Chapter 41 Sending Gifts Again
“Having a backup or two is better than nothing.” Jeanshared her wisdom.
olivia sighed. “I’m swamped with work Where would find time for backups? I’m lucky I haven’t had a heart attack dealing with those idiots at the office.”
I put on my eye mask and tested while listening to their chatter, drifting off to sleep.
After landing, we took a seaplane to the island. The view from above was stunning.
“Wow, it’s so beautiful!” Natalie exclaimed excitedly as we arrived at our overwater villa, admiring the breathtalding views of the turquoise sea and sky, “I’ve decided, Kaden and I will have our honeymoon here!”
“The Diving Queen is coming! Jean stripped down to her bilan and dove into the private outdoor pool.
Olivia and Natalie soon joined her, splashing around happily.
I relaxed on a lounge chair, checking my phone. Benjamin had transferred the 8,000 dollars back to me. After a moment’s hesitation, I accepted it. I didn’t need the money, but I respected his pride and didn’t want to seem dismissive.
Benjamin sent me a smiley face. “Ms. Sadles, Ill pay back the rest as soon as I can.”
I replied, “No rush”
Speaking of which, Ashley still owed me 2,000 dollars. I guessed she couldn’t pay me back anytime soon since Rowan had disrupted her part–time job. But I didn’t
“Ly, come down and join us! We’ll go eat later!” Natalie waved at me from the pool,
I got up and took off my coat, I didn’t go into the pool, but I went to the waterslide 1 slid into the water with joy. I swam around the pool and felt much better.
We hadn’t spent time together like this since graduating from college. I got married early and focused on my love life, so I turned down invitations from my
I made up my mind to make the most of this trip. I wanted to enjoy the fun and food, putting aside all the love–hate relationships back home.
We initially planned to stay for three or four days, but we got carried away and ended up extending our stay. We even traveled to the neighboring country for s quick tour
Jean expressed her desire to visit a quaint little town, so we decided to fly to the other side of the world on a whim. After touring the fairytale–like towns, we reluctantly booked our flights back home
This unplanned adventure was a welcome change for me, as we spent half a month simply enjoying ourselves. My skin bad become several shades darker, which I felt was quite healthy.
“Mrs. Payne, you’re back!” Ella was happy to see me retum.
“Ella, call the other maids over. I brought gifts for all of you,” I said with a smile.
Ella was surprised and quickly gathered the maids. I gave each a silk scarf and a bottle of perfume. Each gift was worth about 2,000 dollars.
“Thank you, Mrs. Payne!” They were thrilled and thanked me repeatedly
I smiled and went upstairs to take a shower and change my clothes. After that, informed Ler to pick me up from Windwill Estate as I needed to make a trip to Curtino City.
Alton City and Curtino City were neighboring cities, but the drive still took several hours, Lee drove carefully while I tested in the back seat.
we passed the outskirts of Alton City, I told Lee to stop the car. “Pull over here”
Not far away was the old neighborhood where Ashley Inred. A crowd had gathered, shouting and waving banners with slogans like “Stop Greedy Developer” and ” We Won’t Move!“.
I calculated the timing. In my previous life, Rowan started the factory’s redevelopment and land acquisition about six months after pursing Ashley.
It seemed that some events were happening soonerthistime.
I glanced at the chemical factory gates in the distance. Behind that door, there was an to–thousand–square–foot factory that once put Alton City on the map. It supported many workers, Including the surrounding economy, transforming a once–barren area into a bustling suburban zone.
Only Rowan dared to take on such a project. I turned my gaze away. “Let’s go.”
The car continued on its way. By the time evening rolled around, I amrived at my in–laws‘ house,
“Ivory? You didn’t tell me you were coming!” Paula, wearing her reading glasses, was surprised and seemed delighted to see me.
*1 suddenly felt like dropping by to see you and George. Is George still at work?” Amaid took the gifts a brought, except for a blue box that I chose to hold myself.
“He hasn’t come home yet. He has a dinner meeting and will be back late. Have you eaten? Wait here. I’ll get the cook to prepare a meal.” Paula got up and went toward the kitchen
1 sat on the soda, admiring the vintage decor. My in–laws favored this traditional style, which exuded understated luxury.
Amaid brought me a cup of tea and respectfully said, “Mrs Payne, please have some tea.
I smiled and took a sip from the cup.
After a few minutes, Paula returned. She asked, “Wiry didn’t Rowan come back with you?”
an,” I peplied with a
“He’s probably busy. I’ve been abroad for the past half month, having fun with some friends. I lost track of time and forgot to contact Rowan,”
Chapter 41 Sending Gifts Again
“I don’t think you forgot. It’s more like Rowan doesn’t appreciate what he has!” Paula said with a hint of frustration.
I could never understand how such lovely people like my in–laws could produce a scumbag like Rowan!
I didn’t respond to Paula’s comment. There was no need to speak ill of Rowan in front of her. Instead, I handed her the blue box. “I bought this while I was abroad. 1 hope you like it.”
Paula opened the box, and her eyes immediately lit up. She picked up the diamond necldace. It was exquisite and finely crafted, with a pendant featuring a detailed angel. The necklace was of high value.
Paula, a seasoned collector of fine jewelry, could instantly tell the quality of this piece.
Ivory, is this necklace for me?” Paula asked, her eyes filled with delight.
“Yes, when I saw this necklace, I knew you would love it. So, I bought it as an early birthday gift for you,” I said sincerely, trying to win Paula’s favor
“You’re so thoughtful. It must have cost you a lot. Rowan knows I love jewelry but has never given me anything like this?” Paula sighed, seemingly a bit disappointed in her son’s lack of attention to detail.
