Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Now more attentive, Audrey inquired, “Has the investigation wrapped up?”
“It has.” Cornell nodded.
Audrey, concerned yet not wanting to seem unsupportive, embraced him, saying, “I’ll be here waiting for you.”
For Cornell, nothing was more comforting than hearing his beloved say so. A smile broke across his face as he gently kissed her forehead.
“Alright, wait for me.”
Once Audrey got to her studio, a sense of unease followed her throughout the day, the fear of bad news lurking in her mind. She found herself constantly checking news sites, hoping to not come across anything worrisome.
But as the day went by without any drama from the Clement Group, Audrey’s anxiety slowly subsided, leading her to decide against reaching out to Cornell.
That afternoon, even though there were no updates from the Clement Group, Audrey got a surprise. A client had made a special request to work with her on a dress worth over a million dollars.
It wasn’t out of the ordinary for clients to ask specifically for Audrey, especially those who admired her embroidery skills.
Upon entering the VIP reception room, Audrey noticed a woman in a red dress seated with her back turned to her.
Walking up to the woman, Audrey greeted with a friendly tone, “Hi there, I’m Audrey Foster, the general manager of Crescent.”
To her astonishment, the woman turned around to reveal herself as Katie.
“You?” Audrey’s eyebrows knitted together in a slight frown.
Katie let out a soft scoff. “Wow, quite the welcome. So, this is the kind of reception your esteemed clients get. It’s no surprise your studio’s struggling!”
It was clear to Audrey that Katie was looking to stir trouble.
Keeping her cool, she replied, “Miss Glyn, did you come to place an order or just to chat? Because if it’s the latter, please excuse me.”
Katie’s expression turned icy. “I came here to place the order, of course.”
“Good, then. Oaklyn, could you please take Miss Glyn’s measurements?”
Audrey called out.
“Why the hurry?” Katie eased into a seat. “I haven’t even shared what I’m looking for yet.”
Professionally, Audrey asked, “And what exactly are you looking for, Miss Glyn?”
“I’m here for a customized engagement dress.” Noticing Audrey’s reaction, Katie seemed to perk up. With a smug look, she rubbed her stomach. “And if I like how it turns out, I might just get my wedding dress from this studio as well!”
After Katie finished her piece, she stood there full of pride, clearly expecting Audrey to inquire about her engagement.
But Audrey’s reaction was anything but curious. She said, “Alright, Miss Glyn, feel free to let me know what you need.”
Katie was surprised by Audrey’s disinterest. How could Audrey not want to know more?
This indifference made it tough for Katie to segue into the decision the board made about Cornell.
Irritated, Katie challenged Audrey, “Why the hurry? Do you think I can’t cover the cost?”
Audrey offered a smile. “I have other clients waiting. We’re in the business of tailoring dresses, not small talk. If you are looking for a chat, maybe a caf? would be better.”
Usually, Audrey wasn’t this blunt with her clients, but Katie had cornered her more than once, which made pleasantries unnecessary.
Katie, truth be told, wasn’t here to place an order. The thought of wearing something customized by Audrey was unbearable.
“I said I’m here to place an order!” Katie announced.
Audrey quirked an eyebrow. “Custom orders do start with a deposit.”
“How much does it cost?” Katie inquired.
“Ten percent.”
Without hesitation, Katie paid with her card and stated, “Please deliver the dress to the Clement Group for signing once it’s ready. The remaining payment will come from the Clement Group’s accounts.”
She doubted Audrey could keep her composure upon hearing this.
However, Audrey responded with a smile, “Of course, Miss Glyn.” She showed no sign of displeasure.
Katie couldn’t hold back any longer and steered the conversation.
“Miss Foster, were you aware the Clement Group went through a significant staff change today?”
Looking up, Audrey asked, “Miss Glyn, do you have a preference for white or red?”
Katie was visibly upset, her teeth gritted. That Little bitch didn’t give an answer! “It doesn’t matter. Prepare both. I’ve already paid, so I’ll decide later.”
Audrey collected all the necessary details and stood up, saying slowly, “I’ll get the design sketches over to you in a week or so. Just a heads-up, we’re open to making changes to the designs, but we can’t take them back once they’re done, and the deposit won’t be returned.”
