Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
The assertion that Luciana had awakened was primarily a ploy to unsettle Alexis.
Matteo continued, “Additionally, Beuford’s murder has been confirmed. His body was discovered in a reservoir 800 kilometers away.”
Cornell’s expression hardened, his Lips forming a tight line. “Let’s not incite further chaos just yet. Ensure Beuford receives a proper burial under a veil of secrecy.”
“Understood, Mr. Clement.”
Despite the dizziness threatening to overwhelm him, Cornell attempted to rise once more, his legs unsteady.
Observing Cornell’s struggle, Matteo voiced his concern, “Mr. Clement, perhaps you should rest a while Longer.”
Yet, Cornell, driven by sheer determination, straightened himself upright once more. Once he stood tall, despite his myriad ailments, he concealed them effortlessly, resembling a towering mountain.
There was no time for respite. Soon, he wouldn’t be able to walk at all. His time was running out.
Cornell’s handsome visage regained its sternness, his voice chillingly resolute as he instructed, “Tomorrow, we begin dealing with them!”
Audrey departed the VIP floor in a daze, wandering. A sudden sharp pain in her lower abdomen jolted her out of her thoughts.
Instructing Victor to escort Janey back first, Audrey started to make her way to the obstetrics department for a checkup.
By then, Janey had settled down, and her tears subsided, though she was reluctant to leave Audrey’s side. Pouting, she murmured, “Mommy, just now…”
Seeing Audrey’s pallor, Victor swiftly intervened, “Janey, let’s discuss it tonight at home, alright?”
Observing her mother’s distress, Janey nodded solemnly. “Okay. Mommy, I’ll wait for you to come back.”
“Very well, Janey. Be good and listen to Victor,” Audrey reassured Janey before heading off for her examination.
After Victor departed with Janey, Audrey proceeded with her ultrasound.
The results were promptly delivered, and the doctor reassured Audrey, “Nothing serious. Just ensure you supplement with folic acid, get plenty of rest, and try to avoid stress.”
Audrey felt the tension in her heart dissipates. She expressed her gratitude to the doctor, accepting her report, and as she exited, she accidentally collided with someone. Quickly apologizing, she began, “Sorry…”
Before she could complete her apology, Audrey realized she had collided with Henley.
Henley’s gaze fixed on the medical report in her hand, and he extended his hand, saying, “What were you having checked? Let me see.”
Audrey stepped back and concealed the medical report behind her, eyeing Henley cautiously. “And why do you care?”
Henley, unruffled, flashed a serene smile. “Why are you here alone for the check-up?”
“Mr. Brooks, I don’t think we’re close enough for this conversation,”
Audrey replied.
Ever since Janey’s being kidnapped, Audrey had lumped Henley together with Cecilia and Katie. All of them were ruthless in their own right.
Henley, shrewd as ever, knew how to sit back and profit from others’ strife.
Henley’s gaze bore into Audrey. “We’re not exactly strangers, are we?”
Judging by the way Henley oscillated between threats and nonchalance, Audrey could tell that he was a master at manipulation. “Are you referring to the time you attempted to blackmail me with my daughter’s disappearance?” Audrey challenged.
Henley was rendered speechless. He fumbled for words, attempting to justify himself. “It was a misunderstanding. Audrey, I didn’t intend to blackmail you with your child’s situation. I just wanted you by my side. I was investigating back then…”
“That’s enough,” Audrey interjected.
Audrey refused to engage with Henley any further. In an icy tone, she asked, “By misunderstanding, do you mean not lending a helping hand when I needed the most, or trying to force me into being your mistress, which society looks down on?”
Henley’s expression soured. For once, he could find no words to retort as the truth of his intentions hung heavy in the air.
“I’m sorry,” Henley finally murmured, the words wrested out after contemplation.
“Bringing this up now, under these circumstances, was thoughtless of me. I understand I upset you earlier. I won’t say such a thing again,”
Henley added in an effort to smooth things over.
Audrey desired no further interaction with Henley. ALl she wanted was for him to stop making her sick.
Unexpectedly, Henley spoke again. “Audrey, if what you’re worried about is people’s judgment, just give me some time. Right now, I need Matilda’s backing. Once everything is settled, I’ll divorce her and marry you.”
Audrey froze, astounded by his words. Her revulsion caused by Henley sank to new depths.
Was he genuinely plotting to wed Matilda to exploit the Holmes family’s wealth and influence before getting a divorce and then marrying her? Could any sane person contemplate such a scheme?
With their moral compasses on opposite ends, having any sort of conversation was meaningless. “I’m sorry, but this so-called misunderstanding can’t be cleared up,” Audrey declared, turning to leave.
But Henley abruptly grabbed her hand, his gaze falling on the medical report. “What about you? Didn’t you just come out of the obstetrics department?”
“That’s none of your business!” Audrey snapped, wrenching her hand away fiercely. “Let me go!”
Instead of releasing her, Henley’s grasp tightened. “Are you pregnant again?” He sneered, “Cornell doesn’t want you, yet you’re carrying his child. Are you stupid?”
