Chapter 503

Before returning to Trento City, Elliott got in touch with Winnie, urging her to come home. In the adjacent apartment, Elliott, George, Lena, and Olivia were present, along with two guests, Alan and Rock.

Winnie exchanged brief greetings with Rock but found herself perplexed by Alan's presence and chose to disregard him. Lena's cheeks, however, appeared slightly flushed.

"Winnie," sighed Elliott as he settled into his wheelchair. "Since you came back to Lymington, we've only had dinner once. You've been devoting all your time to the hospital. That's Lawrence's mother. What on earth are you thinking?"

Winnie cut him off immediately. "This has nothing to do with Lawrence. I completely misunderstood her before, not realizing how badly ill she was. This time I came back to find out exactly what's wrong with her and also, it has something to do with Oscar."

Elliott observed her slender frame and weary face. "Olivia told me that Carlos's youngest daughter kidnapped Oscar and took him to Trento City, right? You must be exhausted trying to find Oscar. Regarding the Blanchets, you've kept silent, battling alone in Trento City. Did they harass you?"

"Not at all," Winnie denied.

"No?" Elliott's gaze turned cold, filled with self-reproach. "I heard that just last week, you were kidnapped and Mrs. Blanchet was behind it. You could've been killed. You didn't even mention it when you got back. If Rock hadn't told me, I would've had no idea."

Winnie was taken aback, now understanding the reason Elliott had called her back. She kept secrets to spare Elliott the worry.

Her eyes, filled with confusion, cast a chilling glance at Rock.

Rock cleared his throat gently, his eyes conveying concern. "Winnie, I'm concerned about you, so I inquired about your well-being in Trento City. I never anticipated you would be in such danger, and you didn't even inform me. I get that you didn't want us to worry, but being on your own in Trento City is tough, especially for Mr. Rodriguez."

"Yes, indeed." Elliott had a good impression of Rock, especially during Winnie's days in Trento City.

"After your departure to Trento, Rock frequently dropped by for visits. I pried him for updates, so please don't hold it against him. Lay the blame on me and George for urging you to acknowledge Carlos. My ability to assist is restricted. Anyways, Rock is your fiance in public, right? You've already met the Blanchet family together, haven't you?

"I'm concerned about you, so how about having Rock come to Trento City to take care of you, okay? If that's not feasible, your best friend Olivia or Alan could lend you a hand."

Elliott's eyes showed signs of worry, bloodshot with concern. "You wouldn't even be in Trento City if it weren't for the investigation into your sister's death. I don't want to lose you."

He was on the verge of tears and so was Winnie, the sorrow and sense of injustice threatening to overflow, yet there was a warmth in her heart.

Over the past few weeks, she refrained from sharing anything with Elliott. She endured the unjust treatment from Lawrence and the deceit from Ishara in Trento City. She had almost forgotten she had family and friends back in Lymington, all concerned about her.

Yet, Winnie's gaze strengthened as she addressed Rock, clarifying, "Uncle, Rock and I aren't romantically involved. He's committed to his business in Lymington, and I wouldn't want to impose on him."

Rock chimed in, saying, "I apologize, Winnie. I blurted out to Mr. Rodriguez about pretending to be your fiance within the Blanchet family in a moment of desperation. But your situation is truly perilous. I'm a man and I can protect you. Besides, the Harrington Group is looking to expand in Trento City, remember? We've been bidding for that property and today the decision comes out. Let me go back to Trento City with you."

"It's rare for Rock to make such an offer and you need someone by your side," Elliott urged.

In Elliott's perspective, Lawrence resembled a whirlwind, particularly entangled with Carlos's young daughter. He wished for Winnie to liberate herself and disentangle from Lawrence.

Witnessing Elliott's resolute concern, Winnie felt uneasy and was uncertain about how to decline.

Understanding her thoughts, Olivia promptly chimed in, "Uncle, if you're worried about Winnie in Trento City, give me a few days to prepare, and I'll go there to be with her. It's also an opportunity for my daughter and me to steer clear of the Rodriguez turmoil back in Lymington."

Certainly, Elliott believed that having more people around Winnie would be beneficial, and he nodded with satisfaction. Easing the tension, Olivia suggested, "Winnie, accompany Rock today. It's for the Harrington Group's business, after all. You two are close friends, so don't feel too burdened."

"Agreed." Rock had no choice but to go along, adding, "We're just looking out for you."

"I understand, thanks for your concern." Winnie's gaze sparkled with gratitude. Her uncle was advancing in years, restricted to a wheelchair, yet he continued to worry about her.

"Winnie, when's your flight? Should I have my assistant book your ticket?" Rock asked with a gentle tone.

The tickets were in Sidney's grasp. Rock glanced down, hoping to take a look.

Unexpectedly, Sidney flicked the ticket away with a snort. "Why should I tell you? You can't get a seat next to my mom anyway." The kid was clearly ticked off. He had seen through Rock's schemes. Using Grandpa Elliott as an excuse, Rock was trying to worm his way back to his mother.

Fuming, Sidney stormed out. Winnie turned to Rock with a sheepish look. "He's just a kid, don't mind him. I'll check on my phone."

"No worries, Sidney will come around to me in time," Rock said, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Olivia cast Winnie a knowing glance. She exchanged a look with Lena and then ushered Winnie into Lena's bedroom.

Olivia teased, "I know it might not be the right time to say this, Winnie but Rock has been sincere about you. He's even moving the Harrington Group to Trento City for you. He's never given up on you all these years. Maybe you should..."

Winnie cut her off with a look. "You just said it's not the right time. I'm focused on finding Oscar and investigating my mother's death. Everything else can wait. The company move is for business prospects, just like my move to Trento."

Her gaze remained composed. Olivia comprehended. "Your heart got broken again by Lawrence in Trento. It's not just your battle to find Oscar. Now that we suspect Ishara, that jerk Lawrence should have a wake-up call."

Winnie had faith that Lawrence would come to his senses, despite their differences. Regarding Oscar, she hoped they were aligned in their goals.

Attempting to shift her attention, Winnie eased her expression when she observed Lena lost in thought. "Lena, why did Alan show up here? And why didn't Elliott confront him?"

"Oh... I, well..." Lena blushed fiercely. Observing as one clued into the gossip, Olivia's lips curved teasingly.

Winnie's eyes narrowed even more. "What's even stranger is that Elliott proposed Alan go to Trento to assist me. Didn't that guy cause him enough pain three years ago? Is Alan trying to charm you? How could he ever consent to the two of you being together?"