Chapter 23 Giselle was left speechless by these words . She was stunned momentarily , contemplating how to decline politely . " Mrs. Ferrell , I understand that you hold affection for me , but … " " Don't call me Mrs. Ferrell anymore , it will upset me ! " Before Giselle could finish her sentence , Bernadette interrupted her . ha " Gigi , I know you are still harboring resentment toward us . It's okay if you need more time before deciding whether you want to consider me as your godmother . Let's talk about this after your divorce gets finalized . Right now , you aren't officially divorced yet , so it wouldn't be excessive for you to continue calling me mom , right ? " By the end of her sentence , her tone turned delicate and cajoling , making it difficult for Giselle to decline . However , Giselle resisted . She remained silent . Unable to bear rejecting , yet unwilling to force herself , she chose to stay quiet . Bernadette didn't pursue further , clearly somewhat disappointed , her voice lacked the previous cheerfulness . " Alright , Gigi . If you don't feel comfortable , never mind about it . However , I do hope you might consider this . You know that I'm willing to treat you as my own daughter . Don't rush to reject me ; tell me your decision after the paperwork is done , alright ? " In reality , she already had an answer in her heart , only she didn't want to face the truth too soon , so she decided to postpone it . Bernadette was more than just disappointed , she was also sad . Her biological son was estranged , treating her almost like an enemy because of her failure in his upbringing . Now it looked like the girl she watched grow up may be drifting away too : The proposition she offered was nothing more than a plea for Giselle to have some nominal relation with her so they can keep in touch . She hoped that they would not get to the point of losing contact entirely , becoming complete strangers to each other . But reality often went against wishes . After hanging up the phone , Giselle just stared out of the window at the night view , lost in thought . This house was bought for her by Rocco , a medium - sized apartment . It wasn't as spacious as a villa , but it was just right for one person and didn't feel too empty . She was so lost in thought that she didn't even notice when Rocco entered the room . Rocco had to call out twice , intentionally cough a few times , causing quite a stir in the living room to bring her back to reality . Despite knowing there was another person in the house , Giselle was still somewhat distracted , her eyes a bit dull and scattered . Unable to bear it anymore , Rocco scolded with a rare sternness on his usually relaxed face , " It's lucky that the one who came in was me . What if it was someone with ill intentions towards you ? You wouldn't even know ! " " There's nobody with ill intentions towards me in my house . Plus , only you know the password . Who else could get in ? " Giselle said carelessly . She shuffled out from the balcony , fetched two bottles of water from the fridge , and handed one to him . Rocco didn't take it , his face still serious . Coquettishly , Giselle called out to him , " Rocco … " Rocco glanced at her and finally surrendered when he saw her pitiful face . " There will be no next time , " he said , unable to resist . Giselle nodded vigorously , " I'll remember . " With a serious tone , Rocco added , " If it were up to me , I wouldn't want you to always be on guard and never relax . But Winnie , you've experienced death . This is Accreton where Bradley is dallying around and not completing the required procedures . Who knows what he is thinking ? If you're lost in your thoughts at home , that's one thing , but what if you're outside ? " " I get it . " As she lowered her gaze , the struggle in her heart was suddenly resolved . Originally , she was considering accepting Bernadette's proposal . After all , in the past in Accreton , there was no way to describe how well Grandpa Ethan and Bernadette treated her . She didn't forget to send Bernadette birthday blessings , the first reason was out of gratitude , and the second was to not make her intentions too obvious . Breaking off relations with the Mendoza family did not mean she wanted to deny everything from the past and pretend not to recognize everyone from that time . Being overly deliberate would just make the Mendoza family and Bradley seem too important . Agreeing to Bernadette's suggestion was because Bernadette was important to her , and somewhat because she could irritate Bradley . 1/2 Chapter 23 But if she genuinely agreed , wouldn't that mean she would be forever associated with Bradley ? 30 Vouchers Her wounds were still healing , how could she consider having him involved in her future ? If Bradley really became her " brother the one who would end up feeling nauseated would not be him , but herself . Giselle regained her composure , and a trace of coldness seeped into her eyes , firmly denying Bernadette's suggestion . Rocco wasn't sure what she was thinking , but he could tell that his Winnie was in a bad mood . He understood , having the boy she grew up with stolen by fate only to become her enemy , anyone in her position would not be feeling joyful upon returning to their hometown . He flipped his phone around , propping his chin on his hand with a hint of nonchalance , " Winnie , do you want me to take you out to have some fun ? " Giselle looked back at him , " Now ? " It was already eleven o'clock , going out now meant either going to the night market to eat or going to a nightclub . As for the latter , Rocco would definitely not actively take her there , so she decided to make the first move .. " I would go to Mansion No. 9. " " No way ! " Unsurprisingly , Shangque immediately vetoed it . Giselle opened a bottle of water for herself , took a leisurely sip , and said , " If you won't take me , I'll go myself . After all , I'm an adult . It won't hurt to see some nightlife at a bar , " Rocco desired nothing more than to slap himself at this moment . What's the point in going out to play in the middle of the night instead of sleeping ? Yet , upon meeting her gleaming eyes , there was nothing he could do but give in . " If Michael finds out , you'll have to say it was your own idea to go there . I'm not the one who brought you ! " Mansion No. 9 . Describing it as a bar was simply underestimating this place . It can be rightly said , the biggest gold - spinner in the city . People from all walks of life converged here . Some ordinary people gambled away their fortunes , and also the privileged second and third - generation rich looking for fun . On the surface , all kinds of entertainment were available , but behind the scenes , unseen transactions also existed . Having arrived at Mansion No. 9 and before they got out of the car , Rocco hurriedly gave this instruction . " Don't worry , Rocco . If Michael finds out , I'll just tell him I kidnapped you ! " This was Giselle's first visit to this place , and she was both excited and nervous . She had heard about Mansion No. 9 long before Sarah returned to the Mendoza family . During her rebellious teenage years , she had stumbled upon Bradley and his buddies discussing a visit here . She snuck around wanting to see the outside world but was scolded by Bradley and taken straight home . Years had passed , but the décor at the entrance seemed to have remained the same . The old , worn sign was hanging crookedly against the old wall , as though it was a relic of the last century . The neon lights were flickering regularly , and the sound of decadent music was permeating from inside . Even without stepping in , she could already feel the atmosphere of wild indulgence . Giselle got out of the car , and a coat was draped over her . " Follow me once we're inside , and don't run around . " Rocco's tone was stern , and the slight forward movement of his arm was an obvious indication . Giselle was helpless , but still went along with it , hooking her arm through his . " I know , Rocco . I'm not a child anymore . Besides , there's nothing wrong with the dress I'm wearing , right ? " Why did she need another coat ? Rocco didn't discuss it with her . " Just wear what you're told to wear . " The two of them walked in slowly side by side , totally unaware that this scene was secretly captured by someone in a car not too far behind them . The person then sent the picture to someone else along with a message - " Brad , doesn't that beauty look a lot like your wife ? You've got to admit , she's got quite a figure ! I heard you're getting a divorce , can I chase after her ? " Chapter Comments