Chapter 7
Clayton understood Valerie’s struggles, and he also understood why Audrey was upset when she saw the mess in her new house. That was why he was willing to pay the full compensation.
By the time Clayton reached the law firm, it was nearly 2 p.m., and his stomach was acting up.
Audrey knew about his stomach issues. She would always make sure to arrange his meals carefully and pack him lunch every day. When she was on a business trip, she’d make sure to order something light and easy to digest for him.
But during Audrey’s stay at Ashwood Mental Hospital, his stomach had flared up three times. Last night, he had something spicy with Valerie, and now, he was dealing with acid reflux and a dull pain.
After Jade comforted Valerie, she went off to handle her own work. Valerie didn’t rush into Clayton’s office but waited by the elevator.
When Clayton came out, she smiled and walked toward him. “Clay, you haven’t eaten yet, right? The roast lamb at the restaurant across the street is amazing. Let’s go try it.”
Clayton instinctively frowned and headed toward his office. “Nah, I’ll grab some stuff at home later.”
Valerie’s eyes turned serious. “Has Audrey come back? You’re still going to cook for yourself?”
“The nanny will make it.” Clayton then diverted the topic. “By the way, have you picked a preschool for Luna?”
Clayton knew people in the education department and had them recommend a few good options. Since Luna had autism, with the right people watching over her, she wouldn’t be bullied by other kids.
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When Valerie heard Clayton ask about Luna, she clenched her fists and replied, “Thanks, Clay. Without you, I really wouldn’t know how to handle.
- it.
“That scumbag wanted a boy, and when he found out I was having a girl, he either hit me or yelled at me. Luna survived because of her own strength. I lived in fear every day and still have nightmares till now.”
Valerie was good at holding back tears, letting them gather in her eyes before they finally spilled down her cheeks.
She tilted her head back, a smile breaking through her tears. “You pulled me out of the mire and gave Luna and me a new life. As long as you’re with us, I’m not afraid of anything.”
Clayton’s movements slowed as he searched for something. He mused, ‘If it weren’t for Mr. Patterson donating a kidney to Dad, Dad wouldn’t have survived this long. Their family has done a lot for us. I can’t just ignore it.‘
He thought about Luna and felt sorry for such a small kid to face such hardship. He finally spoke, “Our families have ties. No more words like thanks, okay? If you ever need anything, just let me know.”
Valerie bit her lip, her eyes glinting with a hint of calculation. “Audrey doesn’t want to come home because of me. If I ask you for help…”
on put his briefcase down and looked at her. “She’s not as mature as bu and still throws a tantrum from time to time. But she understands
me.”
Valerie seemed to relax, and her smile grew brighter. “You’re going home to grab some files, right? Let me come with you and cook for you.”
Clayton walked to the cabinet and took out the files he needed. Without looking back, he said, “Don’t bother, Vally.”
Valerie took a step forward and insisted, “You helped us find a house yesterday, and I didn’t get a chance to thank you. I don’t have much, but I
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Chapter 7
can cook you a meal.
“Luna made a mess of Audrey’s new house. Even though she hurt my hand, I still want to apologize for Luna’s sake.”
“That’s something she owes you.” Clayton closed the cabinet and paused. “Fine, let’s just go back together.”
He figured that Valerie was hurt by Audrey, and Luna messed up Audrey’s house. That seemed like enough to balance things out.
Thus, they left the firm together.
Jade leaned over to Emilia. “Emilia, Clayton and Valerie are meant for each other, right? Audrey should just step out.”
Emilia watched them enter the elevator side by side, yet her expression was disapproving. But her boss’s personal life was none of her business.
20
*****
Meanwhile, Audrey spent the whole morning meeting with three parents who wanted tutoring for their kids. One complained about her background, another complained that her husband always kept his eyes on Audrey, and the last one had their deal snatched away by someone else.
Audrey followed the GPS to the fourth house. The parent there offered the highest tutoring fees.
It was in a high–end neighborhood with spacious distances between the buildings. All the houses were duplexes, and the employer’s place occupied the first two floors with a large yard.
Audrey was about to knock when she heard a woman’s distressed voice from inside. “Ivan, what do you want me to do? You asked for chicken legs, I went out and bought them, worked hard all afternoon, and now you say you don’t want them.
“I became a full–time housewife just to take care of you, and now you can’t
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Chapter 7
understand me, and you even hate me. My heart hurts so much.”
Suddenly, the door swung open, almost hitting Audrey in the face. She quickly took a step back.
A teenager, about her height, walked out with a cold expression. His T- shirt had cola stains on it.
“Ivan, if you walk out that door, I’ll kill myself right now,” the woman inside screamed hysterically.
The teenager shot Audrey a look of contempt and kept walking.
“Dumbass?” Audrey muttered as she passed him.
The teenager stopped in his tracks, turned his head, and looked at her. He smiled and called out, “Berserker?”
His eyes lit up for a brief moment before quickly dulling again. He turned back and continued walking.
Audrey grabbed his arm and asked, “Is your mom looking for a tutor for you? I’m here for the job. Let’s talk. Mutually beneficial, you know?”
Brooke Gomez came running out. Seeing her son being held by a pretty woman, she eyed Audrey suspiciously and asked, “Who are you?”
“I’m here to apply as a tutor.” Audrey released Ivan and took out her credentials from her bag.
Brooke immediately yanked Ivan back inside. “Sorry, we’ve already found
someone.”
Ivan pointed at Audrey. “Keep her.”
Brooke stared at her son and asked, “What did you say?”
Ivan was expressionless, not even lifting his gaze. “We’ve tried so many tutors. I’m tired of it, okay? I think she’s fine.”
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Chapter 7
Without another word, he turned and went back inside.
Audrey sensed that Brooke had some kind of inexplicable hostility toward her, but she still stepped into the house.
They agreed that the first lesson would be free of charge, and if they were both satisfied, each lesson would be 120 dollars.
Audrey walked into Ivan’s room. He was lying on the bed, playing games with a blank expression. Seeing Audrey, he simply said, “You can’t help
me.”
Audrey pulled a chair over and sat across from him. “What if I could expose the crimes at Ashwood Mental Hospital?”
The game controller dropped from Ivan’s hands with a clatter.
He lowered his head, and though Audrey couldn’t see his expression, she could see his back arch in pain.
*****
Brooke quietly cracked the door open, peeking through the gap to see her son and Audrey sitting at the desk.
Audrey said, “Finish this test. I gotta see where your basic skills are.”
Ivan picked up the pen without a word.
Brooke was filled with confusion and disbelief. Her son had a serious
rebellious streak, and with her husband busy with business, she had no choice but to send him to Ashwood Mental Hospital.
She just picked him up last week, and since then, he’d been quiet, giving her the cold shoulder.
She thought to herself, ‘Ivan’s temper is terrible. He’s offended several tutors. Yet today, he’s listening to this woman? Do they know each other already? Could she be Miguel’s mistress?‘
