Ch. 1701..1710
Chapter 1701
In just less than an hour.
The headlines on the internet changed several times.
However, the most shocking ones were about those three people.
#Nicole and Eric Reconciles#
#Nicole and Eric Can Never Reconciled #Nicole’s New Love is Clayton Sloan# #Eric Ferguson Gets Dumped#
#The Greatest Scene of the Century#
#Where’s Xander?#
The gossip about the three people that everyone was so keen to talk about ended up falling back to Xander.
[Goddess Nicole, never turn back! Mr. Sloan is so handsome!]
[Mr. Ferguson made his wife suffer and is now suffering in return because she ended up running away when he chased after her. I feel sorry for him!]
[This is the scene of the century! The series we’ve been chasing for so long finally ushered in its grand finale. Let’s scatter flowers for Goddess Nicole!]
[Clayton looks so warm and gentle. He’s a great match with our Goddess Nicole!]
[Clayton, be good to our Nicole!]
[Clayton, you better cherish her!]
[I heard Xander paid his fans to get together. Xander’s name should be on the headlines too, right?]
[Where’s Xander?]
At that moment, Xander had long been pushed out of the crowd and ran away in a cab, despondent and lonely.
Xander was really apprehensive and depressed.
Putting aside whether he offended Nicole, his popularity did not go up at all. The money he spent had gone down the drain.
After using that much money, he even lost his family property.
Now, he could only hope that Nicole would not come back to cause trouble for him, or he would have no way
Xander took out his phone and looked at the news online. He finally saw his name at the bottom.
#Where’s Xander?#
Xander got excited and clicked on it, but then his heart suddenly went cold.
It was all apologies from the fake fans he had paid to come.
Great. Now the entire internet knew that he bought his fans!
Xander was one step further from being a first-tier celebrity.
Inside Clayton’s car.
As they drove further away from the airport, Nicole’s mood was inexplicably relaxed and happy.
Clayton broke the silence and initiated the topic with a smile.
“Babe, you might not remember, but Elio was already Professor Phillip’s right-hand man 15 years ago when he was just 12 years old...”
Nicole could not help but be excited and did not notice how intimate Clayton’s address was at this point.
Her attention was completely on Elio Cosenza, who was sitting beside her.
“Dr. Cosenza, it’s been too long, so I don’t remember much. I was there 15 years ago, but there were just so many people...”
Elio smiled with some youthful energy.
“Yes, there were a lot of people then. I was only 12 at that time, and you were only 10, right? I remember that before the operation, you ran to Chairman Stanton’s ward and cried, wanting him to tuck you into bed. Back then, no one could pull you away. I think that your second brother had to use a lollipop to coax you away.: ”
Nicole did not remember that scene at all, but that did not prevent her from feeling embarrassed.
Clayton chuckled in a low voice, and the atmosphere was instantly relaxed.
However, it definitely sounded like something Nicole would do.
Elio sighed and looked out the window.
“15 years passed in a flash. If my senior was around, he would be happy to know that the results of his surgery lasted so long.”
Nicole’s smile faded. When she remembered that Professor Phillip passed away only a few days ago, she could not be that happy. Otherwise, it would be awkward.
“We’re very sorry for Professor Phillip’s passing. I don’t know what to say, but I’m very glad that you were able to rush over and perform my father’s surgery.”
Elio rubbed his temples and smiled.
“Don’t worry. I followed up on this surgery fifteen years ago to study it. I understand the whole procedure of my senior’s surgery and have performed many similar surgeries in the past few years, so I’m confident that this surgery has a high probability of success.”
Chapter 1702
Elio’s words completely reassured Nicole.
His casual attitude made people feel like this was not a major operation and was something easy. It made Nicole relax all of a sudden.
Indeed, to Elio, this was not a big deal.
If not for Clayton’s introduction, Nicole would not believe that this unassuming young man actually had such deep knowledge and mastery.
The atmosphere in the car was light and relaxed until they arrived at the hospital. Elio did not mention any additional conditions such as rest and went directly to the ward to ask for Floyd’s test reports in the past few days.
Elio did not spare any data from the examination. Director Sven did not recognize Elio at first.
However, seeing the way Elio devoted himself so seriously, Clayton pulled Elio to the side to introduce him.
"This is Professor Phillip’s junior, Professor Elio Cosenza.”
