Filed to story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
“So you and Sean are sort of like friends after a fight?” To Hans, it sounded like they had simply been investigating the truth behind a hospital fire and stumbled upon each other while following leads. There were some misunderstandings, along with Mirabella trying to purchase Sean’s island, but Sean kept hiking up the price, leaving a bad impression.
According to Bella, Sean didn’t take her cash in the end. Instead, he dropped a cool $5 million on candy for her.
“Good for him, showing some sense.” Hans loaded up his sister’s plate with more breakfast delights, explaining, “I meant to come home to check on you three days back, but this nasty business abroad popped up and I had to stick around to handle it.”
His sister had been rattled by that mess with the derelict building, and here he was, only now showing his concern. He felt a twinge of guilt and self-reproach.
“You have got your hands full, lots of irons in the fire – it’s normal. Don’t sweat it, I’m grown up now, don’t need to be babied.”
Mirabella understood where Hans was coming from, his situation, his feelings.
Take her, for example, she had her own pile of stuff to sift through, often too swamped to catch a break.
Like the company Grandpa Alberto left her to inherit, she hadn’t even had the chance to pop over there once. And with the New Year around the bend, she hadn’t even had the Princess’s gown tailored.
“The first time I came home to see you after you returned, I spotted Serena’s low-key shenanigans right off the bat.” Hans said while peeling a boiled egg for her.
“I had a sit-down with her back then, but the way she was all jittery and scared, I thought she’d straighten out.”
Mirabella hadn’t realized Hans had taken Serena aside. He had seen through her a long time ago, no wonder he’d sometimes expose her little tricks in front of everyone, even with a hint of reproach in his voice.As Hans methodically peeled the shell, his voice remained calm as ever, “I even warned Martha. Never thought those two would double down and pull a stunt like this.”
Seeing Hans place the peeled egg in her bowl, Mirabella said, “Don’t beat yourself up, Hans. Even if we could roll back time, our family would still take her in. What’s meant to happen will happen.”
Because with the Collins’ family’s character, not to mention their wealth, supporting a foster daughter was no issue, especially one they’d grown attached to over eighteen years.
You don’t just toss aside a foster child when your own daughter comes home.
“Bella.” Hans realized his sister had a clear-eyed view of everything. Her principles, her experiences, her breadth of heart, and her grace – Serena couldn’t hold a candle to her.
Even if Serena had another go at life, she wouldn’t reach the heights or the depth of insight Bella demonstrated.
“I bet you’ve figured out that I deliberately fell into Martha’s hands, and I engaged her on purpose, all to show the family their true colors.”
Hans had indeed noticed, “You’re brave, smart, and adept at thinking on your feet. You did good, but next time, let’s keep the danger to a minimum, shall we?”
Because luck wasn’t always on her side, and it still worried him.
“This time, it was thanks to Sean. Without him, I wouldn’t have gotten out so quickly. So, let’s not hold a grudge against Sean, okay? He’s been good to me.”
Seeing his sister sticking up for Sean, Hans nodded gently, “But if he ever dares to cross you, you should tell me, alright?””Will do.”
Breakfast done, Hans ushered her into the study and sent out a message, [You can come in now.]
A person quickly appeared on the study’s balcony, moving so fast Mirabella barely caught how he got there before he was bowing before them.
“This is my sister, Mirabella Collins,” Hans introduced her in his usual composed tone.
“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Collins,” the man said, his disciplined demeanor suggesting he was no ordinary Joe.
“This is Lone Wolf. Heard of him?” Hans looked to Mirabella.
“Lone Wolf?”
Mirabella was surprised. She hadn’t expected the legendary Lone Wolf to be a real person.
Rumor had it his team moved like phantoms in the night, quite elusive, commanding respect from many people.
And here he was, one of Hans’ own.
Hans had such a force at his disposal, kept so well hidden.
“From now on, he’s with you.”
Hans’ words took Mirabella aback, “What?”
