Ch. 321..330
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 321
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 321
The world began to spin around Elliot and he almost passed out.
Did Avery lie to him, or was Shea imagining things after the surgery?
Elliot pulled out his phone, called Zoe and told her to hurry back to the hospital.
Zoe had a bad feeling when she heard the anxiety in Elliot’s voice.
“Slow down, Elliot. Is there something wrong with Shea? She just woke up. She needs some time to slowly recover.”
The apprehension in Elliot’s heart calmed down.
However, Shea did not have this strange reaction after her last surgery.
He hung up the phone, then returned to Shea’s bedside.
“You just got out of surgery, Shea. Don’t think too much. You’ll get a headache,” he said as he gazed tenderly at Shea and smiled. “I can feel that you’re getting better.”
“My head hurts a little,” Shea said as she took a breath.
“Doctor Sanford’s on her way over. We’ll see if she can prescribe some painkillers.”
“I don’t want to see Doctor Sanford,” Shea said wearily as she lowered her gaze.
Elliot’s Adam’s apple rolled in his throat.
“Doctor Sanford was the one who operated on you, Shea. You know your manners. You should thank her when she arrives later.”
“No…” Shea said stubbornly as she lifted her eyes to meet Elliot’s. “It was Avery… She was by my side. I heard her talking to me… She asked me to talk to her and answer her questions… She was gentle, unlike usual…”
“That was just an illusion, Shea. Avery’s been with another man since last night. There’s no way she was with you.”
Elliot was beginning to feel anxious, but he did not show it.
He was worried that Shea would feel even more nervous if she saw him that way.
Shea was stunned when she heard his words.
An illusion?
Was it really just an illusion?
She clearly remembered Avery’s voice and the questions she asked her.
Avery told her that she had to stay awake, and that she could sleep later.
That was why they kept talking.
How could such a fresh, real memory be an illusion?
Zoe arrived half an hour later.
She checked Shea’s temperature and blood pressure, then said to Elliot, “Everything’s fine. Did she say something just now?”
Elliot glanced at Shea, then walked onto the balcony with Zoe.
“She said that you weren’t the one who operated on her. She said Avery was with her the entire time and talking to her,” Elliot explained softly in confusion. “If she remembered wrongly, then why didn’t she say Mrs. Scarlet was the one who was talking to her? She’s very close with her.”
Elliot’s words sent shockwaves through Zoe’s entire body.
Was Avery Tate the one who operated on Shea?!
How was that possible?
How could Avery be that capable
She was young, and there were no public records of her clinical experience.
How was it possible for her to carry out such a complicated and intricate operation on Shea?
Zoe felt like she was about to lose her mind.
Before the energy escaped from her body, she composed herself and said, “Shea’s mistaken. I was the one who was talking to her. I’ve mentioned before that we need to speak to the patient during a craniotomy. It’s so that the surgeon is able to confirm the progress of the surgery and keep an eye on the patient’s condition.”
After giving her excuse, Zoe closely studied Elliot’s reaction.
The expression on his face turned from being suspicious to that of acceptance.
“Let’s observe her for a few days,” he said.
If Zoe was not the one who did the surgery, then was it Avery?
However, Avery told him that she was not with Shea.
The only thing he could do for now was to accept Zoe’s answer.
“Don’t worry. It’s normal for her to say some odd things and have some mood swings right now,” Zoe said as she tried to comfort him. “Her condition’s looking good. You should go home and rest!”
Elliot returned to the hospital room and did not leave until after he repeatedly instructed Mrs. Scarlet to watch over Shea.
Once he was gone, Zoe immediately went to Shea and began brainwashing her.
“Shea, I was the one who operated on you. How could you say it was Avery Tate? It hurts me that you’d say that to your brother!”
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 322
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 322
Zoe’s performance was convincing, but Shea was not swayed.
She could tell the difference between deception and sincerity by looking at a person’s eyes.
Shea could tell that Zoe was fawning over her brother, but she did not think that she truly cared about her.
“Big Brother asked me to thank you,” Shea said angrily. “I won’t.”
