Ava hesitated, caught off guard by Jonathan's confession. She knew he had feelings for her but hadn't expected him to express them so directly."Jonathan, I... I don't know what to say," Ava replied softly. "I appreciate your honesty, but I need some time to think about everything that's happened tonight.""I understand," Jonathan nodded, his expression a mix of hope and anxiety. "Take all the time you need. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what.”Within thirty minutes, the last of the guests had departed, leaving the Ainsley manor quiet and somewhat somber. The atmosphere had changed dramatically from the lively party earlier. Now, only Grandma Margaret, Elizabeth, Williams, Lucas, and Lily remained, gathered in the living room. Grandma Margaret, seated in her favorite armchair, glanced around the room with a weary expression. Grandma Margaret slowly stood up from her armchair and walked over to Ava, her stern expression softening into a proud smile. She enveloped Ava in
Ava's eyes filled with confusion and conflict. "I don't know what to do," she admitted, looking between her mother and grandmother. "You do know, Ava," Elizabeth said softly, stepping closer and taking her daughter's hands. "You know what's right in your heart. Don't let the lure of wealth make you forget who you are and the values you've always held dear.” Ava looked down, biting her lip, deep down she knew her mom was right and didn't want to divorce Ambrose. On the other side too she was thinking of what her grandma would do if she disobeyed her. Lucas stepped forward. "Auntie Elizabeth, Grandma is right. Ambrose isn't good for Ava. He's been a burden to this family from the start. The Wei family young master can offer Ava so much more—wealth, status, and a real future. For Ambrose, he's a joke. Everyone knows he lives off Ava's earnings. Do you want Ava to keep living like this? The Wei family can give her a life of luxury and security." Lily also stepped forward, her expressi
Elder Wei nodded, "Maybe there's a link between this Ava lady and Gemstar that we don't know of. We have to be careful. If anything goes wrong and we offend her, and if she really has support from the company, it could spell doom for us."Malcolm nodded, "I understand, Dad. So what must we do now?"Elder Wei shook his head, "Nothing much. My grandson loves this Ava lady. For now, we just have to fulfill that and make sure he gets what he wants. If Ava has any relationship with Gemstar, it could be a benefit to our family. Keep investigating and let me know if that lady has ever been to the company.”Chen nodded, "Alright, Elder master, I'll do so."With that, he walked away upstairs.Elder Wei nodded, "Maybe there's a link between this Ava lady and Gemstar that we don't know of. We have to be careful. If anything goes wrong and we offend her, and if she really has support from the company, it could spell doom for us."Malcolm nodded, "I understand, Dad. So what must we do now?"Elder
"Get up. Sleep more for what? Will you keep sleeping when you have things to do?" she asked."Well," Ambrose sighed and then got up, rolling up his mat. He looked at Ava with a light smile and asked, "How was your night, wi..." He paused, changing the "wife" he wanted to say to "Ava."Ava didn't respond and turned around to walk out of the room."Wait, Ava, what do you want to eat today? Let me prepare something for you. Just let me do something great as a congratulations to you," he said with a light smile."Ask Grandma; she'll tell you what to prepare," Ava replied.Ambrose rushed and stood in front of her. "No, please, you rather say. I want to prepare what you want."Ava paused for a moment, then said, "Fine. Prepare congee with pork and century egg."Ambrose smiled. "Alright, consider it done. I'll make the best congee for you.”As Ava was about to walk away, Ambrose called out, "Last thing, Ava."Ava stopped and turned to face him, her expression showing mild irritation. "What i
Anna led them into a spacious conference room where a podium had been set up with the company's emblem prominently displayed. She gestured for the journalists to take their positions, ensuring everyone had a clear view of the podium.Once everyone was settled, Anna returned to Mr. Jun's office. "Sir, they're ready," she said with a respectful nod.Mr. Jun stood up, adjusted his suit, and took a deep breath. "Thank you, Anna. Let's get this over with."Together, they walked to the conference room, where the hum of quiet anticipation filled the air. Mr. Jun stepped up to the podium, and the room fell silent. Cameras focused, microphones extended, and every eye was on him."Ladies and gentlemen," Mr. Jun began, his voice carrying the weight of his years of experience and authority. "Thank you for joining us today. We have a significant announcement that will shape the future of Gemstar Platinum Group of Companies.”Back at the Ainsley manor, they were watching the live feed video of Mr.
“He must be really capable. It’s not easy managing a little company like I do. Managing a top one means whoever he is, he might be capable,” Ava responded.“If you work hard, you’ll one day be at the top too, Ava,” Elizabeth said with a smile.Ava nodded with a smile.“God, why? Look at other families getting all these good things. Why isn’t it in my family?” Grandma Margaret asked.“Grandma, we just got a million-dollar contract, have you forgotten?” Ava asked.“What’s a million dollars compared to a billion? Imagine you being the girlfriend of whoever this grandson is. Wouldn’t that have made you the number one lead lady in this city or even the country?”Ambrose couldn’t help but chuckle. After all, Ava was his wife and he was the Chairman, so of course she was the lead.They heard his chuckle and everyone turned to look at him. “What are you standing there laughing for, you useless human? Come and watch the news. Your age mate just stepped in as the chairman of a billion-dollar co
Back at the Ainsley manor, Ambrose served the delicious meal he had prepared to everyone and, as usual, distanced himself to eat his portion. After they finished eating, Ava dressed up neatly and walked into the Hall prepared to leave for the office. Lucas and Lily were also in their clothes as they were ready stepp out with Ava to sit in her car for their class. Ambrose walked into the hall and admired Ava, who looked stunning with her hair cascading down."Ava, you got $50,000 last night. At least you should bring like $20,000 for the family upkeep. We have to fill the kitchen with items and more," Grandma Margaret said."This greedy woman is always trying to use calmness to take money. This money was a gift to Ava to use for herself, not to buy anything for family upkeep, Grandma," Ambrose said."Can you just shut up? How dare you?" Grandma Margaret yelled at himAmbrose looked at her, wanting to reply, but decided not to, avoiding disrespecting Ava's grandmother in her eyes."Av
"Invited you?" The ladies' expressions turned instantly angry. "Sir, look around. This is a big, respected company. Please don't come here to make jokes," one of them said sharply."I'm not joking," Ambrose insisted. "I got an invite from your COO. I'm here, kindly inform her or call her.""Wait, let me check if there's any arranged meeting. What's your name?" one of the ladies asked."I'm Ambrose Li," he replied.The lady quickly typed his name into her computer before shaking her head. "Kindly leave, there's no arrangement for you. Your name doesn't show here. Have you been to this company before?"Ambrose shook his head. "No, it's my first time.""Ahh! So how did you get an invite from Chief Anna?" another lady scoffed. "Do you know how many people come here claiming to know someone important? You're not the first.”"You must think we're gullible," the first lady added. "This isn't some corner store where you can waltz in and demand to see the COO. If you had an actual appointment,