Chapter 369
Jacques couldn’t shake the image of Effie from his mind. Even without a trace of makeup, she radiated a natural beauty that drew every eye in the room-
impossible to look away.
“I need to find out who she is,” he said, almost to himself.
“How old is she?” Maxwell asked, glancing over.
“Around twenty,” Jacques replied.
He’d spent years abroad, where women tended to look more mature. Back home again, he found it hard to judge the age of local girls-they all seemed so young and fresh-faced that pinning down a number felt almost impossible.
“Early twenties, I guess…”
Maxwell thought for a moment. “Well, the Etheridge family only has one young woman who matches that age range. Still, I can’t say for sure if she’s the one you met…”
Jacques shot Maxwell a look of exasperation. “Could you be any more roundabout? Is it her or not? Who is she?”
Maxwell shrugged. “If I had to guess, I’d say she’s the youngest daughter in the Etheridge family-Fidelia.”
“Fidelia…” Jacques tasted the name. “Free as a swallow, it suits her perfectly.”
Maxwell, hands on the wheel, waved a hand in front of Jacques’ face. “Hey, snap out of it! A grown man like you, you’ve seen plenty of beautiful women. Didn’t think you’d turn into a lovesick fool over one.”
Jacques shot back, “You don’t get it. I swear, she’s the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen.”
Maxwell hesitated. “Seriously? Are you sure? Fidelia is pretty, sure, but she’s still so young-awkward even. I wouldn’t call her breathtaking.”
Jacques gave him a sideways look. “That’s because you always go for the curvy types. We don’t exactly share the same taste.”
Maxwell shrugged inwardly. To each his own; beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Still, for all Jacques’ years living abroad, Maxwell couldn’t help but think his taste had gotten worse, not better.
…
At the airport, Lyman greeted Lionel Harper and his wife Yvette, accompanied by the little girl at their side.
The girl was their adopted daughter, Teresa Harper.
The moment Teresa set foot in the terminal, her eyes darted everywhere, taking in
the unfamiliar sights with open curiosity.
Trying to put her at ease, Luther
struck up a conversation: “Miss Harper, how do you like
Neo-Arcadia? Things have changed so much here. You’re always welcome to visit, travel the country, and experience the best of what we have to offer.”
Teresa abruptly stopped walking and frowned in open displeasure. “It’s… kind of disappointing, honestly. Everything looks so old and shabby. The houses are all brick and tile, and the streets are just dirt. You call this an international city? Compared to Blackmire, it doesn’t even come close.”
Luther froze, his welcoming smile faltering. He’d only meant to make small talk,
but clearly, he’d touched a nerve.
Why were kids these days so bold?
Lionel stepped in, his tone gentle but firm. “Teresa, that’s no way to speak. These brick houses are townhouses with a long history. Neo-Arcadia is a blend of old and new, East and West. The city keeps its original charm while embracing modern architecture. It’s a perfect example of tradition meeting innovation.”
One word from Lionel, and Teresa immediately fell silent. She hurried over to
Yvette’s side, mumbling a soft, “Mommy.”
Yvette, though not Teresa’s biological mother, had raised her since she was small. To her, Teresa was every bit her own child.