Chapter 70
i’ve acrificed se much more by raising our child that have by working. I’m sorry that I married you when I was still unaccomplished, and you’ve wasted all these years with me otherwise, our son would be sold as ten by now,” he calld.
The woman norged her bushand with her elbow, her face fuching with shyness.
She turned to Brooke and said, “I was terrified at first. It wasn’t until van handed me my son that I came to my senses. My husband wanted to thank him, bat he refused anything in return and just ran off. He just-”
Ivan coughed, and Audrey glanced at him knowingly. She was sure he had pulled some prank, probably involving the kid’s urine
The woman smiled and continued, “He wouldn’t take anything or leave his name. He just took off. Later, I asked a lady nearby, and she told me that the had fainted and was taken to the hospital by Ivan. It was only then that she learned his name from the doctor.”
Brooke was shocked once again. “Ivan even saved an old lady? Although we’re not short of money, it’s such a hassle when the elderly try to take advantage. I told him not to meddle, she thought to herself.
Ivan was embarrassed by the praise, scratching his head and casting a shy glance at Audrey.
Audrey smiled and patted his back, whispering, “Did you ask for urine as a thank you gift?”
Ivan’s expression froze. ‘Did Ms. Henderson guess? Will she be angry? Will she feel bad for the jerk? Will she blame me for being too harsh or for meddling? he thought to himself.
“I know you wouldn’t do anything reckless,” Audrey said, patting him again. Ivan felt a weight lift off his shoulders, and his smile grew broader.
Brooke watched their interaction, feeling a pang of jealousy. Ivan seemed closer to Audrey than he did to her.
By the time Miguel came back, the family had already left, and Audrey had gone as well. Ivan was in a good mood, studying in his room.
Brooke recounted the whole story and sighed, “I really didn’t expect Ivan to be so impulsive. If he had gotten hurt, how would I explain to your parents?”
Miguel waved his hand dismissively. “Ivan isn’t impulsive. He probably assessed the situation before he acted. I don’t think he would help an old lady without being prepared.”
Brooke felt her husband wasn’t taking her side and was a bit upset. She went to Ivan’s room. “Ivan, I was wrong today. I judged you without asking first.”
Ivan, who was reading a book, nodded without saying a word.
“You’re still young and don’t know how treacherous the world can be. You need to be cautious,” Brooke continued.
Ivan flipped his book closed and looked at Brooke expressionlessly. “If you have something to say, just get to the point.”
Brooke pursed her lips. “You’re still a student, and we’ll provide whatever you need.”
Ivan opened his drawer, took out the 6,000 dollars from the fat man and the 3,000 dollars Brooke had given them, making a total of 9,000 dollars, and
tossed it onto the bed.
“Can I get back to my reading now?” Ivan asked.
Brooke felt that Ivan’s attitude toward her was really bad. ‘Why can’t he be like he is with Audrey, smiling and opening up to me?‘ she thought to herself.
Seeing her son’s impatient expression, Brooke took the money and left the room.
On Monday, as soon as Audrey arrived at the office, she received a notification.
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“There’s a party on Wednesday, and you’re going with Mr. Gibson,” Edana said with a smile. “Go rent a dress, and the company will cover the cost.”
Audrey had only been on the job for less than ten days. Normally, attending such important events would be Edana’s responsibility. “Edana, what kind of party is it? Do I need to prepare anything?”
Edana explained, “The heir of Samson Legal has taken over the Ironhaven law firm. It’s sort of a celebration party, with a lot of industry professionals and their partners attending,” Edana explained with a smile. “Mr. Gibson has been trying to connect with Darkshell International but hasn’t had the chance.”
‘Darkshell International? Is that Yann’s company?‘ Audrey wondered.
“Is the CEO of Darkshell International attending?” Audrey asked, following up.
Yann had left early yesterday and hadn’t come back to the villa last night. Audrey wasn’t sure if he was avoiding her because of that awkward kiss.
