Chapter 723: Chapter 723: Beauty Is Original Sin
Serena raised her bright eyes, "Where is Dylan Gardner now?"
"Back when Iris Crawford had her incident, Dylan Gardner was devastated. He left City of Aethelgard and spent some time in a daze outside, and later, by chance, went to the mountains and started teaching there. He’s been teaching for thirty years now."
Serena couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. Dylan Gardner, the graceful young man from the Garner family, and the esteemed heiress of the Crawford family were once a perfect match. However, their long-standing friendship couldn’t withstand the allure of Isabelle Willow that captivated the entire capital. Dylan Gardner abandoned his wife and child, creating a tragedy with his own hands.
He must have been in pain, so much so that he never wished to return to Aethelgard. The once outstanding gentleman of the Garner family left behind all his splendor to become a humble teacher in the mountains, spending thirty whole years there. I wonder, has he found redemption?
"Cherie, start preparing. I need to fly to the mountains tomorrow to find Dylan Gardner."
"Princess, let me go instead."
Serena shook her head, "You won’t be able to bring Dylan Gardner back; only I can do it."
With that, Serena gently furrowed her brows and softly instructed, "Cherie, this trip to the mountains is necessary for me, but I can’t help but feel uneasy about leaving here. I have a very bad premonition, like a storm is about to sweep through the entire Crawford family."
"Princess, are you saying...?"
"Principal Iris’s mental state is not good. I’m worried that while I’m away, something might happen. I’m leaving a golden pill here. Cherie, make sure to find Principal Iris tomorrow and have her take it in advance. I’ll hurry back with Dylan Gardner as soon as possible."
Cherie accepted the golden pill but quickly protested indignantly, "Princess, Mr. Crawford picked up a pitiful little ’white lotus’ from the roadside and lied to you. It’s unforgivable. But here you are, still running around for the Crawford family. Princess, I’m really upset for you!"
Serena curled her lips into a smile, "Cherie, Mr. Crawford is not the kind of person you think he is. Don’t worry. Nothing will happen between him and that ’white lotus.’ Although he hasn’t told me, I’m guessing he has his reasons for keeping her."
Saying this, Serena looked out the window. Outside, a fine drizzle was falling again, and the early autumn chill slowly seeped in, bringing a sense of coldness. "I always feel that it’s a turbulent time, the thirty-year feud of the Crawford family is brewing again, and this time no one can escape."
"Mr. Crawford and I have been through so much together, we’ve weathered many storms. In the long road of life ahead, we’ll encounter many more thorns and obstacles. But as I’ve said, even if the years are wasted, I’ll drink three thousand rounds with him, never to speak of parting sorrows. Therefore, I trust him."
Cherie was deeply moved. In her heart, the princess had always been the best princess in the world.
At this moment, Serena turned back, "Cherie, bring me my phone. I want to call Aunt Yara."
"Yes." Cherie quickly handed over the phone.
Serena dialed Isabelle Willow’s number. Today was supposed to be the day Isabelle Willow and Jude Crawford went to finalize their divorce, but Iris Crawford suddenly disrupted everything. Isabelle Willow was taken away by Jude Crawford and hasn’t returned yet.
It’s already late outside. Could it be that Aunt Yara is staying overnight at Jude Crawford’s place again?
The phone rang again and again on the other end, but no one answered. Soon, a cold mechanical voice came through: "Sorry, the number you dialed is temporarily unavailable."
Aunt Yara is not answering.
What is Aunt Yara doing right now?
Serena gently furrowed her brows.
"Princess, Aunt Yara was taken away by Jude Crawford. Jude Crawford has protected Aunt Yara for so many years, with him there, Aunt Yara will be fine." Cherie comforted her.
Serena shook her head, "Cherie, if you say that Jude Crawford has protected Aunt Yara for so many years, deeply rooted in love, then why did Aunt Yara still jump down from Jill’s room?"
"This..."
"Because Jude Crawford doesn’t understand love, doesn’t know how to love, and Aunt Yara didn’t teach him how to love. They were wrong from the very beginning."
Cherie listened, confused. She didn’t understand.
Serena didn’t expect Cherie to understand either. This time when she went to find Dylan Gardner, she was worried not only about Iris Crawford but also about Isabelle Willow.
Now that Isabelle Willow wasn’t answering her phone, Serena couldn’t contact her.
Serena thought for a moment, then opened a WeChat group. The group name was "Happy Family," and she was the group owner. The members included little Caden Crawford, little Pip, and little Stella.
Serena sent a message: "Darlings, mommy needs to go on a long trip tomorrow, and I have tasks for you."
Little Caden Crawford replied with two words: "Hmm?"
Little Pip sent an emoji with a face full of question marks.
Little Stella’s tender voice piped up, "Mommy, please tell us."
Serena replied, "Caden, during the days mommy isn’t around, Auntie Iris is in your care. She really loves you, so you need to take good care of her."
Little Caden Crawford: "OK."
Serena continued, "Pip, your grandmother raised you since you were little. She’s the one who loves you the most, so if anything unexpected happens, protect your grandmother."
Little Pip sent back a ’strong man nodding’ emoji.
Little Stella got anxious, "Mommy, mommy, both brothers have tasks. What’s my task?"
Serena: "Stella, you just need to take good care of yourself."
Little Stella: "Hmph, not happy. Mommy’s underestimating me!"
Serena smiled, "Darlings, this is mommy’s first long trip. When I’m gone, the family here is in your hands. You must guard it well and wait for my return!"
...
Isabelle Willow was taken away by Jude Crawford, the luxury car speeding down the road.
The quiet and sumptuous car cabin felt intensely oppressive. Isabelle Willow glanced sideways at the man beside her. Jude Crawford’s large hand rested on the steering wheel, and his deep, handsome face showed no emotion, just a heavy brow, revealing a cold aloofness.
Isabelle Willow knew that Jude Crawford was not as cold-blooded as he appeared on the surface. He cared deeply for his sister, Iris Crawford. Wasn’t he also in pain when Iris Crawford had her incident back then?
"What did Iris tell you?" Isabelle Willow broke the silence.
Jude Crawford glanced out the window, expressionless, "Can’t you guess what Iris told me? Why ask the obvious?"
Isabelle Willow’s face turned pale, "Jude Crawford, no matter how many times I explain to you, you never believe me. I have nothing to do with Dylan Gardner. Before that night, I hadn’t even spoken to him..."
"What are you trying to say?" Jude Crawford abruptly interrupted her. His scarlet thin lips curled into a scornful, indifferent arc, "Are you trying to say you’re innocent, that Dylan Gardner’s feelings for you are his business, and that being beautiful is your original sin?"