"Most of the time, yes," she replied. "Gemstar is involved in a lot of high-profile projects, so there's always something going on."The elevator ascended smoothly, and Ambrose marveled at the sleek design and the quiet hum of the machinery. As they reached the top floor, the doors opened to reveal a more serene and opulent environment. The floors were carpeted, and the walls were adorned with elegant artwork and framed accolades."Here we are," the receptionist said, leading Ambrose down a short corridor to a large door with "COO Anna" engraved on a polished brass nameplate. She knocked gently and opened the door, gesturing for Ambrose to enter."Again, we're very sorry for the misunderstanding," she said quietly before stepping back.Ambrose gave her a reassuring nod before walking into Anna's office.“Damn!”As Ambrose stepped into Anna's office, he was immediately struck by its luxurious and high-tech ambiance. The office was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a
Ambrose leaned back in the chair, letting the cool air soothe him. He glanced around the room again, his eyes lingering on the panoramic view of the city. The weight of his new responsibilities began to settle on his shoulders, but with it came a sense of determination."I won't let Grandfather down," Ambrose said quietly. "I'll do my best to lead this company to even greater heights."Anna nodded approvingly. "I have no doubt you will, Master Li. And remember, you have a dedicated team behind you, ready to support and assist in any way.”Ambrose leaned forward slightly, his curiosity piqued by the scope of Gemstar Platinum's operations. "So, Gemstar is into mining too, right?"Anna nodded with a knowing smile. "Yes, indeed. Mining is one of our core activities. We acquire contracts and land from governments, purchase the necessary sites, and then undertake mining operations.""That's fascinating," Ambrose remarked, impressed by the strategic approach. "What are some of the gems and m
Ava went to the place where her car was parked, started it, and drove out of the company toward the Wei house. The drive was quick, but her mind raced with thoughts about the upcoming meeting.Meanwhile, at the Wei house, Jin Wei smiled at Chen and asked, "Is she coming?"Chen nodded and replied, "Yes, Young Master. From her answer, I guess she should already be on her way.”Jin grinned and nodded, pleased. "That's good. You know, when she comes, kindly call me. I've already spoken to my father to discuss the business with her initially. Then, I'll take over from there. You understand?"Chen nodded again. "I understand well."Jin acknowledged with a satisfied nod. "Good. Chen, you're the best person here who has helped me with my affairs, you know."Chen bowed slightly, expressing his loyalty. "I'm always loyal, Master.”Jin then asked, "What about Ava's husband you mentioned? Will he be a problem for me?""Oh, that one? He's called Ambrose," Chen said dismissively. "Master, he can't
"Ms. Ainsley," Malcolm began, "we're excited to have you on board for this project. As you know, we need your expertise to renovate our old pharmaceutical facilities. These buildings are crucial to our operations, and we want to ensure they are updated to meet modern standards.”Ava nodded, taking out her notepad to jot down important points. "Thank you, Mr. Wei. We are equally excited about this partnership. Since we've only secured the deal moments ago, we haven't conducted a preliminary assessment yet. However, I can assure you that my team and I will be on-site promptly to evaluate the buildings and develop a comprehensive renovation plan.”Malcolm leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Excellent. I'd like to hear more about your initial thoughts and how you intend to approach this project.""First, we'll need to conduct a thorough assessment of the structural integrity and current condition of the facilities," Ava explained. "Once we have a clear understanding of what needs to be
Jin's patience began to wear thin, and his charming facade quickly faded. His eyes flashed with frustration as he leaned forward, his voice rising. "Why are you making things so difficult, Ava?"Ava flinched at his sudden change in demeanor but kept her composure. “I’m not trying to make things difficult. I’ve been clear about my position from the start.”Jin's frustration didn't dissipate entirely. He leaned in closer to Ava, his voice low but filled with menace. "You know, Ava, I can call this deal off anytime I want. One word from me, and you lose that million-dollar contract. Do you really want to risk that?"Ava felt a chill run down her spine. She knew how much this deal meant for her company. Losing it would be a significant setback. She remained quiet, her mind racing, trying to find the right words to respond. But nothing came to her. The threat hung heavily in the air, and she couldn't afford to jeopardise the opportunity.Jin saw her hesitation and smirked, clearly pleased
The second saleswoman smiled warmly. "Ah, excellent choice, sir. That's the Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S63. It's one of our finest models," she said, her tone infused with admiration. "It combines luxury with high-performance engineering. The interior is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and the driving experience is unparalleled."Ambrose nodded, impressed by her description. "Perfect. Let's proceed with the paperwork and arrangements for delivery.”The saleswoman smiled at Ambrose. "I haven't even mentioned the price of the car yet," she said with a light laugh.Ambrose's expression remained serious. "The price doesn't matter. As long as I like it, I'll pay."The saleswoman was taken aback by his confident tone. She nodded and said, "Alright, please follow me to the manager's office. He'll handle the paperwork instantly."Ambrose nodded and followed her to the manager's office. Inside, a man around the age of fifty was sitting in front of his computer, typing."Sir, someone
