Chapter 182: Chapter 182

"Will you come to see me and the baby?" Flora asked hesitantly. After all, she would be living here alone. Although it was quiet, too much quietness could make one feel lonely. Thinking about not having his company every night, she couldn't help but show a hint of loss and reluctance, a rare expression for her.

"Let's talk about it when I have time," Maxwell gave her a vague answer. After a final glance, he turned and walked out.

Soon, the door was pushed open again, and two young, beautiful, and well-trained women entered. They smiled at Flora and said, "Miss Flora, we were sent by Big Young Master to accompany you."

"Huh?" Flora was surprised. Damn it! He even sent two people to watch over her. Although she wanted to go out for a stroll, she hadn't thought about escaping again. After all, she couldn't escape from his palm, and more importantly, she didn't have such a strong desire to run away anymore because... she was already developing feelings of reluctance to part with him!

"Oh, thank you," Flora said, forcing a smile.

"We live in the next room. If you need anything, just call us." one of the women said and added, "Without the elevator card, you can't use the elevator. If you want to go out, you can ask us to accompany you."

Flora's little face drooped. She thought the management here was too strict, but she could only nod. After exchanging words with the two women, she returned to the room. As she looked around the spacious and bright suite, her mood suddenly improved.

In the following days, Flora lived a comfortable and peaceful life. Finally, she no longer had to fear facing Chiyoko and Mrs. Smith, the two people who used to intimidate her. She was also relieved from worrying about the baby being harmed.

With plenty of free time, she transformed this home into a tidy and warm place. Often, she took one of the girls responsible for cooking to the nearby supermarket, treating it as a casual stroll. Out of boredom, she would pester the girl to teach her how to cook.

She looked forward to having such a warm little home in the future, where she could cook for her husband and child with her own hands. The only thing she didn't know was who this man would be.

Maxwell occasionally came to stay overnight, and each time, they could coexist peacefully. This was a significant improvement from before.

Today, Maxwell did not come here; after work, he went straight home. As soon as he entered, Mrs. Smith asked, "Maxwell, you rarely come back now. Are you spending time with Flora?"

"Yes, what's the matter?" Maxwell looked at Mrs. Smith and inquired.

"Nothing... just curious about why you suddenly spend less time at home," Mrs. Smith smiled. Flora was pregnant, and Maxwell firmly believed the child was his. It was normal for him to accompany her outside. Even if there were any grievances in Mrs. Smith's heart, she couldn't express them anymore, to avoid damaging their relationship.

After a few seconds of silence, she asked, "We have good food and accommodation at home, why do you want to have her stay outside? Since you firmly believe the child is yours, let her stay at home, at least there's someone to take care of her."

If the child really belonged to Maxwell, Mrs. Smith wouldn't have this attitude toward Flora. Even if there were deep-seated grievances, she would treat her well until the child was born. Now she was afraid of being played for a fool by Flora along with Maxwell, so she always had mixed feelings for her.

"Let her stay in W City," Maxwell smiled and spoke, "W City is quieter, and if she likes tranquility, let her stay there. The most important thing is for her to safely give birth to the child, isn't it?"

"Well, you handle it yourself," Mrs. Smith nodded.

Chiyoko, who had inadvertently overheard their conversation while hiding on the second floor, took a step back and leaned against the wall, a faint bitter smile playing on her lips.

She didn't expect Maxwell to go to such lengths to protect Flora, allowing her to stay outside the Smith Family Mansion and directly supporting her. The reason behind his actions was crystal clear. If not for that slap from her that day, Flora wouldn't have requested to leave, right?

No matter where, she would make her pay, the cost of stealing her man! Chiyoko glated at Maxwell, let out a sarcastic laugh, and walked angrily toward the bedroom.

Downstairs, Maxwell and Mrs. Smith were unaware of Chiyoko's presence, continuing their conversation on the sofa.

Mrs. Smith turned to Maxwell, staring at him with insinuation and hesitation, "Maxwell, I want to meet Kevin. Can you help me arrange a meeting with him?"

It's ironic to think about it. Kevin is a member of the family, but she has to make an appointment to see him, and even then, it's not guaranteed!

After thinking for a moment, Maxwell nodded thoughtfully, "Okay, I'll try to arrange it for you." He knew that Mrs. Smith had been wanting to meet Kevin for a long time. If he didn't help fulfill this wish, she might never find peace in her heart.

"Good, thank you," Mrs. Smith didn't expect Maxwell to agree so readily, and she naturally felt happy. Beneath the surface of her joy, there was still a faint worry. Would Oliver be willing to see her? Would he consider her as family?

She had no assurance, after all, so many years had passed, and Oliver had been transformed into what Mrs. Davis wanted. He had become Kevin, who was completely hating the Smith Family!