Director Sven froze. The next second, he suddenly stood up straight, startling everyone.
"You’re Elio Cosenza?!”
Elio nodded calmly and looked down again to continue reading the report.
Director Sven’s face changed slightly, and he asked quietly, "Y-You’re really Professor Elio Cosenza?”
Nicole could not help but be confused at Director Sven’s reaction.
Where did Director Sven’s respectful and cautious look come from?
Was Elio that amazing?
Elio smiled. “I am. You don’t have to be so polite. Let me understand the situation first before making further plans.”
Director Sven’s mouth gaped open in shock, but he did not make another sound for fear of disturbing Elio.
He carefully retreated and left the office before slowly letting out a breath.
Director Sven looked at the bewildered Nicole and the smiling Clayton then shook his head.
He gave Nicole a thumbs up.
“Ms. Stanton, you’re really remarkable to be able to invite him over...”
Nicole blinked and looked at Clayton. “Is Elio that amazing?”
Director Sven clicked his tongue and slapped his thigh. “He’s not just amazing. He’s simply legendary!”
Nicole was even more puzzled. She was just excited
because Elio was Phillip’s junior who had participated in Floyd’s surgery fifteen years ago, so the chances of success would be higher.
She did not know of Elio’s past. Director Sven introduced Elio excitedly.
“Elio is a legend in the medical world! He ventured into the field of medicine and surgery and is considered one of the best there is, especially when it comes to surgical cases. He specializes in research and has published world-class papers. Almost every paper he wrote became models in the medical community.
Every progress he makes is the progress of the entire industry. With him around, never mind curing your father‘s disease, Chairman Stanton might even be able to live forever!”
Director Sven spoke with a flush as if he just met his idol. He was completely different from his usual self.
Nicole could not help but laugh. “Is he that great?” Director Sven glared at her and looked at Clayton.
“You invited him, right, Mr. Sloan? If you couId’ve invited Professor Elio here, what was the point of looking for Felix Ferguson? Let me tell you. Elio is like the Stephen Hawking of the medical world, and in comparison, Felix is just a small doctor in a third-rate clinic at best. They’re simply worlds apart!”
Nicole’s eyes widened in surprise. That analogy was shocking.
However, Director Sven did not look like he was exaggerating at all.
Clayton smiled faintly without complimenting or belittling.
“Elio is indeed a genius. It’s just that I was worried he wouldn’t be able to make it back in time, so I didn’t say anything at first. When I got my people to ask around, they found out that he was in Hong Kong, so I immediately invited him over...”
Chapter 1703
Clayton said it as if it was extraordinarily simple.
Director Sven gave him a thumbs up in admiration. His eyes shone brightly.
“Don’t worry. Chairman Stanton’s health will be fine now. Elio is our light at the end of the tunnel!”
Director Sven breathed another sigh of relief as he spoke and turned around to go inside to admire Elio again.
Nicole stood there and looked at Clayton.
“So, you already made preparations?”
Nicole could not say whether she was excited or calm. Clayton pursed his lips and lowered his eyes.
“I’m sorry for not telling you since the beginning. I didn’t expect it either. I only felt that something was off when I heard Director Sven mention Felix Ferguson.”
Nicole said, “What was off?”
Clayton raised his brows. “Actually, I invested in Professor Phillip’s medical team a few years ago and gave them several hundred million dollars a year to tackle medical problems. I almost forgot about them... When Professor Phillip passed away, his work was halted because the team‘s direction changed, and people competed for leadership. Felix used his background to squeeze Elio out of the team and take
over Professor Phillip’s team.”
Nicole frowned. The team was more complicated than she thought.
“Then Elio...”
Clayton smiled. “I let Elio set up a team of his own. With his reputation, he stopped having to rely on Professor Phillip a long time ago. He’s a genius. No matter where he goes, he’ll create his own value.”
Nicole nodded with understanding.
“You shouId’ve told me earlier so I wouldn’t have had to agree to Eric’s request...”
Nicole felt aggrieved just by mentioning it. Clayton hurriedly apologized.
“It was my fault. It‘s because I really didn‘t remember that I invested in them. I asked Roland to investigate clearly before bringing him here. Fortunately, we were right on time...”
Clayton reached out and took her into his arms, carefully patting her back like he was gently coaxing a child.
