Love's Redemption

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I said modestly, “No, it’s just that you’re more skilled. As you can see, I’m just an amateur.”

“An amateur player is still guided by a master. From your play, it doesn’t seem like Derick was your instructor. Who taught you?” Eden inquired.

All my skills in billiards came from learning from Chris. He never formally taught me, I just watched him play.

Later, when I got bored, I started practicing on my own. I observed Chris‘ techniques, so my style of play naturally mirrored his. When he noticed I could play well, he often asked me to join him for a game.

Before I could respond, a familiar voice cut in, “When did you become so gossipy, Mr. Griffins ? Always prying into everything?”

I didn’t turn around, but I recognized the voice immediately. Chris had arrived.

The atmosphere was getting lively. He stood next to me, his presence making Eden understand everything without a word.

“So, that’s why Maddie’s playing style resembles yours. It turns out that…” Eden paused. His gaze shifted between me and Chris.

Then, Eden’s eyes widened with realization. “Is Maddie your childhood bride?”

The term “childhood bride” brought back old memories. After I entered the Gildon family, a classmate who knew I was to marry Chris called me his “childhood bride“.

Later, the classmate who had stirred up the commotion soon transferred schools. After that, no one used that term to refer to me anymore.

“Even if you don’t speak, no one will think you’re mute. If you want to play, I’ll join you,” Chris said, passing

his coat to me.

His action was casual and natural, just like before.

He discarded his clothes so quickly that I didn’t even have a chance to refuse. But I wouldn’t be like before, holding onto his clothes like a maid for the whole evening.

I walked over to Derick, placed Chris‘ coat aside, and signaled for him to step out and talk with me.

As soon as we stepped outside, Derick asked, “What do you need to see Eden’s father for? There are some people you should avoid getting involved with.”

I swallowed my concern and replied, “I don’t want to either, but I have a reason.”

Before Derick could say more, I cut him off, “You haven’t told me what you found out yet.” Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

Derick looked at me with deeper, more contemplative eyes but no longer kept me guessing. He said, “I Tooked into it. The owner of that company you mentioned is indeed Xander. As for the big boss you spoke

of, there’s no record of such a person.

“However, based on what you said, I looked into it further. When the company was founded three years ago, Xander’s account received a sum of money, which he claimed was from a friend with the last name Howell. Beyond that, there’s no way to trace who the actual big boss might be.”

The last name Howell immediately caught my attention. It made me wary because Brandon’s last name was Howell.

“Maddie,” Derick said as I was lost in thought. “You don’t seem quite right lately. Are you hiding

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something?”

I snapped back to reality and said, “I didn’t do anything. I was just curious about some things.”

Derick noticed my reluctance to share and wore a light smile. “If you need anything, you know where to find me. Also…”

He glanced toward the billiard room. “Eden is a wild one, but he won’t dare cause trouble here. If he does, just call me.”

“Okay,” I agreed. At that moment, a loud thud of a ball hitting something echoed from inside the room. Derick frowned, likely upset about his ball.

I picked up on the hint and said, “Derick, I’ll head out now.”

“Be careful on your way home. Send me a message when you get there,” Derick said.

I nodded and was about to leave when he asked, “Since you’ve moved out of the Gildon estate, where are you staying? Don’t tell me it’s a rented place. I have plenty of properties. If you need a place, just let me know. It’s safer.”

“It’s not that,” I said, then walked away.

On my way back, I kept thinking about the person with the last name Howell who had invested in Xander’s company.

Even though I knew it couldn’t be Brandon, when I ran into Brandon in the hallway upon returning, I still called out, “Mr. Howell?”