Henley had witnessed Audrey’s earlier interaction with Cornell.
Though Cornell appeared aloof around Audrey and didn’t seem to make any moves, it was Likely that he was prepared.
Ever suspicious and wary, Alexis and Henley braced themselves for Cornell’s next move. They were ready to leverage Audrey if necessary, but Cornell had made it clear that he was through with Audrey.
Moreover, Cornell had stated that the Clement family would recognize Katie’s child, which was a significant indication. When a man embraced a child, it implied acceptance of the mother.
Perhaps Cornell was shoring up Katie as a strategic maneuver. And it worked. After all, Katie now wanted nothing to do with Henley’s and Alexis’ schemes. However, Katie couldn’t get away. Henley knew enough to control her.
Henley remained skeptical, observing the situation closely. He wasn’t keen on exploiting Audrey, but if pushed, he felt he had no other option. However, if Cornell truly abandoned Audrey, she’d be of no use.
Audrey’s brows knitted together in anger. “You only noticed the obstetrics department? Didn’t you see the gynecology department right there as well?”
Henley glanced over, and indeed, next to the obstetrics department was the gynecology department.
Aware of Henley’s cunning nature, Audrey was careful not to reveal her pregnancy. In a composed manner, she countered, “What’s unusual about a grown woman visiting a gynecologist?”
“Alright, perhaps it’s my mistake. But what I saw in the VIP area earlier, I didn’t misinterpret that, did I?” Henley persisted.
Observing Audrey’s paling complexion, Henley’s lips curved slightly as he pressed on, “Cornell no longer cares for you, so why do you persist in holding on to him? Maybe you should consider me. No matter how many flings I have with other women, it’s always been you I genuinely loved.”
“Henley, I don’t owe you any explanations!” Audrey snapped.
“If I wasn’t clear before, let me be clear now. I have no connection with you, not even as acquaintances. If you dare target Janey or anyone close to me, I will fight you to the end, regardless of the consequences! I hope you….”
She paused; her words deliberate. “Don’t make me regret having offered warmth to the boy you used to be.”
Audrey’s words hit a nerve, causing Henley’s breath to catch in his throat. His fixation over Audrey originated from a childhood incident, and now she was expressing remorse for ever giving him warmth. In a sudden outburst of anger and embarrassment, he exclaimed, “What’s so great about Cornell? Despite his constant humiliation of you, you still choose to support him over me?”
“He’s an honorable man with integrity in both his personal and professional life. He never resorts to deceitful tactics to achieve his goals. Need I elaborate further?” Audrey retorted. “He’s better than you in every way.”
Henley was left speechless. With a scowl etched onto his face, he said, “Everything I’ve done was to reclaim what rightfully belongs to me!”
“Rightfully belongs to you?” Audrey challenged, “Henley, what exactly belongs to you? Under Cornell’s leadership, the Clement Group has doubled its achievements and prospered, all due to his dedication. Even if you believe you’re entitled to a share, you could have demonstrated your capabilities through fair competition, not by colluding with shareholders behind the scenes.”
Instantly, Henley’s face flushed with a range of emotions. “Did he ever give me a fair chance to compete? When I joined the company, he did everything to sideline me, making it impossible for me to even raise my head. Meanwhile, he has the best resources and connections at his disposal, which helps him effortlessly accomplish anything he puts his mind to!”
Henley continued defensively, “Do you think I enjoy scheming in the shadows? If I were in his shoes, I would do a better job than him!”
“A better job than him?” Audrey scoffed. “Henley, the instant you stooped to using those underhanded methods, you lost any right to compare yourself to him.”
“How dare you question my worthiness!” Henley’s face twisted with fury. He seemed to be teetering on the brink of losing composure, constrained only by the fact that they were in public.
Audrey’s gaze, on the other hand, remained bright and resolute.
“Every action he takes is for the betterment of the company. Can you and Alexis say the same? What have you accomplished anyway? Wooing shareholders, betraying the company’s interests, fabricating your grandfather’s will, colluding with outsiders to devalue the Clement Group shares for personal gain…”
Audrey snorted. “Nothing you’ve done makes you worthy of being compared to Cornell.”
With that, she left, indifferent to Henley’s escalating anger.
Henley’s expression was hideous as he bellowed at Audrey’s retreating figure, “You’ll regret this! Protecting a man who doesn’t want you. I’ll wait for you to regret your choice!”
Audrey halted, turned back, and declared, “I was just stating facts. It has nothing to do with my feelings for him.”
Henley, speechless, was livid.
“Henley, many mistakes stem from a single misstep. I’m warning you for the last time. Don’t make another mistake!” With her piece said, Audrey made her exit.
By the time Audrey returned home, she felt drained. However, thinking of the impact of today’s incident to Janey, she walked to Janey’s room for a talk.
Janey was already in bed, lively and seemingly untouched by the day’s events, while Annis read her a story.
Approaching softly, Audrey said, “Janey, how about I tell you a story tonight?”