Nicole sniffled and finally felt her heart settle down. She could think about other stuff now.
“But Elio doesn’t look like a legendary person at all...”
Clayton laughed. "That‘s true. He’s single-mindedly devoted to medicine and doesn’t care about food and clothing. He looks no different from ordinary people, but he’s very capable. He doesn‘t specialize in treating rich people for fame and fortune like Felix does. His patients are selected based on their difficulty, and most of them are extremely challenging cases. He often runs around the world without his phone, so almost no one can find him.”
Nicole sighed in understanding. “No wonder Uncle Sven was so shocked that he could come!”
Clayton laughed a little. “Well, all’s well that ends well. Don’t worry about it.”
Nicole nodded and turned her head to fling herself into his arms, muffling her voice as she spoke.
“Thank you so much!”
Clayton lowered his head and kissed her hair. His gaze was incredibly soft.
“You’re welcome, my little lady.”
The surgery was scheduled for the afternoon of the next day.
When Grant and Kai heard the news, they were both shocked for a long time.
Even Aida rushed over to wait in front of the operating room despite the physical inconvenience.
Grant persuaded her, but it was no use, so he let her do as she pleased.
Maverick did not make it back in time, and the rest of them waited neatly outside the operating room.
However, no one was in a relaxed mood.
Although Elio was here and the chances of success
were high, everyone was afraid of that one-in-a-million chance.
They could only pray that the operation went on without a hitch.
During the operation, no one noticed a man appear on the other side of the corridor at some point.
Eric stood there and did not go forward. From a distance, he looked at Nicole, who was standing there looking so beautiful and radiant.
However, her clear outline gradually blurred in front of his eyes.
Chapter 1704
Nicole finally disappeared from Eric’s life. God seemed to have played a joke on Eric.
This opportunity was delivered to him and then taken away again.
Why?
Was Eric being tested?
Felix backtracked and did not want to come over. When Felix learned that Elio came, he was so angry that he changed flights in the airport and did not touch down in Mediania at all.
Felix was jealous of that genius, the junior that Professor Phillip was biased toward.
After an unknown amount of time, the people in the operating room finally came out.
Eric heard someone say, “The operation was a great success.”
Eric stood there and seemed to sigh in relief. He leaned against the wall, and his body seemed to be drained of strength as if a taut string was broken.
His hands clenched and unclenched as he listened to the laughter over there. In the end, he chose to leave in loneliness.
What right did he have to appear in front of Nicole? When Eric went out, the sun was shining brightly
outside. He felt like he could not stand under the light and had to retreat.
Mitchell, who was waiting in the car, got out and went over to support him.
“President, are you alright?”
Mitchell had been waiting here for Eric. He was both sympathetic and puzzled by Eric’s behavior.
Eric shook his head and got into the car with a glum expression. He closed his eyes and slumped over.
Mitchell pursed his lips. “Are we going back to the office?”
Eric said, “Go back to Imperial Gardens.”
It was Eric and Nicole’s house when they were newlyweds.
Mitchell immediately realized Eric’s thoughts. Eric still did not let go of Nicole. No matter how many things he experienced, he could not let go.
Mitchell glanced at the driver, who understood and immediately drove in the direction of Imperial Gardens.
Ever since Eric came back from Southeast Asia, he locked himself up in Imperial Gardens for several days, drinking himself into a stupor. He seemed to be a different person those days.
Mitchell was heartbroken at that time.
However, in just a few days, Eric pulled himself together and became the unstoppable Eric Ferguson again.
Mitchell did not know how he felt about that, but he just felt a little sorry for Nicole.
It was not that Mitchell did not want Eric to recover, but Nicole’s traces in Eric’s heart were erased in just a few days. That so-called deep love also had an expiration date.
However, with Mitchell’s status, he could not say anything more.
Mitchell could only watch Eric fall into self-prejudice.
At Imperial Gardens, Mitchell personally sent Eric to the door.
Eric sat on the sofa and looked around at everything familiar. He looked forward to that woman’s return from the very beginning and did not change the arrangement of the furniture.
However, Nicole would not step foot in here again.
Eric placed his hands over his face. He was enveloped in gloom. It was hard to hide his sadness and grief.
Mitchell did not leave. “President...”
Eric remained silent.
Mitchell sighed and gathered enough courage to speak.
