The CEO Gets What He Wants

Chapter 506

Chapter 506 A Dagger To Her Heart

When Avery noticed that Claire had been studying her intently, her gaze inadvertently fell on the lunch box the woman placed on the table.

She flashed Claire a grateful smile. “Thank you for coming over to visit me, Mrs. Lambert. I'm immobile at the moment, so please pardon me. Do have a seat.” Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Claire stared at her, plunging into a brief trance upon seeing the bright smile on her face.

Not only does she bear some resemblance to me in terms of looks, but the two dimples adorning her cheeks when she smiles are carbon copies of mine.

Her mind went back to the time when Avery once sang during Nicole's birthday party.

Even her voice was very much similar to mine when I was young. How could there be such a girl who's so much like me in this world, from looks to demeanor, voice, and smile?

Perhaps it was because Avery had all her hallmarks when she was young that Claire felt a sense of fondness and affection toward her. “Don't worry about it. I made this mushroom soup myself, Ms. Rumpley. I'm not sure whether it's to your liking, but I hope you'll like it.”

While saying that, she opened the lid of the thermal lunch box.

The instant the lid was removed, a distinct fragrance perfumed the entire room, enticing Avery's sense of smell. Even the nurse could not help swallowing.

Verily, the aroma was all too tempting.

“This is too much, Mrs. Lambert. I'm more than glad you came to the hospital to visit me. I didn't expect you to even make mushroom soup for me. Words aren't enough to express my thanks.” Flattered by Claire's gesture, Avery did not know what else to say.

Smiling, Claire held the mushroom soup out to her. Its color was tantalizing, and it looked delicious.

Avery took it and tried a sip. Immediately, an indescribable fragrance pervaded her mouth. When she swallowed, not only did she taste the freshness of mushrooms but also an underlying hint of thyme, giving her a refreshing sense.

“This mushroom soup is delicious. Your cooking skills are amazing, Mrs. Lambert. This is the first time I've ever tasted such delectable soup.” Indeed, she was exceedingly surprised.

In her mind, Claire was the kind of elegant and graceful lady who never did any household chores. Therefore, it came as a surprise that the latter's cooking skills were incredible.

She was not exaggerating at all, for the mushroom soup was really delicious, comparable to the cooking of a chef from a five-star hotel.

“You flatter me, Ms. Rumpley. Cooking is just a hobby of mine. I'm glad you like it. In the future, just call me Claire. Mrs. Lambert sounds too formal.”

As Claire spoke, she sat down beside Avery.

Beckoning at the nurse, she gently murmured, “I've got something to discuss with Ms. Rumpley. You can go about your work if you've got something else to do. We'll press the call button if we need anything.”

Her expression was dignified, and her voice tender. Yet, it carried a sense of authority, leaving no room for the listener to decline. Fear struck the nurse, and she hastily left the room.

After the nurse had left, a touch of apprehension crept into Avery.

Ultimately, the person she was facing off against right then was the wife of the state secretary. In terms of identity alone, Claire was already far above her, not to mention the fact that she was the mother of her love rival, Nicole.

She was smart, so she naturally knew that the woman's purpose in coming that day was not merely to visit her, seeing as Claire had gone as far as requesting for them to be left alone to talk.

All of a sudden, a sense of foreboding rose within her.

Sure enough, Claire abruptly started when they were the only ones left in the room, “Pardon me for asking this, Ms. Rumpley, but what exactly happened between you and Cayden during the engagement banquet? Why did you suddenly change your mind halfway through? Are you determined to have nothing to do with him in the future? Also, are you both currently giving each other space and time?”

Avoiding the woman's sharp gaze, Avery replied sadly, “I don't really want to speak of the past, Claire. But since you're asking, I can only say that there are a number of problems between me and Cayden. They can't be resolved, so things are impossible between us. Besides, I'm presently not good enough to stand by his side in all aspects. He deserves a better woman.”

Claire scrutinized her, seemingly trying to glean something from her eyes. However, Avery remained calm and unruffled, her gaze indifferent.

Subsequently, Claire continued, “I don't want to know too much about the things between you both. I only have one question for you, Ms. Rumpley. Are things really over between you and Cayden right now?”

“I... I don't...” Avery looked at the woman blankly, almost blurting out the truth at her incessant questioning.

However, at the thought of Cayden's plan, she suppressed the urge to come clean about everything. Instead, she fibbed, “I don't have any choice. There are too many uncertainties between us. And right now, we've already broken up.”

Hearing that, Claire seemingly breathed a sigh of relief. Her voice was threaded with a hint of chilliness. “Dating and marriage are different things at the end of the day, Ms. Rumpley. Dating is all about two people loving each other, but marriage is more about having matching family backgrounds. Actually, I had been skeptical about things ending well for you both back when Cayden personally admitted to the relationship because the gap in your statuses is simply too great. Since the two of you have broken up, I won't speak further about that. At present, Cayden is dating Nickie. The Lambert and Moore families are both prominent entities in Ackleton, so I think you should know what best to do, Ms. Rumpley.”

Although Avery knew that Cayden was merely putting on an act, Claire's words were still a dagger to her heart.

A stream of black blood gushed out of her heart as though wanting to drag her down to a bottomless

abyss.

Seeing that she was dazed and silent, Claire leaned even closer to her. “Avery, I know you're a good and sensible child. You understand my meaning. Honestly speaking, I don't really approve of Cayden. Not only is he unfathomable, but he's inextricably entangled with you. If it weren't for Nickie's adamance in marrying him to the point of threatening death, I would never have agreed to them being together. Now that you've personally assured me that things are over between you both, I believe that you're a person of your word. In truth, even if you were to really marry him, life would be difficult for you in the Moore family, considering his mother's character. Furthermore, you'd definitely be able to find a man who's better suited for you in the future with your looks, talents, and capabilities.”

Every word out of her mouth was as gentle as ever, but they cut like daggers, shredding Avery's heart to ribbons.

The urge to riposte the woman loudly gripped Avery, but the thought of the current situation had her ultimately suppressing that desire, “I understand, Claire.”

At the same time, her hand unconsciously went to her belly.

I don't know how long this tormenting situation is going to persist, but I really feel sorry for our baby.

Claire's eyes were exceptionally sharp, her gaze inadvertently alighting on Avery's slightly bulging belly and the latter's maternal expression. She eyed Avery suspiciously. Is she... pregnant?