Yesterday, Maxwell didn't come to the apartment, but he should come today. Flora calculated in her heart; generally, Maxwell wouldn't go two days without visiting her. This was something she hadn't thought of before and found it touching.

Today, she suddenly felt the urge to cook herself. After a few days of learning, she had learned a little. The days of the infamous tomato and egg stir-fry were now in the past.

"Flora, you've been wandering around for half a day. What exactly are you looking to buy?" one of the girls named Lily complained impatiently.

After spending these days together and realizing that Flora was as easygoing as a younger sister, they no longer treated her with such formality. They interacted like friends, making each other happier.

"I want to find dishes that Big Young Master likes to eat, and I want to cook them myself to redeem the face I lost before," Flora confidently replied, her eyes scanning the shelves.

"But you've already bought so much; with this, you can eat for a week," Lily lamented.

Flora waved her hand impatiently, not bothering to look at them, and said, "Shut up and wait for me outside somewhere. I'll take my time choosing."

"That's great, take your time choosing. My feet can't take it anymore," the other girl named Bella said, as if she had been granted clemency. She pulled Lily towards the entrance of the market. As long as they guarded the entrance, Flora couldn't escape their grasp!

After Bella and Lily left, Flora continued to stroll around the market. Despite staying in the Smith Family mansion for a long time, she had no idea what Maxwell liked to eat.

When she was a maid at the Smith Family mansion, she wasn't in charge of the kitchen, and she had no interest in finding out what he liked to eat. She hated him so much that she didn't even have the mood to think about anything else.

When she went back later, they each ate separately, hardly ever having a meal together with Maxwell. Therefore, she didn't pay attention. But these past few days, she had the opportunity to eat with him, and it felt wonderful.

After finally selecting everything, Flora pushed the shopping cart toward the checkout counter. Unfortunately, the cart lightly bumped into a woman with a perfect figure – slim waist, ample chest, and beautiful legs. Flora was startled and quickly apologized, "I'm sorry."

"You've apologized to me many times; one more doesn't make a difference," a familiar voice echoed softly.

Flora was not only startled but also surprised. She quickly raised her head to look at Chiyoko, who had unexpectedly appeared in front of her.

At this moment, Chiyoko wore a disdainful expression, bending down slightly to brush off her skirt that had been bumped. She straightened up, first glancing at her most hated abdomen, then giving a disdainful look at the cart full of groceries. Mockingly, she said, "It seems like your life is quite colorful now. The hard days are finally over."

Flora took a light breath and calmly spoke, "Miss Chiyoko, I don't want to argue or fight with you, so I moved outside. But why do you insist on clinging to me?"

Flora certainly didn't believe in such a coincidental encounter in the world, meeting her here. So without thinking, she knew Chiyoko had intentionally come here to cause trouble for her. She felt helpless!

"Yes, you moved outside, but you also took Maxwell away," Chiyoko glared at her angrily, speaking viciously, "Don't think that by escaping outside, you can live a good life! Miss Flora! Let me tell you, there's no such cheap thing!"

Anyone who dared to provoke her, anyone who dared to seduce the man she wanted, no matter who it was, she wouldn't let them off!

"What do you want?" Flora looked at her malicious face. Claiming not to be afraid would be a lie, especially when a woman turned ruthless; it could be scarier than a man. Moreover, Miss Chiyoko had a strong backing, and Flora was not her match!

"You'll find out if you try. I've given you many chances to leave Maxwell, but you're not cooperating. Don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Chiyoko paused and continued, "I came here today mainly to inform you that I'll give you three more days. Abort the child and leave Maxwell. Otherwise... you'll be responsible for the consequences!" She leaned in, staring at her up close. "Did you hear me clearly?"

"I heard you clearly, but I'm sorry. Even if I die, I won't abort the child," Flora refused without hesitation.

"Didn't I say it? I'm giving you three days to consider and complete this series of matters." Flora's words left Chiyoko feeling choked, but she maintained a good demeanor. Habitually curling up her lips, she sneered at Flora.

Then, with an air of superiority, she turned around, briskly walking away in eight-inch high heels, disappearing from Flora's sight.

Flora stood in place, staring blankly at the direction she vanished. Chiyoko's words, along with her confident face, echoed repeatedly in her mind.

She believed there was nothing Chiyoko couldn't do, but asking her to leave Maxwell... seemed a bit too difficult. And asking her to abort the child, was even harder. She didn't need three days; in just three seconds, she could decide to refuse Chiyoko's demands!

It wasn't until Bella and Lily ran back in to find her that Flora snapped back to reality, shaking off the chaotic thoughts. Nonchalantly, she walked towards the cashier, pretending as if nothing had happened, as if she hadn't heard anything, and as if she hadn't seen Miss Chiyoko! Was avoidance effective? She dared not dwell on it!