“President, although there are some things I know I shouldn’t say, I still want to say them.”
He did not care about Eric’s reaction and spoke directly.
“I know that your feelings for Ms. Stanton are deep and serious, and that Clayton can’t compare to you...”
Eric paused and choked out a sob but did not respond.
Mitchell continued, “But I still want to advise you to give up. No matter how intense your feelings are, the past cannot be erased. It’ll be fine if those were pleasant memories, but your memories with Ms. Stanton are filled with grief.”
Mitchell really held it in for a long time before saying this.
“Clayton may not love her as much as you do, but they only have happy memories, so please stop being so obsessed with Ms. Stanton.”
Eric was silent for a long time before he spoke in a hoarse voice.
‘You also think that I don’t deserve her, right?”
Chapter 1705
Mitchell opened his mouth. “All the choices you made were rational and correct, but Ms. Stanton doesn’t need rationality. At the most dangerous moments, I think what she needs is unwavering favoritism.”
Eric fell silent and did not move.
Mitchell gritted his teeth. “President, you have never favored Ms. Stanton, so why are you being so persistent?”
What Mitchell was unable to figure out the most was why Eric wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to pursue Nicole again.
How could Nicole compromise on someone who took advantage of her difficulties?
Nicole would only get more repulsed by Eric.
If Eric really wanted to ease their relationship, he should have taken the initiative to let Felix come over to treat Floyd’s illness.
However, Eric did not.
The chance was right in front of him, but Eric threw it away.
Mitchell was speechless.
It felt like Eric forced himself into a dead end and could no longer turn around.
Mitchell stood there and could see the veins on Eric’s neck. At the sight of such a fragile Eric, he almost could not bear to speak anymore.
Eric said in a deep voice, “I really can’t accept it. Why can Keith get back his ex-wife, but I can’t?”
Mitchell pursed his lips. “Because Mr. Ludwig’s ex-wife has nowhere else to go, but Ms. Stanton has countless paths ahead of her. Even if you did the same as Mr. Ludwig and forcibly got Ms. Stanton pregnant, do you think that Ms. Stanton would obediently give birth to the baby like Ms. Lehman?”
No.
Anyone could, but Nicole would not. Nicole was so proud and confident.
Not only would Nicole not concede, if Eric did something like that, Ferguson Corporation would also face a crisis.
The Stanton family would never rest until the Fergusons suffered. In the end, both sides would lose out.
Eric was silent for a long time, so long that Mitchell, who was standing there, thought that he fell asleep.
Eric said, “Mitchell...”
There was no hint of the fragility in his voice. He was still the cold, stern, and rational businessman, Eric Ferguson.
Mitchell’s heart trembled slightly, and he steadied his mind. ‘Yes, Mr. Ferguson.”
Mitchell gritted his teeth, perhaps realizing that his career was about to end here.
The words just now were taboo for Eric. Mitchell was too impulsive.
Eric said, “Help me book a flight to Denmark.” Mitchell looked up slightly.
Eric had just returned from Denmark, but he was leaving again?
Would Eric give up just like that? “President...”
Eric stood up, looking gloomy and cold. His face was slightly pale as he looked at Mitchell, and he walked over and patted his shoulder.
“I’ll leave the company here in your hands. I’ll feel better if I’m in Denmark.”
Mitchell was right. The further Eric was from Nicole, the better.
No matter how unwilling he was, he had to accept it.
Not showing up in front of Nicole was the best concession Eric could make, right?
She deserved to be happy. He could not ruin her.
Everyone wanted him to give up, including himself. Fine, then. He compromised as long as Nicole was happy.
Eric closed his eyes. When he opened them again, his black eyes were bloodshot.
“Staying away from her is my atonement.”
After he finished, Eric went straight upstairs and said, “ Book the earliest flight. The sooner the better.”
Mitchell looked at Eric’s back, not knowing what to say for a moment.
He pitied Eric but also did not because Eric deserved it.
However, although Eric deserved it, there were too many of his tendencies mixed in his love.
In fact, Eric had always loved Nicole, right?
If anyone else stood in Eric’s shoes, who would have done better than him?
Mitchell pursed his lips. He did not feel happy about his promotion and salary increment. He just felt sorry for Eric.
Chapter 1706
Eric simply handed over Ferguson Corporation’s domestic business. Even if many others were better than Mitchell, no one was more loyal than him.
