Chapter 234: Mia: ...? What Are You Guys Doing?

Chapter 234: Chapter 234: Mia: ...? What Are You Guys Doing?

"But... the Sloan family is a mess right now. Whether it’s Laura Jennings, Ethan Sloan, or Old Mr. Sloan, whoever sympathizes with Noelle will make things a lot easier for the Lockwood Group."

Rose Lowell asked in confusion, "What do you plan to do?"

Austin Lockwood smirked.

First, they had to blow the life-saving favor out of proportion. It would be best to let the whole world know, putting Nathaniel Sloan on a pedestal so high that he would have no choice but to "repay the favor."

Second...

They had to let everyone know that Noelle had suffered a massive injustice. The bigger the uproar, the better—until the whole world knew about it!

Meanwhile, Noelle met up with Kian Winslow.

When Estelle Lockwood first returned to the country, Kian had given her a hard time at a bar. Later, when Estelle’s true identity was restored, Kian was promptly packed up and sent abroad by Old Mr. Winslow.

Now that Old Mr. Winslow had gone traveling, Mr. and Mrs. Winslow finally brought him back.

As soon as Kian returned to Crestfall, he received Noelle’s visiting card. He still had that nonchalant, lackadaisical air about him, but upon seeing Noelle, he was completely stunned. "Noelle, how did you get so thin?"

Noelle lowered her eyes, helplessly pressing her lips together. "Kian... you should know about what happened between me, the Lockwood family, and Estelle..."

Kian sat on the sofa like a slacker, holding a wine glass in one hand, completely unconcerned about Estelle.

Although Estelle had indeed won that round at the bar, she was just a woman. He didn’t think much of it. "What? Did Estelle bully you? Want me to help you get revenge?"

Noelle shook her head, tears falling thick and fast. "Kian, no matter what, it’s our Lockwood family that wronged Estelle. My relationship with her is already so bad; how could I possibly seek revenge against her?"

Kian grew impatient. Then why did Noelle seek him out? Even though they were good friends, he had just returned to Crestfall and had plenty of buddies waiting to meet him. There were also bars, racing tracks, and boxing gyms he hadn’t visited in ages. His schedule was packed.

"If you don’t want revenge, then forget it. I’m heading out. Eat a little more, Noelle."

Noelle said, "I want to mend my relationship with Estelle..."

Kian replied, "Then go mend it."

Noelle continued, "It’s just that Estelle has some misunderstandings about me..."

Kian said, "Then clear them up first."

Noelle sighed, "But my relationship with Estelle isn’t good. I doubt she would listen to my explanation..."

Kian stated, "Then go mend the relationship."

Noelle was speechless.

Her smile stiffened. Could Kian not understand human language?!

Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile. "Kian, I need you to do me a favor. Actually, a big reason why my relationship with Estelle is so poor is because of those three kids... Perhaps they misunderstand me and have never been willing to let me get close to them.

"I was wondering if you could bring the kids over to your place to play. That way, I can get close to them too. Over the years, because of my mistakes, they almost lost their mother. I have to apologize to them at the very least."

Kian didn’t think much of it. "No big deal. Leave it to me."

Only then did Noelle break into a genuine smile.

At Crestfall Kindergarten.

Although it was a prestigious kindergarten, they had students do daily classroom chores to cultivate a sense of teamwork and good character.

The cleaning here was simple—just wiping the blackboard and such—but it helped the kids realize that the class was a big family and everyone had an obligation to maintain it.

Today, it happened to be Mia’s group’s turn to do the chores, so Zachery and Christian stayed behind to wait for her.

By the time the kids left the classroom, it was ten minutes later than usual, and the other students had already been picked up.

"Let’s hurry. The driver must be waiting for us," Zachery said.

Right after he spoke, several dark figures appeared before them. One look was enough to tell they were well-trained bodyguards.

From among the bodyguards, a figure stepped forward. Kian gave a nonchalant smile. "Hey kids, it’s still early. Come over to my place as guests."

Zachery was confused.

He looked left and right, then quietly tugged at Christian’s sleeve. "Is this a kidnapping?"

Christian’s expression was serious. "We won’t go with you. Get out of the way, or I’ll call Daddy."

Kian shrugged it off. "Call him, then. Nathaniel will definitely agree."

Christian pursed his lips. This guy knew Daddy?

Seeing them stay silent, Kian gradually lost his patience. "Are you going to call or not? If not, I’ll do it for you."

He looked at one of the bodyguards beside him. "Give Nathaniel a call. Tell him his kids are in my hands."

Zachery stared.

Was he blowing his own cover?

Seriously, could kidnappers be this arrogant nowadays?

Even Christian was thrown for a loop, a trace of bewilderment appearing in his eyes. He then shielded Zachery and Mia behind him. "Don’t be so arrogant!"

Kian scoffed. As an uneducated, good-for-nothing rich kid, this arrogant smirk was his signature move. "Hurry up and call. If you don’t, I don’t know what I’ll do."

After all, these three kids looked like they were ready to bolt at any second. He had promised Noelle he would bring them back. If they ran, he would have to chase them, but he wasn’t sure if they would actually run, so he really didn’t know what his next move would be.

Seeing that things were going south and the other party was so utterly fearless—even demanding to call their daddy—Christian realized they weren’t going to be let go no matter what.

So, he stated calmly, "I can go with you, but you have to let Zachery and Mia leave first."

Kian refused. "No can do. What if those two run off and tattle on me?"

After all, Noelle had said she wanted to apologize to these three kids in private. If these two ran back and tattled to Estelle, wouldn’t all his efforts be for nothing?

Christian’s lips pressed into a tight line, his face growing even darker.

This kidnapper was really going to kidnap them! He was definitely afraid that Zachery and Mia would run off and call the police!

What should they do now?

Kian ran out of patience. "Hey, get in the car. I’m only going to say this once!"

Christian and Zachery exchanged a glance. Seeing no other way out, they could only try to leave a signal on the ground. Then, keeping Mia safely between them, they stayed on high alert, inching slowly toward the car.

If any opportunity presented itself, they would run!

But bodyguards surrounded them, and the disparity in strength was overwhelming. Maybe one of them could escape, but none of them had the heart to leave the other two behind in the hands of kidnappers.

Mia was utterly speechless.

She didn’t get it. Seriously, what was going on? Judging by this man’s face, he had absolutely no intention of hurting them!

Meanwhile, the Sloan family’s driver had waited for a long time. When the two little young masters and the little young miss never came out, he decided to go in and check.

Instead, he found a mess of chaotic footprints on the kindergarten grounds.

A loud BUZZ echoed in the driver’s head.

Oh no, something must have happened to the young masters and the young miss!

He immediately called Nathaniel Sloan, his voice trembling.

When Estelle Lockwood found out about the situation, her brows furrowed deeply. "The kindergarten... Who could have entered the kindergarten and taken them away?"