Pampered by My Secret Husband

Chapter 513: Chapter 516: Is there no other way?

Cecilia Branford’s affection for Gaby was particularly deep-rooted. Because of her fondness for tigers, Country F had even made an exception to its laws, permitting the legal keeping of large and fierce animals at home. Lucifer hurriedly walked out, hoping Gaby’s hind legs wouldn’t suffer any permanent damage. Otherwise, Cecilia would be heartbroken.

In the veterinarian’s office, Gaby was anesthetized and already asleep. She lay on the operating table while the veterinarian examined her injured hind leg. Lucifer approached Gaby’s side. A year... He hadn’t seen Gaby for a year. He lifted his hand, touched Gaby’s large head, and smiled faintly. Now that Gaby has been found, can Cecilia’s return be far off?

”Your Highness, Gaby’s leg injury is an old one. The bone has already mended, but improperly. To treat it correctly, we’ll have to break the bone again and reset it,” the veterinarian explained respectfully.

Break the bone? Wouldn’t that mean making Gaby suffer a second time?

Lucifer frowned deeply. ”Isn’t there any other way?”

”Your Highness, this is the best method. The process will be painful, but afterward, her hind leg can fully recover.”

Lucifer stroked Gaby’s head, his heart aching for her. ”Alright. Do as you say.”

Gaby, you have to be strong. I’ll bring Cecilia back to see you soon.

”Your Highness, are you going to Country A now?” his attendant asked.

Lucifer shook his head. ”I’ll go after Gaby’s surgery is complete.”

Since Cecilia wasn’t here, he had to be there for Gaby, to help her through this painful surgery.

The surgery was about to begin. Lucifer left the operating room and went to the courtyard. He lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.

His attendant hurried over. ”Master, Leo has returned.”

”Have him come see me.”

”Yes!”

Upon receiving the order, Leo strode over and bowed respectfully. ”Your Highness, I have returned.”

”How did the assignment go?” Lucifer asked, his gaze distant, his expression calm as he stared into the horizon.

Leo shook his head, his expression solemn. ”We didn’t find Miss Isabella. The teachers and students at her school said she’s likely been missing for over half a year. Due to her special status, no one dares to discuss it much.”

Isabella has disappeared... Lucifer flicked his cigarette ash, a cold, sarcastic smile glinting in his eyes.

Suddenly, he raised his hand. ”Call everyone back. Don’t tip our hand yet. Wait until I find Cecilia; then we’ll plan slowly.”

”Yes, Your Highness,” Leo responded respectfully.

「Meanwhile, back at the manor」

Sophie Sullivan had moved back into Thomas Shannon’s bedroom. They resumed living together. Sophie now felt awkward around him, perhaps because Thomas Shannon had admitted his feelings for her in the desert. She also felt guilty for using him.

When the doctor from the medical office arrived to examine Thomas Shannon, Sophie discreetly left the bedroom and went downstairs. She sat on the sofa, rubbing her face with one hand.

After that night’s sandstorm, her sunscreen lotion had disappeared. Without it, she couldn’t properly protect herself from the sun. Inevitably, the skin on her face and body had darkened considerably. The skin covered by her clothes was in stark contrast to the exposed areas.

She asked a servant in frustration, ”Hasn’t Old Mr. Standford returned yet?”

”Maniac, are you referring to Dr. George Standford?” the servant asked.

”Besides Old Mr. Standford, is there anyone else in the manor with that surname?” Sophie retorted.

The servant replied, ”Dr. Standford hasn’t returned.”