More importantly, Mitchell being in that position would not create any conflict with Stanton Corporation.
Eric also selfishly thought that he could get to know more about Nicole’s thoughts about him through Mitchell.
He was even a little jealous of Mitchell.
Eric, who seemed to have everything, was jealous of a mere assistant.
Before getting on the plane, Eric sent a text message, turned off his phone, and left.
Meanwhile, in the hospital.
Floyd’s surgery was successful, but he was still unconscious.
However, everyone was visibly excited.
Due to the long wait, Aida was too tired and went back to rest.
Grant was talking to Elio about the recovery. Kai was so happy that he ran to Floyd’s ward and kissed his father several times before he was dragged out by Director Sven.
Nicole and Clayton were eating. To be precise, Nicole was the one eating because she had not eaten and slept well for several days.
All of a sudden, hunger and tiredness overwhelmed her.
Clayton forced her to eat a nutritious meal, but the more she ate, the hungrier she became.
“Eat slowly, no one’s gonna take it from you.”
Clayton gently wiped her mouth with a tissue, and Nicole smiled faintly.
“I want soup.”
Clayton had no choice but to serve her a bowl of soup.
The phone next to Nicole’s hand lit up for a moment. It was an incoming text message.
Nicole casually clicked on it to see an unsaved number with just one sentence.
[I’m letting you go. I hope that you’ll be loved unconditionally for the rest of your life.]
Inexplicably, Nicole seemed to know who it was.
The word “loved unconditionally” instantly made her eyes sting.
The next second, Nicole immediately deleted the text message and acted as if she had not seen anything.
Clayton handed over the soup. “Careful, it‘s hot. Just take a few sips. I’m afraid your stomach won’t be able to handle all that food...”
His voice was kind and very patient as he persuaded her.
Nicole smiled. The small episode just now did not seem to matter. Nicole took it with a smile.
“Okay. You’re so naggy, Mr. Sloan...” She muttered in a small voice.
Clayton looked at her helplessly.
In the next second, Nicole suddenly felt her stomach flip, and she felt like vomiting.
Sure enough, whatever Clayton said came true.
Clayton’s face changed, and he immediately put his hands in front of her.
He wanted to catch her vomit with his hands.
When Nicole came to her senses, she did not know what to say. Clayton, the germaphobe, could even do this for her. She suddenly felt like this was what it was like to be loved unconditionally.
Indeed. Clayton had always loved her unconditionally. Nicole sniffled. Fortunately, she did not puke.
Otherwise, her image could be thrown out the window.
Clayton anxiously soothed her back from behind in distress.
“Are you uncomfortable? Did you drink too much soup? Or is the food not fresh? I’ll get someone to make a new one right away.”
Nicole smiled and regained her strength as if nothing happened.
“Forget it. I probably ate too much. Don’t order more food. I’m full now.”
Clayton breathed a sigh of relief. “Why don’t I ask Director Sven to give you a checkup?”
Nicole immediately stopped him.
“No! Do you want everyone to know that I ate so much that I wanted to puke?”
Kai would definitely laugh at Nicole for a whole year.
Clayton laughed speechlessly. “Fine... I won’t say anything. Do you want some water?”
Nicole nodded her head.
Clayton cleared the table, went to wash his hands, and came back. “Do you want to take a nap? I’ll wake you up when your dad is awake.”
Chapter 1707
Nicole shook her head and struggled to gather her spirits.
“I’m gonna wait for Dad to wake up because I want him to see me first. I can’t let Kai beat me to it!”
Clayton could not understand this strange infighting between Nicole and Kai.
After Floyd woke up, Elio Cosenza gave the hospital Floyd’s treatment procedure and left.
Nicole did not even know when Elio had left.
“I didn’t thank him properly yet. I should treat him to a meal or give him some funding for his research or something...”
Nicole lamented with Clayton.
Clayton said, “Don’t worry. I’ve compensated him well. He has another patient to attend to and can’t be away for too long.”
Nicole nodded understandingly. Her troubles were soon swept away because Floyd was awake.
As soon as Floyd opened his eyes, he did not have time to lament life when Kai shook him until his head was dizzy.
Floyd was so angry that his breathing became heavier. “You little brat! Are you afraid that I’ll live too long?!” Kai came up to him aggrievedly.
