CHAPTER 599: CHAPTER 599: JUST HOLDING YOU, NOT TOUCHING

Derrick hesitated, seemingly unsure, and after a moment, he said, "I found him, but Old Kane refuses to see you and threatened that if I give you his address, I’ll be as good as dead."

Leon Keane furrowed his brow slightly and said coldly, "Give me his address."

Derrick looked troubled, "President Kane, how about I visit Old Kane again and try to talk to him?"

Leon responded in a deep voice, "Give it to me."

Frightened, Derrick immediately gave Leon the address, thinking to himself that he was doomed now. If Old Kane saw him, he might very well cut him down with a knife.

Before Leon could hang up, Derrick hurriedly said, "President Kane, the granddaughter of the elderly couple who bought the manor was lost in Ravenswood. I’d like to apply to return there immediately to help find her."

Leon calmly said, "Approved."

Derrick sighed in relief and promptly bought a plane ticket to fly to Ravenswood.

Upon returning to Ravenswood, Derrick’s first priority was to go home and see his wife... Secretary Sullivan. The two were affectionate for a while before heading to the mall to buy new clothes, toys for a baby, and supplements for a pregnant woman.

These weren’t for Secretary Sullivan but were intended as a gift for Ivana Monroe.

Derrick felt uneasy about betraying Old Kane by giving away his address. He feared Old Kane would come after him, so he decided to pay Ivana a visit first. Hopefully, when Old Kane returns, both The Dowager Kane and Ivana would speak positively of him in Old Kane’s presence.

Those positive words didn’t mean much to The Dowager Kane or Ivana, but they were incredibly important to him.

Derrick and Secretary Sullivan’s arrival surprised Ivana. Seeing the items they were carrying, Ivana raised an eyebrow slightly. Did they need something from her?

"Hello, Madam."

Derrick and Secretary Sullivan greeted Ivana with respect.

"Have a seat! Make yourselves comfortable, there’s no need to be so formal."

Ivana smiled and glanced at Secretary Sullivan’s prominent belly, then looked at Derrick. This guy really had some skills! In such a short time, and he’d already gotten Secretary Sullivan pregnant.

Noticing Ivana’s gaze on her belly, Secretary Sullivan smiled shyly, handing the gifts to Aunt Golding, who had come to serve tea: "These are for Madam and the baby."

Derrick said to Secretary Sullivan, "Aunt Golding, this is my fiancée. Susie, greet Aunt Golding."

Secretary Sullivan was a bit startled: "Hello, Aunt Golding, I’ve heard Derrick mention you many times."

Aunt Golding smiled kindly at Secretary Sullivan and gave Derrick a look of reprimand, "It’s about time, kid. Susie’s belly is so big already; when are you planning to marry her?"

Derrick chuckled awkwardly, "Soon, soon."

Wasn’t this President Kane’s mandated task? It’s not easy with his wife already pregnant!

Aunt Golding was unhappy, "What do you mean by soon? Her belly is already big! Are you putting me off? Don’t tell me you’re planning to wait until after Susie gives birth to marry her?"

Secretary Sullivan felt a wave of warmth and hurriedly defended Derrick: "Aunt Golding, don’t be upset. It’s not Derrick’s fault. We had set a date, but President Kane suddenly sent Derrick abroad for business, which caused the delay."

Aunt Golding gave Derrick a look as if to say, ’That’s more like it.’

Ivana suddenly asked, "What did Leon Keane send you abroad for?"

Before Derrick could respond, Secretary Sullivan said, "Well, Madam, President Kane sent Derrick abroad to buy back the Dowager’s manor, but the old couple selling it were difficult and insisted Derrick find their missing granddaughter in exchange for the manor. But where could he find her after so many years?"

There was a hint of complaint in Secretary Sullivan’s voice, suggesting that the couple was making things difficult for Derrick on purpose.

Derrick signaled to Secretary Sullivan, but she didn’t notice, leaving Derrick in a cold sweat. President Kane had specifically told him not to mention this matter in front of Ivana.

The concern was that Ivana, being pregnant, might worry herself unnecessarily.

"Why wouldn’t he be able to find her? Susie, you should have faith in your husband’s capabilities." Derrick feigned a relaxed demeanor, boasting confidently.

Secretary Sullivan knew Derrick was trying to comfort her. If it were truly that easy, why hadn’t the wealthy old couple found her before?

"Give me the information about their granddaughter. I’ll help you search." Ivana said.

"No... that’s not necessary, how could we trouble you, Madam?" If President Kane found out, Derrick would be done for.

"This isn’t about trouble, it’s about strength in numbers. There’s only so much one person can do." Ivana insisted. She understood what the manor meant to the Dowager and wanted to help retrieve it.

Derrick wanted to refuse, but Ivana’s tone left him no room to decline. Reluctantly, he gave Ivana some of the information, hoping she’d give up. Finding someone after so many years is a daunting task.

Studying the data Derrick had sent to her, Ivana frowned and asked, "Are there no photos of their granddaughter from back then?"

There were.

Derrick did not provide them to Ivana.

"Ah, I forgot to ask for them. Madam, once I get them, I’ll send them to you."

"Alright."

After Derrick and Secretary Sullivan left.

Something about the information flashed through Ivana’s mind. Strangely enough, the missing granddaughter’s details, including age and blood type, were exactly the same as hers — a remarkable coincidence.

Ivana naturally didn’t believe she was the missing granddaughter. Her mother and grandfather had never mentioned that she was adopted, and they treated her undeniably as their own flesh and blood.

"Honey, I have to go abroad."

Leon Keane had returned at some point and was now embracing Ivana from behind.

"Going abroad again?"

Ivana turned her head just in time for Leon to lower his face, his lips barely brushing her cheek.

Ivana blushed fiercely.

"Mm."

Leon tightened his arms around Ivana, his eyes darkening with emotion.

He realized how long it had been since he’d held her like this.

Holding his beloved wife, Leon was tempted to claim her, but remembered her pregnancy and the doctor’s advice, so he resisted.

Feeling the heat of his breath, Ivana’s heart raced. She tried to push him away, but he held her tightly, "Leon, don’t—you can’t."

Leon said in a deep voice, "I know, I won’t push it, just holding you."

Ivana: "..."

Leon finally released her after about ten minutes, slightly disheveled as he said, "This trip won’t take long, I’ll be back in three days. The ticket’s already booked; I’m leaving now."

Ivana: "..."

Why did he have to leave so abruptly?

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

In the "Glitz and Glamour" club’s private room.

Howard Yeats was drinking with some of the high-rolling young heirs of Ravenswood.

The heirs were accompanied by curvy models, who they freely and shamelessly groped as they saw Howard focusing solely on his drink, ignoring the model beside him.

They couldn’t help themselves: "Howard, don’t just drink—enjoy the beauties too!"