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17:25 Mon, 24 Feb
Chapter 266
Chapter 266
That evening, at Warren Manor, Nancy reminded her son, “Wait a moment, Alex. You should ward off bad luck before entering the house.” Alex stopped in his tracks.
He stared at the salt Nancy had prepared, his brow twitching. This wasn’t about clearing bad luck–this superstition felt more like a test of his patience.
Taking in the beautiful silk dress worn by his mom, Alex took a deep breath, stepping into the house. After five long years, laughter finally filled the house once again.
A striking cat ran to Alex’s side, persistently nudging his ankle. “Where did this cat come from? Alex’s face showed a hint of annoyance.
Evan quickly stepped forward, scooping up the cat. “This is Mrs. Warren’s pet that she adopted while you were gone. We named it Luck.” Alex fell silent.
His parents exchanged worried glances. After their son’s ordeal in prison, he had returned, lacking memories of Ellie and Haley.
To prepare for any potential issues, Alex’s parents had met with influential families, crafting a shared story and giving strong warnings. With covert help from Jason, they had spent over three months working on this.
They had removed all ties between Alex and Ellie and Haley whether online or offline, leaving no trace behind.
At the dinner table, Todd spoke with his son, no longer carrying the harshness of the past. “Years ago, your actions led to the downfall of the Owens family.
“Ethan sought revenge upon his release; while you shot him, the consequences you faced and the impact on the entire Warren family were huge. The Warren Group isn’t what it used to be.
“Even though your mom and I still own shares, actual control has shifted to other shareholders. Now that you are back, it’s important to think about how to reclaim that power.”
Todd placed all the blame for Ethan’s shooting on Alex, and Alex accepted it without arguing. “Don’t worry, Dad. I will get control of the Warren Group back.”
Nancy added, “During your time away, your father and I canceled your engagement to Ms. Grant.
“I never cared for her anyway,” Alex replied easily, putting his parents‘ minds at ease.
Life is full of regrets. As they watched their only son enjoy dinner and laughter at their side, Nancy’s eyes shimmered with tears of happiness.
Todd remained quiet, giving a reassuring pat on his wife’s shoulder. The couple exchanged a glance, both exhaling in relief.
As long as their son was back, they would not hesitate to erase Ellie from his life, even if they had the chance to do it all over again.
After dinner, Alex chatted with his parents for a little while before heading upstairs to rest. He climbed the stairs from the first floor to the second and paused in the hallway for over a minute.
Once inside his room, he took in the surroundings, feeling like something important was missing. Turning, he asked, “Is there something missing in my room?”
Barry, waiting by the door, lowered his eyes sheepishly. Evan glanced at Nancy, worried.
“When you were away, I had some personal items cleared out,” Nancy said. “If you need anything, I’ll buy it for you. Get some rest; your uncles will be here for the welcome–back party tomorrow.”
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17:25 Mon, 24 Feb
Chapter 266
Nancy feigned casualness while gently urging her son to bathe and head to bed.
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Five years ago, aside from keeping Ellie and Alex’s engagement ring, Nancy had meticulously erased everything related to Ellie–Alex’s phone, computer accounts, and even bank transfer records.
Even their wedding photos had been burned, leaving no trace. Not only was this room free of memories, but the entire Warren Manor and their friends‘ social circles were also cleansed of any evidence of Ellie’s existence in Alex’s life.
Watching her son, blissfully unaware, walk into the bathroom, Nancy glanced around the room, feeling relief as she stepped outside.
“All out.” The next morning, Alex came down the stairs holding something. All the household staff lined up, while the bodyguards formed another line.
Nancy emerged from her room, looking disheveled in her sleepwear. As Alex dropped the object onto the floor, everyone’s gaze fell to the ground.
Pointing at a sex doll dressed in a floral dress, Alex scowled. “Who left this ridiculous thing in my drawer?”
Terrified, the household staff dared not look up; Evan covered his face in embarrassment. Barry’s lips twitched involuntarily as he quickly diverted his gaze.
Nancy was taken aback. ‘Everything in Alex’s room has either been destroyed or removed–how can this still be here?‘
“Where did this come from?” Nancy demanded.
“It was in the vault,” Alex replied.
Nancy turned to Evan, who stammered, “M–Mrs. Warren, I checked thoroughly-”
Nancy directed her gaze to Barry. “Barry, have you lost your tongue?”
“Well, Mr. Warren, I remember now; it was I who put it there,” Barry lied, taking full responsibility.
He continued, “It was a gift from a former collaborator. Since it was so personal, I thought it would be safer in your vault, but I forgot to mention it because you were busy.”
Alex shot Barry a disbelieving look. “You’re weird. You just take in any gift? Do I look like someone who needs this?”
“I apologize, Mr. Warren,” Barry murmured, bowing deeply in shame.
In disgust, Alex kicked the doll, ordering, “Get rid of it right now, as far away as you can.”
With fear on his face, Barry hurried to take it away. In front of everyone, Barry took off his jacket and wrapped the doll inside, carefully keeping it out of Alex’s view while maintaining a respectful distance.
*****
Two days later, Alex stepped outside. Displeased with his uninspired haircut, he decided to spend the day refreshing his look.
By mid–afternoon, he went to a luxury celebrity salon in Jaslands.
“Sweetheart, I’ll just tidy up my hair a bit, and then we can go find Diana and your brother. Stay right here and play, don’t go beyond this door, okay?” Ellie instructed Betty.
She pulled Betty’s freshly trimmed locks into a ponytail before.allowing Betty to play in the salon.
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Chapter 266
Ellie settled into the chair. Just as the stylist draped the cape around her, the heard the cheerful greeting of sover dry attendants, “Welcome”
Ellie turned her attention to the entrance, where Alex, looking, hauntingly handsome in a deck back covete, hard pralked beso
the salon
