In life, we meet many people. Some of them become our friends, while others remain acquaintances or even strangers. But what is friendship? It's a bond between two people who share common interests, values, and experiences.
Friendship is not just about having fun together or hanging out. It's about being there for each other through thick and thin. Friends support each other in times of need and celebrate each other's successes.
True friendship is built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect. It takes time to develop and requires effort to maintain. But the rewards are worth it – a loyal friend can bring joy and comfort into your life.
So cherish your friendships – they are precious gifts that enrich our lives in countless ways!
Kian nodded and immediately went to get the car. On the way back to the Simpson's mansion, Ayan suddenly asked Kian, "Can you check who Preston had dinner with tonight at Darkmoor?"
Kian replied with a simple "Hmm."
When they arrived back at the Simpson's mansion, it was already after 9pm. Everyone was still up and seeing him come back alone surprised Talia who asked, "Why are you alone? Where is Cami?"
Ayan responded, "She's at Maple Leaves Mansion. I came back because I had something to ask you guys."
Seeing Ayan's serious expression, even old Simpson noticed his demeanor and asked,"What is it?"
Ayan then asked,"Grandpa, does our family have any relationship with people named Walker or Baxter besides Hance City?"
His serious tone made everyone tense.
Old Simpson furrowed his brow and thought for a moment before responding calmly,"There are hardly any people in Hance City with those surnames. Why do you ask this question?"
Ayan didn't answer Old Simpson directly but continued asking,"Besides Hance City, has our family ever had any conflict with other surnames?"
Old Simpson replied lightly,"The Simpsons have been running the Simpsons Group for many years now and naturally we've made some enemies along the way. But what do you mean by 'conflict' exactly? It can be defined in many ways."
Fletcher also chimed in asking Ayan if there was anything wrong since he seemed so concerned.
Ayan didn't reveal Preston's words directly because he knew that sometimes it wasn't wise to believe everything someone said but there were certain things that couldn't be ignored either.
He narrowed his eyes slightly as he spoke slowly,"Nothing really happened but I just remembered some things that might be important later on so I thought I'd come by while I had time to ask about them."
Old Simpson knew Ayan well enough to know that if there really wasn't anything going on then he wouldn't bother coming all this way just for a simple question like this one. So if something was bothering him enough to make him come here then it must be important.
After thinking about it for a while Old Simpson finally spoke up again saying:"The Simpsons have definitely offended quite a few people over time due to running their business but these were just typical business conflicts between companies."
Every business goes through its ups and downs, and although there are no permanent enemies or friends in the business world, Simpson Group has been able to stand strong in Hance City for so many years because the Simpsons don't push people too far. That's why there are very few people who would dare to cross them.
The old Simpson's words made Ayan nod along with him. He didn't say anything more but his expression became somber and dark.
Ayan had rushed back to the Simpson mansion tonight for two reasons: partly because of Preston's words that piqued his curiosity, but mostly because Preston kept mentioning a secret about the Simpson family that could lead Camille to leave him.
So he had to keep it in mind and pay attention.
After chatting with the old Simpson at the mansion for a while, it was getting late and he was about to retire. After helping Timmy out, Ayan took some videos and photos of Camille before leaving.
As soon as he got into his car, Fletcher came out from inside after him.
Father and son sat together in the car while Fletcher spoke calmly: "If you have any questions or concerns in future just come directly to me. Grandpa is getting older now so if you ask him something he may not remember everything clearly which will affect his mood."
Fletcher's words made Ayan laugh involuntarily: "Are you worried I'll ask grandpa something? Why so nervous? Does the Simpson family really have some secrets?"
"Don't talk nonsense! I'm just being cautious. Grandpa is not as healthy as before; Dr Ellis said last time that he needs rest more often now." Fletcher looked at Ayan seriously with reminders and warnings embedded within his speech.
Ayan's smile faded away too; he nodded lightly: "I understand. It's getting late now; please go inside quickly!"
Fletcher also nodded then turned around walked back into their house.
Ayan sat quietly without any reaction until Kian spoke up from behind after nearly half a minute:
"Mr. Simpson, can we leave now?"
"Hmm... let's go!" replied Ayan softly.
The car started up then left The Simpsons' mansion behind them.
Kian didn't know what Ayan talked about with the old Simpsons and Fletcher when they went in, but judging from what Fletcher just said, tonight's conversation between Ayan and Preston is related. So Kian couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Simpson, did Preston mislead you with his words and cause a misunderstanding?"
Ayan looked out the window with a calm and indifferent expression on his face. He squinted his eyes slightly, revealing a hint of coldness in his gaze as he spoke in a low voice: "Whether he misled me or not doesn't matter. Since he came to the Simpson family with something real to deal with, it wasn't for nothing that I spent so much time accompanying him."
Kian glanced at Ayan through the rearview mirror and reported what happened during Ayan's visit to the Simpson mansion: "Mr. Simpson, I found out who was dining with Preston at Darkmoor tonight. They have been doing business overseas for Norman Group and there are some illegal activities involved. I don't know if they are also cooperating with Preston."
"Keep an eye on them regardless of whether they're cooperating or not," Mr. Simpson replied firmly,"Don't keep watching over Preston himself anymore; otherwise he'll become too cautious to do anything useful. Just focus on those who are associated with him instead - I want to see how capable he really is."
Kian nodded in agreement.
After dropping off Ayan at Maple Leaves Mansion, Kian watched as Ayan took the elevator alone up to Camille's floor instead of going straight back home.
He rang her doorbell without asking her password lock yet again, giving her enough privacy.
Camille opened the door after two rings of bell, she asked immediately upon seeing him:"You went back to The Simpsons' mansion? Why didn't you tell me? Are you secretly meeting Timmy behind my back trying to cultivate your father-son relationship?"
Her questions made it difficult for Ayan, but also brought a smile on his lips. He approached her directly, pulled her into his arms, and spoke softly:"Yes, I'm cultivating our father-son relationship so that you can be jealous. What do you think?"
"Aren't you sly, Ayam!" Camille gritted her teeth, knowing full well that he was joking.
He held onto Camille tightly without letting go, and led them both into the house while closing the door behind them using one foot. Camille pushed against him, puckering up her eyebrows as she said:"Let go of me."
"Hug, hmm?" His voice was low and husky, and he refused to let go of Camille's hand as he walked her over to the couch. He rested his chin on her shoulder and spoke softly, one word at a time. "Have you missed me?"
Camille furrowed her brow at Ayan's clinginess. "Aren't you supposed to be back at the Simpson mansion? Did your grandfather scold you again?"
She sensed that something was off with his mood.
Ayan didn't answer her question directly but continued speaking. "I might have to go back to Dane City in a few days for the project kick-off ceremony. Will you come with me?"
"I'm already working on the project myself; I don't have any spare time," Camille sighed.
"What if you do have some free time? Will you come with me then?" Ayan asked seriously.
Camille followed his lead and asked, "What do you want us to do there?"
"I just want you by my side," Ayan replied.
"If I can't make it, will you pressure the museum into giving me some vacation days? Don't act like this; we've already attracted enough attention as it is. I just want this project completed smoothly without any more distractions," Camille said firmly.
Ayan nodded in agreement with what she said.
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Update pls thanks,!...
Thank you so much for the prompt update. More pls....