“Dad, I was just worried about you!”
Nicole rolled her eyes, then took Floyd’s hand and patted it.
“Dad, how are you feeling? If you’re not feeling well, I’ll call the doctor over.”
Floyd opened his eyes and saw Nicole’s red eyes from crying so much and lamented.
“Lil N, you’re still the best.” Nicole nodded heavily.
The corners of Kai’s mouth twitched. He unabashedly
went closer to show Floyd his red and teary eyes.
“Dad, I also cried! When you were in surgery and even after your surgery was over, I kept crying! I didn’t hire a caregiver and took care of you personally!”
Floyd coldly snorted. "You’re always good at acting, so who knows if you‘re really crying or fake crying?”
Kai’s face crumbled as he looked at Floyd, covering his mouth in sorrow.
“Dad, you’re going too far! I’m devastated...”
Grant heard the noise and came into the ward, then impatiently dragged Kai to the side.
“Shush! The doctor said that Dad needs to recuperate in peace!”
Kai did not dare to stir up a fuss in front of Grant, so Kai could only obediently sit behind Nicole and shut up.
Grant walked over and touched his forehead. “Dad, you have to tell us if you’re not feeling well.”
Floyd nodded and looked at his eldest son. Grant could handle everything on his own and was calm and mature. Grant really resembled Floyd.
“You’ve worked hard...”
Floyd saw Grant’s bloodshot eyes and knew that he must not have rested well in the past few days.
Grant and Kai were two extremely different personalities.
Kai liked to make a big fuss about everything, while Grant silently solved all problems even when the sky was falling.
Floyd looked around. “Are Aida and the baby okay?” Grant nodded his head. ‘Yeah, she went back to rest.” Floyd nodded without any dissatisfaction.
Nicole said, “Aida kept watch here for several days. She refused to leave when you were in surgery. It’s just that the baby was too fussy, so she couldn’t take it any longer. We barely persuaded her to go back.”
Floyd looked at Grant reproachfully.
“Don’t let Aida run around so much. I’m fine. She should take care of her health.”
Grant nodded in silence.
Floyd was indescribably touched. This was what a family should be like.
Clayton came into the ward. His gentle eyes had a moment of surprise when he saw Floyd.
“Uncle Floyd’s awake?”
“Clayton, it must’ve been hard for you...”
Floyd was feeling emotional after a close brush with death.
Clayton smiled. “Uncle Floyd, you‘re the one who had it the worst. We’re all relieved that you’re awake.”
Floyd nodded his head.
Chapter 1708
Not long after, Director Sven brought some doctors over for a routine examination and drove them all away.
“Chairman Stanton, you’re really blessed. Your sons and daughter are all successful, your daughter-in-law is filial, and your son-in-law is also so obedient and capable. How did you get such luck?”
Floyd cooperated with the examination and smiled with satisfaction.
“Is that so? Aren’t you envious?”
“Yeah! It’s all thanks to your son-in-law that you managed to get through this.” Floyd’s eyes widened. “Oh?”
Director Sven excitedly told Floyd the full story. When Sven mentioned Elio Cosenza, his eyes were filled with so much admiration and respect that could not be hidden.
However, Floyd’s focus was on Clayton. He finally felt like Clayton was dependable.
Floyd recalled that when Clayton came into the ward, Clayton behaved in a way that was justified, without the slightest intention of using this to show off or take credit. Suddenly, Floyd saw Clayton in a new light.
In the past, Floyd was always afraid that Nicole would be hurt and asked her not to have true feelings for others.
With the Stanton family’s condition, they did not care even if Nicole did not marry anyone in her life. After all, they did not need a marriage alliance to consolidate their power.
However, Floyd could not bear to see Nicole alone.
Thus, it was best if she could find someone to keep her company and make her happy.
Since Clayton showed up, the Stantons observed him for a long time. It would be easier to pick a fault if Clayton had a motive, but he did not. Clayton simply wanted to be with Nicole.
It was unexpected that Clayton saved Floyd’s life.
Director Sven finished his examination but did not leave. He looked at Floyd and sighed.
“Floyd, old buddy... You have to live well to enjoy all your blessings...”
Floyd smiled. “Okay...” Time passed day by day.
Floyd stayed in the hospital for more than a month until he was fully recovered. His spirits also improved by the day.