Zoe glanced at Mrs. Scarlet then said, “Would you mind stepping out for a moment? I’d like to speak to Shea alone.”
y troubled, but now that Zoe was the Foster family’s savior, she did not
Mrs. Scarlet fe dare offend her.
Once Mrs. Scarlet was out of the room, Zoe said, “I don’t know why you’re always so hostile towards me, Shea. Did something say something bad about me to you? Ever since I returned to the country, I’ve been painstakingly researching information and coming up with your treatment plan. Why can’t I get a simple word of thanks from you?”
Shea went straight to the point and said, “I don’t think you’re the one who did the surgery.”
Otherwise, why did Avery’s face and voice appear in her mind before each surgery?
She would not suspect a thing if Zoe was the one she saw before the surgery.
There were not that many twists and turns in her mind. She believed what she saw and heard.
“You don’t think so? Heh. You’re a patient right now. Your thoughts aren’t accurate,” Zoe said as she continued to try to brainwash Shea.
She used to be mentally disabled, after all.
Even if her condition had improved, she was still a patient who was fresh out of the operating room!
Zoe could manipulate her thoughts.
Even if what Shea said was the truth, it could still be considered wrong.
People would only trust the doctor, and not the patient.
This was the reason Zoe had the guts to lie to Elliot.
Since the real person behind Shea’s surgery did not reveal their true identity, it probably meant that there was no need for them to benefit from Elliot.
Whoever it was had asked the hospital to contact Zoe after both surgeries.
This meant that the person was silently allowing her to take credit for the deeds!
How could she refuse something that just dropped into her lap like this?
“You’re a bad person!” Shea snapped.
Her resentment for Zoe rose as she saw the conceited look on her face.
Shea’s intellect might not compare to the average person, but she still had the ability to sense good and evil.
A genuinely kind person would not speak in such an overbearing way.
“You’re probably only saying that because you haven’t met a truly bad person. I know you’re the woman that Elliot cares about the most. I’ve never thought of hurting you. I can stay by Elliot’s side with you, but why can’t you accept me?”
Zoe’s last sentence came across as a rhetorical question, but it was actually a cry of injustice.
“Get out!”
Shea’s voice suddenly rose as her emotions intensified.
Mrs. Scarlet burst into the room when she heard Shea’s voice.
“What’s wrong, Shea?”
“Don’t worry, Mrs. Scarlet,” Zoe said soundly. “Her intense emotions are a sign that her self perception has improved. It proves that the surgery went well.”
Mrs. Scarlet was taken aback, then quickly nodded and said, “Thank you so much, Doctor Sanford!”
“You’re welcome. Her condition right now isn’t good for her recovery. I’ll prescribe some mild sedatives for her. Make sure to give them to her when she eats.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
When Avery returned to the Starry River Villa, there were different levels of anxiety on the children’s face.
They wondered if their mother would be upset that they skipped school that day.
“Mommy! Your phone!” Layla said as she held out Avery’s phone to her as if she was presenting a prize.
Her eyes glistened as she said, “Someone called you earlier, Mommy! Guess who it was!”
“I blocked his number,” Hayden said.
Avery opened up the blocked contacts on her phone and saw Elliot’s name sitting alone on the list.
She frowned as she hesitated whether to keep him on the list or not.
Mike sauntered over and teased, “What’s there to think about? He’s got another woman now. I would have cut off all contact with him long ago if I were you!”
Avery looked up at him and said, “Who was the one who cried every day for an entire year after breaking up with his boyfriend… Who was it again?”
Mike immediately raised his hands in surrender and changed the subject.
“Go get some sleep, Avery! I’ll take the kids out so they won’t disturb you.”
Once Mike left with the children, Avery took a deep breath and decided to let Elliot stay in her blocked contacts!
After today, his relationship with Zoe would certainly progress by leaps and bounds.
They might even end up getting married soon!
There was no reason left for Avery to contact Elliot again.
She held her phone in her hand and walked towards the master bedroom. Meanwhile, at the Foster mansion…
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 323
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 323
Elliot had a nightmare.
