The Substitute Bride: Idiot Or Not?

Nathaniel was feeling bored when he received Gator's message. Instantly, he was invigorated.

He replied immediately: Of course. I can never reject an invitation from Ms. Gator, but this jackpot you're talking about, which family is it?

Winnie answered: Garland Group of Avenport, Chanaea. You can run a background check on it. I'll send the report and proposal to your mailbox. Let me know your answer once you've considered it. Nathaniel typed: Okay. I'll give you an answer as soon as possible.

After working together for so many years, Nathaniel's interest in Gator didn't dim even the slightest. Ever since he heard Gator's voice the last time and knew about her gender, he got even more interested in her.

Nathaniel added: Oh right, didn't I joke about going to Chanaea to expand my business the last time? I have a schoolmate I'm close to in Avenport. Since you're also in Avenport, should we meet up? Meet up? Winnie had never planned to meet up with Nathaniel ever.

She replied: Sorry. I don't talk about my personal life when I'm working. I'll wait for your news. She immediately signed out after sending the message.

Nathaniel, who was on the other end, felt resigned when he saw that Gator's profile picture dimmed. I never had a woman reject me before. Gator is way too mysterious and attractive.

It had been three days since Xavier last returned to the mansion.

One of the reasons was that he had just taken back the reins for Fairchild Corporation, so he had a lot on his plate. It was easier if he stayed at the condominium in the city center.

As he thought about the other reason, he released his grip on the mouse and rubbed the spot between his brows.

I would often recall that night when Dumbo had her arm and leg over me. I thought it would be better to stay away from her for a while, but I miss her more when she isn't in my sight. For example, when I saw a dessert in a restaurant or a Peppa Pig toy at the supermarket, thoughts of her would come to my mind. I kept telling myself what I felt for her wasn't the love between a man and a woman. Nonetheless, I'm Dumbo's husband in name, so I should at least fulfill my duty by asking about her welfare since she's all alone in the mansion.

However, when he picked up his phone to call Winnie, he got a call from Rufus.

"Hello, Granddad."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

"I heard you haven't returned to Lagune Mansion for three days and had been staying near the office. Is that true, Xavier?"

"Yes, Granddad. It's more convenient for me to handle work-related affairs."

"Good. I feel assured leaving the ropes of the company to you, but you should take good care of your health since you've only recovered recently. Don't save a little only to lose a lot." "Got it, Granddad. I'll take care of myself."

"Then, come over for dinner tonight."

It would take about an hour to travel from Fairchild Corporation to the Fairchild residence, not to mention that one hour would double if there was traffic along the way.

As such, Xavier didn't want to go. "Let me take a raincheck, Granddad. I have another meeting later."

However, Rufus was adamant about it. "Postpone it and come over earlier. I had the chef make your favorite dishes."

"But, Granddad..."

"Winnie is here too."

Xavier was shocked. "What is she doing there?"

Right then, he heard Winnie ask in a sweet voice on the other end of the line, "Grandpa Rufus, why did you call for me? Do you want to play Ludo with me?"

"All right. I'll play it with you in a minute," Rufus replied. Ignoring Xavier's question, he demanded, "Don't be late." Then, he ended the call.

Even after he put down his phone, Xavier was still preoccupied with speculations about the reason Rufus had invited Winnie there.

Why did Granddad fetch Dumbo to the Fairchild residence? It's only five in the evening now. There's still an hour left before I can get off work. With a frown, Xavier turned off his computer in the end and reached for his coat before leaving the CEO's office.

Meanwhile, Rufus was playing Ludo with Winnie at the Fairchild residence.

Seeing that Rufus was close to winning, Winnie started to throw a tantrum. "No, I want to win too. I don't want to lose."

"All right. Should I put it back to where it was before? I'll let you throw the dice twice, okay?"

With that, Winnie would be the winner in the end.

She was so ecstatic that she gave Rufus her candy. Delight filled Rufus at her offer as he opened up the wrapping and popped the candy into his mouth.

It had been a long time since Xavier last saw such a wide smile on Rufus's face.

It's like Dumbo has magic. Her smile and laugh are contagious. They spread to everyone around her.

"I'm here, Granddad. Winnie, why didn't you address me when you saw me?"

Winnie glared at him. "Hmph, Meanie! Not at home with me every day. Grandpa Rufus, I want to play another round of Ludo."

"Have Mrs. Lane play with you for the next round. I have something to talk about with Xavier."

Hearing that someone else would play with her, Winnie stopped glaring at Xavier and excitedly reached for the dice.

On the other hand, gloominess surged within Xavier. Good to know I ranked lower than Ludo in her heart. Is this how it feels to be transparent?

Rufus and Xavier had relocated to the study to talk.

The former asked, "Do you know why I had Winnie brought here?"

Xavier frowned. "No, I don't. Please explain, Granddad."

"I've invited a clairvoyant over today. When you lost consciousness and fell into a coma, everyone said there was no way of getting you back. However, the clairvoyant said you have a savior who will bring you good luck, and that person was the eldest daughter of the Garland family. Initially, I wasn't planning on agreeing to your sudden engagement with Winnie because she wasn't worthy of you, but after your accident, I had no choice but to have her marry you. In the end, a miracle happened. Not long after she married you, you gained full recovery. It turned out that she is indeed the destined savior in your life. You'll have a smooth-sailing life with her by your side."

Xavier was rendered speechless by Rufus' belief in the occult. Clairvoyant my a**! I'll call the police on that scammer one day to prevent that person from ripping someone else off.

"What did the clairvoyant say this time?" he asked with a chuckle.

"The same thing as before. I wouldn't have minded Winnie being your wife if she were normal. However, she has an affliction with her mentality, so it's unfair to you to have her as your wife. Moreover, you still have to pass on the Fairchild bloodline. It won't do if she's in such a state. I've decided to have you divorce Winnie. I can get her to be my god-granddaughter, and you can be her godbrother. That way, you can still have her with you and take care of her. After your health recovers, I'll find a better match for you. The news of your marriage with Winnie wasn't made public. We can pretend-"

"There's no need." Xavier cut Rufus off when he understood his grandfather's intention. The crease on his forehead deepened.

"Since we'll be divorcing, why do I still have to take her with me?"