Chapter 109
Carson’s suggestion surprised Audrey. She had thought about caring for Luna herself, but if she did, Clayton and Valerie would visit frequently. She didn’t want to see them or let them know her current situation,
Carson’s proposal was exactly what she wanted. She looked at Valerie.
Valerie hesitated but was poked on the back by Cheryl. She followed her mother aside to discuss. “Mom, what do you think?”
“Let him take her. You can have another with Clayton. After all, Luna isn’t from the Patel family bloodline. If the Patels don’t care, they won’t value you,” Cheryl whispered into Valerie’s ear.
Valerie thought it made sense, but every time she kept Clayton, it was by using Luna. She feared losing this ‘weapon‘ meant losing control over Clayton.
Getting pregnant wasn’t easy. After forcing Clayton to register their marriage, he hadn’t touched her and didn’t even come home last night. She feared that he would keep avoiding her.
Cheryl, reading her concerns, continued suggesting, “Just like how you got Luna, try for another child.”
Valerie’s eyes lit up and her resolve strengthened. She approached the female officer with a look of reluctant acceptance and tears almost falling.
She agreed. “I really can’t take care of Luna now. Dr. Wilson, Clayton’s friend and a lifesaving doctor, I trust he can care for Luna well.”
Valerie sniffled, looking at Carson. “Thank you for taking care of Luna. Clayton will provide you living expenses. Also, I want to visit the child anytime.”
“Okay.” Carson agreed quickly. He wanted to bring Luna home and had his own selfish reasons.
The officer asked Luna’s opinion. Luna stared straight at Audrey and only nodded after Audrey smiled and nodded.
Valerie watched this while grinding her teeth. After taking her out for fast food, Audrey won her heart. She hated herself for stealing Clayton and would never genuinely treat that girl well.
Since Valerie was willing to send Luna to Audrey to be mistreated, Valerie thought it better to let her suffer some hardship so she’d know she could only rely on herself and never dare rebel again.
After Valerie and Cheryl left, Carson processed Luna’s discharge. He had a night shift last night and would finish work soon.
“I’ve never taken care of a child. Can you advise me on what daily necessities to buy for Luna?” Carson awkwardly rubbed his neck.
Audrey glanced at the time. There was still time before the evening dinner, so she followed him to the store.
They bought several sets of clothes and children’s toiletries for Luna. Carson also picked an assemble–yourself indoor toy set for delivery.
“Say goodbye to Audrey.” Carson put the items in the trunk and took Luna’s hand.
Luna was silent. Valerie had taught her if she didn’t want to be beaten, she had to hold onto Clay. As long as she held onto Clay, he wouldn’t leave.
Now she wanted to keep Audrey, should she do the same? Luna hesitated and slowly reached out to grab Audrey’s clothes.
Audrey looked down at her and held her hand, “Audrey still has things to do. You go back with Dr. Wilson. I’ll come see you when I have time.”
“Audrey never lies.” Carson comforted, and Luna/slowly let go, following him into the car.
Carson secured her in the new safety seat and closed the door.
“Remember to take me off the blacklist.” After saying that, he added. “I promise not to lend my phone to Clayton anymore.” Audrey released him in front
of him.
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Chapter 109
The evening dinner was arranged at Foodie Court. When Audrey arrived at the private room, Edana was talking with Luther. Seeing Audrey enter, she forced a smile, “I was just about to call you.”
“Was it to notify me of a time change?”
Edana’s expression shifted and, avoiding Paul’s suspicious gaze, forced an excuse, “No change, I just found out the time Tiffany told you was incorrect”
Whoever was not present took the blame. Audrey saw through it but didn’t expose it, sitting down at her seat.
Flóra soon arrived, paused when seeing Audrey seated, and gave Edana a questioning look.
Edana shook her head slightly and gave a warning glance. The plan failed!
Layla’s surgery was arranged to be jointly done by two departments. Luther was very pleased and called Paul to praise Audrey.
Paul didn’t hide it from Edana and instructed her to cooperate with Audrey tonight to definitely secure the project.
Edana, unable to swallow her anger, deliberately told Audrey to come an hour late. This could spoil Audrey’s impression with Luther and allow Edana to take the project alone while Luther was in a good mood.
They didn’t expect Audrey to arrive on time.
Soon, the client arrived–a poised middle–aged woman with a sharp bob haircut and understated, luxurious accessories.
Two assistants followed her, who looked strong enough to be bodyguards. They politely took the woman’s handbag and pulled out a chair for her to sit.
“Ms. Hale.” Luther personally poured her a drink, but Cecilia Hale covered the decanter with her hand and said, “I don’t drink.”
Luther’s eyelid twitched. That was a refusal. His flattering smile almost cracked, and he gave Paul a subtle look.
Paul got up to get the teapot. “Ms. Hale, I’m Paul from Stride Commerce. Thanks to your support, we were able to establish a foothold in Ironhaven.”
One of Cecilia’s assistants took the teapot from Paul’s hand and personally poured coffee for her boss.
Paul and Luther exchanged a glance. Cecilia was notorious in the circle for being hard to deal with. They thought her agreeing to attend the dinner meant giving them a chance, but they didn’t expect her to be so clear about drawing the line.
The private room instantly fell into an awkward vibe.
Edana stood up holding the decanter. “Ms. Hale, I’m Mr. Gibson’s secretary. Nice to meet you. I’ll drink first to show respect, please feel free!” She raised
her head and downed a mouthful of baijiu.
Cecilia remained casual, not even bothering to lift her cup in response, just looking at her coldly.
After Edana finished her drink, she realized the situation had gotten even more awkward.
“Go inform them to serve the dishes!” Paul smiled as usual and asked Edana to leave the room to ease the tension.
Paul explained the advantages of the project and its future scale in detail, with Luther chiming in beside him.
But Cecilia showed no interest at all, taking out her glasses and scrolling through messages on her phone, occasionally replying to one.
Paul and Luther exchanged looks, surprised at how difficult this woman was.
Audrey stayed silent the entire time until Paul nudged her elbow, signaling her to think of a way.
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Audrey glanced at the bag on the coat hook and smiled. “Ms. Hale, ‘Ace Plus‘ assembly toys are great for kids aged 2 to 6–they boost thinking and build willpower. The only drawback is the rough joints, which can cause scratches.”
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Chapter 109
Cecilia put down her phone, clearly interested in the topic, and her face brightened with a slight smile.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