He dreamt that Avery blocked his number on her phone.
Not only could he never see her again, he could not even call her.
They were both completely cut off from each other forever!
Elliot’s heart throbbed with pain, as if he had lost his most precious possession.
He opened his eyes as his body was dripping in cold sweat.
There was a mist over his deep set eyes that were filled with unimaginable pain.
He found his phone and dialed Avery’s number.
It was seven in the evening.
She had slept all day, so she was probably at home and awake right now!
“Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavailable. Please try later.” The cold, monotonous voice of a bot rang in Elliot’s ear.
His fingers clenched down rightly around his phone.
It seemed like his nightmare had turned into reality!
Avery actually blocked his number!
There was no other reason why he repeatedly failed to reach her number.
To verify his speculations, Elliot pulled off the covers and leaped out of the bed.
He used the house’s landline and dialed Aveyr’s number.
His heart throbbed with every button he pressed.
Although he had not confirmed his suspicions, he had a very bad feeling about the entire thing.
Once he dialed the number…
It went through!
The call actually went through!
His fingers wrapped so tightly around the phone’s receiver that they turned white!
His eyes were filled with the redness of rage!
With his old temper, either the phone or Avery would be torn to pieces!
However, this time he was holding back and waiting for Avery to answer the call.
When Avery’s phone rang, she had one hand wrapped around her blanket.
She reached for her phone with her other hand and answered the call.
“Hello?” she said in a voice that was sluggish and hoarse.
“Avery Tate!” Elliot’s furious voice hit Avery’s ear with intense force. “Unblock my number right now!”
Avery instantly woke up.
It was embarrassing how quickly she was discovered.
She composed herself, then said, “What’s the point, Elliot? From now on, the both of us…”
“Unblock my number!” Elliot interrupted before Avery could finish her sentence.
Her eardrum hurt from the loudness of his voice.
“Can you not speak so…”
“Unblock me right now!”
“I won’t!” Avery snapped as her blood began to boil with rage. “Don’t order me around with that domineering attitude! You can’t order me around!”
Her clear, powerful voice instantly silenced the man on the other line.
In the silence, Avery noticed that her breathing had quickened, her heart was beating so fast that it felt like it was about to jump out of her chest, and her body temperature had risen.
She did not want things to be this unpleasant between them.
How… Did it end up like this?
“Are you really going to draw the line here?” Elliot said moments later.
The misery and hurt in his voice was undisguised.
No matter how hard things were, he had never lost his composure in front of people.
However, when it came to Avery, all of his principles vanished in an instant.
Avery’s eyes teared up as she said through the lump in her throat, “Zoe’s pregnant with your child. You should have a good life with her!”
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 324
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 324
Mike and the children had their ears glued to the door of the master bedroom and were eavesdropping
Avery’s loud roar earlier lured them over.
Moments later, the door opened without warning.
Mike almost fell into Avery’s embrace.
Avery stared at them in bewilderment and said, “What are you guys doing?”
“Who were you fighting with, Mommy?” Layla asked as she lifted her head with innocent eyes filled with curiosity. “Was it Dirtbag Dad?”
“Your mother turns a little feral in front of him and her enemies,” Mike teased. “Otherwise, she’s a perfect lady.”
“Oh, so Dirtbag Dad’s Mommy’s enemy.”
Layla’s comprehensive skills were on point.
Avery felt a throbbing pain in her temples.
She walked out of her room and moved downstairs.
“There’s dinner for you in the kitchen, Avery!” Mike called out to her slender back.
“Okay.”
“I’ll help the kids wash up. Let’s talk after you eat,” Mike continued.
With one hand on the banister, Avery turned her head and asked in confusion, “What’s there to talk about? Why can’t you just say it now?”
“Have you forgotten what I told you in the afternoon?” Mike said in frustration. “Go and eat. I’ ll come to you later.”
Avery tried her best to recall their earlier conversation, but she did not have a clue.
Things have been chaotic in the past couple of days.
On top of that, her sleeping patterns were messed up. Her spirit was drained and her memory was deteriorating
Avery had a couple of bites of food to eat then made her way back upstairs.
