"She's known Ivan since she was 11, and now she's 33." Aubree said, "They celebrate birthdays and all the holidays together. They are now no longer close because you and the children showed up. They were once in love and happy."
"Catherine's love for Ivan has long been deep in the bones, but she never asks for anything in return. She works hard to help Ivan and share his burden." Aubree concluded, "I feel like she loves my son more than you do."
Jennifer envied the 22 years they had been together.
"So, Catherine is a better choice for Ivan. She has proven herself with 22 years of hard work. She has long since become part of the Marsh Group. She's Ivan's indispensable helper."
Jennifer had already decided to leave. Aubree's words reinforced her decision.
"Just go, never come back." Aubree handed Jennifer a ticket with a bank card, "Take the card, I don't want to owe you anything. It's for the medical treatment."
The flight was at three o'clock tomorrow afternoon, and the destination was Ottawa.
"I'll take the ticket only." Jennifer picked up the ticket, "This medicine will be mass-produced for the benefit of all mankind. I don't care about money."
"Take it! Stop faking!" Aubree stood up and looked down at Jennifer coldly, "I said I don't want to owe you anything!"
Jennifer was not intimidated by Aubree's momentum. She took over the card and stood up. "Okay then, as you wish."
Aubree looked into Jennifer's eyes with disgust.
"Is there anything else that you want to say? If not, I'm leaving."
"Leave him. Never show up in front of him again."
"Okay."
Back in her bedroom, Jennifer put Ivan's teacup and the keychain he had given her into her bag, along with the half jade pendant that had accompanied her for 26 years.
These were all her possessions, her greatest wealth in this life.
Throughout the afternoon, Jennifer was in melancholy. Catherine had accompanied Ivan for 22 years. How many days and nights were there?
How much did she love him?
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