Emily had been bombarding a series of questions. Meadow was obviously not convincing enough to change her mind.
Meadow decided to go all-in and said, “It’s a long story but I shall tell you the entire picture today. The incident had happened abroad and for starters, Abbie has always been very fond of Michael. She sneakily got him drunk just to force him into being in a relationship with her. She claimed that my son had harassed her and even recorded a video just to threaten him. I’m sure you are well aware that Michael is a famous lawyer with a good reputation. He is afraid that his career would be jeopardized should this scandal get broken out.”
Emily was stunned upon listening about it. “Really? How could Abbie turn out to be such a mean and cunning person?”
“Don’t you know that she has always been like this? Apart from her outrageous personality, she would also use her fame and power to bully others. She is the eldest daughter of the Clark family and is very well-loved by her parents. Her brother, Richard, has also spoiled her since young, and Valeria has now joined their club as well. What else is she afraid of then?”
Meadow had a sorrowful look on her face and continued speaking, “Emily, I shall come clean to you. Abbie does not take me seriously besides taking advantage of Azalea. I received an earful from her last time and was even forced in apologizing to her.”
Emily was furious upon hearing about it and raised her voice, “That is ridiculous! She has crossed the line! Is there no other way in teaching her a lesson?”
“Of course not. The best solution is to fight fire with fire. I once told my husband about demanding an explanation from the Clark family. I don’t mind declaring war with them but my father-in-law does not agree to this idea.” Meadow had a helpless look on her face and continued speaking, “Emily, you should be well aware that he has the final say in the household. He is not intimidated by the Clark family per se… well… he thinks that it is worthless to offend them just for the sake of Azalea, a powerless orphan.”
Emily had a displeased look on her face upon hearing about it. Meadow had been observing her and kept adding fuel to the fire, “Emily, I am a rather blunt person. Please do not take it to heart as I am just being rational judging by current circumstances. My father-in-law is an opportunistic person. It is logical for him to hope that Michael and Abbie in becoming a pair as he has targeted the Clark family’s wealthy background. Both my husband and I have opposed to this idea as we are not looking forward to having business with a troublemaker. Besides, Azalea and Michael were in a loving relationship last time. We do not have the heart to split them up upon witnessing their hardships.”
Emily was silent as Meadow’s words did have a solid point. It would be a different storyline should Azalea be the child of Callum, which was also the eldest daughter of the Floyd family. Mr. Davis, the senior member of the Davis family would definitely adore Azalea as she is deemed to be compatible with Michael. After all, the Davis family would not be foolish enough to mess with the Floyd family. Would it be disastrous for Azalea should her identity be exposed to the entire world?
Emily felt nervous at the thought of Veronica, a cunning and merciless person. How was it possible for Veronica in letting Azalea off the hook should she know that Callum’s daughter had turned out to be Azalea?
Emily struggled to come up with a decision as she was worried that Veronica would mess with Azalea.
Emily would undoubtfully choose to survive over gaining power. After all, one could only experience the true nature of life by living peacefully. It was useless should one be constantly hanging by a thread.
Meadow knew that Emily was in a dilemma upon observing her expression. Azalea chimed in upon receiving a gesture from Meadow, “Meadow, I know that Michael is at crossroads but I no longer wish to put him in such a difficult position. I also do not intend to fight with Abbie as I would not want to turn my back against the Clark family who had raised me since I was little. I will choose to give way for Abbie as a token of appreciation towards the Clark family for giving me permission to live under the same roof with them. I decided to call it quits with Michael and my decision is final!”
“What? How could you be caught in such a mess if this matter was as simple as you thought? Michael has never caught feelings for Abbie ever before and is deeply in love with you. It is as clear as day that Abbie hates you very much. She ruined your face this time and she might even get rid of you in the future!”
Azalea knew what was Meadow trying to say. Her eyes went watery as if she was about to cry her lungs out. She replied in a trembled voice, “I shall accept my fate if she really intends of getting a piece of me! I have nothing to lose now anyway!”
Emily’s feelings had experienced a rollercoaster ride upon hearing from Azalea. She sprung up from her seat and said, “That’s enough, stop spewing nonsense! Azalea, your parents have given birth to you. Don’t you think that it is a betrayal towards them by not taking your livelihood seriously? There is nothing in the world that can’t be solved. You shall take care of your health first before we discuss more in the near future. I’ll find a way out!”
Emily immediately marched out of the hospital ward upon finishing her words. Both Azalea and Meadow glanced at each other upon seeing her departure. Meadow had a satisfied smile on her face with her lips squirmed. She then silently spat out two words, “It’s done!”
It was six in the evening. William’s car gradually made its way into the hotel’s parking lot. Bobby got out of the vehicle to open the door and greeted, “Sir William, we are finally here!”
William got out of the car with furrowed eyebrows and Bobby quickly followed behind him. He turned his head around after walking for a few steps and said, “You don’t have to accompany me. I shall head in by myself.”
“Noted. I will wait for you outside instead,” Bobby suggested as he was worried about William. He did not want to leave him alone. After all, William was not in a pleasant mood today.
“I am still able to think straight. Why are you so distressed when this is not a very big deal anyway?” William reached out and patted Bobby on the shoulder. “Do find a place to have something to eat first. I’ll call you if I need your assistance. This is an order from me!”
Bobby had to follow his instruction upon hearing the stern tone especially the last sentence. He agreed in a deep voice and immediately stepped aside.
William then strode up the stairs. The doorkeeper opened the door and gave him a warm welcome. William marched into the hall. The lobby manager swiftly came over and said, “Sir, good evening!”
“Hello there. I have an appointment today with Mr. Floyd.”
“Mr. Floyd had just arrived. Please follow me then!” The lobby manager led William to the elevator.
Callum, who was already seated in the private room was feeling a little anxious. He had arrived ten minutes early but it felt like a lifetime. He raised his wrist to look at his watch and soon heard footsteps coming from the corridor outside. There was also a manager’s enthusiastic voice which said, “Sir, this is it!”
Callum glanced towards the door upon hearing the voice and coincidentally met with William’s gaze. William nodded and said, “Callum, you’re early!”
“Not at all. I just arrived not long ago! William, do have a seat. What would you like to have?” Callum forced a smile.
William sat down and looked at the menu before ordering a few dishes. The manager took the menu away and said, “I shall instruct them to arrange it accordingly. Please wait patiently!”
The manager held the menu in his hands and eventually left. William leaned against the chair and looked closely at Callum. “You have invited me to have dinner alone with you to discuss something, right?”
Callum decided to get down into business as William was being straightforward, “Yes, you’re absolutely right. William, the reason I have invited you here is to talk about David. Why would you instruct your men to follow him around?”