When Mike saw her come up, he asked in shock, “Are you done with dinner already?”
Avery leaned against the door frame of the children’s bedroom, then asked, “What did you want to talk about? Stop being so mysterious.”
Hayden shoved Mike towards the door and said, “I’ll take care of Layla.”
Mike agreed, then grabbed onto Avery’s arm and pulled her downstairs.
“I was worried about disturbing your rest,” Mike said bitterly. “It’s about work. It’s nothing serious. It’s just that there were some issues with our product.”
Avery raised her brows and asked, “What kind of issues?”
“Our business partners tricked us. Didn’t we order high-end lenses from Nycra? They ended up giving us one of their mid-range products.”
“That’s unacceptable! How did this get past quality assurance?”
“Things were hectic towards the end of the year. Our manager didn’t know much about these things either, so something like this happened,” Mike said as he opened a video on his phone and showed it to Avery.
There were over two millions views on the video.
Master Up was the most popular influencer in the field of drones.
The title on the video was especially shocking.
“The Most Awesome Review in History!: Let’s see how Alpha Technologies’ subsidiary, Tate Industries, is cheating our citizens!”
The video described the products in detail, including both its pros and cons.
Master Up even went through the trouble of buying a drone that was produced by Alpha
Technologies and compared it with Tate Industries’ Storm Series drone..
The conclusion was that, despite owning both companies, Avery Tate’s products abroad were of better quality and more cost-effective!
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 325
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 325
The Storm Series, which was manufactured in Aryadelle, had the same battery life as the product that was made abroad.
However, its lousy lens made it impossible to take professional photos!
Even so, it was selling at the price point of a professional drone!
Tens of thousands of comments were rolling in under the video.
(This is just rude! Did Avery Tate forget that she’s from Aryadelle?! How could she trick her fellow citizens? Disgusting!)
[Down with Tate Industries!)
(Should we tag Sterling Group here? After all, their president Elliot Foster is Tate Industries’ top customer!)
Avery sat down on the couch, picked up a glass of water and took a sip.
“I’ve contacted Nycra. They said that they’re willing to reimburse everything as per the contract,” Mike said. “Also, they said they can’t sell us their high-end lenses.”
“Why not?” Avery asked in confusion as she put her glass down. “Is it the price?”
Mike shook his head and said, “We pose a threat to the other drone companies in the country. They’re worried that we’ll monopolize the market, so they joined forces to kick us out.”
I
Avery could not help but laugh.
“Do they think we can’t survive if Nycra doesn’t sell us their high-end lenses? What a joke!”
“The other domestic camera companies won’t work with us either.”
Avery nodded and said, “Let’s look for a company abroad.”
“The cost would be too high, Avery,” Mike said. “Besides, there aren’t that many famous camera companies in the world. Most of them have exclusive contracts and already signed special agreements.”
“I know,” Avery said blandly. “It’s just like how Alpha Technologies has an exclusive contract with Bohmer Holdings. Although we own Tate Industries, too, Bohmer Holdings can’t sell lenses to us as long as we go by that name and not Alpha Technologies.”
Avery hung her head and began to think of a plan.
At that moment, Mike spoke up.
“Nycra gave me Golden Technologies’ president’s business card. I talked to him earlier. He said Nycra will work with us if we share information on our core technology for the Super Brain system.”
Avery scoffed and said, “Golden Technologies? Isn’t their vice president my father’s former vice president, Shaun Locklyn? He almost killed me over the Super Brain program.”
“Haha! You’re old enemies, then!”
“That’s right! You can tell the president of Golden Technologies to dream on!”
“I knew you wouldn’t accept, which was why I declined last night.”
An idea suddenly popped into Avery’s mind.
“Recall the Storm Series and give a refund to every customer.”
Mike raised his brows in disbelief, then said, “Are you sure? The lens on the Storm Series may not be high-end, but it’s not considered that bad. As long as it’s used in a professional setting, the average consumer would find it just fine.”
