Chapter 220: Are You Both Signing The Divorce Papers Now?
As expected, Winnie called Wendy again later that afternoon.
Taking a deep breath, Wendy answered the call and heard Winnie’s concerned voice on the other end. "Wendy, did you quarrel with Michael again? I overheard the both of you arguing over the phone this morning. How is it? Is it serious? Do you need me to help persuade Michael?"
Winnie sighed and continued, "Though I may not be of much help at all, even if I talk to Michael. This son of mine is the same as his dad. They never listen." Winnie kept emphasizing that Michael was just like Anthony. Anthony’s reputation was well known to most people.
By doing this, Winnie was trying to anchor Wendy’s impression of Michael in a bad way on purpose. Pursing her lips, Wendy said in a low tone, "Sorry about this morning, Mrs. Lucas. I did not hang up immediately after it happened. To what extent have you heard?"
"Not...not much." Winnie sounded like she left some things unspoken. "But I heard a mention about divorce?" Winnie tried to probe about the current status, "Are you both signing the divorce papers now?"
Wendy thought to herself. If Winnie had heard their argument in the morning, then why was she only checking in with her in the afternoon?
And if she was sincere about persuading Michael to patch their relationship, why did she not do so in the past four to five hours? Wendy recalled what Michael said. She made her voice sound wavered, "We will do so soon. I didn’t manage to find the marriage certificate. We are waiting for the duplicated copy to be issued."
"Oh..." Winnie said. "Then have you made an appointment to sign the divorce papers?"
"Mrs. Lucas, you seemed very invested on when we are getting divorced?" Wendy questioned back.
"Of course, I am concerned." Winnie was startled by what Wendy said and brushed it off with a chuckle. "I wanted to see if there is anything I can help with."
More like she was trying to see how she could help expedite the process.
"Sigh..." Wendy sounded dejected. "Mrs. Lucas, why do you think Michael would doubt me at all? He even took out a stack of photos and said I committed adultery. But I am innocent. I have been bogged down with work for the past few days and I was busy with my designs until midnight every day. I have been going out with you for shopping and spa treatments for the past few days as well. Where would I find time to see other men? You have to be my witness and help me explain things to Michael."
"Hmm...." Naturally, Winnie would not help Wendy on this. But since they were on this topic, she played along. "Of course, I will. I will give Michael a call now and explain to him."
"Mrs. Lucas, aren’t you curious about the photos Michael showed me?" Wendy asked.
Winnie was stunned by the question and her expression changed. It was a good thing that they were not together physically, otherwise Winnie would have a harder time covering her tracks.
"Didn’t you say Michael doubted you and accused you of adultery? Then it would be photos with other men for sure." Winnie thought of an excuse on the spot. "Most importantly, I trust you. I don’t know you well enough in the past but after getting to know you better the past few days, I know you are not the sort of person."
"Thank you for believing in me, Mrs. Lucas." Wendy said.
"Okay then. I will call Michael now to see if I can help you in any way."
"Thanks, Mrs. Lucas." Wendy said softly.
After the call ended, Winnie retorted to herself. ’She wanted a divorce this morning and now she wants me to help her put in some good words. Wendy Stewart, you really can’t bear to let go of the status and luxurious lifestyle Michael gave you, huh?’
"Who are you speaking with on the phone?" Mrs. Lucas walked over to Winnie with the aid of a walking cane. She looked suspiciously at Winnie and said, "You have been out a lot recently. Did something happen?"
Winnie got startled when she heard Mrs. Lucas all out of a sudden. She turned around and laughed to buy some time for an excuse. She said, "Just a married lady. She asked me out this afternoon for a shopping trip."
Mrs. Lucas was not aware that Winnie had been going out with Wendy. Obviously, Winnie would not tell Mrs. Lucas the truth. Mrs. Lucas would not be fooled. If Winnie had told her that she was talking to Wendy, she would immediately be able to tell that something was up with Winnie trying to get close to Wendy.
"It is good to go out more often." Mrs. Lucas nodded. It was probably a good thing that Winnie was not home, there would be lesser conflicts between her and Anthony.
This would give Mrs. Lucas some peace while Winnie was out. When Winnie was home previously, she would quarrel with Anthony everyday whenever Anthony came back.
"Mother, do you want me to get anything for you on the way back?" Winnie asked out of courtesy.
"Nope. Just go and enjoy yourself." Mrs. Lucas waved her off and turned to walk towards the sofa.
Winnie nodded. She picked up her purse and left the house.
Wendy waited for about half an hour after her call with Winnie before she dialed Michael’s number.
Michael was surprised to see Wendy’s call, especially after their fights from the day before till that morning. Although he had explained things to Wendy that morning, he was not sure if Wendy believed fully in what he said.
Given Wendy’s character, she would not call him unless there was something urgent.
Michael picked up the call and asked immediately, "Wendy, is everything okay?"
"I..." Wendy pursed her lips and asked directly. "I just wanted to check with you, did Mrs. Lucas call you earlier?"
"My mother?" Michael shook his head subconsciously, even though Wendy could not see. "My mother did not call me today. What is the matter?"
True enough, Winnie did not call Michael.
Solemnly, Wendy recounted her call with Winnie to Michael. Michael heaved a sigh of relief.
Winnie had offered her slipup on a silver platter.
This would mean that Wendy would likely be more willing to trust him.
Michael said, "Let’s act as per the plan we have discussed earlier. We’ll act according to her wishes."
"Okay." Wendy replied.
After their call ended, Michael paged for Mr. York via the internal intercom line. Mr. York arrived at his office very quickly. Raising his head, Michael looked at him and instructed, "Pick out some bodyguards immediately to protect Wendy in the dark. If there is anything amiss, please inform me as soon as possible."
"Got it, Mr. Lucas." Mr. York nodded and went off to execute Michael’s instruction immediately.
Michael leaned back into his chair, looking solemn. It was a good thing that his mother had exposed her tracks. He should be happy about it. But after all, she was his mother and they were now scheming and fending against each other. It definitely did not feel good for Michael.
Wendy got another call after her call with Michael. It was Winnie. When she answered, Winnie said hurriedly, "Wendy, open the door. I am at your door step."
"Huh?" Wendy was taken aback by Winnie’s action. Winnie came all the way to her house?
"Open the door first, would you? I’ll explain things to you."
Wendy abided and opened her front door. But when she opened, there was no one at the door. Cautiously, Wendy spoke on the phone, "But there is no one here."