If Yann was going to be at the party, she’d better stay away.
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“Darkshell International’s headquarters is in Moonridge. I’m not sure if they have a subsidiary in Ironhaven. I don’t think Mr. Winifred will attend; he’ll probably just send a representative,” Edana said.
Audrey breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Yann might have gone back to Moonridge. That’s good. In a few days, that awkward kiss will just fade from our memories,‘ she thought to herself.
But that night, Yann showed up at the villa. “Go wash your hands; dinner will be ready soon,” Yann said, as if nothing had happened, wearing an apron and cooking Audrey’s favorite dishes.
Audrey stood in the foyer. Her embarrassment was somewhat eased by his nonchalant attitude. She didn’t go to the kitchen but washed her hands in the
guest bathroom and then sat down at the dining table.
Audrey stole glances at Yann. He seemed perfectly at ease, with no particular emotions on his face. “Yann?”
“Yes?” Yann replied.
“Are you going to Samson Legal’s party on Wednesday?” she asked.
Yann slowly swallowed his mouthful of food. “Not sure yet.”
“Okay,” Audrey said.
Yann looked up at her. “Stride Commerce’s current legal advisor is from Samson Legal. Did you get an invitation?”
“I did,” Audrey replied, feigning calm. “Mr. Gibson hasn’t said who he’s taking yet.”
After dinner, Calvin arrived and handed over the paperwork for the Range Rover to Audrey before heading to the study with Yann. From that moment on,
the car was Audrey’s.
Around ten–thirty, Audrey heard footsteps descending the stairs, thinking Yann was leaving with Calvin.
She came out to get some water and saw Yann standing at the bottom of the stairs, watching Calvin drive away.
When Yann noticed her, he asked, “Need something?”
“Nothing,” she replied.
Yann stared at her for a moment, then took a step toward her. Audrey’s body tensed instantly. ‘He didn’t drink today. He’s sober. He wouldn’t dare,‘ she thought.
Yann walked right up to Audrey, his tall frame blocking the light above. He raised his hand and brushed away a strand of hair from her temple.
Audrey’s heart was pounding so hard she felt it might leap out of her throat. She pressed her back against the wall, hardly daring to breathe.
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Yann tilted his head, slowly lowering his body. The pressure he exuded felt like a net, trapping her like a fish gasping for air.
Audrey clenched her fists, making a silent vow. If he takes another step, I’ll punch him. Even if I can’t reach his face, I’ll get his stomach.’
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Yann’s gaze flickered over her trembling eyelashes, then he plucked a piece of vegetable from the strand of hair by her temple and held it out in front of her. “Did you wash dishes with your face?”
Then Yann turned around and went back to his room, leaving Audrey dazed and bewildered.
The next day at lunchtime, Audrey overheard colleague mentioning a restaurant on the next street with amazing fried chicken. She decided to check it
out.
Audrey hadn’t expected to see Clayton waiting outside the company’s entrance as soon as she stepped out. With stubble on his chin, Clayton pushed against the crowd and quickly walked up to Audrey. “I couldn’t find that bracelet, so I carved a new one for you myself.”
Audrey ignored him and kept walking.
Clayton followed closely. “Audrey, what happened that day was a misunderstanding. I was drunk and mistook Vally for you. I’ll make it up to her, but I won’t marry her.”
Audrey continued walking without even a glance in his direction.
Clayton shamelessly followed her all the way to the restaurant and tried to go in with her. Audrey stopped at the intersection after passing the small shop. “Clayton, did you carve this bracelet yourself, or did you plan to give it to Valerie and now you’re trying to use it to win me over?”
Clayton was taken aback that she saw through him and awkwardly pursed his lips.
Audrey looked elsewhere for a moment, then turned back to him with a flat gaze. “Let me be honest with you. The reason I agreed to marry you in the first place wasn’t because of your family’s political connections or because you’re good–looking.”
Clayton stammered, “The why?”
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