Avery corrected his way of thinking and said, “We have to brave the consequences of our mistakes. The loss of money is nothing compared to the loss of reputation.”
“Roger that!” Mike said with a grin. “Our biggest customer is Elliot Foster. Should I go talk to him, or will you?”
Avery’s cheeks turned crimson red.
She had just drawn the line between herself and Elliot and even blocked his number.
In the end… Such a serious issue just had to occur with their sales!
How embarrassing!
“Of course you’re going!” Avery said as her eyes glistened and her cheeks flushed. “Didn’t you hear my argument with him earlier?”
“Okay. I’ll go see him tomorrow,” Mike said, then pulled Avery over to the kitchen. “You should eat! The problems will be solved. If worse comes to worst, we could invest in Bohmer Holdings and let them open a brand new company here in Aryadelle!”
Avery chuckled and said, “My thoughts exactly.”
“They underestimated you! They thought you’d be scared to tears! Ha!” Mike sweet-talked.” If Elliot Foster doesn’t scare you, who could?!”
The mention of Elliot’s name made the smile on Avery’s face disappear. “I had a pretty big fight with him earlier, Mike. Be careful tomorrow.”
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 326
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 326
The next day, Elliot showed up at the intensive care unit first thing in the morning.
After drinking the soup that Mrs. Scarlet made her the night before, Shea’s mind turned cloudy.
She felt drained and fell asleep.
When she woke up after a night of sleep, her eyes were lifeless.
That was until Elliot appeared.
“How are you feeling today, Shea? Does your head hurt?”
His gentle, familiar voice made the emotion return to Shea’s face.
“Why isn’t Avery coming to see me, Big Brother?” she asked dejectedly.
Elliot’s brows furrowed slightly, and the tenderness in his eyes disappeared.
“She won’t come to see you. Don’t think about her or her children anymore, Shea.”
She was even more upset now.
“None of you believe me… Avery spoke to me. She asked me a lot of questions…”
Elliot’s heart ached at the sight of his sister’s sickly complexion.
“It’s not that I don’t believe you. Perhaps she really did speak to you, but it was only in your dreams.”
“Really?” Shea glanced at Elliot, as if in a trance.
Was it all truly just a dream?
“I always dream of our childhood, but I come back to reality when I wake up. No matter how real the sights and sounds feel, it’s all still just a dream. None of it is real,” Elliot explained patiently.
Shea lowered her gaze, as if she was processing and trying to accept his words.
Elliot left the hospital at 10 a.m. and made his way to Sterling Group.
Mrs. Scarlet was taking care of Shea, so he was not worried.
Shea was a little downcasted today, but it was still a more suitable mood to be in during recovery compared to the intense emotions from the day before.
Mrs. Scarlet mentioned that Zoe had prescribed some sedatives to Shea.
Perhaps this was the work of the medication?
Speaking of Zoe…
When Avery told him to live a good life with Zoe last night, he was so furious that he did not get a wink of sleep.
However, his mind changed slightly after he had time to calm down.
When Elliot arrived at Sterling Group, he entered his office with Chad following closely behind
him.
“Tate Industries is in trouble, sir. Have you seen the news?” Chad asked.
“Not interested,” Elliot responded coldly.
Chad had found out about Elliot’s fight with Avery from Mike, so he was not surprised by his boss’s reaction.
“Here’s the thing, Tate Industries released a public statement this morning announcing their decision to recall all of the Storm Series drones,” Chad said cautiously as he observed Elliot’s expression. “Mike called me this morning and wanted me to ask you if you’d like to return all the products we bought before.”
Elliot turned on his computer, then raised his brows and said nonchalantly, “Do you know why Mike was the one who contacted you?”
Of course Chad knew the reason, but he did not dare show it.
“Avery blocked’my number,” Elliot said with a bitter chuckle. “She can’t contact me, so she asked Mike to do it.”
Chad was speechless.
He did not expect this at all!
Fighting aside, was there a need for something as childish as blocking someone’s number?!
“What would you like to do?” Chad saw Elliot’s broken heart through his cold laugh and tried to guess what he was thinking. “Shall we return everything and let them suffer the loss?”