Flora returned to the apartment in a good mood, and, under Bella's guidance, she battled in the kitchen. After a long while, she finally managed to create dishes that looked quite presentable. Having learned from past mistakes, she didn't forget to taste the food before serving it this time. After sampling each dish and finding them satisfactory, a content smile appeared on Flora's face.

When Maxwell entered the room, he saw her earnestly working in the kitchen. His expression darkened, and he lifted her from crouching on the floor, annoyed. "What are you doing?"

Startled by his sudden appearance, Flora turned to him with a smile and said, "I'm learning to cook. Try the dishes I made; they're delicious. You can trust me."

Maxwell remained unappreciative, continuing to grumble discontentedly, "The kitchen is filled with grease and smoke. Why are you learning to cook at this time?"

The two beautiful women had long opened the door and escaped when Maxwell went mad, leaving Flora to fight alone. Flora had long figured out his temper; when he scolded her, it was out of concern.

Putting on a cute expression, she continued, "I've turned on the exhaust fan and ventilation hood; everything is fine. Don't worry. Ask the baby if you don't believe me; he's in a very good mood now."

Maxwell's previously stern face relaxed slightly. Somewhat effective! Very well! Seizing the opportunity, Flora played with the buttons on his chest with her small hands. Looking up at him, she said, "Our mother-son duo teamed up to make this delicious dinner for you. You should be touched. Why did you come back and scare us with a stern face?"

Finally speechless, Maxwell's anger, ignited by worry, dissipated with her words. This woman! When did she become so cunning, able to manipulate his temper at any time?!

"I'm very touched," Maxwell gritted his teeth, then leaned down to kiss her neck, sucking fiercely, making her ticklish.

Giggling, she struggled, "Don't do it so hard, or I'll have to wear high-necked clothes again tomorrow!"

"What's wrong with wearing high-necked clothes? I think it's good." Maxwell chuckled, enjoying the sight of her, unlike other women who constantly wore low-cut outfits. With her more voluptuous figure due to pregnancy, she became the constant focus of men!

"I'm not as perverted as you men; you can even wear suits in the summer!" Flora rolled her eyes and pushed his body away. "Hurry up and wash your hands for dinner; the food is getting cold."

Upon hearing that she had personally prepared the meal, Maxwell lost his appetite. He stared at her hesitantly and said, "It's a nice day today. Let's go out to eat."

Flora, puzzled, asked, "There are 28 sunny days this month. Why go out today?"

"Uh, I don't have a reason yet!"

Flora was not pleased. Pouting, she grumbled, "You only mention it after I've cooked. You're ruining all my efforts." Although she wanted to go out, especially with him, at this moment, she hoped that Maxwell would appreciate the meal that took her a lot of time and effort.

This statement should move any man. Maxwell hurriedly kissed her raised lips and said, "Okay, let's eat at home. I'm already hungry."

Flora was delighted, leading him to the dining room. She then had him sit at the table and began to serve him like a dutiful little wife. The serene scene not only warmed Flora's heart, but also had a similar effect on Maxwell.

Suddenly, the feeling of living alone with the person one wants to be with, sharing meals, seemed like a beautiful thing. Of course, when their baby was born, this little home would be truly perfect. No more noise and interference from the Smith Family estate, no need to see people she didn't want to see, and certainly no need to endure the complexities of such a large family!

Maxwell picked up a piece of meat and noticed Flora nervously watching him, a low chuckle escaping his lips as he put it in his mouth. Well, it was indeed good. This time, she didn't look as confident, but the food turned out even tastier. To cook a meal like this, she must have put in quite a bit of effort. Once again, he felt moved by her dedication.

"How is it? Is it delicious?" Flora asked anxiously, her heart almost pounding out of her chest. She had never been this worried. It felt as if Maxwell was a judge, ready to render a verdict that could render all her efforts in vain.

Maxwell paused, then shook his head with a pretended seriousness, "Not delicious!" Straightforward and decisive!

Flora's heart sank instantly, and she incredulously said, "But I thought it was good. Is it a problem with my taste buds?" As she spoke, she took a bite and put it in her mouth, claiming it was no different from what Bella made!

Seeing her serious expression, Maxwell couldn't bear to tease her any longer and chuckled lightly, truthfully stating, "No need to pout. I was just joking. It's cooked quite well, especially for someone cooking for the first time like you."

"Really?!" Flora exclaimed joyfully, breaking into a smile.

Maxwell nodded, opting not to praise her further to avoid her getting too proud. He then focused on eating the meal she had cooked for him.

"I'll cook for you more often in the future!" Flora habitually blurted out this sentence.

Fortunately, today, this statement wouldn't startle Maxwell again. He calmly nodded in acknowledgment, considering it as an agreement.