“You can command him and his men to do anything, have them protect you from the shadows.” Hans was entrusting his most capable, most trusted squad to his sister.
The incident had him worried sick about his sister possibly facing danger.
He couldn’t stand the thought of anything happening to her.
“And what about you?” Mirabella’s gaze shifted towards Hans, “You’ve given me all your most trusted and capable guys. What about you, Hans?”
“There are others at my disposal, don’t worry about me,” Hans replied before turning to Lone Wolf, “From now on, whatever Bella asks of you, you do it. No need to report back to me. Stick with her and you’ll be fine.”
“Understood.” Lone Wolf nodded, bowing slightly to Mirabella as a sign of his allegiance, “I’ll follow Ms.
Collins’ lead from here on out.”
Just then, Hans heard footsteps outside and glanced at Mirabella.
She quickly signaled for Lone Wolf to step back.
Swift as a shadow, Lone Wolf vanished from their presence.
Mirabella was impressed. He could move in and out undetected, even with the Collins family’s extensive surveillance. His skills were indeed exceptional.
“I know you’ve got plenty of guys, but one more can’t hurt,” Hans said gently, “Got your phone on you?”
“Yes.”
Mirabella pulled out her smartphone, and to avoid prying eyes, Hans keyed in a number himself.
“This is his contact,” Hans cautioned, “I know your phone’s secure. Encrypt his number and keep it hidden.””Will do.” Mirabella looked at Hans, feeling a warm sense of gratitude.
Meanwhile.
Descending the stairs, Sean wore a smile as fresh as the spring breeze.
The staff noticed his good spirits and greeted him, “Good morning, sir.”
What was got into Sean today? He seemed so cheery.
Could it be because Serena’s not around?
“Didn’t you see my new pajamas?”
Sean’s sudden remark caught the staff off guard, but they quickly complimented him, “Your new pajamas look sharp, Sean.”
“Right? I think they’re quite nice too. A gift from Bella.” Sean couldn’t hide his pride.
That explained it!
The staff didn’t expect Sean to have such a childish and endearing side.
“Mr. Sean, you are so lucky to have such a thoughtful and caring sister.”
“The design Ms. Bella chose is so stylish. You look incredibly handsome in it.”
“Your pajamas are both warm and trendy. Ms. Bella sure has a unique touch.”
“Mr. Sean, breakfast is ready whenever you are.”
Basking in their praise, Sean’s spirits soared, “I’ll wait for Bella to wake up before eating.””Ms. Bella has already had breakfast with Hans,” one of the staff informed him, “She was up early today.”
Sean was shocked. He thought, “What?
She’s finished already?
What time is it even?
Has Hans whisked his sister away already?”
“Why didn’t you wake me up?” he grumbled, annoyance lacing his tone.
The servant bit her lip, struggling for words. In this household, nobody dared to rouse Sean from sleep —nobody but Hans. Yet, she dared not voice this truth, merely replying, “Next time, I’ll be sure to wake you, Mr. Sean.”
Learning that his sister had already had breakfast, Sean felt his own appetite wane. He nibbled on a few bites before setting off to find her.
At that moment, Mirabella and Hans were about to check on Erik, who was locked in the basement, when a servant rushed in with urgent news.
“Mr. Collins, Ms. Collins, Erik’s been motionless for quite some time,” the servant said, breathless with worry. “We didn’t dare to open the door and check, fearing a trick, but from the surveillance, he’s been in the same position for so long, it looks like he might be dead.”
Without hesitation, Mirabella and Hans hurried down to the basement.
There lay Erik, sprawled on the floor. As Mirabella moved to check on him, Hans held her back, “Let me go first.”
Concerned for his sister’s safety, he feared Erik might be faking.
Mirabella nodded, watching as Hans approached and cautiously checked for Erik’s breath. It took a moment before he announced, “He’s gone, cold to the touch.”
Mirabella stepped forward to examine the body and concluded, “He died about two hours ago, around six-thirty this morning. Did either of you notice anything unusual at that time?”