Elliot’s face froze.
“She won’t suffer from a monetary loss. I won’t return anything. Let her feel bad about it.”
Chad was dumbfounded.
It was getting harder for him to figure out the way his boss’s mind worked.
Did he want Avery to suffer, or did he feel bad about making Avery refund the money?
Chad called Mike when he walked out of the office.
“How did it go? What did Elliot Foster say?” Mike asked.
Chad adjusted his glasses, then said, “Make Avery unblock my boss’s number right away! He’s furious about this.”
Mike held his head in his hand and said, “He won’t return the goods if she unblocks him?”
“That’s right,” Chad said with certainty.
Mike opened the door to Avery’s office.
There was nobody inside. Avery had left for the office first thing in the morning to deal with this fiasco.
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 327
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 327
Mike did not know where Avery was, but her phone was on her desk.
He picked up the phone and quickly opened up the list of blocked phone numbers.
Huh?!
Elliot’s name was not in the list at all!
Mike quickly put the phone back on the desk and pretended like nothing happened.
At that moment, the doors to the office opened and Avery walked in.
“Has Sterling Group responded?” she asked as she walked over, picked up the glass on the desk and took a sip of water.
“They won’t return the goods,” Mike reported. “You’re not going to insist on them returning the products, are you?”
Avery put down the glass of water, then lifted her gaze to Mike and said, “You really do understand me. However, even if I insist, they won’t return the goods. There’s no point in getting entangled with them.”
Mike gave Avery a thumbs up.
“Wire over seven and a half million dollars to them!” Avery added.
Mike was at a loss for words.
“Forget it,” Avery said as she quickly changed her mind, then calmly said, “He’ll throw a tantrum if I give him a refund. We’ll just end up fighting again.”
“Exactly!” Mike agreed.
“Head on out! I want to be alone.”
“Okay… Don’t look up news about the company on the internet and don’t read the comments, “Mike said before leaving the room.
Since Tate Industries got in trouble, the other drone companies in the country got together to start a smear campaign against Avery and the company through the use of internet trolls and paid news articles.
Now, slanderous posts about Avery Tate and Tate industries were everywhere online.
Once Mike was out of the room, Avery opened up her laptop.
“Tate Industries Apology”, “Tate Industries Bankruptcy”, “Avery Tate Scammer”, “Deport Avery Tate” and many other similar topics were trending on social media.
Someone who was not aware of the situation would think that Avery had committed a heinous and despicable sin.
Only less than seven thousand Storm Series drones were sold, five thousand of which were
sold to Elliot.
That meant that only about two thousand drones reached the hands of the average consumer.
Was it necessary for this to be made such a big deal?
(Do you know why Avery Tate is so rich? She has a married sugar daddy abroad! She made all her money from being a homewrecker! It’s not hard to imagine her character!]
[You can tell from her looks that she’s not a decent woman! How could she do something this disgusting? Does she think we’re all stupid?!]
[I’m never buying anything from Tate Industries again!]
[Me, too!]
Avery’s eyes turned cold as she read the fabricated rumors.
Her opponents would win if she was affected.
She closed the website, composed her emotions, then opened up her email inbox and began to work.
That night, the Foster family gathered at the old Foster mansion.
Even so, the atmosphere was erriely cold.
This was due to Elliot’s stone-cold expression.
“Didn’t Shea’s surgery go well, Elliot? Why the long face?” Rosalie asked. “We really owe it to Zoe this time. If it weren’t for her…”
“How do you want me to thank her?” Elliot interjected.
Rosalie saw the savage fury on her son’s face and held back the words she wanted to say.
In the end, she said cautiously, “I know you’re not willing to get married. You don’t have to make it official. Just get engaged. At least you’d be giving Zoe some kind of acknowldgement.”
“Fine.”
One simple word left everyone in awe.
Nobody was more excited than Zoe.
Elliot actually agreed to get engaged to her!
My god! She was about to become Mrs. Foster!
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 328
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 328
Elliot took his leave after dinner.
He wanted to drop by the hospital to see Shea.