Grant and Kai took turns to visit Floyd. Grant would talk about the company’s development while Kai was purely there to provoke Floyd.
Every time Kai came over, he had to make a lot of noise before he would leave.
However, everyone in the hospital liked Kai and thought that Kai was a filial son.
When Nicole heard this rumor, she could not believe it for a while. She thought that Kai had colluded with others to spread these rumors about him.
Nicole recently had a bad stomach. She would sometimes have a good appetite, but sometimes she would vomit after a few bites.
Yvette said that it was because Nicole was too stressed out with Floyd’s illness and that Nicole would probably recover in a few days.
Clayton went to the hospital every day and accompanied Nicole sometimes.
When Nicole was busy, Clayton would go by himself and sit for a while to accompany Floyd. They would talk about domestic and international news, and Clayton would ask for advice on tricky business problems.
Floyd was glad to advise Clayton and felt that Clayton was a good and progressive child. His impression of Clayton also improved by the day, and he saw Clayton as his own son.
Nicole did not manage to attend Yvette’s wedding and felt sorry for her, so she sent Yvette a set of valuable jewelry. Yvette was happy that she immediately forgot about all the unhappiness.
Thus, Yvette invited Nicole to dinner and a shopping spree.
Nicole also felt that she had been holding back for a long time, so she immediately agreed. They also invited Julie.
Clayton went out with Nicole. While Nicole went shopping, he went to the hospital. The division of labor was clear.
Nicole sighed. “I think you’re more like my father’s son. Now when he calls me, he even asks me to be nice to you! Did you hypnotize him?”
Clayton’s eyes lit up with joy. "That’s great! You have to listen to your father!”
Nicole rolled her eyes at him and strutted away on her high heels.
Chapter 1709
Clayton caught up with Nicole in a few steps. He cupped her face that had lost weight in the past few days and looked concerned.
“Have a good time. You’ve been so bored these days that you can’t eat or sleep well. Call me when you’re done, then I’ll pick you up, okay?”
Nicole nodded, hugged him, then turned around and left.
The driver was waiting outside for a long time.
Clayton smiled and watched her leave before he turned to drive away.
Yvette had been married for a while, but she was in such high spirits, and she looked a lot chubbier than before.
Nicole and Julie sized Yvette up, and the two of them coincidentally exchanged a look.
Nicole said, ‘You’ve been living the good life as the boss lady, huh?”
Julie said, “Not just good, I think it’s simply too nourishing. Is Lance trying to fatten you up?”
Yvette looked dumbfounded and immediately touched her face.
“OMG! Right?! I knew that I got fatter, but he kept saying that I’m not fat! Ugh, men’s words are all lies!”
Julie laughed at the side. “I went to her wedding and was honored to receive her bouquet that she deliberately shoved into my hand with so many other ladies watching!”
Yvette raised an eyebrow. “I was just afraid that you can't get married!”
Nicole laughed. “If I’d known, I shouId’ve gotten my third brother to go!”
Julie rolled her eyes at Nicole. “Come on, you can’t even be there. So how can he attend? Besides, I only had that one day off. I was busy for a long time at the set before I got some time off.”
The three ladies arrived at a local diner, which was their secret base. Although it was not as luxurious as a five-star restaurant, the food here was delicious.
After ordering a few of their favorite dishes, Yvette began to share the changes she had undergone since her wedding.
“Since the wedding, everyone in the company found out that Lance’s assistant is actually his wife, so the way they treat me is simply a 180-degree turn! Before this, they always singled me out, but now, they gladly make me coffee and buy dessert for me. They’re so attentive!”
Nicole could not help but laugh. “If so, you don’t need to be an assistant anymore since you won’t be able to learn anything again in that position. You should just change your role!”
Julie nodded in agreement. “You can just be in top management.”
Yvette pouted and said, “I’m afraid that‘s a bit difficult. At least as Lance’s assistant, I won’t be touching the interests of the Sheldon family. If I’m involved in their top management, I’m afraid they’ll accuse me of overstepping my bounds. Although we’re married, our assets are still very clearly divided. He has Sheldon Corporation and I have Quimbey Corporation. What will Lance think if I ask to be in top management for no reason?”
With these words, Nicole and Julie instantly calmed down.
It turns out that this seemingly bright and wonderful marriage was not indestructible.
