Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Annis brought Janey over one day, gently explaining to Janey that Audrey was just a bit sick.
Janey, acting very mature, quietly left some fruit for Audrey before they had to leave.
Shortly after, Audrey went back to her regular life, diving into her daily routine and work as if nothing had changed.
Meanwhile, the Clement Group kept quiet about Cornell’s condition, a piece of news they weren’t prepared to share.
At West Lake Villa, Erick arrived around noon, clutching a document.
Watching Audrey busy herself with tea and snacks, he was flooded with conflicting feelings.
It had been two weeks since Audrey had woken up, yet she hadn’t spoken of Cornell or inquired about him once.
This silence worried Erick deeply.
As Audrey came over with the tea, Erick uttered, “Audrey, we need to talk.”
Noticing the handwriting she knew so well on the document, Audrey paused. She suggested gently, “How about I get you some fruit first…”
It was clear she was dodging the topic.
But Erick couldn’t let her keep avoiding it. He firmly took her arm, leading her to the couch with a serious voice. “I’m not eating anything. Just sit.”
Erick might have been a little too forceful since Audrey stumbled a bit.
Erick quickly bent down, asking with concern, “Did I hurt you?”
“No, I’m fine.” Audrey sat stiffly, looking so much thinner than before. She seemed fragile, as if a gust of wind could carry her away.
Erick’s heart hurt more every time he looked at her. “Audrey, he left this for you.”
Erick gave Audrey the document.
Audrey’s hands shook as she opened the folder, revealing a will. Just seeing the word “will” made her fingers tremble. The paper felt thin in her hands, almost too delicate to hold.
It read, “Cornell Clement, Male, born December 26, 1990… Except for what I’ve left for Luciana, I’m giving everything else to my Lifelong love, Ms. Audrey Foster…”
Erick, who always got straight to the point, wasn’t great at offering comfort. In his own way, he said, “Audrey, Cornell’s death was whispered around the Clement Group. I’ve heard Alexis is planning a press conference tomorrow to say Cornell had an accident. Looks Like he’s trying to get Henley into that position.”
Erick tightened his grip, adding, “Whatever you want to do with what Cornell left for you and Janey, including any shares, I’m here to help.”
Audrey wasn’t in any state to think about these things now.
The Clement Group was barely holding on, with Matteo trying to stop the spread of the news of Cornell’s death.
But Alexis got his hands on a video that supposedly showed Cornell dying in an explosion, which was why he dared to hold the press conference.
Audrey couldn’t find the words to speak. Her hand didn’t stop shaking, and tears fell silently onto the document.
Erick felt a deep sense of sorrow seeing her Like this.
Suddenly, Audrey winced, holding her chest.
Erick quickly knelt beside her, concerned. “Audrey, are you okay?”
“Erick, he’s not gone…” Audrey held on to Erick’s arm, her sobs breaking through as she cried without holding back.
Erick was lost for words, tears in his eyes as well.
For the past two weeks, Audrey had sworn to Cornell that she’d be strong, but now she was falling apart. She had hoped that by staying strong, living carefully, and eating healthily, he would come back all of a sudden.
But there was nothing, just like everyone had said. He was gone, completely.
For two weeks, Audrey avoided thinking about Cornell and didn’t let herself imagine what he might have felt in his last moments. She dreaded to think the last kiss he gave her on the forehead, so full of hesitation…
Now, letting her thoughts go to Cornell, Audrey felt her heart being scooped out, leaving a cold wind to blow through, making the emptiness echo.
Holding the will tightly, Audrey doubled over, crying like there was no tomorrow. “Erick, it’s so hard to accept… Erick, I miss him terribly…”
During the official press conference convened by the Clement Group.
The spokesperson, attired in a black suit and tie, addressed the assembled media and stakeholders with solemnity, “We appreciate your concern for the Clement Group. Addressing the persistent rumors surrounding our CEO, Mr. Cornell Clement’s accidental death, we are here to provide a definitive response.”
His countenance bore a mournful expression as he disclosed, “Our esteemed CEO, Mr. Cornell Clement, was confirmed to have passed away in an accident on December 9th.”
The room buzzed with murmurs of shock.
Despite lingering hopes among many, the confirmation of Cornell’s demise, particularly given his youth, was difficult to grasp and filled the space with a palpable sense of sorrow.
