CHAPTER 6: CHAPTER 6: CONFESSION RECEIVED

A tall figure embraced Ava Sterling, shielding her from the swift blow.

Ava Sterling hadn’t expected it; she didn’t even see clearly before being held by someone.

She smelled a strange scent, completely unfamiliar.

"Mr. Kingsley..." Lillian Donovan saw the newcomer, dumbfoundedly speaking.

Mr. Kingsley?

Who?

Ava Sterling frowned and looked up, and what came into view was an incredibly handsome face—deep-set eyebrows, a high nose, thin and rosy lips. The person before her had features as if they were painted, extremely refined.

Most importantly, he was taller than her.

At five foot ten, Ava Sterling was a noticeable presence in any crowd, even in flat shoes.

And the person in front of her was even taller, estimated to be around six foot two or three.

When did she meet someone like this?

Ava Sterling rarely was at a loss.

Jace Kingsley eased the pain, looked at the person in his arms, seeing a fair and clean face under the baseball cap, without any makeup, showing the most genuine countenance.

Her skin looked soft enough to break with a blow, her wild eyebrows were distinct, and her phoenix eyes were clear and bright.

She had a high-bridged nose, rosy lips, and strikingly beautiful features.

This was a face that was beautiful even without makeup, the kind that anyone would like at first sight.

Jace Kingsley’s gaze softened, but remembering something, he held Ava Sterling’s hand, inspecting her with concern: "Are you hurt?"

His voice was caring, familiar, as if they had known each other for a long time.

Ava Sterling pulled her hand back, confused, and said, "You are..."

Jace Kingsley was taken aback.

"You... don’t remember me?"

"We... know each other?"

Ava Sterling blinked a couple of times, examining the person in front of her.

Tall and good-looking, wearing a custom Versace suit, even his watch was a Patek Philippe collector’s edition.

Most importantly, his refined and courteous demeanor was not something easily acquired.

He was from a good family, an heir of excellent lineage.

She had been in this circle for many years, knew many people, including wealthy friends, but this was the first time she had encountered someone like him.

She indeed didn’t know him.

Jace Kingsley’s gaze dimmed slightly, and he smiled, "It’s been ten years; it’s normal for you to forget me, especially since..."

His expression shifted slightly, and he didn’t continue.

"Auntie, don’t hit Ava; she’s someone I like, and I hope you cherish her as much as I do."

The confession came unexpectedly and directly, catching Ava Sterling off guard.

And before she could react, Jace Kingsley was already pulling her out of the ward, with Lillian Donovan’s flattering voice coming from behind, "Hehe, okay, Auntie understands, Auntie will listen to you."

"You all have fun!"

Anya stood outside, watching the two of them walk away, her fingers curled, her expression darkening.

Her hand clenched tight, jealousy etched all over her face, impossible to dissipate.

"No, you... give me a moment."

Walking out of the hospital, the sun blazed down on Ava Sterling’s head, scorching.

She came to her senses and pulled her hand away from Jace Kingsley’s palm.

Jace Kingsley squeezed his hand, facing the confused person in front of him, gently, "If you have any questions, feel free to ask; I’ll answer them all."

Ava Sterling’s public image was distant, an ice-cold beauty, but that was towards strangers. With familiar people, she seemed like a different person—passionate, free-spirited, fond of laughter, with a fiery temper, and even a bit goofy...

However, her intelligence was there.

Although her emotional intelligence was not high.

Frowning at the person before her, full of indulgence, doting, Ava Sterling recalled the attitude of Lillian Donovan just now and what she had previously said: "Are you my blind date?"

"Yes."

"Your surname is Kingsley?"

"That’s right, I’m Jace Kingsley."

"You said we’ve met, ten years ago?"

"Yes, you helped me back then; I’ve always remembered."

"So... you had love at first sight with me?"

"You could say that."

Ava Sterling understood.

She was aware of her own image, men liking her at first sight wasn’t surprising to her.

She had that confidence.

It’s just...

Ava Sterling squinted slightly, "My mom said she accepted dowry from your family, asking me to marry you, is that true?"

Jace Kingsley frowned, "Dowry?"

