Chapter 636 Return
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Avery couldn't tell if it was due to the air conditioning in the room being set a bit too low, but she felt a slight chill on her body.
She carefully tucked Alina into bed, then adjusted the air conditioning to a slightly higher temperature. Only then did she sit next to the latter, quietly watching her aunt, who had fallen asleep while still receiving an IV drip.
Even though Avery's face appeared quite calm, she was constantly worrying inside. How can I possibly convince Aunt Aline to undergo surgery?
Just as she was deep in thought, her phone chimed, alerting her to a few new WhatsApp messages.
Fearing the messages were related to work, Avery quickly pulled out her phone and swiftly unlocked it. Apart from a few messages that automatically popped up from subscribed accounts, there was also a message from Claire.
Intrigued, Avery tapped open the message from Claire that appeared before her eye: Ms. Rumpley, I'm Mrs. Lambert. I hope you don't mind me intruding. I am particularly fond of the house you designed for my father-in-law, both in terms of style and detail. My company is currently seeking a group of excellent architects, and I would love to invite you to join us. Would you be interested?
Upon seeing that Claire was asking about work-related matters, Avery would never refuse such opportunities to expand her own business.
So, she responded to Claire patiently, in a very formal language: I'm delighted that my design has caught Mrs. Lambert's attention, and I'm thrilled for the opportunity you've given me. If possible, I would be honored to serve your company. By the way, Mrs. Lambert, how is your health?
Avery pressed the send button.
She had just sent the message when Claire quickly replied within a mere few seconds: If that's the case, then it's settled. My health is not a major concern, and I've had enough rest these past few days. Ery, when do you have time to discuss the specifics of our collaboration? Are you free this afternoon?
Even though Claire was not fully recovered, she was already eager to meet with Avery.
She wished she could see her biological daughter right away.
Avery glanced at her aunt on the hospital bed, receiving her IV drip. Considering Alina's condition, she gently declined: Mrs. Lambert, it's a bit inconvenient at the moment. Can we reschedule? I'm currently at the hospital...
She had intended to tell Claire that she was at the hospital taking care of her seriously ill aunt, but before she could even compose the message, her finger accidentally hit the send button, and the message was sent directly to Claire.
Feeling a bit parched, Avery casually put down her phone and went over to the table to pour herself a cup of warm water, planning to soothe her throat.
Unexpectedly, the phone that was set aside suddenly started to buzz, popping out several WhatsApp notifications sounds in a row.
After taking a few sips of water, Avery felt her mouth wasn't as dry. Only then did she pick up her phone again.
The moment she opened WhatsApp, she was utterly startled.
A series of messages came in, all from Claire: Ery, why did you go to the hospital? Are you feeling unwell? Is it serious? Are you sick? Which hospital are you at? Is Cayden with you? Could you please send me your location? I'd like to come and check on you. Is that okay?
Claire's anxious and fervent tone left Avery utterly confused. In her opinion, Claire was the epitome of elegance and steadiness. Her attitude toward Avery had always been polite and distant. I don't think our relationship has really reached such a level of intimacy.
Even though Avery had known for a long time that Claire was her biological mother, she thought Claire was unaware of it all. Still, why does she speak to me in such a familiar and caring tone?
Avery felt inexplicably moved, feeling as if she was receiving the earnest concern and affection of a biological mother for her daughter, yet also left her feeling somewhat at a loss.
She quickly sent a message: Mrs. Lambert, there seems to be a misunderstanding. It's not me who's ill, but my aunt who's seriously sick. I'm perfectly healthy. I'm currently at the hospital taking care of her and can't leave for the time being. Our collaboration might have to be postponed for a while until my aunt's condition improves. I'm sorry.
Upon realizing that Avery wasn't the one who was sick, Claire breathed a sigh of relief and replied: I'm glad you're okay. We don't need to rush our collaboration. There's plenty of time ahead. Please take good care of your aunt in the hospital, and remember to look after your own health. You're pregnant now, so don't overwork yourself, understand?
The words of concern from Claire made Avery smile without her realizing it. “Okay. I understand, Mrs. Lambert. Thank you for your concern.”
Looking at how Avery addressed her as “Mrs. Lambert,” Claire felt a lump in her throat. I'm her own biological daughter, yet she insists on calling me Mrs. Lambert. When will she be able to address me as her mom affectionately?
At the same time, at the entertainment company, Nicole's assistant rushed in from outside in a hurry. “Nicole, we're in trouble!”
Nicole was dabbing her powder puff in front of the makeup mirror when she saw her assistant rush in hurriedly. Her already suppressed temper worsened.
She immediately scolded in displeasure, “How many times have I told you to knock before entering? Why can't you seem to remember!”
“I'm sorry, the situation was so urgent, I forgot...” the assistant said, panting heavily.
Seeing her assistant looking utterly exhausted, Nicole pursed her lips. “Forget it. What's the matter?”
“Wendy accepted a period drama role for you a few days ago, but someone else has taken your role as the second female lead...”
“What? When did this happen? The director called me just yesterday, asking me to come to the set tomorrow for filming. This can't be!” Upon hearing that her role had been stolen, Nicole was so furious that her face almost contorted.
Because of the numerous scandals surrounding her recently, her pure image suffered a great deal of negative impact. During that period, her career practically hit rock bottom.
Because of her father, William's status, no one dared to blacklist her. However, many directors and advertisers no longer wanted to collaborate with her.
Her agent, Wendy, couldn't bear to see her talent wasted. So, she racked her brains and used every means possible to secure Nicole a role as the second female lead in a large-scale period drama, hoping to give the latter a fresh start.
Given Nicole's usual pride and arrogance, how could she possibly demean herself by playing the second female lead?
But now, she really had no other choice. For the sake of her own career, she could only obediently follow Wendy's arrangements.
Who would have thought the minor supporting role she had fought so hard to get could be snatched away by someone else? That left Nicole feeling both angry and resentful.
“I'm not exactly sure what's going on either. I just got word from the director of the production team. He asked me to pass the message to you. He didn't specify the reason, only that they've replaced you with a new actress from another company,” the assistant said in a low voice, fearing Nicole's potential outburst. “
“This is so frustrating!” Nicole exclaimed, tossing her makeup puff aside. She was in no mood to apply makeup anymore, her face gloomy. Do those people who hide behind the power of others really think I've lost the support of the Lambert family? Regardless, I'm still the Lambert family's young lady for now.
Yet the thought of Avery returning to the Lambert family made Nicole incredibly anxious. Suddenly, she thought of someone. Perhaps only he could help me turn around this terrible situation.
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