Contract marriage:Mother for rent, wife for free
Chapter 38: Unwanted guest

Chapter 38: Unwanted guest

The next morning, Lin Wei was jolted awake by the sound of raised voices echoing through the hallway. Still groggy, she glanced at the clock—barely seven. Rubbing her eyes, she slipped out of bed and cautiously opened the door.

Voices grew clearer as she approached the staircase. One of them belonged to James, calm yet firm, but the other—a woman’s—was loud and shrill.

"I have every right to see him!" the woman barked.

"Miss Yin, please calm down," James replied, maintaining his composure. "Mr. Wang is currently occupied and did not authorize any visitors."

Lin Wei frowned. Madeleine Yin? What was she doing here at this hour?

Peering from the landing, Lin Wei caught a glimpse of Madeleine in the foyer, dressed in a vibrant red designer coat, her expression a mix of indignation and triumph. She was flanked by two men holding cameras.

"Occupied?" Madeleine scoffed. "I’m sure he’ll make time for me."

Before James could respond, Ezekiel appeared at the top of the stairs, his presence instantly silencing the chaos. He looked down at Madeleine, his gaze icy.

"Why are you here?" Ezekiel’s tone was calm but laced with irritation.

Madeleine’s demeanor changed in an instant—her voice turning sweet and coquettish. "Oh, Zeke, darling. I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d visit. You never return my calls."

Lin Wei nearly snorted. Darling? Did this woman have no shame?

"You’re trespassing," Ezekiel stated bluntly. "Leave."

Madeleine pouted, ignoring his words. "Can we at least have breakfast together? I brought pastries." She gestured to a box held by one of the cameramen.

Ezekiel’s jaw tightened. "I’m not interested. James will see you out."

Sensing his dismissal, Madeleine’s face fell. Her eyes darted around, finally landing on Lin Wei. A cruel smile spread on her lips.

"Oh, I see. You’re busy with her," Madeleine sneered, loudly enough for the cameras to pick up. "Is she the reason you’ve been ignoring me?"

Lin Wei froze, caught in the crossfire. Ezekiel’s gaze flickered to her, his expression unreadable.

"My personal life is none of your business," Ezekiel replied curtly.

Madeleine’s eyes widened with mock realization. "Oh, how sweet. You finally moved on. But with someone like her?" Her tone was dripping with disdain.

Before Lin Wei could react, Garry and Harry appeared at the top of the stairs, rubbing their eyes. They looked at Madeleine with confusion.

"Why is the loud lady here?" Garry whispered to Lin Wei.

Lin Wei put a finger to her lips, signaling him to stay quiet. Madeleine noticed the twins and suddenly shifted her tactics.

"Boys!" she called out, forcing a smile. "It’s Auntie Madeleine!"

The twins recoiled behind Lin Wei, clearly uncomfortable.

Ezekiel’s patience had visibly worn thin. "James, escort her out. Now."

James gave a nod and stepped forward, blocking Madeleine’s view of the twins. The cameramen hesitated, but a glare from Ezekiel had them retreating quickly.

"Zeke! You can’t just—" Madeleine began, but James firmly guided her toward the door, unbothered by her protests.

As the commotion faded, Lin Wei let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Ezekiel remained at the top of the stairs, his shoulders tense.

"Sorry about that," he muttered, his tone softer than usual.

Lin Wei glanced up at him. "Is she always this... persistent?"

"You have no idea," he sighed.

Garry tugged at Lin Wei’s sleeve. "Why does that lady shout so much?"

Lin Wei patted his head. "Some people are just loud, sweetie."

Ezekiel descended the stairs, running a hand through his hair. "I’ll make sure she doesn’t bother you again."

Lin Wei hesitated. "Are you sure she won’t come back? She seems... determined."

Ezekiel’s lips thinned into a line. "She’s been after me for years. Thinks her family’s wealth entitles her to anything she wants."

Lin Wei frowned. "Is that why she’s obsessed with the twins?"

He nodded. "Madeleine likes playing the doting stepmother in her fantasies. Unfortunately, the boys can’t stand her."

Harry hugged Lin Wei’s waist, mumbling, "She smells weird."

Ezekiel smirked faintly. "That’s perfume. An expensive one, unfortunately."

James returned, wiping his hands as if ridding himself of lingering annoyance. "She’s gone. I had security make sure she left the premises."

"Good," Ezekiel muttered.

Lin Wei couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. For a man who seemed to control everything, Ezekiel had his share of problems, too. The encounter left a bitter taste in her mouth, but seeing the twins cling to her reassured her. Whatever Madeleine Yin’s schemes were, Lin Wei wasn’t going to let her hurt the boys.

Later that evening, Lin Wei prepared hot cocoa for the twins, hoping to distract them from the morning’s incident. As they sat around the kitchen island, Garry suddenly asked, "Will that lady come back?"

Lin Wei gave him a reassuring smile. "Not if I can help it."

Harry nodded solemnly. "Good. She’s scary."

Ezekiel entered the kitchen, the tension from earlier replaced with a rare, almost tired smile. He took a seat and accepted the cup Lin Wei handed him.

"Thank you," he murmured.

Lin Wei shrugged, trying to downplay her own nerves. "Just doing what I can."

Ezekiel glanced at her, his eyes softened. "You’re doing more than enough."

As they sat together, the warmth of the cocoa and the presence of family made the chaotic morning feel like a distant memory.

As they lounged, Lin Wei couldn’t help but think she was a wolf in s sheep ’s clothing. She how relaxed the twins were, their growing trust in her. She wondered if she was just as two-faced as Madeleine Yin.

It was a sobering thought. She needed to keep reminding herself of this fact.

She was nothing like them. She wasn’t Veronica. She was Lin wei, whose mother was on the verge of death.

And just like that, the smile on her lips disappeared.

Perhaps a visit

to her mom in the hospital will set things right. But what was she to tell Ezekiel without raising his suspicion?

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