For my dad’s birthday, Rowan gave him a bottle of wine that was just as expensive as this necklace.
Rowan was someone who weighed the pros and cons carefully. He knew his mother would always support him, regardless of whether or not he gave her gifts However, his father–in–law was different, especially since he was in a position to help Rowan out. It was crucial to maintain a good relationship with him.
This diamond necklace brought Paula and me closer, We chatted pleasantly. I had never spent such close, one–on–one time with her before, let alone having such an enjoyable conversation.
Chapter ga Hit The Wall On The Head
In the evening, when George retumed from his business dinner and saw me there, he greeted me warmly. After we exchanged a few pleasantries, he quickly got down to business.
“Ivory, have you thought about working at the company?” George asked.
I was surprised by his question. George Immediately went on to explain his thinking.
It tamed out that George was pushing Rowan to
to start the redevelopment of the chemical factory soon. He had heard that Rowan was pursuing another woman and thought that keeping Rowan busier might help.
The demolition and redevelopment of the chemical factory was a big project that required cooperation with government departments. Once it started, Rowan would have less time for an affair.
But that wasn’t all. My in–laws believed I should work at Payne Corporation, preferably in the head office, to work alongside Rowan They thought this would deter any womm who might try to get close to Rowan
However, the reality was that Rowan was the unfaithful one. Besides, I had no work experience and my dream was to become a cellist
ΠΕ
In my past life, my in–laws were fair and righteous but never this biased toward me. The emerald bangles and diamond necklace 1 gifted seemed to have worked
wonders.
“vory, we know you’re not interested in business. If you were, you could join your family’s company. There’s no need to join Payne Corporation. But we both hope that you and Rowan can grow old together without extemal factors mining your marriage. Tale your time and think about it. There’s no rush to answer,” Paula said gently.
I felt very touched. I worried that in the end, it wouldn’t be Rowan couldn’t leave, but my in–Laws
“Alright. I’ll think it over and give you an answer.” I nodded.
After chatting for a while, it was getting late, so I went upsta
daits to b
bed.
This was Rowan’s room, which became our bedrooms after we got married. However, we rarely came back here and seldom slept together.
Rowan’s room was large, with a private bathroom, a closet, a balcony, and even a gaming room. It had some things from his school days, including a photo alburn filled with pictures of him and his friends. Among them, the person who appeared the most was van
After flipping through the album for a while, I felt a bit melancholy and put it back where I found it. Rowan, who had been handsome since childhood, wouldn’t end up with me in the end. The more I looked, the more it annoyed me.
With the warm hospitality of my in–laws and my own intention to get closer to them, I stayed at the Payne residence for four days before retuming to Alton City. Before Elett, Paula packed the trunk of my car with tree–range chickens and ducks, as well as vegetables and fruits she had grown herself. She had a well–tended vegetable garden and poultry farm in her backyard. I took quite a lot with me this time.
“Lee, drive safely, Ivory, let me law when you get home,” Paula reminded me.
“okay, Mom, I’ll head back now.” I nodded.
“Don’t worry!” Lee assured her seriously. “I’ll drive carefully!”
With Paula watching from the driveway, Lee started the car and drove away. We should be home by lunchtime, but I wasn’t sure if Ella had prepared anything since she didn’t know when I would be back
After a nap on the way back, 1 heard Lee saying, “Mrs Payne, we’ve arrived.”
I rubbed my eyes, stretched my arms out, and instructed, “Bring everything from the trunk inside.”
With that, I got out of the car first. Several gardeners were trimming the plants in the yard. They greeted me, and among them was Ella. She quickly came over Mrs. Payne, you’re backd I’ll go and prepare lanch right away!”
“Wait a minute, Ella,” I stopped her “My mother–in–law gave me some chickens. You can make a stew with the vegetables.”
“Okay, Mrs. Payne,” Ella took one of the chickens from Lee and went to prepare it
Looking at the remaining two chickens and two ducks, I wasn’t sure what to do. I instructed the maid to set up an area in the backyard for them. I couldn’t waste Paula’s thoughtful gift.
Ella made a chicken stew with mushrooms. The creamy soup glistened in the porcelain bowl, with a thin layer of oil floating on top. Chunks of chicken and white mushrooms mixed together perfectly. The aroma of chicken was enhanced by the subtle, fresh scent of the mushmoms, making the dish look incredibly appetizing.
I ladled a bowl of soup, blew on it, and sipped it. “Ella, this is delicious! Your daughter’s so lucky to have your cooling every day!” I said sincerely.
“My daughter has always been a picky eater. I’ve spent a lot of eller making sure she eats well, but she’s still skinny. She wants to look pretty, but doesn’t eat much. So, she can’t gain weight,” Ella said with loving eyes.
Ashley was indeed quite thin bout much healthier looking than ME.
I smiled and said, “Being slim is good. Girls look prettier when they’re slim. Then they don’t have trouble finding boytriends”
As we were chatting, lowan appeared in the living room. He seemed a bit surprised to see me, then walked over and sat down. “Did you have lum?”
Although I hadn’t told Rowan my tinerary, Jean posted daily updates on social media, complete with location tags, so Rowan must have seen them.
Mpping my soup, I replied slowly, “Yes, I had a great thine, I ate well, slept well, and tell good every day.”
Huwan gave a barely audibile sort. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing his strong forearms, then served bluselt a bowl of soup Attertasting it, his expression wded slightly