It was a fair policy. After all, sometimes the sketches alone were worth more than the dress itself. Plus, as long as everyone agreed to it upfront, there wouldn’t be any issues.
When Audrey started to walk away, Katie suddenly got up and exclaimed, “Wait, don’t leave!”
Audrey stopped and turned around, confused. “Is there anything else you need, Miss Glyn?”
Katie stood tall and announced proudly, “I get it. You’re trying to play it cool. I’m getting married to Cornell!”
Audrey asked, “Ever hear about ‘the boy who cried wolf’?”??/p>
This comment made Katie scowl. Audrey was mocking her for lying!
Katie pressed her lips together, slightly irritated. “”Cornell’s been kicked out. He won’t remain as the CEO of the Clement Group. Did you catch that?”
Audrey didn’t say a word.
“The investigation revealed he acted against the Clement Group’s interests, and his decision to drop the Eastern Garden project was all because of personal issues. The board was unanimous in firing him.”
Katie looked straight at Audrey, determination in her eyes. “This time, I’m the only one who can save him.”
Katie was assertive. Even though Henley often played fast and loose with the truth, this time he hadn’t lied to her. Plus, Luciana had promised to convince Cornell to marry her. Luciana was determined not to stand idly by while Cornell was defeated and taken down by Henley, that illegitimate son.
“Miss Glyn, I once thought you were quite intelligent.” Audrey laughed softly. “Did Henley suggest the only way out for Cornell is to marry you, making the whole Eastern Garden issue seem like a big misunderstanding?”
“How did you know that?” Katie eyed Audrey with suspicion.
Audrey, with her arms folded, leaned back casually and said, “And did he mention that you should then invest in the Clement Group stocks? That way, there’d be no conflicts of interest in your relationship, and Cornell’s problem would just sort itself out.”
“You’ve been spying on me, haven’t you?” Katie’s expression turned serious, wondering if Audrey had bugged her. The message wasn’t the same word for word, but it meant pretty much the same thing.
Audrey found it pointless to explain herself and laughed softly, shaking her head. “Miss Glyn, you might as well give up. Cornell will never go for your plan.”
Katie looked visibly upset, retorting, “You’re just envious. He and I will make an unbeatable team, a powerhouse couple. My support will be invaluable to his career. Why on earth will Cornell refuse?”
Audrey twirled a strand of her hair, replying with ease, “Because Cornell isn’t foolish enough to walk into such an obvious trap.”
Over the years, Audrey gained a wealth of knowledge while her father dealt in international trade, aiming to shield her from being exploited due to her naivety.
The international trade world, with its involvement of numerous countries, turned out to be far more cutthroat and deceitful than its domestic counterpart.
Henley’s suggestion wasn’t meant to benefit Katie. By proposing this idea, It was clear that Henley lacked the ability to take over the Clement Group on his own. If Cornell agreed to marry Katie, it would essentially validate the accusations, giving Henley the perfect opportunity to take advantage when the moment was right and take over in one clean sweep.
Katie was being manipulated, totally oblivious to it. It seems that obsession could blind even the most detail-oriented person like Katie.
Katie’s frustration was palpable, her fingers pressing into her palm and her teeth gritted as she demanded, “What exactly are you trying to say? Make it clear!”
Audrey just smirked. “Some dreams remain dreams. But if there’s ever a wedding, do send an invite to flaunt it.”
Audrey didn’t want to alert Henley with what she had figured out from Katie’s reaction.
“Miss Glyn, take care. I won’t walk you out.” Audrey smiled before turning around.
Katie looked at Audrey sharply. “Why do you think Cornell won’t marry me? What makes you so sure?”
From Katie’s perspective, Cornell had no other choice.
Audrey, on her way to the door, stopped and offered a chuckle. “My confidence comes from him. He told me to trust him.”
Cornell had asked Audrey to have confidence in him.
Audrey, who wasn’t well-versed in business matters, could see through Henley’s schemes. Surely, Cornell had known about it and made preparations beforehand. All Audrey had to do was trust his judgment.
Watching Audrey leave, Katie stamped her foot in frustration and called Luciana to vent.
Luciana comforted her, “Katie, in my eyes, you’re already my daughter-in-law. Don’t worry. I’ll talk to Cornell.”
Feeling a bit better, Katie said, “Thanks, Luciana.”