Ambrose's patience finally snapped. "Enough!" he said, his voice commanding the room. "I told you, there's a problem with the transfer. I'm not here to waste anyone's time or to take pictures and brag. I need a car, and I'm trying to pay for it. If you want proof, I can show you my bank balance."The first sales lady scoffed. "Bank balance? Sure, let’s see it. But I doubt it will show anything.”Ambrose pulled out his phone, navigating to his banking app to show the balance, but then he stopped as that might expose his identity. The manager and the first sales lady were unimpressed by Ambrose’s outburst. The manager sneered, "Still no proof, huh? You're just wasting our time."The first sales lady crossed her arms and nodded. "See? I told you. He’s just a fraud. Probably here to take pictures and show off to his friends."Ambrose, feeling cornered, tried to stay calm. "I'm not a fraud. I'm genuinely trying to buy a car here. The transfer issue is a technical glitch.”The manager shoo
Within half an hour, Ambrose completed all the necessary paperwork for the purchase of his Mercedes Benz S63 AMG. The manager expedited the process, recognizing Ambrose as a high-end customer deserving of special attention. As Ambrose signed the final documents, the manager arranged for a shortcut driving license, ensuring Ambrose could legally drive his new car immediately.Ambrose walked back to the showroom with the second sales lady, grateful for her assistance throughout the purchase process. As they reached the showroom floor where his new Mercedes Benz S63 AMG gleamed under the lights, Ambrose turned to her with appreciation."You've been incredibly helpful," Ambrose said sincerely, pulling out his phone to make a transfer. "Please accept this as a token of my gratitude.”He transferred $1,000 to her account, and she looked at her phone in surprise as the notification came through. Overwhelmed by his gesture, she couldn't help but feel touched by his generosity."Thank you so m
Ambrose nodded and smiled, watching Ava with a mix of amusement and affection. Just as he was about to say something, Ava suddenly stood up, her movements unsteady for a moment, but then, to his surprise, she began to sway to the music.Without any hesitation, she stepped out into the open space near their table and started dancing. The soft rhythm of the music filled the room, and Ava’s body seemed to flow effortlessly with it. Her movements, though tipsy, were graceful and captivating. She twirled, her arms floating through the air, and soon enough, she was dancing with such confidence that it mesmerized everyone around her.Ambrose was stunned. He had never seen this side of her. He watched in awe, not quite sure whether to laugh or join her. He glanced around, noticing other people had turned their heads to watch her as well. A few of them even started clapping in rhythm with her steps, encouraging her.Palermo, seated a few tables away, was glaring at her, his eyes narrowing with
Ambrose nodded and smiled, watching Ava with a mix of amusement and affection. Just as he was about to say something, Ava suddenly stood up, her movements unsteady for a moment, but then, to his surprise, she began to sway to the music.Without any hesitation, she stepped out into the open space near their table and started dancing. The soft rhythm of the music filled the room, and Ava’s body seemed to flow effortlessly with it. Her movements, though tipsy, were graceful and captivating. She twirled, her arms floating through the air, and soon enough, she was dancing with such confidence that it mesmerized everyone around her.Ambrose was stunned. He had never seen this side of her. He watched in awe, not quite sure whether to laugh or join her. He glanced around, noticing other people had turned their heads to watch her as well. A few of them even started clapping in rhythm with her steps, encouraging her.Palermo, seated a few tables away, was glaring at her, his eyes narrowing with
Ambrose nodded and smiled, watching Ava with a mix of amusement and affection. Just as he was about to say something, Ava suddenly stood up, her movements unsteady for a moment, but then, to his surprise, she began to sway to the music.Without any hesitation, she stepped out into the open space near their table and started dancing. The soft rhythm of the music filled the room, and Ava’s body seemed to flow effortlessly with it. Her movements, though tipsy, were graceful and captivating. She twirled, her arms floating through the air, and soon enough, she was dancing with such confidence that it mesmerized everyone around her.Ambrose was stunned. He had never seen this side of her. He watched in awe, not quite sure whether to laugh or join her. He glanced around, noticing other people had turned their heads to watch her as well. A few of them even started clapping in rhythm with her steps, encouraging her.Palermo, seated a few tables away, was glaring at her, his eyes narrowing with
Meanwhile, at the restaurant, Ambrose and Ava were still enjoying their dinner, the atmosphere lively with soft music playing in the background. Ambrose looked at Ava, smiling warmly as he reached for his glass.“You seem to be really enjoying the food,” he said, playfully nudging her.Ava smiled, taking a sip of her drink. “Well, it’s not every day I get to enjoy something this fancy.”Ambrose chuckled. “You deserve this every day, you know.”Ava looked at him with a mix of curiosity and affection. “You’re really full of surprises tonight.”Ambrose took her hand, squeezing it gently. “I’m really proud of you, Ava.”As they continued talking and eating, Ambrose suddenly picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks and held it out to Ava. She blinked, momentarily shocked by his gesture."Ambrose, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise and shyness."Feeding you," he said with a teasing grin. "Come on, don’t be shy."Ava’s cheeks flushed, and she glanced around th
After placing their expensive orders, both Ambrose and Ava set their phones down. Ambrose turned to her and asked, "So, how's it going?""How's what going?" Ava asked."Your work. The contract for the Wei family, I mean."Ava nodded. "It's going well. It felt like a huge weight at first, but Dera's been helping little by little, so everything's going smoothly now.”"Dera," Ambrose nodded thoughtfully. "Is she staying at the manor permanently now?"Ava shook her head. "She’s planning to rent her own place soon, once she finds something. But for now, since she's helping me out, it just makes sense for her to stay at the manor.""Alright," Ambrose nodded again. He then gently took Ava’s hand, looking into her eyes without speaking."What?" Ava asked, her voice carrying a hint of shyness.Ambrose smiled softly. "I want to apologize.”"Apologize for what?" Ava asked, slightly confused."For everything," he said. "We got married against your will. Your dreams of marrying someone wealthy or.