The other Foster family members also left soon after.
Once Rosalie retired to her room, Cole opened up the door to Zoe’s room.
Zoe had been staying at the old mansion since her pregnancy became public.
“You’re amazing, Doctor Sanford!” Cole exclaimed after he entered the room and shut the door behind him. “You actually managed to handle someone as difficult as my uncle! Should I start calling you Aunt Zoe soon?”
The smile Zoe wore was elegant and calm as she said, “Of course. Once we’re engaged, I would be his fiance. What’s the difference between a fiance and a wife?”
“Congratulations! It’s just…” Cole said as a look of concern appeared on his face. “Is there a way to make sure my uncle doesn’t suspect the baby you’re carrying? After all, we have to depend on the kid to get my uncle’s inheritance!”
Zoe’s face changed as she said, “There’s no way I’m letting this child live!”
A wave of gloom washed over Cole’s face.
“The moment this child is born, your uncle will definitely insist on a paternity test,” Zoe said coldly. “If the results show that the baby isn’t his, he’ll surely break up with me! You’d be done for, too!”
Cole’s lips trembled as he said, “That’s why I’m asking if there’s a way to change the results on the paternity test.”
“There isn’t! Unless he lets me carry out the test! He won’t let me do that! He’s always been wary of me and searching for other doctors that can help Shea… He’ll kick me to the curb once he manages to find someone else,” Zoe said as her emotions ran wild.
Cole patted her on the shoulder and said, “He hasn’t found anyone else, right? You really are amazing, Doctor Sanford! Both surgeries were successes. It’s no wonder my uncle would change his mind and agree to get engaged to you. I would marry you if it were me.”
Zoe was startled back to reality.
She shoved Cole’s hand away, then glared at him with a look of disgust and snapped, “Get out if there’s nothing else! Don’t come into my room ever again!”
“Okay… You said you didn’t want to keep the baby, so how do you plan on getting rid of it?” Cole asked as he gazed at Zoe’s protruding belly with complicated emotions.
“You’ll find out when it happens!”
Zoe was setting up her chess pieces.
The next day, the news of the upcoming engagement between Elliot Foster and Zoe Sanford spread through the entire Avonsville.
Even the date was confirmed. The engagement party was to be held in two weeks.
The news became an instant viral hit online.
Mike was having breakfast while scrolling through the news.
“Do you think Elliot’s using the news of his engagement to help draw negative attention away from us?” he mocked. “Not as many people are badmouthing us today.”
Avery was peeling a hard-boiled egg.
The expression on her face was unfazed as she said, “Do you think a problem that our company can solve using money is worth the attention of the president of Sterling Group? He can go public about his relationship whenever he wants. Don’t mind other people’s business.”
“Fine. We’re losing quite a lot this time!” Mike said as he put his phone down, then took a sip of milk. “We have to use up all the money we made from Elliot for the refunds.”
Avery took a bite of the egg, chewed slowly, then said, “Money isn’t as important as our reputation.”
Mike gazed deeply at her, then said, “You don’t seem affected by the news of Elliot’s
engagement at all. Are you really fine with this? He’s the man that you used to be deeply in love with!”
“It’s all in the past. Why bring it up again?” Avery finished her breakfast, then got up and said, “I’m going to Bridgedale today to talk to Bohmer Holdings about our next collaboration.”
“Hey! When did you book the tickets? You didn’t tell me anything… Are you fleeing the country because you can’t handle the news of Elliot’s engagement?” Mike teased.
Avery showed the email with her flight ticket on it to him and said, “I booked the flight last night. Do you think I found out last night that they’re announcing their engagement today?”
“Okay! How long will you be gone?” Mike said as he walked her to the front door.
“I’m not sure. I’ll come back as soon as I can. Nobody’s watching the kids, after all. I’m worried.”
“It’s fine if you want to spend some time abroad. I’ll make sure to take care of the kids.”
Mike felt that the current atmosphere in the country was too hostile for Avery.
On the one end was social media trolls insisting that she leave Aryadelle, and on the other end
was the news of her ex husband’s engagement.
