the two-faced Adopted Girl Who Melted CEO's Ice-Cold Heart
Chapter 174: Young Master Isaac Leclair Goes Missing

Chapter 174: Chapter 174: Young Master Isaac Leclair Goes Missing

"Think carefully before you speak." Ignatius Leclair’s voice carried a trace of menace, his brows dark and heavy, as though storm clouds were about to crush everything beneath them.

Delphine’s thin lips moved slightly, feeling out of her depth about what kind of answer he wanted. If Ignatius Leclair were to marry, this relationship could not continue. He would become the heir to the Leclair Family’s empire, and she would remain the aloof and indifferent orphan, two lives that would never intersect again. All past grievances would scatter like the wind, neither blaming the other.

"Do you have someone you love, or are you already engaged?" Delphine asked calmly, her eyes clear and piercing, devoid of any emotional ripples.

Ignatius pressed his thin lips together, feeling an inexplicable trace of disappointment. What was he hoping for? The affections of youth fade with time; how could he expect an eighteen-year-old to remain steadfast in love, especially after all that had transpired between them?

Filled with discontent, Ignatius turned abruptly, his sleeves sweeping as he entered the side hall.

Delphine was left bewildered by his sudden action, inwardly frustrated. Men with deep, unreadable minds, she thought — they’re all insane.

Delphine followed him into the side hall. Inside, the atmosphere was lively and harmonious, with servants busily serving dishes one after another. Jocelyn Yeager was recounting amusing anecdotes that had everyone erupting into laughter.

As for Bessie Leclair’s earlier insults and Leah’s intrusion, it was as if none of it had ever happened.

They were all experts at glossing over unpleasant realities.

Ignatius sat beneath Stone Leclair, his mood visibly sour. His handsome face seemed to have frozen over.

Everyone present knew well enough the temperament of this particular Leclair. Seeing his icy expression, none dared to provoke him further, instead continuing to share their humorous stories.

Delphine stood awkwardly in the side hall, feeling utterly out of place. She was neither part of the Leclair Family nor the Yeager Family, her status undeniably awkward.

She lifted her foot, seizing the chance to slip away, but Ignatius’ knife-like cold gaze swept over her, chilling her to the bone and immobilizing her on the spot — she didn’t dare move.

"Delphine, come sit down," Stone Leclair suddenly spoke. The man, past fifty, narrowed his eyes, casting a glance at Delphine as if eyeing a beggar he had raised for years. Her features had matured, lending her a certain elegance and beauty — no wonder she’d managed to climb into his son’s bed.

Beneath Stone Leclair’s refined and cultured veneer lay unfathomable cunning.

Delphine froze. She suddenly recalled Ignatius’ earlier remarks, her wariness instantly heightened. Did Stone Leclair view her as Ignatius’ woman, or as someone aligned with Griffith Squire and his siblings?

Her gaze rested on the empty seat, and without a word, she walked over, sitting below Jocelyn Yeager.

The seating arrangement was a reflection of social hierarchy. Among those present, her status was the lowest, followed by Bessie Leclair and Jocelyn Yeager.

Dinner was an excruciating ordeal.

Delphine focused solely on eating, barely reaching for the dishes before her. She finally endured until the meal was finished, at which point Stone Leclair led the Yeager Family elsewhere to the tea room, initiating discussions about the engagement between two juniors.

While the elders deliberated marriage matters, the younger generation remained in the side hall.

Bessie Leclair was brimming with excitement as she picked out engagement dresses and jewelry, occasionally asking Jocelyn Yeager for his opinion.

Though Jocelyn always gave her patient replies, it was clear his focus was elsewhere. His gaze frequently drifted toward Delphine.

Ignatius watched coldly, the corners of his lips curling into a mocking smirk. Just as he was about to speak, his phone rang.

Maximilian’s voice came through urgently: "Leclair, the young master is missing."

Ignatius’ expression darkened. As he looked up, he saw Delphine’s face turn pale. She stood abruptly and seemed about to rush out the door when he grabbed her wrist and said solemnly, "Don’t panic."