Meanwhile, inside, Palermo was growing bolder by the second, leaning closer to Ava as he tried to charm her.Palermo reached out, attempting to lightly brush her arm. “Come on, why don’t we just enjoy the evening together, huh?”Before his hand could make contact, Ava snapped back, her voice strong and unyielding, “Touch me, and you’ll regret it.”Palermo paused, taken aback by her intensity but still trying to play it cool. “Whoa, calm down. I’m just being friendly.”“Friendly or not,” Ava shot back, her eyes narrowing, “I’m not interested, and I’m warning you—don’t try anything again.”At that moment, Ambrose re-entered the restaurant, his eyes immediately locking onto Palermo leaning too close to Ava. His face hardened as he quickened his pace. Without hesitation, Ambrose strode up to them and forcefully pushed Palermo back, making him stumble away from Ava.“Don’t touch my wife!” Ambrose’s voice was cold, his eyes burning with intensity as he squared up to Palermo, his frame tense
Immediately Ambrose reached the table and Ava saw him, she smiled warmly and said, "You're here."Ambrose nodded, his gaze briefly flicking to Palermo with a slight frown before turning back to Ava. He handed her a single rose he had been holding. "This is yours."Ava was pleasantly surprised as she took the flower, admiring how beautiful it was. "Thank you," she said, smiling.Ambrose nodded, his expression still a bit serious as he looked at Palermo and then back to Ava. "Who's he?" he asked.Ava glanced at Palermo and replied, "This man here is Palermo. He offered to pay for my drink, and I refused. But guess what? He doesn't believe I have a husband and thinks he can give me some sort of 'great treatment.'"Ambrose’s frown deepened at her words. He turned fully towards Palermo, his voice calm but firm. "Hello, she told you she has a husband, so why are you still trying to force things?"Palermo looked Ambrose up and down with a smirk. "Where's your ring? Did you just manage to get
The staff member hesitated slightly, then leaned closer to Ava. "Madam, I understand your wish to pay, but that man is a big deal around here. It would be wise to give him face. A gesture like this—"Ava cut him off, her tone calm but firm. "I said no thanks. It's $500, right? I'll pay it myself. It's simple." She handed the staff member her card and calmly gave him the password.The staff member gave her a cold look, clearly understanding that Ava wasn’t going to be swayed. He took the card and walked back to the man in the suit. "She refused your payment and offered to pay herself," he said quietly.The man smirked, his gaze trailing back toward Ava. "Alright, don't worry about it," he replied, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. He glanced toward Ava one more time.Ava, feeling the weight of his gaze, briefly locked eyes with him before she deliberately looked away and focused on her phone. She checked the time—7:00 PM. Ambrose hadn’t arrived yet, which
Ambrose walked out to the cab which was parked outside and then sat inside. Sitting inside, the driver greeted him coolly. Ambrose responded then asked him to drive quickly. Ava had just finished changing back into the outfit she wore earlier that morning, a stylish yet practical look that blended well with her professional demeanor. She glanced at her reflection in the rearview mirror, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Satisfied with her appearance, she took a deep breath and started the car.The engine roared to life, and she quickly punched the location Ambrose had given her—Le Jardin Gourmet—into the GPS. As the directions appeared on the screen, she shifted into gear and pulled out of the lot.The drive wasn’t too long, but Ava found herself thinking about the upcoming dinner, her thoughts drifting to Ambrose. She wasn't used to such gestures from him, and the fact that he had planned the evening left her with mixed emotions. Half an hour later, Ava pulled up near