Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Struggling to contain his anger, Alexis asked, “Why did you fire Carsen?”
“He abused his position for personal gain and colluded with external parties. The evidence was irrefutable,” Cornell explained.
“But it was just minor information he sold. In a company this big, he’s not only the one doing such things!”
Cornell cast a cold glance at Alexis and vowed, “I’ll find out all of them, and I won’t spare any of them.”
“How dare you! Those veterans have been with me since the beginning, and they’re nearing retirement.”
Alexis shot daggers at Cornell and snorted, “Did you even consult me before firing them? How dare you disregard my position!”
Cornell sneered, and his laughter added a chill to the air.
“And when have you ever asked me before harming my people?”
“Who have I harmed?” Alexis asked, taken aback.
Without even sparing him a glance, Cornell dismissively said, “You should leave now. Don’t bother us anymore.”
His emphasis on “us” was deliberate.
It was only that that Alexis realized that by “my people,” Cornell was referring to Audrey.
Well, it was not surprising that Alexis didn’t take Audrey seriously.
In his eyes, Audrey was an ex-daughter-in-law with no significant status and not someone he felt compelled to curry favor with.
This realization fueled his fury. The fact that Cornell had dismissed his informants in the company just for Audrey irked him.
Moreover, those informants who had been working for Alexis for years were never a concern to Cornell previously. But now, Cornell fired them as a tool for intimidation.
Unable to contain his anger, Alexis pointed accusingly at Audrey and snarled, “It seems that what I said to you that day went in one ear and out the other. You ignored my words and came back to stir trouble! You’re not just shameless. You’re cunning!
Let me warn you. Kyler’s condition is failing. Once he’s gone, I’1L never let someone like you marry into the Clement family. You’d better give up the idea of remarrying Cornell!”
Audrey, who was already eager to leave here, grew paler with Alexis’ sudden outburst.
Alexis’ rage had not cooled yet. And to Audrey’s shock, he raised his hand, wanting to hit her.
Slap! The sound of a slap echoed sharply.
Audrey shut her eyes tight and braced for the impact.
Yet, to her surprise, she felt no pain. When she opened her eyes, she saw Cornell had stepped in and shielded her from the blow.
Alexis stood there, stunned. He had intended to hit Audrey. But in the chaos, his slap had landed squarely on Cornell’s jaw.
Cornell realized that had he not stepped in, Audrey would have been the one to bear the brunt of that slap. At the thought of this, his eyes turned cold.
While striking back at his father was not an option, he was not without recourse.
Right in front of Alexis, Cornell dialed a number and rattled off a list of names.
“Investigate these individuals thoroughly. If you find any wrongdoing, transfer the case to the prosecutor’s office and press charges.”
Alexis’ complexion drained of color.
The individuals Cornell targeted for investigation were Alexis’ confidants. This move Cornell was a clear of his of by signal way getting back. It was not only detrimental to the company’s internal harmony but also posed a threat to its image and reputation.
Alexis pointed accusingly at Cornell.
“Do you still see me as your father? I did all this for your good! How can you oppose me over a woman? Have you ever thought about the repercussions for the company?”
“If you’re so concerned about the company, then stop provoking me,”
Cornell retorted.
“This is the final warning. Don’t hurt my people.
More importantly, don’t speak ill of her, not to mention insult her.
If you push me further, jail will be the least of your worries!”
Cornell’s threat was stark and unmasked. He made sure Audrey heard it.
Alexis was boiling with rage, feeling a sharp, throbbing pain in his chest. His authority and dignity were completely undermined.
At this moment, he clutched his chest and exclaimed, “You’re such an unfilial son! You have the nerve to send the company’s elders to the police for her sake. What’s next? Are you going send me to the police station tomorrow?”
“As long as you refrain from acting recklessly, I can guarantee you a peaceful retirement.”
Cornell’s implication was clear. If Alexis crossed the line, particularly with Audrey, Cornell would not hesitate to act, even if it meant throwing his father in jail.
“How dare you!” Alexis clutched the railing. He was so furious that he struggled for breath.
Suddenly, Cornell called out, “Matteo!”
Matteo walked over to Cornell, who then ordered, “Escort him to see the doctor. Also, station two bodyguards at the door. Don’t let anyone like him come in Alexis could hardly believe what he was hearing. Cornell was targeting him.
That was exactly what he had said moments earlier. But now, his own words were being used against him.
Alexis felt a tightness in his chest. His eyes rolled back as Matteo assisted him out of the room.
Now, only Cornell and Audrey were left in the room.
Noticing that Cornell’s jaw was red and swollen, Audrey guided him to sit on the sofa.
“Wait here.”
She quickly fetched a piece of ice from the freezer, wrapped it in gauze, and then gently applied it to his jaw.
On the sofa, Cornell’s tall frame made the space seem almost too small.
To be able to apply the cold compress better, Audrey knelt on the sofa, her one leg bent for balance.
Cornell’s eyes were captivating. They were deep and attractive, with an almost vortex-like intensity at their center that seemed to draw people in whenever he gazed at them.
Audrey’s heart raced. Feeling uncomfortable under his intense gaze, she bit her lip and urged, “Close your eyes.”
“Why? Feeling shy?” Cornell teased with a light chuckle. He found her shy expression endearing.
“Then do it yourself.” Audrey gave him the ice pack. But he caught her wrist with a gentle, yet firm grip and drew her closer as if into an embrace.
“Help me, and I’ll behave,” Cornell said, his voice low and slightly husky. It was easy to miss if one was not paying close attention.
With that, he closed his eyes and rested his hand on her slender waist.
With his eyes shut, the mesmerizing power of his gaze was hidden, drawing attention instead to the strong lines of his face. Distinct yet delicate.
Even with his eyes closed, Cornell’s appearance remained striking.
His long, straight eyelashes added to his allure.
Audrey could not help but marvel at his handsome features. How blessed he was.
However, more than his looks, what surprised her was his instinct to protect her from Alexis’ slap.
The memory of Alexis’ eyes rolling in frustration and being escorted away brought a sense of satisfaction to Audrey.
With these thoughts, Audrey tended to Cornell in a gentler manner.
But in a fleeting moment of distraction, her hand accidentally brushed against his lips.
His lips were unexpectedly soft and delicate.
At the unexpected contact, Audrey felt a jolt in her body.
“That’s enough,” she murmured, eager to escape the moment.
However, Cornell firmly grasped her waist and lifted her onto his lap.
The small sofa seemed to shrink further.
Then, with a gentle but assertive motion, Cornell cradled her face in his hands…
The posture made Audrey hitch her breath.
Since Cornell felt better, he started wearing shirts instead of hospital gowns.
As a reputable businessman, Cornell paid much attention to his appearance. Audrey thought he looked best in shirts.