Before leaving the room, Averi glanced at Maeve, then went for a walk in the back garden.
After walking for about ten minutes, Maeve found her and handed her a glass of water. "Averi, the water you asked for."
"Thank you." Averi took a few sips, made sure no one was around, and softly asked, "Maeve, what has Dad given you?"
Maeve thought for a moment before answering honestly, "When my mother was sick, the old chairman gave me a check for three hundred thousand, and besides that, a bracelet and a diamond necklace. Averi, I don't know how much they are worth. The old chairman said he would transfer an apartment to my name in the future." As for when that future would be, she wasn't sure.
After a brief pause, she quickly added, "The old chairman also gave me a card for shopping."
It was nothing more than a casual remark. Every transaction she made would be notified to Cristopher, and Maeve knew the secondary card wasn't really hers, but she didn't want Averi to think she was ungrateful.
At home, everyone still referred to Cristopher as "Chairman," and Maeve, always cautious, would respectfully add "Mr." before his name.
Averi gave a hum of acknowledgment, then lightly said, "The bracelet and necklace combined are probably worth over six hundred thousand.""
Cristopher was always careful with his gestures. Even with all his girlfriends, he knew how to adjust his generosity. If the woman was a business partner or a celebrity, he'd be more lavish; if she was someone simpler and more modest, the gifts would be more understated. Generosity, after all, is relative. Love might blur his judgment, but it would never interfere with his sense of strategy.
Maeve was startled and secretly relieved she had been honest. By being able to state the price, she made it clear what Cristopher had given her.
Suddenly, Averi said, "Dad has a vacation home in the south of France. The weather there is way better than in J City, and it's perfect for relaxing. Maeve, if you can convince Dad to spend some time there, the house could be yours. I'm not sure what it's worth now, but it's definitely worth more than the necklace and bracelet." She gave a playful smile and added, "You know, when it comes to something they want, women can be way more generous than men."
Maeve was stunned by the sudden surprise, paused for two seconds, and said, "Thank you, Averi."
Averi glanced at her watch, saw that the time was about right, gave a few instructions, and then left. She had an appointment with Milo tonight.
After Cristopher's punishment decision was announced, Milo, who had been absent for a long time, finally appeared and called to arrange a meeting.
The timing was perfect. If someone more naive had seen it, they might have thought there was still hope for the two of them.
She arrived ten minutes early, only to find that Milo was already there and seated.
Averi put down her bag and greeted him in her usual tone, "You're here so early." "Why are you up so early?"
To Milo, this sounded a bit sarcastic. He only showed up after everything had settled, arriving fashionably late.
Milo wasn't good at being the weaker party, so he appeared a bit uncomfortable.
Averi chuckled and put the two of them out of her mind. Averi smiled, "Have you ordered?"
Milo replied, "I've ordered the set meal."
Averi nodded.
This was a hidden gem of a restaurant, tucked away in a quiet courtyard in the heart of the city. The garden was filled with bamboo, and the wind rustled through the leaves, giving off a kind of literary romance. Averi thought to herself, what a shame—sitting at the table were just two opportunists, all about the money, ready to talk a deal that was bound to fall apart.
Averi took the initiative and said, "The Plenex project agreed to waive the penalty fee and refund our deposit in full because you stepped in, right?"
Milo didn't say anything, but his silence spoke volumes.
Averi said, "Thank you."
Another silence followed, and Milo said, "I'm sorry."
Averi remained calm and said lightly, "What's there to apologize for? If I were you, I would have done the same." After a pause, she added, "Don't worry. My dad understands that our wedding has been canceled, and I understand as well."
Milo became even more awkward, chewing over his words like tasteless gum, unsure of what he had just said.
He asked, "I heard... Cristopher is in the hospital?"
"Well, there's no major issue. I've been discharged from the hospital."
"That's good." Milo said, trying to keep the conversation going. "How have you been lately?"
"Same old, same old. Work and meetings."
"I noticed the stocks dropped a bit. Is there anything I can help with?"
Averi glanced at him, "Milo, are you planning to engage in some behind-the-scenes dealings?"
Milo smiled involuntarily, "No, I just want to do my part." They were never a loving couple, but hearing her call him "Milo" somehow made him feel a hint of nostalgia.
Averi simply said, "Thank you."
After dinner, Milo insisted on driving her home. When Averi refused, he failed to convince her. She finally made it clear, "It wouldn't be good if people see us together."
Milo stiffened, recalling that Edward had indeed asked him to sever ties completely. He looked down at her calm profile, and just as she was about to get in the car, Milo suddenly grabbed her arm and blurted out the question he'd been wondering about: "Averi, are you doing this on purpose?"
"Hmm?" Averi seemed to not understand.
Milo's gaze darkened, filled with confusion and a hint of gloom. He knew it was pointless to ask at this moment, yet he couldn't stop himself: "Is it for that bodyguard?"
Averi glanced at him a few times, then smiled and retorted, "Am I that crazy?"
Milo was left speechless by her question.
Taking advantage of his momentary daze, Averi broke free and, after saying goodbye, drove away.
Milo stood frozen, watching her car receding into the distance, unsure whether her last words were true or not. But whether they were true or not, it no longer mattered to him.
*
Only after Milo's figure had completely disappeared from the rearview mirror did Averi finally relax.
She dialed Dallas's number. After two rings, his voice echoed through the car via Bluetooth, "Hello, Averi."
Every time he took a call, he'd feed her something and then just call her name.
Averi inquired, "Where is it?"
"At home."
"Studying?"
"Yeah."
Averi's tone changed, and she asked seriously, "Dallas, are you really studying seriously?"
Dallas was stunned, then heard her continue, "Why do you pick up so quickly every time?"
There was a brief silence, then his slightly deeper voice came through the car, "I set a special ringtone for you. That's why I know it's you as soon as I hear it."
A soft, faint laugh mixed with static filled her ears, and Dallas's eyes were filled with gentle warmth.
Averi said, "I'm coming over to see you now. I need to talk to you about something."
"What is it?"
"We'll talk when we meet. See you soon."
*************
