CHAPTER 7: CHAPTER 7: SHE MUST MARRY HIM

"Ava, how’s everything on your end? Is Auntie okay?"

At The Fleur Restaurant, twentieth-century European classical music gently flowed through the private room as Ava Sterling and Jace Kingsley dined while taking a call.

The call was from Lauren Howell, who finally had a brief respite from her busyness.

Ava had just about finished eating, feeling about seventy percent full.

She picked up a napkin to wipe her mouth: "It’s fine, everything’s good."

"Huh? Then... What’s Auntie’s purpose this time?"

Ava looked at the man sitting across from her, who had also almost finished eating, and was wiping his mouth with refined and courteous gestures: "Don’t worry about it, book me a flight for two hours from now."

Jace paused momentarily in his movements and then put down his napkin.

Knowing the situation in Ava’s family, Lauren didn’t ask further and promptly agreed: "Sure, I’m heading to Delphos City for an event tomorrow, I’ve already booked your ticket, it’ll be perfect timing for your return."

Ava slightly frowned: "When is it?"

"Tonight, a ten o’clock flight." Ava was asking when the event was, but Lauren answered with the flight time.

However, it didn’t really matter to her, as Lauren would always arrange work matters appropriately.

"Alright, let’s do that."

After hanging up, Ava tossed her phone aside and picked up her wine glass: "Thank you sincerely for today."

Jace looked at the straightforward, sincerely thankful person in front of him and smiled as he raised his glass: "I should be the one apologizing for causing the misunderstanding with Auntie."

"No, it’s not your fault."

She was well aware of her mother’s character.

After drinking all the wine in her glass, Jace also drained his glass with a smile.

"Are you going back to Aurelia later?"

"Yeah, I have a lot of work, and I made time to come back today, so I didn’t bring any luggage."

Jace nodded: "Then may I have your phone number, could I add you on WeChat?"

"Of course, and I’ll need your help with something later."

Dealing with her mom wasn’t going to be easy.

She certainly needed his assistance.

Ava readily pulled out her phone: "Here, let me scan you."

"Haha, okay."

They added each other as friends, and Ava immediately sent her personal number over; Jace also sent his number with a smile.

Ava quickly saved his number and then checked the time: "It’s getting late; I’ll head to the airport first, thank you so much for today."

"Alright, take care, contact me after you reach Aurelia."

"Sure will."

Ava briskly left.

She disliked Varden and felt annoyed staying there even a moment longer.

When she went to the front desk to pay the bill, the staff informed her that Jace had already settled it. Feeling helpless, she sent Jace a message: [Next time, it’s on me; otherwise, we aren’t friends.]

Catnapper: [Haha, that’s what I wanted to hear from you.]

Ava hailed a cab and left.

Jace stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the tall and slender figure get into the car which soon disappeared into the traffic; his gentle gaze was overlaid with a deep intensity.

Ava, let’s take it slow.

On the way to the airport, Ava transferred some money to Anya, which was for Lillian Donovan’s medical expenses.

Feisty Porcupine: [Little Yu, please take good care of Mom.]

Sweet Yu: [Sis, you gave enough last time; there’s no need for more.]

Feisty Porcupine: [It’s okay, use the extra for yourself, buy pretty clothes, eat whatever you want, don’t save money for me; I have enough.]

Sweet Yu: [Thank you, Sis, but take care of yourself and don’t overwork.]

Feisty Porcupine: [Got it, Sis. I’m about to board soon; call me if you need anything.]

Sweet Yu: [Hmm.]

Although they were half-sisters, Lillian often scolded her, but this gentle younger sister defended her many times.

She had a bad temper, but she remembered those who treated her well.

After a short chat, Ava turned off her phone, leaning back in her seat and closing her eyes.

This day was truly exhausting!

...

At the hospital.

After Jace took Ava away, Lillian Donovan beamed with joy and quickly asked Anya to handle the discharge procedures; she wanted to leave the hospital.

Lillian was indeed not feeling well today, with dizziness symptoms, but it wasn’t as severe as she claimed.

It was just high blood pressure.

No need for hospitalization.

The reason she got admitted was to deliberately bring Ava back for a marriage meeting, and now that things had worked out, she certainly didn’t need hospitalization anymore.

After all, it costs money.

Anya was a bit worried: "Mom, maybe you should stay for a couple more days and get checked?"

"What stay? This hospital is just a money pit, once the money goes in, it doesn’t come out."

"Quickly, get me discharged!"

Anya knew she couldn’t persuade her and went to handle the discharge, but she was pulled back by Lillian Donovan just after taking a few steps: "What about the money? Did Ava transfer the hospitalization money to you?"

"She did."

"Let me see!"

Anya showed her the chat records on her phone, and Lillian snorted: "That’s more like it!"

"I gave birth to her; even if I didn’t raise her, she’s still a piece of me!"

Anya slightly frowned: "Mom, sis actually has it tough."

"Tough? Is she complaining to you? Little Yu, you’re young and haven’t stepped out into society; you don’t understand. She’s just trying to trick you into not giving money."

"She’s earned so much over the years, and not asking her for all her money is already generous, yet she’s whining."

"Speaking of hardships, was it tougher than our generation?"

Talking about Ava, Lillian Donovan had endless words and, at some point, became tired of it herself, pushing Anya to go handle the discharge.

As Anya left, Lillian pondered and then dialed Jace.

"Auntie."

"Haha, Mr. Kingsley, am I disturbing you?"

"No, feel free to talk, Auntie."

"Haha, it’s nothing, it’s just that Ava’s personality is quite peculiar. I’m worried she might not know how to gauge things and troubles you, so I called to check."

"No, she’s been fine; there’s no need to worry, Auntie."

"Haha, that’s good, and you guys..."

"I will get along well with Ava, so no need for Auntie to trouble her anymore, okay?"

"Understood! Auntie gets it!"

"Rest assured, Auntie just hopes you both can be happy together. I’ll leave you to your work."

As she quickly hung up, Lillian Donovan couldn’t stop smiling.

Truthfully, she hadn’t planned for Ava to marry, given her occupation and what people said behind her back, piercing her spine in words every day, let alone wanting Ava to marry.

However, just a few days ago, this Mr. Kingsley showed up with luxurious gifts, saying he had liked Ava for a long time, and explained their past connections, coming to her to seek permission to pursue Ava.

Such a polite and well-mannered person, clearly from a wealthy family.

She would be crazy to not agree to such a marriage match for Ava!

Immediately agreeing, and even checking Mr. Kingsley out with the business card he gave her, discovering he’s quite the figure—a CEO of a big company and the sole decision-maker of a family business.

If Ava marries him, wouldn’t she be entitled to half the family property?

How could she let such a great opportunity slip by?

She absolutely, absolutely had to have Ava marry Jace Kingsley; nobody could stop that!