CHAPTER 21: CHAPTER 21: HUG HIM

Although he’s late, he can see the anger those people have toward Ava Sterling.

Ava Sterling sipped her tea, grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth, and without any concealment, directly explained the incident to Jace Kingsley.

Jace Kingsley understood, poured himself a cup of tea, and took a light sip: "Do they know your identity?"

Ava Sterling, having eaten and drunk to her fill, leaned back in her chair, crossed her arms, and looked disdainful: "It doesn’t matter."

She knew what Jace Kingsley meant, worried that once those people knew her identity, they might leak information.

After all, she can be considered a public figure.

But Ava Sterling never feared any revelations; the more they expose, the more it helps her rise.

She is fearless!

Seeing her in such a confident manner, Jace Kingsley recalled the media’s past comments about her, and laughed softly: "Then I won’t worry."

Both had almost finished eating, and Ava Sterling didn’t want to linger here, worried that she’d lose herself if she saw that person again. She asked Jace Kingsley if he was full; he said he was, so they left.

Meanwhile, upstairs in a private room.

What Poe Vaughn and Vincent Donovan ate was unlike the snacks Ava Sterling and Jace Kingsley ate; it was a formal Chinese meal.

But all the dishes were mainly light.

Each dish was exquisite.

However, the wine on the table was the same as what Ava Sterling and Jace Kingsley drank.

Vincent Donovan looked at the man across from him savoring the wine: "Do you know her?"

Poe Vaughn took a sip of the wine — it was sweet and carried a subtle fragrance of flowers, wood, and the fresh clarity of spring water.

It was indeed good wine.

Though friends for years, they don’t often meet. This time, both happened to be in Delphos City, so they chose to meet and have a meal together.

Vincent Donovan praised the wine here, inviting him to try it out, and so he came.

The probing tone from the opposite side fell into his ears, and Poe Vaughn put down the wine glass: "I don’t know her."

Vincent Donovan raised an eyebrow.

Considering this seemingly unassuming person, he thought of the clear possessive look Poe Vaughn had when he glanced at Ava Sterling earlier.

Possession.

A man’s possession over a woman.

How could it be that he didn’t know her?

He clearly knew her very well.

He chuckled.

Knowing Poe Vaughn’s character, Vincent Donovan didn’t expose him and continued: "I’ll introduce you next time."

To this, Poe Vaughn gave no response.

But sometimes, silence is the best response.

...

Ava Sterling dislikes lying down right after eating; it’s uncomfortable.

She needs to digest.

She directly told Jace Kingsley she wanted to walk to digest and asked if he wanted to digest too.

Jace Kingsley smiled back: Yes.

So, just like that, the two wandered through the bustling and resplendent city of Delphos.

The wind gently blew by, and both greatly enjoyed it.

After ten o’clock, Jace Kingsley took Ava Sterling to the hotel.

"Didn’t Auntie trouble you?"

"No."

"That’s good. I talked to Auntie, so if she gives you trouble, let me know."

Standing outside the car, Jace Kingsley looked at Ava Sterling with sincere eyes.

Ava Sterling chuckled: "I wondered why she didn’t give me any trouble; turns out you talked to her."

"Well, on this matter, I won’t be polite."

"Haha, that’s good."

"But..."

Ava Sterling’s expression changed slightly, her eyes becoming serious.

Jace Kingsley’s expression shifted slightly, speaking in a low voice: "What’s wrong?"

"Jace Kingsley, I really don’t remember the thing you mentioned, but I believe what you say."

"I don’t know if you understand me, but I’ll be honest with you. My original family was not good, my character has serious flaws, so I am a strong advocate of not getting married."

"I can accept dating, but I won’t marry."

"However, I don’t want to date now; I want to be alone, free. Do you get that?"

Jace Kingsley’s thoughts were very clear.

He wasn’t hiding anything.

Even though she didn’t know him well — only two days.

Ava Sterling could tell Jace Kingsley was serious about her.

At least for now.

Thus, some things needed to be said in advance to prevent any misunderstandings.

Jace Kingsley looked at the person before him — straightforward, no beating around the bush, sometimes carefree, sometimes coldly indifferent, sometimes focused and serious. She’s like a colorful painting, with every shade embodied in her.

But this is her most genuine self, and it’s his favorite version of her.

His gaze deepened, yet humor arose in his eyes: "I understand."

"Ava, thank you for sharing this with me; I’m really happy."

Only sincerity could lead to words like these.

She took him seriously and truly considered him a friend.

This is already wonderful.

Seeing the understanding and acceptance in the person before her, Ava Sterling suddenly felt a bit of a ’bad guy’ feeling.

Feeling slightly awkward, she scratched her head: "You’re great, really, exceptionally great!"

"Only I, well, I..."

"Ava, don’t say bad things about yourself just because you’re rejecting me. In my heart, you’re amazing."

As Ava Sterling was about to voice her shortcomings, Jace Kingsley interrupted her.

Ava Sterling was startled.

Was he a mind reader?

Seeing the surprise in her bright eyes, Jace Kingsley’s smile deepened: "What I want to tell you is, don’t feel burdened. I like you, and I naturally hope you’ll be with me."

"But the premise is that you’re willing."

"For now, we’re friends, ordinary friends. Don’t feel burdened."

"If someday you feel ready, we can give it a try and see if a relationship is possible."

Ava Sterling looked at the smiling person before her and felt incredibly moved, almost tearful.

How can there be someone so nice?

She really wanted to hug him!

And she did, immediately hugging Jace Kingsley, patting his back, and saying emotionally: "Jace Kingsley, you’re really incredible, please let me be moved for a moment!"

Her soft body fell into his embrace, carrying the fresh scent of her hair as she hugged Jace Kingsley.

Jace Kingsley froze.

He hadn’t expected her to embrace him.

But soon, hearing the moved voice near to tears, he smiled.

Extending his arm, he hugged her back, gently patting her back: "Okay."

Jace Kingsley left.

Ava Sterling stood by the hotel entrance, watching the car drive away with a face full of regret.

Ava Sterling, look at you acting like a jerk, how could you not want such a good man? What kind are you waiting for?

Suddenly, a face appeared in her mind.

Ava Sterling’s eyes widened instantly.

Ava Sterling, are you crazy!

You’re even thinking about that unreachable person; are you suicidal?

Oh my God!!!

Her heart raced wildly, as if it were about to fly up to the sky.

Ava Sterling quickly slapped her face, turned around, and hurriedly entered the hotel.

She needed a cold shower to wake up properly.

Otherwise she’d really want to reach for the moon!

She walked swiftly into the elevator, pressed the floor button, the close door button, covered her flushed face, and repeatedly told herself to calm down, calm down.

Calm down!

Just when the elevator doors were about to close, they suddenly opened again.

Ava Sterling lifted her head instinctively.

Outside the doors, a tall figure with a face like it was carved from stone, stood there appearing noble and cold.