Following the delivery of the official statement, the spokesperson concluded, “Now, I invite our acting Director, Mr. Alexis Clement, to address you.”
Assisted onto the stage, Alexis, dressed entirely in somber black and appearing frail and grief-stricken, addressed the audience.
Looking haggard and sorrowful, Alexis began, “Forgive me, everyone. I’ve been unwell recently and can only speak briefly. As many of you are aware, Cornell was my most exceptional son, and I still find it difficult to accept his passing…”
Alexis paused to wipe away tears, his palpable sorrow evoking empathy from the audience.
His voice catching, he continued, “But now that the harsh reality has settled in, I believe it’s time to confront the situation. Despite my son’s passing, there is a hopeful development. Miss Katie Glyn is expecting his child. When the child is born, Miss Katie Glyn will officially assume the role of CEO of the Glyn Group, and we anticipate closer cooperation between our families moving forward.”
Katie, adorned in a simple black Chanel gown and a pearl hat, embodying the sorrow of a widow, gently wiped her tears as the camera shifted toward her.
Alexis continued, “To ensure the Clement Group’s seamless operation, the board decided yesterday that my younger son, Henley Clement, will temporarily assume the role of CEO. With extensive experience in senior positions at top financial institutions on Wall Street, he is equally qualified. Inspired by his older brother, Henley is poised to lead the Clement Group to new heights and uphold its legacy.”
Pride gleamed in Alexis’ eyes as he spoke.
Confusion rippled through the attendees, transforming the press conference into what seemed like a commendation ceremony for Henley.
Alexis stifled a smirk with a slight cough before announcing, “Now, please welcome my son, Henley, to share a few words.”
Henley’s ascent, dressed in a tailored suit, showcased his striking and sophisticated presence.
Just as Henley was about to step onto the stage, a sudden interruption shattered the quiet atmosphere. “Wait!”
All heads turned toward the official entrance, where Audrey, clad in a crisp white blouse and black trousers, entered with flawless makeup and a vibrant demeanor.
Alexis’ expression shifted uncomfortably as he reprimanded, “What are the security staff doing? Allowing any individuals to enter in this manner?”
As security staff moved into escort Audrey out, they were obstructed by a team of hefty bodyguards in sunglasses, rendering the security staff overpowered.
Fuming, Alexis exclaimed, “What is this? Intentional disruption at the Clement Group? Call the police!”
“Wait a moment!” Matteo stepped forward from the rear of the bodyguards. “Miss Foster is here to represent Mr. Cornell Clement.”
This declaration stirred murmurs within the crowd. Wasn’t Cornell deceased? How could there still be a spokesperson for him?
Matteo signaled for Audrey to step forward onto the stage. With poise, Audrey addressed the gathering, “Good morning, everyone. Today, I am here to announce that the news of Cornell Clement’s demise, as declared by Mr. Alexis Clement, is untrue!”
Instantly, the room’s atmosphere charged with tension, reporters startled by this unexpected turn.
“You’re lying! You…” Alexis began to launch an insult but checked himself in the presence of the media. “You’re spreading falsehoods.
I wished to maintain my son’s dignity, but since you’re spreading rumors, I will reveal the truth to everyone.
The large screen was prepared. It flickered to life, showing the last few seconds of footage of Cornell driving, recorded by a _ rear security vehicle.
Cornell’s profile appeared firm and handsome, his expression not one of fear but of tranquil acceptance.
Audrey’s initial viewing of the footage gripped her heart, constricting her breath.
The footage was succinct, spanning less than a minute.
In the closing seconds, the vehicle descended into the depths of the ocean.
Subsequently, a tremendous explosion ensued. Instantly, flames alone ascended into the sky.
Matteo observed Audrey, struck by her profound sorrow.
Since the incident, Audrey persistently maintained that Cornell remained alive.
To Matteo, Audrey was disguising profound despair with hope.
When the footage ended, Alexis dropped the pretense of grief and demanded sternly, “After witnessing this, do you still dare to claim Cornell is not dead?”
Audrey appeared on the verge of tears. But she swiftly regained composure by closing her eyes briefly. When she reopened them, all signs of tears had vanished.
“There’s no evidence of his death,” Audrey asserted, her tone resolute. “Only the explosion, nothing more.”
Alexis seethed with anger. Wasn’t the massive explosion and the person in the car enough proof of death?
Others present also struggled to comprehend. How could anyone survive such a scenario?