Feeling unfairly used, Nathan realized the best course of action was to apologize.


    “Honey, I apologize.


    You and our children mean the world to me.


    Why would I need secret funds? Besides, you’ve never restricted my spending.


    If I were stashing away money, it would just give you a reason to chastise me, wouldn’t it? I’m not that naive.


    ”


    Lucinda kept her grip on his ear, but she eased her hold.


    She then yfully remarked, “You’re no dummy, Nathan.


    You’re quite clever, especially when ites to fooling me.


    You’re an expert at that.


    ”


    Nathan gazed at her with a pitiful expression.


    “Lucinda, it’s not what you think.


    You’re so attentive.


    I wouldn’t dare to deceive you.


    ”


    “Really? I’ll need some proof of that,” she replied.


    With that, she loosened her grasp on his earlobe.


    Her fingers traced down from his ear to his Adam’s apple, sending shivers down his spine.


    Nathan’s heart raced as he saw the seductive look in her eyes.


    Both of them were necking and cuddling in the room for a while.


    Eventually, Lucinda decided to wear a pair of exquisite crystal earrings for the asion.


    In the afternoon, nearly all the affluentdies in Stastle had gathered for the tea party, including Uma and Sally.


    The venue had been tastefully decorated.


    On a long table, there were fruit tea and honey lemon tea, served in tea sets Lucinda had brought from N&L Fairy Land.


    Various delicate and miniature desserts adorned the table, drawing socialite divas to take pictures and share them on social media with captions like, “A sunny day at Mrs.


    Payne’s tea party.


    Lovelypany!”


    Everyone was enjoying themselves, except for Sally, who was usually cheerful but wore a solemn expression this time.


    Lucinda couldn’t help but keep an eye on her.


    When she saw Sally’s gloomy mood, she picked up a te of dessert and approached her.


    “What’s bothering you? It’s unusual to see you looking so down.


    ”


    “Lucinda.


    ”


    After greeting her sadly, Sally didn’t speak further.


    Lucinda shed a friendly grin and quipped, “Worried about those desserts adding inches to your waistline? Rx, they were made by top-notch pastry chef.


    They are sweet, but not oily, and surprisingly light on the calories.


    ”


    Sally epted the dessert Lucinda offered, but she didn’t eat it right away.


    She vented her frustration.


    “I got scolded by my brother yesterday, and I almost got grounded.


    It left me feeling a bit down.


    ”This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Curious, Lucinda inquired, “Why did your brother want to ground you?


    Does it have anything to do with youing to my tea party?”