I looked around.
"He left a long time ago," Nanny Alley said. She glanced at me and smiled lightly. "Do you not like Ryder?"
My smile stiffened immediately. She hit the spot too accurately.
I hugged Becgie and replied softly, "I just feel that Ryder's smile is a bit strange. It doesn't suit me."
Nanny Alley didn't ask more and turned back to the kitchen to finish making lunch.
I let Becgie down, unconsciously touching my own face.
Did I show my dislike that clearly? Even Nanny Alley could tell. Ryder might have sensed something too. But it didn't matter. I disliked him, so what? Even if Captain found out, it wouldn't matter.
"Mistress, where did you go earlier?" Nanny Alley asked as she set the dishes on the table. Four dishes and one soup far too luxurious for one person.
I smiled sweetly.
"I just took Becgie for a walk at the plaza, and I happened to run into an elderly man having sudden cardiac pain, so I helped save him."
Hearing "sudden cardiac pain," Nanny Alley froze. "Is he alright?"
I nodded. My long lashes cast a soft shadow.
"With me there, he definitely wouldn't be in danger. Don't worry."
"Your medical skills really are outstanding," Nanny Alley praised.
Hearing that made me happy, and I smiled until my eyes curved as I ate lunch.
After eating almost everything, I ladled myself a bowl of chicken soup. I had only taken a few sips when footsteps sounded behind me.
I turned.
It was Ronan.
"Sister-in-law, the Baileys are here," he said, standing straight, smiling though his smile carried clear mockery. He obviously looked down on the Bailey family as well.
"What are they here for?"
I put the bowl down, brows furrowing, instantly annoyed. I really didn't want to see them.
Ronan shrugged. "Not sure. Should I let them in?"
I was about to refuse, but I abruptly remembered my current identity.
If I were Rose, the real daughter, she wouldn't shut the door in her parents' faces. If I refused now, not only Captain but even Ronan would start suspecting me.
I clenched my teeth and forced myself to say, "Let them in."
Two minutes later, Ronan led the Bailey couple in.
They didn't dare lift their heads at all, the whole villa felt cold and oppressive; even breathing inside seemed difficult.
From the moment they stepped in, I never took my eyes off them. I noticed they were carrying a nicely wrapped gift box definitely expensive. They really put some effort into this…
Mr. Bailey placed the gift on the table and stepped aside.
Mrs. Lauren Bailey licked her lips, smiling kindly, but her tiny bean-like eyes kept scanning me up and down, as if trying to figure out what part of me could attract Captain Anderson.
They already knew about the Facebook incident.
When I was rumored to be Captain Anderson's kept woman, they were terrified afraid Captain would throw me away and their money tree would disappear. But now, things had turned upside down. I had somehow secured Captain's heart and even gotten a marriage certificate.
Now my status was entirely different.
I was Captain Anderson's legal wife, the future mistress of the Anderson family and naturally would have access to many resources.
"What are you two doing here?"
I waved at Becgie. He immediately stood up, walking to my side with imposing presence. Under the lights, his fur shone, making him look even more intimidating, scaring the Baileys from stepping forward.
"We came to visit you," Mr. Bailey said, rubbing his hands flatteringly.
"Oh, I see." I dragged out the word lightly as I stroked Becgie's head. "It doesn't look good for me to sit while you two stand. Others might say I'm being unfilial."
Of course they wanted to sit but Becgie had been staring at them aggressively the whole time. Neither dared move.
They shook their heads hurriedly.
"No, no. We'll stand."
I glanced at them; mockery filled my eyes.
At that moment, Nanny Alley and Ronan left the room, leaving only the three of us. No need to worry about eavesdropping.
"Rosy, we saw everything on Facebook," Mr. Bailey said, stepping closer, voice warm and flattering. "We never imagined you'd convince Captain Anderson to register the marriage with you. Looks like you've truly become the Anderson family's mistress."
Originally, they brought me to Captain not to be a proper wife but a hidden mistress used for profit.
But who would have expected the rural illegitimate daughter they despised to pull off something like this?
Mr. Bailey's eyes shone with greed as he stared at me.
In his mind, I wasn't just a money tree anymore, I was half the Anderson empire.
I knew perfectly well what they wanted. The smile on my lips faded and my gaze turned cold with mockery.
"It's just a marriage certificate. Is there really a need to be so thrilled?"
Mr. Bailey froze.
He thought I didn't understand how valuable that paper was.
"Rosy, now that you're Captain Anderson's wife, you can have anything," Mrs. Bailey cut in, nearly knocking over a glass in her excitement.
I frowned but didn't speak.
Her eyes lit up greedily as she continued,
"Rosy, we're family. Family should support each other. Now that you're Captain Anderson's wife… shouldn't you contribute a little to the Bailey family?"
My hand paused on Becgie's head.
So that's what they came for. Money.
I looked up, my expression darkening, but I forced a few tears into my eyes and whispered pitifully:
"Captain Anderson only agreed to register our marriage to calm the chaos on Facebook. If the rumors spread further, the company would suffer. Even though I'm his wife now, it's only in name. You know how unpredictable Captain Anderson is."
I lowered my voice, trembling.
"Living here feels like walking on thin ice. I don't even have spending money for clothes. How could I possibly support the Bailey family?"
Both Baileys froze in shock.