Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
After whispering something to her assistant Judd, Audrey then announced with a smile, “Well, if you all insist, I’ll attempt it.”
Shortly after, some set up an embroidery frame, prepared a piece of silk, and placed an embroidery needle and some threads next to it.
The audience’s anticipation grew.
This arrangement was a nod to the Warburton Embroidery Method, renowned for its method where the needle wasn’t changed, nor the thread cut.
When it was time to change colors, the new color was integrated using a concealed stitch technique.
Even though a documentary once showcased Casey’s method, no one had been able to replicate it just by viewing it.
Audrey sat down, elegantly picked up the needle, and began swiftly sketching a bird on the silk with skilled hands.
Her remarkable dexterity and speed captivated the onlookers. Everyone was mesmerized, puzzled at how she accomplished such a feat.
In under thirty minutes, Audrey brought a lively bird to existence on the silk, portraying it with astonishing realism.
The eyes of the bird, in particular, looked so alive from every angle that it left the audience without words.
For a brief moment, the hall was so silent one could detect the sound of a falling pin.
After two decades, the sight of the incredible Warburton Embroidery Method again left everyone utterly amazed. They were lost for words.
All attention was on Audrey’s skilled hands, acknowledging their extraordinary value.
Soon, the quiet was pierced by a single set of applause.
From the crowd, Stefan admired Audrey and clapped with enthusiasm. He hadn’t stepped in to deal with the instigator since Audrey had asked him to remain passive. She had her justifications.
Moments later, as if jolted back to reality, the audience joined in with a roaring ovation, All skepticism dissolved.
Casey had once confirmed that only her daughter was privy to this embroidery craft. Casey recognized her five-year-old daughter’s innate knack for embroidery and started her lessons.
At just five, Casey’s daughter, now confirmed as Audrey, completed an intricate lion’s head embroidery in under a month, which was impressive. It was clear Audrey had a more profound gift in this regard than Casey.
Audrey stood on stage, her delicate features capturing the camera’s attention, glowing as though surrounded by light.
Watching the crowd’s enthusiasm and their recording of her work, Audrey’s eyes filled with tears. She had thought her mother’s legacy had been forgotten, yet many still held it dear.
Audrey had come prepared today, intending to use the event’s spotlight to send a message to her long-lost mother.
Even without the woman’s challenge, Audrey had intended to present the Warburton Embroidery Method at this gathering. This was her way of telling her mother she was her long-lost daughter.
Even with her mother missing for years, Audrey harbored hope that, just maybe, her mother would see this press conference and note her.
Just as the ill-intentioned woman was about to speak once more, the police intervened.
The chief officer introduced himself and stated gravely, “Ma’am, we’ve been informed you’ve been disclosing confidential data and trafficking celebrity insights for profit. We need you to accompany us for questioning.”
The woman momentarily panicked and attempted to escape, but was apprehended before she could make it to the exit. She protested loudly, “Why are you arresting me? I’ve done nothing wrong!”
In her attempt to flee, her sunglasses and mask came off.
Judd recognized the woman instantly. She was precisely the one who had been disseminating false stories about Audrey at Arthen Entertainment’s mid-year gala and had been sacked for it.
Surprised, Judd faced Audrey, asking, “Audrey, how did you figure out she was that very dismissed employee?”
Before she began to embroider, Audrey had quietly instructed Judd to notify the police.
The investigation revealed the woman had sneaked into the dressing area of Arthen Entertainment’s mid-year gala to take photos of those dazzling gowns and then sold the photos to lesser-known studios for duplication. This led to unfounded plagiarism accusations from Dream Studio against Crescent.
The woman’s attendance seemed fueled by her bitterness over losing her job. The fact that she knew the significant value of Casey’s creations hinted at a possible accomplice, which the police needed to delve into.
Audrey pointed out, “There’s a tiny mole on the edge of her lip.”
She shared that her intense concentration while embroidering helps her remember minor details about her surroundings vividly.
Judd looked at Audrey with newfound admiration for her meticulousness, curious about what other skills she might possess.
After the security team escorted her from the stage, Audrey exited with Stefan.
The cameras captured Stefan placing his hand behind Audrey in a protective manner, igniting rumors about their relationship.
