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Novel Catalog
Chapter 88: It Is Too Late
“You’ve simply lost the face of the Baldry family! Look at what you’ve posted on the forums. I can’t help you with this!”
Kaitlin’s anger exploded. “I did all of this for you! She cheated on you, yet you still gave her so much money and that house. She married you for money! How can she be so shameless to take away the Baldry family’s money?”
“Enough!” Cason’s voice was sharp with frustration.
“This isn’t about whether we should save you. Do you know who sent you here? The Gage family. No one can help you now! Reflect on what you’ve done.” He turned abruptly and left.
“Don’t go, Cason! You can’t leave me alone!” Kaitlin cried out desperately, slamming her hand against the door in a frantic outburst. But as soon as her emotions flared, two police officers rushed over to restrain her.
“Don’t touch me! I’m from the Baldry family!” she shouted, but her words fell on deaf ears.
That evening, Manuel brought dinner and set the table, his actions calm and purposeful.
Ainsley, watching him, couldn’t help but feel an odd sensation. In that moment, they seemed like a small family—Manuel, the husband who came home after work to cook; Serina, quietly reading a book like a child; and herself, sitting at ease, as though everything were in perfect order.
But something about the scene felt off. Ainsley quickly shook off the thought, scolding herself for such nonsense.
When she looked up, she caught Manuel staring at her with a soft smile. Flustered, she blushed and asked, “Why are you staring at me?”
“I just called you. You seemed lost in thought. Come, dinner’s ready,” Manuel said, walking over and extending his arms to her.
“Mr. Gage?” Ainsley instinctively stepped back, but Manuel’s playful insistence persisted.
“I’ll carry you over.”
“No. My legs are much better today. I walked with Serina to Harborview Medical Center earlier.”
“That’s because I wasn’t there,” Manuel teased, his voice warm, his hand beside her.
Ainsley’s face turned even redder. She felt her heart flutter as Manuel gently picked her up, his hands warm from cooking. When he set her down, Serina was already at the table, clinging to the edge of Ainsley’s shirt as if for comfort.
“Serina, don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. Let go of my sleeve. We’re about to eat,” Ainsley said softly, treating Serina like a child, though she understood the girl’s fragility.
Serina, too, seemed like a child in some ways, still deeply shaken.
“Serina, eat up,” Manuel encouraged, placing a bowl of soup in front of her before doing the same for Ainsley.
As Ainsley looked at the strong bitterness of the herbal soup, she couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “You made herbal tea?”
“You didn’t drink it earlier,” Manuel replied, walking back into the kitchen to retrieve another bag of herbal tea.
Ainsley blinked in surprise. Manuel had not only heated up the food, but he had also made sure she had the herbal tea she needed, remembering her discomfort even when she had forgotten it herself.
Touched and a little embarrassed, Ainsley stirred the soup, feeling the warmth spread through her.
“Manuel, did you come to save us?” Serina suddenly asked, breaking the quiet.
Ainsley and Manuel exchanged looks before Manuel spoke softly, “Yes, Serina. I came to help.”
Serina gave a small nod, but her voice was quiet. “But you came too late.”
Too late?
Ainsley felt a chill run through her, but Serina didn’t explain further. The words hung heavy in the air.
Manuel reassured her, “It’s not too late. I’m here now, look, everything will be fine.”
Serina didn’t respond, but she picked up her bowl and slowly drank the soup.
The evening wore on, and after dinner, Manuel cleaned up and left, leaving Ainsley with her thoughts. Serina, too, went to bed early, but sleep eluded Ainsley. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of Manuel. His presence, his care, it was all starting to mean more to her than she had allowed herself to admit.
Despite her best efforts to keep her emotions in check, Ainsley couldn’t deny it—her feelings for Manuel had begun to change. The more she tried to distance herself, the closer she seemed to get.
The silence of the night was broken by the news broadcast that played on her phone.
“Breaking News: Kaitlin Baldry has been implicated in the theft of test papers from the Psychology Quiz Show at the University of Washington. After being caught, she lashed out in anger, splashing hot water on one of the judges. She has been detained for ten days and fined five thousand dollars.”
Ainsley knew that Manuel was behind this. Only the Gage family had the power to make such a bold move against the Baldry family, and it was evident that they were sending a clear message. Kaitlin’s punishment wasn’t a criminal charge, but for someone like her, it was a devastating blow. Her reputation was tarnished, and her power had crumbled.
Though Ainsley didn’t actively search for the news, it spread like wildfire, and she couldn’t ignore the fact that it was Manuel who had orchestrated it. He had done this for Serina, for her, and the weight of it lingered.
These past few days, Ainsley had followed Mollie’s advice, taking Serina to amusement parks and bookstores, allowing her a few moments of peace. Manuel had been a constant presence, ensuring they were safe and well taken care of.
Serina’s condition had improved under the medical and psychological care, though she still clung to Ainsley in moments of anxiety, often gripping the hem of her shirt.
Manuel continued to bring them dinner each night, often from the luxurious Pearl Hotel, which Ainsley knew cost a fortune. She had told him more than once not to do it, but he insisted.
“That hotel food is too expensive. You don’t need to bring it every day,” Ainsley said.
“I’ll bring it because Serina is here,” Manuel replied, placing the food down. “You need the best.”
Ainsley sighed, understanding his concern but not wanting him to waste money.
“You don’t need to bring food for her tomorrow,” she insisted. “I’ll make sure she eats.”
“Are you going to cook for her?” Manuel teased, raising an eyebrow.
“I can handle a few simple dishes,” Ainsley replied, a little embarrassed at the thought.
“Well then,” Manuel said, his eyes twinkling with mischief, “I’ll bring the ingredients tomorrow afternoon.”
“No,” Ainsley protested, but then paused. “I mean… we can go grocery shopping together. I need to see what to buy.”
“You don’t want me to come?” Manuel’s face dropped slightly, his voice almost pitiful.
Ainsley hurried to clarify, “Of course, I just—”
“I won’t refuse,” Manuel cut in with a grin, grabbing the dishes and finishing his task.
Ainsley realized what she had said. What she had meant to say was that she would handle the shopping herself, but now it seemed like she had invited him along.
“Can I go with you?” Serina asked suddenly, her eyes bright with excitement.
“Of course,” Ainsley replied, smiling at Serina’s eagerness.