There were too many things to take into account, so Yvette had to be cautious and timid.
In the end, Yvette and Lance’s marriage was a business alliance and did not have much to do with feelings.
The three ladies sighed. Yvette did not want to think too much about such futile things, so she waved her hand and clinked glasses with them using the soda in front of her.
“Well, let’s not think about that. I’ll still be the CEO if I go back to Quimbey Corporation. Do you think that I can’t learn anything under my mother’s iron fist?”
Julie glanced at Nicole and nodded.
“That’s true. It’s just that Aunt Quimbey and Lance have different methods. Especially since Lance used such a short time to sit firmly in his position as the central region’s big boss, his ability must be outstanding. It’ll be good if you can learn even half of his skills!“
Chapter 1710
Yvette paused and shrugged. “Well, let’s not forget
that the reason Lance’s company is doing well is that Nicole completely crushed his nemesis, Harrison Corporation. Otherwise, Lance wouldn‘t have gotten ahead so easily.”
Nicole pondered for a few seconds before speaking lightly.
“With Lance’s ability, even without me, Harrison Corporation has become obsolete, so it’s only a matter of time before Lance surpasses them. Julie’s right though. If you have the opportunity, it’s better to stay by Lance’s side to learn from him.”
Yvette raised her eyebrows. “Well, let’s not talk about that. Anyway, I really can’t become a strong career woman no matter how much I learn. I’ll be thanking God as long as Quimbey Corporation doesn’t go bankrupt in my hands!”
The waiter came over to serve the dishes, and everyone instantly wanted to dig in because the food looked so appetizing.
This restaurant was very petit-bourgeois, quiet, and unique.
A few screens blocked people from seeing their booth from the outside, but they could easily see the situation outside.
Julie sighed and happily picked up her fork.
“I’m gonna dig in. I’ve been eating lunch boxes on the set lately that I’m about to puke.”
Yvette could not help but laugh. “Kai’s too unattentive, right? He didn’t even visit you at the set?”
Julie shook her head. “I didn’t allow him to come because he’ll only delay the shooting schedule since the director is afraid of him.”
Nicole said, “My third brother is busy taking care of my dad in the hospital. I suspect that he’s trying to deliberately anger my dad. These days, he received quite a few beatings...”
Julie could not help but smile. “Yeah, I heard him complain about it. He sounded so aggrieved and kept sighing at the mention of this...”
Nicole really wanted to laugh but could not. Kai really would not know how he dies.
Nicole drank a sip of water and was about to eat the sweet and sour pork ribs. However, when she took a whiff of the vinegar, she suddenly felt her stomach flip, and that desire to eat instantly disappeared.
That uncomfortable feeling of regurgitation a few days ago reappeared. Nicole covered her mouth, looked away, and ran to the bathroom.
Julie and Yvette were left behind, and they looked at each other.
Yvette opened her mouth. “She wouldn't be pregnant, right...?”
Julie pursed her lips and wrinkled her brow in doubt.
Nicole did not vomit out anything, and that feeling disappeared.
She thought that she still had stomach discomfort from last time.
Nicole washed her hands and rinsed her mouth again before returning to her seat.
“Why aren’t you guys eating?”
The two ladies in front of her sat there looking at her with burning eyes and were watching her every move.
Nicole was helpless and said, “I just have an upset stomach, okay?”
Yvette pursed her lips and asked cautiously. “You’re really not pregnant?”
Nicole’s body stiffened slightly. That thought flashed in her mind, but it was quickly erased.
“There’s no way I’m pregnant.” Nicole denied it with certainty. “We always took precaution.”
Yvette smiled. “Well, precautions aren’t foolproof, Ms. Stanton. You’d better go and check it out. Don’t be careless. If your belly grows bigger, it won’t be easy to handle!”
Julie nodded approvingly, looked at the slightly dazed Nicole, and patted her hand.
“Anyway, you and Clayton have decided to be together, right? With or without children, let nature take its course. If you’re really pregnant, don’t be so repulsed by it.”
Yvette said, "Yeah, you’re going to get married sooner or later anyway, so what difference does it make if you tie the knot earlier or later?”
Nicole sat there a little dumbfounded. Her heart was a little complicated.
She did not think that far ahead, nor did she think of getting married. Although Clayton hinted at it several times, she just brushed it off.
How was it easy to get married?