A journalist attempted to inquire, but Audrey and Stefan had stepped into the elevator, with Audrey tactfully declining to comment so as not to delay the elevator’s departure.
Outside the hotel, a black limousine was stationed at the curb. A man inside with a notable presence was watching the live feed on his tablet, catching every moment.
The live chat was flooded with praises and good wishes.
“This isn’t just about their talents or looks. It’s about two exceptionally matched individuals!”
“Ah, the way he placed his hand was so chivalrous, and his look so affectionate. They’re a perfect match.”
“Audrey, just like her mother, is stunning. Her family members are so dazzling!”
Cornell sat there, speechless. These comments deepened his thoughts and complicated his feelings. The confident, radiant Audrey he saw on the screen was vastly different from the girl he remembered from five years ago.
Learning that Audrey was Casey’s daughter and thus named her studio “Crescent” took him by surprise and filled him with anxiety. Audrey’s growing appeal meant she might draw the attention of many, possibly more suitable suitors than him.
This thought, hinting at his diminishing chances, pierced his heart, inflicting profound discomfort.
Cornell was engulfed in doubt like never before. He often pondered during his low points whether he could stand the sight of Audrey with someone else, leading a life without him.
But the answer eluded him. Merely thinking about the possibility was agonizing as if his heart was being wrenched out. Could he survive a life without Audrey? Of course not!
Firm in his conviction that Audrey must be with him, Cornell vowed to cling to her, come what may.
In the parking lot at ground level, Audrey and Stefan were about to hop into their car when a shadowy man suddenly lunged at Audrey.
Stefan quickly pulled Audrey to safety, obstructing the assailant’s grimy hand.
“Get out of the way! I’m her uncle!” the man snapped.
Audrey glanced at the man upon hearing this. She recognized him as Brent and her gaze turned frosty.
Brent grinned cheekily at Audrey. “Hey Audrey, it’s been a while!”
Recalling his absence even during her grandmother’s funeral made Audrey’s expression even more icy. “Oh, so you’re still alive.”
“Hey!” Brent spat on the ground repeatedly. “Cursing me, are you?
I’ve got years to go!”
Audrey observed Brent’s unchanged, shameless demeanor. She grew more detached. “Whatever. We’re off.”
With that, Audrey moved to enter the vehicle.
Brent, desperate, reached for Audrey, blurting out, “Wait! You bitch!
Hear me out…” His words were laced with insults, as usual.
Stefan’s expression turned frosty, poised to step in, but Audrey had already deftly struck Brent’s knee, causing him to howl in agony.
“Ouch! Ouch!” Brent crumpled to the ground, hurling curses, “You little bitch! Attacking me? I’m your fucking uncle, practically your father! You ingrate! Now that you’re somebody, you dismiss your own kin?”
Audrey responded with disdain, “What kind of man are you, really?
Absent when your mother passed away, never once visiting her resting place?”
Audrey remembered her trip to Tenassie with Janey, honoring the woman who had cared for her as her own despite no blood relation. On one occasion outing for fun in childhood, Audrey somehow got lost with her family. With a memory loss of her own family due to a hit, she was in a dire situation until Brent’s mother adopted her out of mercy. That woman’s unwavering kindness had always moved Audrey.
Audrey had inquired with the graveyard keeper about other visitors and left her contact details, requesting to be notified of any, yet no one ever came.
Brent, jarred by Audrey’s mention of his mother, recalled his purpose for seeking her out and hastily softened his tone. “Ah, I forgot about that. Audrey, my family took you in. You will compensate me the fees of my family raising you, right?”
Audrey retorted, “Did you squander the three million already?”
“Why dredge up the past…” looking away, Brent muttered, “I got scammed, okay?”
Audrey suspected the money had gone to his gambling habits. “I had cleared your three-million debt back then. That’s more than enough.”
Her voice was icy. “I won’t give you more. leave.”
Brent, desperate as Audrey turned to depart, blurted out a threat, “Damn you! I’ll tell the press about how ungrateful you are! After all my family did for you, this is your thanks?”
Audrey’s gaze was steady and cool. “Try it. See what happens.”
Audrey knew Brent wouldn’t dare to do so. Revealing himself would attract too much unwanted attention.
As Audrey stepped into the car, Brent made a last-ditch claim, “Hold on! I’m privy to your secret!”