CHAPTER 245: CHAPTER 245: MY COURTESY ALWAYS DEPENDS ON THE PERSON

Juliana Jacobs’s expression of frailty instantly vanished, replaced with a look of fearlessness as she pulled a slender recording device from inside her coat pocket and tossed it onto his desk.

"Every minute, it automatically sends remotely during recording. A new gadget for you."

Auden Hughes paused in his step as he passed her, then continued towards the bar area.

"Old classmate, you’ve become quite the celebrity since yesterday. You shouldn’t play like this. What would you like to drink?"

"I’ve already filled up on the atmosphere here; what more could I drink?"

Juliana settled into the chair in front of his desk.

Auden was amused by her remark and made her a cup of milk tea, placing it in front of her.

"Florence isn’t usually like this. Did you guys have a misunderstanding?"

Juliana looked at the milk tea cup but didn’t pick it up.

"You mean I’m like her hormone trigger, and she acts hormonally charged whenever she sees me, exposing her true nature?"

Auden laughed again at her words.

"In high school, you were such a quiet little girl. How did you become so sharp-tongued? Aidan didn’t raise his sister well."

"You’ve probably forgotten, but my courtesy has always been person-specific."

Auden closed his eyes briefly and clasped his hands in acquiescence.

"Aunt, I yield. Is that satisfactory?"

Juliana raised her chin slightly, "Then let’s get down to business."

Auden put on a serious face and nodded.

Juliana blinked, "Do you really like Florence Sinclair?"

Auden almost fell off his chair.

"Is that business?"

Juliana nodded, "An opening closely related to business."

Auden was completely at her mercy, but his reply was nuanced.

"In small places, it’s all about romance, but in Kingsford, you first consider each other’s leverage. If romance can be added, then all the better."

Juliana sighed internally at the marriage views in this feng shui blessed land, inadvertently thinking of Elias Langley.

He too grew up in such an environment, but he...

Juliana quickly quelled her thoughts, a sly smile curving her lips.

"I plan to edit your girlfriend’s spectacular performance into a short video and post it on Aetherflame’s account, titled ’Unveiling the True Nature of the Sinclair Family’s Adopted Daughter: The Scandal Behind the ’New Life Plan’.’

Auden knew she was serious and stopped laughing.

"What are you aiming for?"

"Approve my friend’s heart transplant request."

"Old classmate, that’s a threat. I can retaliate in the same manner."

Juliana laughed, "Doesn’t matter. Extending human life is your leverage, and what I’ve created can assist certain devices to do all or destroy all. Isn’t this world about the mightiest being king? I’m not sure you can afford my drink."

Auden paused for two seconds at her words, "There’s no need for this between us."

Juliana looked away, "I’ve struggled this far to not endure injustice anymore."

Auden jiggled the mouse to wake up the computer.

"What’s your friend’s name?"

"Summer Shaw. This month, your people went to Kenton to examine her body."

Auden searched the application list, but there was no entry.

It was likely Florence’s directive to remove the applicant’s name.

But since an examination was done, the information was still in the database and could be retrieved with some time.

Auden remained expressionless, "Heart transplants developed from one’s own cells show no rejection, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Without analyzing her data, I can’t immediately answer you on this."

Juliana looked at him without speaking.

Auden leaned back in his chair, "I promise to objectively and fairly analyze your friend’s data and reach a truthful conclusion."

"You only have one shot at earning my trust, make it count."

Auden gave an exasperated smile, "Classmate, don’t talk to me like this, it’s unsettling."

Meanwhile, Mrs. Sinclair had been sitting in Florence’s office for quite some time.

She checked the time, "How much longer will Auden take?"

"I’ll call and ask him."

Florence was also uneasy, unsure what Juliana and Auden could be discussing that took so long in the office.

But as she took out her phone, Mrs. Sinclair stopped her, "Never mind, don’t disturb his work. Pass this box of American ginseng on to him for me. Your grandfather’s been saying you haven’t come home for dinner together in ages. Is there any issue between you two?"

"No, absolutely not," Florence replied with a steady face.

"Then make some time to come home together for dinner."

Having said that, Mrs. Sinclair prepared to leave.

As for Juliana, she held no sympathy for Auden’s kindness.

She stood up, "Resent by association, you’ll have to endure it first."

Auden burst out laughing.

He wanted to escort her, but Juliana refused, "Go review my friend’s documentation right now. I want your prompt response."

Auden knew her independent nature and nodded, "Next time, just say you’re looking for me; the front desk won’t dare stop you."

Juliana nodded, "If this goes well, I’ll treat you to a meal next time."

Auden laughed again.

Juliana opened the door and walked out on her own.

Florence reached the doorknob before Mrs. Sinclair.

As the door opened a crack, Juliana was just passing by.

Their gazes locked.

From Juliana’s position, she couldn’t see inside the office.

Mrs. Sinclair was about to step over.

Florence tossed a glare at Juliana, slamming the door shut.

Juliana was momentarily stunned, murmuring "Crazy" as she left.

Florence clutched her stomach, crouching down, Mrs. Sinclair hurriedly approached.

"Florence, what’s wrong?"

"Mom, I suddenly have a stomachache."

Mrs. Sinclair quickly helped her over to the sofa.

"It’s probably because I had cold water in the morning for convenience," Florence muttered, frowning.

"You already have poor uterine health; in this season, you can’t take cold things."

Mrs. Sinclair quickly poured her a glass of water.

"After you marry Auden, you should immediately plan to have kids, so take care of your health."

Florence slowly finished drinking the water, estimated that Juliana was long gone, and only then did her "stomachache" subside.

"Okay, Mom, I’ll take care of it. Let me see you off."

She stood up, linking her arm with her mother’s.

"Are you really okay?" Mrs. Sinclair was still worried.

Florence smiled, "The water you pour can cure all my pain."

Mrs. Sinclair laughed at her words, "Looks like you and Auden are doing well. Only a cherished woman can speak so sweetly."

"Mom," Florence opened the door, "My brother-in-law seems very busy in Kenton, and doesn’t like coming back to Kingsford. Isabelle seemed quite down after her last visit, keep an eye on her."

Mrs. Sinclair lightly patted her hand while walking.

"Victor Langley called a while ago saying he’d visit Kingsford after he wraps up work; he probably wants to discuss Isabelle’s marriage. Elias has someone over there, which surprised your father and me. But the truth of it all, we’ll ask him directly when he returns before deciding."

Mrs. Sinclair frowned slightly as she spoke.

"The Sinclair Family won’t tolerate infidelity. Others might call a mistress a ’second lady’, but in our family, it’s impossible."

Florence nodded, "Actually, my brother-in-law’s always been upright and very self-disciplined. If he did slip, the other party’s tactics were too clever."

Mrs. Sinclair wanted to say something more, but the elevator arrived.

So she advised, "You and Auden should be good. In a relationship, loyalty is fundamental; it’s more important than anything else."

"Don’t worry, Mom, we’re doing fine."

As Florence finished speaking, the elevator door had already closed.

The smile vanished from her face as she swiftly turned towards Auden’s office.

Down in the parking lot.

Raine Kane sat in the driver’s seat, eating candied hawthorn sticks. With two pieces left, Juliana got into the car but didn’t rush her, waiting for her to finish.

"So, will the recording make Florence listen to reason?" Raine asked while eating.

Juliana stared listlessly at the windshield ahead, "I don’t intend to use the recording to control anyone, just to secure a fair opportunity."

Raine turned to look at her, not yet saying the word ’right’ when, not far away, the elevator doors opened, heralded by Vivacore Bio’s front desk clerk’s respectful voice.

"Mrs. Sinclair, please take care."