He shook his head, "I didn’t give any, but I did give your mother a gift as a meeting gift."

Ava Sterling got it.

Her mom just saw Jace Kingsley as good-looking, from a good family, generous, afraid he’d slip away, so she deliberately said those things to fool her.

It’s not really fooling; if she really didn’t want to, her mom would do anything.

After so many years, she already understood her.

Having gotten the facts straight, Ava Sterling was clear in her mind.

"Sorry, I forgot you, but I think we can be friends."

"I think you’re a good person, but as for being a couple, I can’t accept it."

"I’m not very keen on relationships; I don’t even want to get married, so if you want to be with me, I’m afraid it would only hold you back."

Jace Kingsley laughed at her candid and straightforward words, spoken without affectation.

"I know, so starting as friends is more than enough for me."

The person in front of her was very understanding and incredibly gentle, Ava Sterling reflected, having such good upbringing was truly impressive.

Being friends was quite nice.

"Alright, then it’s settled. We are friends."

She placed her hand on Jace Kingsley’s shoulder, patting it twice like comrades, in a very natural gesture.

Jace Kingsley let out a low laugh.

Ava Sterling hadn’t eaten yet, and Jace Kingsley seemed to know, suggesting to treat her to a meal as an apology for his abruptness.

Ava Sterling, recalling how Jace Kingsley took the hit for her, immediately agreed, saying she would treat instead.

Jace Kingsley didn’t decline further, accepting the offer, and just like that, they went to The Fleur Restaurant, one of the restaurants Jace had initially booked.

...

Aurelia.

The Vaughn Family’s old residence.

Sharon Sheridan personally visited Poe Vaughn’s bedroom, and upon witnessing the mess inside, she couldn’t stop smiling.

Returning to the old residence, the smile remained on her face, without any sign of fading.

Yao Aunt followed her, also extremely pleased.

"Third Young Master never had a girl around, only Quentin Quinn, and we all thought his tastes differed from ordinary men. But seeing this, it’s completely not the case. You can be fully reassured."

Sharon Sheridan picked up a teacup for her third cup of tea, her face wrinkled with a smile, "Yes, I’ve been worried all this time, but that child is so introverted, I couldn’t say much, only fret along."

"Now, I have no worries."

"I don’t care about things like family background and whatnot, as long as she’s a good girl with a clean past, I’m satisfied."

"Haha, don’t underestimate the Third Young Master’s taste."

"I believe that girl must be outstanding, one in a million!"

"Haha, indeed, that child has always had good judgment, very clear on things."

The two of them laughed as they spoke; even the parrot sensed it, hopping in its cage, "A joyful occasion, a joyful occasion!"

Hearing this crisp and bright sound, the two laughed heartily.

However, after lunch, as Sharon Sheridan prepared for her nap, she was reminded of something as she lay down.

"They’ve gotten to this stage; when is he going to bring her over for me to meet?" Sharon Sheridan suddenly said while Yao Aunt helped her prepare for her nap.

Yao Aunt paused, remembering the matter, "Could it be they’ve been dating but weren’t certain, so he hadn’t brought her over? Now that they’re at this stage, it shouldn’t be long before he’ll bring her to meet you, right?"

After speaking, thinking of something, she asked, "Should I have someone investigate?"

Sharon Sheridan immediately raised her hand, "No need."

"Crestwood Manor doesn’t have surveillance, and he must have his reasons for keeping it from us; it wouldn’t be good for us to investigate."

"It’s just that this girl has given her all to him. If he doesn’t bring her to meet us, my heart won’t be at ease."

"So you want..."

Sharon Sheridan got out of bed, "I’ll call him and feel things out first."

"If suitable, then let’s get them married."

"Better sooner, before things become complicated."

"Yes, Third Young Master is at that age, and he’s not one to sweet-talk people. Only now he’s with her, and we don’t want her to leave, do we?"

"Yes!"

Sharon Sheridan got to the phone in a hurry, but the call to Poe Vaughn went straight to voicemail, indicating it was turned off.

She was worried.

She gave instructions to Yousao to contact Poe Vaughn, which she agreed to do with a nod.