenged, “Hmm?”

Just that single sound caused Samuel’s goosebumps to rise, prompting him to keep his mouth shut. He didn’t dare utter another word.

At the same time, a cruiser motorcycle roared past their car, coming to a halt on the other side.

Yvette got off the bike effortlessly, leaning lazily against it as she waited for the others to arrive.

Her legs were fair enough that they seemed to glow. Casually bent, they complemented her stunning face and instantly captured everyone’s attention.

Wilson’s gaze casually drifted toward Yvette, catching her profile and those long, slender legs in his view.

In an instant, his expression shifted, his eyes darkening at the sight. Her legs were remarkably fair and delicate.

“Mr. Quinn… Mr. Quinn?” Samuel called out a few times as he was puzzled by Wilson’s distraction.

When Wilson finally turned back to look at Samuel, his sharp gaze was piercing, and his chilly voice tinged with impatience.

“What is it?”

Samuel was startled by his daunting demeanor and felt a little aggrieved. He quickly spoke respectfully, “Mrs. Quinn Senior is calling again.”

Samuel’s cold brows revealed a hint of resignation as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “You answer it, just brush off whatever she has to say.”

If his grandmother, Martha Tabor, was calling at this hour, it was likely about his engagement with the Murray daughter—but he had no intention of being a monster.

Samuel did not dare to disobey him and reluctantly complied “Yes, Mr. Quinn.”

When Wilson glanced back out the window, the girl’s figure was no longer in sight.

His deep-set eyes narrowed, his pupils growing darker and all the more mysterious.