The Apple of My Eye novel Chapter 399

Leila played one last card. "Ah, Mr. Lu? Will you be attending the dinner party tonight?" she asked.

The dinner was in honor of an important client. During similar occasions in the past, Charles always had her accompany him. And she was hoping he would do the same this time around. Every chance to be with Charles was precious for her.

She was surprised when Charles, after considering briefly, said no. Frowning, he told Leila, "Ask David to go with you. I have something else to attend to this evening."

Crestfallen, Leila said, "Okay."

She would have complied with whatever Charles decided. She thought, 'It's foolish to insist on Charles attending tonight. He's already suspected I started the rumor about our inappropriate relationship.' As she turned to leave, she decided, 'I need to stay under the radar in the meantime. Otherwise, I may lose my job.'

Walking out of Charles' office, Leila was now livid. But she remained calm not wanting to show her distress. Anger was useless. If her co-workers saw she was infuriated, they would only make fun of her. And the worst was the possibility of losing her job all because of her desire for the boss.

Charles left the office early and gave notice he was not returning for the day. He went to Autumn's office to pick up his wife. Since they had yet to visit Autumn's family after getting back from their honeymoon, the couple agreed to visit and join the Zhao family for dinner.

"Grandma!" Autumn greeted Emily excitedly when they arrived.

Abby, meanwhile, pulled Charles aside and whispered, "How are things going with your secretary?"

Charles quickly assured her. "Please don't worry, Aunt Abby. I have no feelings for her, and I will never betray Autumn, " he promised. Abby looked him in the eye, saw that he meant every word and remarked, "You better not."

She didn't trust Charles and wanted to hear his sentiments about the matter.

"I'm telling you, if you do anything to hurt Autumn, I will show you no mercy, " she warned, her tone deadly serious.

"I know, " Charles replied.

He was aware Autumn's family, including Abby, was just protective of his wife and did not mind the distrust.

Autumn spied the two huddled in a corner and went up to them. "What are you two talking about?"

She looked from Charles to Abby. "Why so sneaky, hmm?"

It was Abby who answered. "It's nothing. We're just catching up."

There was absolutely no need for Autumn to know about Leila's attempts to seduce Charles, Abby thought.

"We were only discussing Cindy's education, " Charles explained to his wife with a smile.

"Oh, yes. Where is Cindy?" Autumn asked, looking around.

"I don't see her around, " she frowned slightly.

Abby patted Autumn's arm. "Cindy is with her grandparents."

She added, "They missed her so we asked her to visit them at home and spend time there." Abby turned to look at the dining table and announced, "Dinner is ready."

Every time Autumn visited the Zhao family there was always a feast laid out for her. Amy had always been grateful that her son left them a pretty granddaughter. Autumn's presence made it easier to deal with the grief of losing her son Bowen. She enjoyed cooking for Autumn.

During dinner, Arthur talked about Wendy. The topic, of course, upset Autumn, whose face turned a bit dark. Lowering her head, Autumn thought, 'Why is my grandfather talking about Wendy? I'm married now and starting a new life with Charles. And I've been quite busy lately, yes, but I wish he didn't bring Wendy up.'

Autumn did not miss Wendy at all, considering all that she did to her daughter. 'What she did to me does not deserve respect, ' she thought.

"We are having dinner. Why did you have to bring up that bitch and spoil our appetite!" Amy snapped at Arthur.

She had seen the change in Autumn's face prompting her to admonish Arthur. "It's okay, Grandma, " Autumn assured Abby. Then forcing a smile, she looked at her grandfather.

"What happened to her?" she inquired.

"The verdict was handed down, " he said, looking at Autumn to see her reaction. His granddaughter was so shocked that she dropped her chopsticks on the floor. Concerned, Charles picked them up and asked his wife, "Are you all right?" Abby set another pair of chopsticks on Autumn's plate.

She took a deep breath before replying, "I'm fine, Charles."