Ambrose looked at her and said, "Tell them you've gotten the notification that I've paid."The woman, eager to prove him wrong, joined the sales assistant to look at the phone. Shock washed over her instantly as she saw the message indicating that $30,000 had been received.The woman gaped at Ambrose, her previous arrogance melting away. "You actually paid?" she muttered.Ambrose didn't mind her and said to the sales assistant. “Tell them I've paid.” He commanded in a cold voice. "Uh...it's...it's been paid in full," The assistant stammered. At that moment she felt like the most ashamed person in the world. Her brain couldn't process how that was possible. The laughter and mocking ceased immediately, replaced by stunned silence. Ambrose picked up the two bottles of Chateau Margaux and handed one to the woman. "Here's your replacement," he said, his voice calm and steady. "And this one is for my wife.” Saying that he turned around and walked out without a word. As Ambrose walked ou
"Can you please call him, Ava? Please, Ambrose has been trying a lot."Ava sighed in resignation. "Fine, I will," she conceded reluctantly. She walked aside, retrieving her phone from her purse, and scrolled through her contacts until she found Ambrose's number, saved under his name. After a moment of hesitation, she tapped on his contact to call him, but then stopped herself."I won't call him," she muttered to herself, her resolve firming. "Let it not seem like I'm chasing after him. He has nowhere to go; he'll come back." With that, she placed her phone back in her purse and rejoined the party.Meanwhile, outside the Ainsley manor, a white Corolla pulled up, and a neatly dressed young man stepped out—it was Jonathan Hale.Earlier, Ava had texted Jonathan about the party, though she hadn't specified its purpose. Initially hesitant due to his inability to help Ava secure the deal, Jonathan decided to attend, unaware that Ava had already secured it and attributed it to him.As Jonatha
"I'll prove that I'm the one who deserves her," Jonathan asserted, his tone unwavering. "I won't let anyone stand in the way of our love." With a resolute nod, he stood his ground, ready to defend his claim to Ava's heart against all challengers.As the tension in the room thickened and Jonathan's challenge echoed through the hall, Ava's expression softened, her thoughts drifting to Ambrose. Despite their strained relationship and her outward coldness towards him, a pang of guilt tugged at her heart. She couldn't deny the moments of support and kindness he had shown her, especially during difficult times.Deep down, she knew that she didn't want to go through with the divorce. The idea of severing ties with Ambrose, despite their differences, felt like betraying the connection they had shared. Despite her grandmother's proclamation and the pressure from those around her, Ava couldn't shake the feeling of gratitude towards Ambrose for the unseen support he had provided.Ava's mother st
Ambrose took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "I didn't steal, I worked for someone today and she gave me this.""She?" William's glare intensified. "You've started seeing another woman, haven't you? Oh, you go around trying to hook up with women now to make money, isn't it, Ambrose?”Ambrose was stunned by the accusation. How could they think that of him? He didn't want to explain himself further, feeling it was pointless."It's fine, there's no need to question him, leave him," Ava finally spoke, annoyed by the fact Ambrose hooked up with women for money. She looked at Ambrose with frustration before turning her gaze to Jonathan. "Jonathan here showed how capable he was by helping me secure the contract with the Wei family that, due to someone, I lost.”Jonathan smiled smugly at Ambrose and said, "Ava, it's not a big deal. You don't have to keep praising me.""Huh? Jonathan helped you secure the contract with the Wei family?" Ambrose asked, shocked.He was the one who had aske
Ambrose's face hardened as he listened to the crowd's accusations. Grandma Margaret stepped forward, her face contorted with anger. "Ambrose, you despicable liar! How dare you bring a fake wine here and try to pass it off as a gift for Ava? Do you think we are fools? Do you think you can deceive us with your pathetic attempts?"Ambrose tried to speak, but she cut him off. "No, you listen to me! You have brought nothing but shame to this family. You're a leech, living off our generosity. You don't belong here, and you never will. You disgust me. How dare you try to embarrass Ava in front of everyone with your cheap tricks?”The murmurs from the crowd grew louder, echoing Grandma Margaret's sentiments. They whispered among themselves, agreeing with her harsh words."She's right. He's always been a burden.""Trying to impress Ava with a fake wine? How low can he go?"Ambrose stood there, taking in the insults and accusations, his grip tightening around the brown bag. He looked at Ava, w
Jonathan's smile remained fixed, but there was a flicker of frustration in his eyes. Ava maintained a polite smile. As the dance continued, Jonathan made another attempt, this time trying to pull her closer by the waist. Ava gracefully stepped back, creating a bit more space between them. She shot him a polite but firm look, silently asserting her boundaries. Jonathan chuckled awkwardly, trying to play it off as part of the dance.Jonathan, determined not to let Ava slip away so easily, stepped forward and took her hand again, attempting to lead her back into another dance. This time, he was more persistent, his hand repeatedly trying to find its way to her waist, itching lower each time.Ava's patience was wearing thin. She frowned, her voice low and firm. "Jonathan, stop. Don't cross boundaries.”Jonathan chuckled, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "Oh, come on, Ava. This isn't a big deal. We're just dancing."Ava's eyes flashed with anger. "I don't like it," she said. "Al
Ava went back inside where the party was in full swing. Everyone was enjoying themselves, dancing, drinking, and chatting merrily. She walked through the lively crowd and found a quiet corner to sit, lost in thought about what Ambrose had said."Didn't I always want to divorce him? What's the big problem now? Do I have to look weak now?" she hissed to herself, frustration mingling with confusion.Instantly, one of the guys who had always shown interest in her noticed her sitting alone. He walked over with a smile, trying to strike up a conversation. "Hey, Ava! Great party, isn't it? Mind if I join you for a bit?"Ava looked up, her expression stern. "I'm busy and not interested in any conversation right now," she said curtly.The guy, not taking the hint, persisted. "Come on, Ava. Just a little chat. It's a celebration after all.""I said I'm not interested," Ava repeated, her tone firmer this time.He leaned in closer, his persistence turning into unwelcome insistence. "Oh, come on.
Chen looked at Grandma Margaret. "Hello, I'm happy to see you."Grandma nodded. "Mr. Chen, our family is very happy for what you've done."Chen shook his head. "I didn't do anything much, just an order I followed.""Mr. Chen, this is my dad—""William Ainsley, right?" Mr. Chen interrupted. "Don't worry, before getting you the contract, everything has been known about you.""Oh wow!" Ava exclaimed and nodded.William smiled. "I'm glad Mr. Chen already knows my name.”Ava's mom, who had been seated and not caring much about what was going on, finally stood up. "Hello, Mr. Chen."Chen looked at her and nodded. "You must be Ava's mom. There's a resemblance."Ava nodded. "Yes, that is my mom."At that moment, Chen looked around, and his eyes fell on Ambrose, who was seated and just staring at him.Immediately he saw Ambrose, Chen's expression changed to anger. He clearly remembered what Ambrose had done to him at Ava's office. In that moment, he wanted to order his bodyguard to slap Ambros