CHAPTER 40: CHAPTER 40: THIS METHOD WON’T WORK

I hurried to the hospital and registered for an appointment with Ivan Underwood, a specialist.

After waiting in line for half a day, it was finally my turn. He glanced at me and then pointed to a chair beside him, "Sit down for a moment."

"Oh, okay." I obediently sat down beside him, while Ivan Underwood had already called in the next patient.

Ivan Underwood was very focused on his work, wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, looking cultured. Listening to him communicate with the patient, I was more and more convinced of one thing: a man like him doesn’t need to compete with Henry Preston for Azure Vaughn. He deserves a better woman, so why make himself end up in such an embarrassing situation?

After about ten minutes, Ivan Underwood said to me, "You can leave now."

I didn’t ask much and got up to leave.

I made a call to Lane, and half an hour later, Lane arrived at the hospital entrance to pick me up. After I got into the car, he asked with concern, "Madam, is there anything wrong with you?"

"My heart feels uncomfortable." I replied offhandedly.

"Did you get it checked?" Lane asked again.

"Probably just didn’t rest well." I evaded.

Lane nodded, "Then you should take care to rest more, Madam."

I really should rest more. Otherwise, all the effort to gain a few pounds would be wasted, and I’d be back to where I started. For my height, the standard weight is around 120 pounds, and even if I’m thinner, it should be over 100 pounds. Right now, I’m only 90 pounds.

Not weighing a hundred pounds either means being flat-chested or short. I sighed quietly.

The first thing I did when I returned to Maplewood Gardens was instruct Laura Lawson to make lunch. She seemed a bit different but still quietly informed me before making lunch, "Madam, Mr. Preston is upstairs."

"When did he come back?" I was a bit surprised.

"He came back last night and asked me why you weren’t home. He seemed to be in a bad mood." Laura Lawson answered.

"Alright, I get it." I waved her off and then went upstairs.

Henry Preston was working in the study. The documents on the desk weren’t exactly neat, rather quite messy, but he didn’t seem to care. He could always find the information he wanted with ease. The room was filled with the smell of smoke, a half-burnt cigarette still between his fingers.

The smoke made me cough a couple of times. He looked up from the pile of files, his gaze sharp and cold.

"You still know to come back?" Henry Preston crushed out the cigarette, his voice cold and hard.

"Why did you come back last night?" I found it strange. Shouldn’t Henry have gone to see Azure Vaughn?

"Where do you think I should have gone?" Henry Preston countered.

Anywhere would make sense, but him staying at home was rather strange.

I shook my head, "I don’t know, you go on with your work. I’m going to take a shower and then eat."

Just as I was stepping out of the study, Henry Preston spoke again, his tone faintly jealous, "Where did you stay last night?"

The question made me inexplicably guilty. Although there was nothing between Ivan Underwood and me, he did take me to a hotel after I was drunk and cooperated with me to keep some secrets from Henry Preston. When I think about it, it really feels not so innocent, if it can be said that we’re in the same boat.

"Hotel," I answered sullenly.

"Alone?" Henry Preston’s gaze deepened.

I nodded; I did sleep alone.

Henry Preston’s expression softened somewhat, then he continued working, ignoring me.

Sometimes I wonder if I am a bodhisattva reincarnated to transform Henry Preston; otherwise, how could I endure again and again for the past ten years?

After leaving the study, I quickly took a shower, then went downstairs to eat.

Henry Preston was already seated at the dining table, eating silently, with no intention of waiting for me. I still wasn’t quite comfortable eating alone with him, the atmosphere was oppressive and silent, with nothing to say.

At that moment, his phone rang. I glanced at it and was rendered speechless.

How does Azure Vaughn always manage to call whenever Henry Preston and I are together? If it weren’t for me being reborn, I’d really wonder if she had a surveillance device on Henry Preston.

Azure Vaughn spoke excitedly on the phone, and I could only hear her voice, but not clearly what she was saying.

Henry Preston pinched the bridge of his nose, his expression gloomy, "I told you if you need money, you can come to me. How much do you want? Speak."

This sentence brought me back for a moment, it seemed to revert to the previous life when Henry Preston asked me, "How much do you want to agree to a divorce? Speak!"

Similar words, completely different meanings.

Azure Vaughn said something more, then hung up.

Henry Preston tossed the phone away, evidently losing his appetite, while Laura Lawson wiped the table not far away, possibly noticing the situation here.

"What did you do?" I asked curiously.

"Eat your meal." Henry Preston glanced at me and said gruffly.

"Did you mess up her job?" I wasn’t afraid at all and guessed about ninety percent of it, "So she called to blame you, to complain, right?"

This was Henry Preston’s way; just a college girl, he wouldn’t particularly concern himself with respect or not, that would come later. Truly in love, he would consider her genuinely.

Right now, he only regards Azure Vaughn as a rare prize he can’t obtain.

Henry Preston’s face darkened, "Should I commend you for understanding me too well?"

No need for that, I smirked without warmth, "No, I just think your approach won’t work. I heard she’s a top student at University A; her family isn’t as good as yours, but in some ways, she’s more outstanding than many ordinary people. Girls like her have a strong sense of self-esteem, and won’t cling to you for money. You might want to consider a different way to pursue her."

"Are you hoping I’ll succeed in pursuing her?" Henry Preston squinted his eyes, the curve of his eye bags just right.

"Have I not already mentioned the divorce to you? I’m serious." I looked directly into Henry Preston’s eyes, calmly and without fear.

"Still 3%?" Henry Preston curled his lips.

"No, let’s make it 5%." I flashed five fingers, my smile radiant, "So, deal?"

Henry Preston stared at me, although the smile on his lips didn’t vanish, I could feel his mockery. He withdrew his gaze, continued to take a few bites, and then stood up to leave.

I couldn’t help but mutter, is that a yes or no?

After Henry Preston left, Leah Lane called me, "Zoe, make sure to get everything ready today. We’re meeting at the airport tomorrow, and I’ve got the tickets sorted for you guys."

"Ok, what time?" I asked.

"I sent it on your WeChat, have a look." Leah Lane answered.

After hanging up, I checked WeChat, and the flight was first thing in the morning.

Going out to clear my mind isn’t a bad idea. I finished eating, went upstairs, and packed a few things. I also had to go to bed early so I could get up early the next day.

I didn’t tell Henry Preston or my parents about going to Morovia with Leah Lane and the others. The next day, I directly went to the airport and met up with Leah Lane and the other two.

"Dear God, please grant me a romance when we arrive there!" On the plane, Tiana O’Connell lay back in the comfortable and spacious seat and prayed softly.