NovelEnglishChapter 75 Familiar Ties
To select a mistress, one must not only evaluate her talents, but her family history as well.
A slob like Elisa Benett who is just skilled at being a full-time wife is far from ideal!
The next day, Elisa went to work in the law firm as usual. However, Jennifer’s attitude towards her
seemed to fare worst.
In retrospect, Elisa wasn’t concerned by her presence since they didn’t share the same office.
At the end of her shift, she received an unexpected call.
Elisa was down cast as soon as she recognized the caller ID.
Oh no, this number…
She hesitated for a moment, but eventually picked up the phone. “Hello, Mr. Wickam.” Eliza greeted
politely.
There was a pause from Jerry, followed by a weary sigh. “What is with the change of formality?” he
responded.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtElisa pursed her lips and fell silent for a moment. “Is there a reason for this call?”, she replied to Mr.
Wickam.
“Liz, no matter what transpired between the two of you, you’re still family. As long as you accept me as
your father, I will always be that for you. Don’t you know that family isn’t bound by blood?”
There was something in her father-in-law’s tone, that was gentle and caring, that caused Elisa to be
teary-eyed. In the past several years of her marriage, her grandmother and father-in-law were the only
people who supported her through the whole ordeal.
“That means a lot to me… Dad.”
Since then, Elisa chose to keep that term of endearment.
“Well, Liz, any chance you are free today? Why don’t we grab some afternoon tea? You see, I won’t be
here for long due to a business trip coming along. I’m afraid I won’t have a chance to meet you again.”
Elisa opened her lips to respond but stopped midway. She didn’t quite understand the spontaneity to
meet up all of a sudden. Is this some sort of effort to persuade her into reconciling things with Gareth?
Instinctually, Elisa had the urge to refuse the meeting. Yet, she recalled back all the times her father-in-
law supported her through these years. After a moment of hesitation, Elisa responded, “Where can we
meet?”
“Can you tell me your current whereabouts?”
“Chicago.”
“That’s wonderful, I happen to be in the area. Elisa, why don’t you pick a location? I’ll have my driver
send me there” quipped Mr. Wickam. Jerry always had a gentle demeanour on him, and never once
allowed people to feel discomfort when he was around.
Elisa kept her phone after sending out the address. She greeted Charli on the way out and was on the
move.
She spent five minutes walking before reaching her destination. Elisa reasoned that since Mr. Wickam
hadn’t shown up yet, traffic was probably to blame. She entered right away.
The cafe was still empty, so she reserved a seat for Jerry and waited patiently.
About ten minutes later, Mr. Wickam arrived.
He must have just stepped off the plane and drove here as he was still in his formal attire.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmDespite being close to fifty, he didn’t seem aged at all. He aged gracefully and maintained his rugged
appearance.
Gareth really takes after him in terms of appearances.
Out of a forced habit, Elisa stood up when she saw Mr. Wickam entering. “Hi Dad…”, Elisa greeted him
after a moment of hesitation. She hinted a tone of embarrassment when using the term of endearment.
Mr. Wickam nodded her way before closing the door behind him. He walked over to Elisa and made
himself comfortable at the seat she had reserved. “No need for formalities. Take a seat.”
Elisa nodded and promptly remained silent.
They were seated on the second floor of the café. The light casted a warm glow on the veranda with
the busy traffic spotted below them.
After the two were seated, Mr. Wickam let out a sigh. “I’ve heard about what happened between you
and Gareth.”
Elisa expressed shock with widened eyes. “Father, I’m sorry. I…”
Elisa was interrupted by Mr. Wickam before she could finish. “It’s not your fault,” he reassured.
Elisa pursed her lips. She didn’t know how to respond.
“I’m aware of the kind of life you’ve been living these past few years,” Mr. Wickam confessed. “If
anyone is to blame, it should be me. I couldn’t manage that boy, and now these are the
consequences.”
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