Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 125

Hayden turned to look at Julien silently.

Julien was not a woman to shy away from eye contact, so they stared at each other as the scenery outside the window whizzed by. Finally, it was Julien who broke the silence. "If you don't want to spill it, that's cool."

If she wanted to get the truth about something, she could totally dig it up herself. It was just faster to get the answer from Hayden.

However, to Julien's surprise, Hayden broke his silence and unexpectedly replied, "If Kerry had planned to save Bertha's kid from the start, Ivan wouldn't be alive today."

That was the last thing Hayden said, without any further explanation. As for the rest, perhaps only Kieran himself could clarify.

But Julien was puzzled. Given the tight bond between Lucian and Kieran, why would Lucian fake his death?

Even though confused, Julien didn't ask Hayden any more. She just let the silence linger in the carriage.

...

Simpo Co. reception room.

Porter never thought that Julie would resign so firmly, who threw in her resignation letter as the first thing in the morning. When he tried to call Julie again, her phone was disconnected.

So, Porter thought of confirming it at Simpo Co. He got a definite answer from Karl, "Attorney Abraham has submitted her resignation this morning."

"Do you know where she is now? I've been trying to reach her all morning but no dice. I can't get through to her!" Porter felt guilty towards Julie, because if it weren't for his insistence, Julie would never have signed that contract.

He speculated that Julie's resignation might be related to the rumors flying around lately. He knew that back in their school days, Julie was crazy about Kieran. All things considered, it was he who got Julie into this mess.

Feeling guilty, Porter came to Simpo Co. to find her. But more importantly, he was afraid that the penalty for breaching the contract would fall on his shoulders after Julie left.

So, his top priority now was to find Julie.

But what he didn't expect that Karl gave him a cold glance and said, "Mr. Hernandez's intention is for you to just approve Attorney Abraham's resignation. As for the rest, Mr. Hernandez will handle it."

Upon hearing Karl's words, Porter finally got it. Mr. Hernandez didn't want him to meddle in this matter.

Porter glanced at Karl tentatively, cautiously asking, "And the penalty…"

"Attorney Abraham will pay it all." Karl answered.

Porter finally felt relieved. He thanked Karl with a flattering smile, "Thanks! I'll get on with approving her resignation right away."

After escorting Porter to the office door, Karl knocked on Kieran's office door.

"Come in." Kieran's deep voice echoed in the room.

Karl entered the office, nodding at Kieran, "Mr. Hernandez, everything's been arranged."

"Hmm." Kieran responded indifferently, and then lowered his head to continue reading his documents.

After hesitating for a moment, Karl asked Kieran, "Mr. Hernandez, do you need me to prepare a car for you?"

Kieran looked up, staring at Karl, "what?"

Karl frowned, looking a little guilty, "Aren't you going to find Mrs. Hernandez?"

Kieran suddenly put down his mouse, folded his hands and leaned on his chair, looking at Karl, "Karl, I think I should give you a raise."

Upon hearing those words, Karl was overjoyed, but when he heard Kieran's next sentence, he felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head.

Because Kieran continued, "You're sticking your nose in so much, you definitely deserve a raise."

Karl felt wronged. He quickly shook his head, "Mr. Hernandez...no need..."

Looking at the now silent Karl, Kieran cracked a rare smile.

He opened a drawer, took out two toothbrushes and handed them to Karl, "Take these and get a paternity test done."

After that, Kieran added, "Go to Whispering Pines Hospital."

The frog-shaped toothbrush belonged to Ivan. Karl knew that it was bought by Julie herself. Ivan had his own mind from a young age and didn't like fancy things. He preferred a minimalist style for both clothes and daily necessities.

This kind of fancy stuff was very rare in his life, let alone a cartoon frog. But since it was a gift from Julie, Ivan had proudly shown it off for multiple times.

Shannon hurriedly greeted him, "Mr. Hernandez, Ivan's been looking for it in his room for over half an hour."

Ivan heard Shannon's voice over the phone. Knowing Kieran was home, he immediately ran to the railing on the third floor, pointing at Kieran, "Kerry, stay right there! I'm coming down."

With that, he hung up the call and excitedly ran downstairs in his little black slippers.

His wobbly little steps were adorable.

However, his father completely ignored him and went to get a bottle of water from the fridge instead.

He had only taken a sip when Ivan, panting, hugged his leg. "Didn't I ask you to stay put?"

"So what?" Kieran looked down at his son.

Ivan seemed upset. He looked up at Kieran and said seriously, "Why did you toss my frog toothbrush?"

"A toothbrush used for over two months can breed Candida, hemolytic streptococcus, tuberculosis bacillus, and staphylococcus. They may cause acute tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and in people with weak immune systems, rheumatic fever and acute nephritis. Understand?"

"I don't get it!!" Ivan yelled at Kieran, "Kieran, you're so useless!!"

Shannon heard this from outside the door. Being used to their banter, she chuckled, turned around, and went to hang up the clothes returned from the dry cleaners.

Kieran put the water on the kitchen counter and bent down to pick up Ivan. Holding him in one arm, he flicked his head with the other hand. "I'm useless?"

"Yes, useless! You made Mama Julie leave! And you threw away the toothbrush Mama Julie got me!" Ivan said, suddenly looking much wronged.

He sniffled. Although he didn't cry, he looked pitiful.

Kieran sat down on the sofa with Ivan, "If she left, she can come back, can’t she?"

"When is she coming back then?" Ivan pouted, and then reached into his hoodie pocket.

He wore a black hoodie with yellow pockets. Like digging for treasure, Ivan pulled out a photo from his pocket, carefully pointing at the photo and looking seriously at Kieran. He seemed to hesitate for a long time before plucking up the courage to ask Kieran, "I asked my teacher today. She said this photo is taken during a wedding and used on a marriage license. Cupid said that married parents live together during the day and sleep together at night. Why did you and Mama Julie get married but Mama Julie still left?"

There was a hopeful glint in Ivan's eyes. He looked at Kieran, seemingly having weighed his words before asking, "Kerry, tell me the truth. Where am I from, I didn't fall from the sky, did I?"