Cecelia suddenly patted Avery while the latter was absorbed in the thought of her two children.
“Hey, why are you giggling? Was that call earlier from Mr. Moore? You should look in the mirror to see the contented smile on your face. This is making me so jealous!”
Avery knew Cecelia had always been single, even though the latter was approaching her thirties. She wondered if Cecelia was traumatized by her previous heartbreak or if her decision to stay single was driven by some other reason.
Although plenty of men pursued her, Cecelia remained indifferent and never reciprocated their sentiment.
Unbeknownst to Avery, Cecelia was competent and shrewd. She harbored an ulterior motive when she approached Avery in the beginning.
Cecelia, an astute woman, could figure out at first glance Cayden's unusual interest in Avery. That was why she decided to establish a close relationship with Avery.
However, after her frequent interactions with Avery, Cecelia realized that not only did Avery possess a good nature, but her charisma and talents in design were also extraordinary. Gradually, Cecelia became keen to befriend Avery for real.
“It's not him. I was talking on the phone with Zach and Rory.” Avery had always been fond of Cecelia because of the latter's straightforward personality.
Not only was Cecelia a good-hearted person, but she had also saved Avery from difficult situations on multiple occasions, prompting Avery to feel extremely grateful toward her.
Avery remembered how her colleagues ostracized her when she first joined the company. Her only best friend at that time was Nina. It was Cecelia who had taken the initiative to accept her, and she was also glad to share the fun times at work with Cecelia.
Avery and Cecelia chatted happily and amicably as they strode toward the company's exit.
Avery and Cecelia ran into Gabriel and Madeline when they were about to turn a corner inside the building.
Gabriel appeared like his usual gentlemanly self, dressed in suits.
On the other hand, Madeline's hair was slightly disheveled, her face flushed, and her lips were a little swollen.
When Madeline saw Avery and Cecelia, she fell into a momentary daze as an astonished look spread across her pretty face.
Cecelia flashed a fake smile and casually greeted them before hastily dragging Avery away from the scene. It's best if we don't linger.
Unable to wrap her mind around the situation, Avery allowed Cecelia to pull her along passively as they moved toward the elevator on the other side of the corridor.
After the couple disappeared from their vision, Avery couldn't help but ask, “Cecelia, I haven't even gotten the chance to say hello to them. Wouldn't it be rude if we left just like that?”
Cecelia rolled her eyes and whispered beside Avery's ear, “You shouldn't get too involved with them. Something's going on between Gabriel and Madeline. When I went to the restroom earlier, I stumbled upon him pinning her against the washbasin. Tsk tsk. I even noticed Madeline's underwear was halfway stripped. Do you know Gabriel is already married and with kids?”
“What? He's fooling around with other women even when he's already married? What a jerk.” Avery widened her eyes in shock.
Cecelia nodded. “You're too innocent. Such indecent behaviors are very common in a large corporation like this. This is not a matter you and I can control. Otherwise, why did you think Madeline could become the department head at such a young age? That woman is not to be taken lightly. She's very ambitious and is willing to curry favors with higher-ranking men to climb the corporate ladder. Engaging in indecent activities with powerful men is a piece of cake for her. I suggest you avoid interacting with Madeline to prevent getting dragged into the mess.”
“Okay, I got it. Thank you for the reminder, Cecelia.” Avery nodded.
In fact, she was always busy with her, so she didn't have the free time to interfere with others' matters.
Moreover, she had always been one to mind her own business and focused on performing well in her job. Hence, other people's personal lives were none of her concern.
...
After picking up the two kids, Cayden drove Avery and the children to Azure Royal.
Azure Royal was a famous entertainment center in Ackleton. It was a property belonging to Gibson Corporation, which provided facilities such as recreation, food and beverages, and entertainment under one roof.
Its architectural design was gorgeous and unique. The building's interior design was all the more distinctive. It was said that Cayden had personally participated in the process of designing the center previously.
Azure Royal was located in the most prosperous business district, and a lake surrounded three facades of the structure. The floor was mainly paved with bluestones, and the building walls were mounted with a large amount of glass. Almost every room came with a mesmerizing lake view.
Despite the freezing weather outside, the indoor area of Azure Royal was filled with thriving greenery.
Moreover, the vintage coffee table, intricately-designed screens, and wooden furniture were all hand-crafted. The combination of modern and classical features gave Azure Royal an air of elegance.
Holding Zachary and Rory's hands, Avery said to Cayden, “I've heard that Azure Royal is Ackleton's renowned entertainment center. I'm truly impressed when I get to see this breathtaking piece of architecture in person. I also heard that you designed this place. You're indeed awe-inspiring.”
As someone who studied architectural design, Avery was aware of the famous Azure Royal. Unfortunately, she only had the chance to gaze at the structure from afar because the expenditure in that place was too high.
Aside from the costly spending, only customers with certain social statuses were permitted inside the premise. Therefore, a poor commoner like her had no chance to lay her eyes on the interior of the building.
Nonetheless, the exquisite and one-of-a-kind exterior of Azure Royal was sufficient to elicit Avery's admiration toward the designer's unique taste, not to mention the interior design.
The thought of Azure Royal's designer being her significant other filled her with immense pride and honor. The man I love is indeed remarkable.
“Mommy, Daddy has always been amazing, but he's too busy with work. He doesn't have the time to accompany us and seldom eats with us,” Zachary muttered in a low voice while tugging at Avery's hand.
“Sometimes, Zach and I wanted to eat with Daddy, but he would tell us impatiently that we were not kids anymore, so we should learn to have our meals on our own instead of insisting on having an adult accompany us. Hmph... Daddy started to spend a little more time having his meal with us only after your arrival.” Rory pouted in indignation.
Avery squatted down and gently hugged them. Then, she met the children's eyes and said tenderly, “It is Daddy's fault for neglecting you two because he is constantly swamped with work. However, Daddy is also facing a lot of pressure to support this family. He has to deal with a heavy daily workload in order to provide a better life for you two. Therefore, you should learn to empathize with him, okay?”
“Okay. We got it.” The two kids nodded sensibly.
As Cayden took in Avery's demeanor while she coaxed the children, the affection he harbored toward her intensified.
Her sweet smile, kind temperament, and pure aura gave her a vibe similar to a piece of crystal clear, unadulterated emerald. The sense of ease he felt whenever he was around her was something no other woman could invoke in him.
Hence, she had always been the existence he adamantly yearned for all those years.
At that moment, Maria, dressed flamboyantly, entered with her arms wrapped around Dylan's. Trailing behind them was a group of noisy young men and women.
Dylan was stunned when he saw Avery. He instinctively tried to shrug off Maria's hands.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The CEO Gets What He Wants