The mere thought of it was suffocating.
That night, Ben invited Elliot out for drinks. Elliot refused with a frown and said, “I’m going to see Shea after this.”
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 329
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 329
“Can’t the bodyguard and nanny watch her? It’s been so long since we’ve had a drink!” Ben said, then whispered in Elliot’s ear, “Avery went abroad today.”
Elliot’s eyes turned dark.
He suddenly had the urge to drink.
Ben booked a spot at a rooftop restaurant.
The two men stood by the railings with a bottle of wine in hand each and looked out into the starry night sky as they drank in silence.
The spring breeze was cool and stuck to every inch of their skin.
When they were done with their first bottles, Ben turned to Elliot and asked, “Did you agree to the engagement with Zoe as thanks for Shea’s treatment?”
“My mother wanted me to marry her. Avery also told me to live a good life with her. Shea’s treatment is just a minor reason.”
Elliot lifted his head slightly, revealing his long, sensual neck.
His Adam’s apple rolled in his throat, then he said hoarsely, “Avery wanted nothing but to draw a line between us, so I’m simply granting her wish.”
Avery should be happy now that he was engaged to Zoe!
“What’s with that expression? It’s just an engagement, not marriage. Even if you get married, you can always get a divorce!” Ben said as he patted Elliot’s shoulder when he saw the pained expression on his face. “Come on. Let’s have another drink.”
A week later, Shea suddenly appeared at the door to Hayden and Layla’s classroom at Starry River Kindergarten.
This time, there was no smile on her face.
She always had a silly grin on her face every time they met before.
Hayden and Layla walked out of the classroom.
“I’m here to see you one last time, Hayden and Layla…” Shea said as tears glistened in her eyes.
“Why is it the last time? Dirt… I mean, is Elliot Foster stopping you from seeing us again?” Layla said, catching herself before she slipped her tongue.
Shea shook her head as tears streamed down her face.
“I’m dying. I don’t think… I have much time left to live.”
Hayden and Layla looked helplessly at her as sadness surged inside them.
Shea took out the bag she brought with her.
“I wanted to give you my most precious treasure because you are my best friends.”
She wiped the tears off her face, then pulled out a jewelry box and several photo albums from the bag.
These were her most valuable and favorite things.
Elliot had bought them all for her.
Tears escaped Layla’s eyes, then she burst into sobs, “Don’t die, Shea! You won’t die! Put these things away! Hayden and I don’t want them!”
Mrs. Scarlet wiped her own tears next to them.
Shea was falling into unconsciousness every night ever since the surgery.
Logically, she was supposed to be energetic the next day after a night of sleep.
However, things were the exact opposite.
Shea threw a tantrum that day and insisted on going to see Hayden and Layla.
Mrs. Scarlet snuck her out behind Elliot’s back.
“My Mommy’s coming home today, Shea! Let’s go see her! She can save you!” Layla said as she grabbed onto Shea’s hand and pulled her away without a care.
Hayden thought that was too impulsive.
Avery might be upset, but he did not stop them.
His heart ached when he heard that Shea was dying. The last time he felt pain like that was back when his grandmother passed away.
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 330
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 330
In the master bedroom at the Starry River Villa, Avery had gone to sleep from jet lag since she returned at six in the morning.
Layla rushed to the bed, held her mother’s hand in hers, then cried out in a baby-like voice,” Mommy! Wake up! I have something to tell you! Hurry and wake up!”
Avery vaguely heard the sound of her daughter’s voice, then struggled to open her eyes
“Shea said she’s dying, Mommy! Please save her!” Layla pleaded when she saw her mother’s eyes open.
Avery instantly jolted awake.
She sat up in bed and saw Shea standing next to Layla.
She took a breath and wanted to refuse, but the words that ended up coming out of her mouth were, “Why do you think you’re dying, Shea?”
Mrs. Scarlet interjected before Shea could respond, “She’s been exhausted ever since the surgery. She’s always tired even after sleeping all night. She’s just sluggish all day…”
“Has she gotten a checkup at the hospital?” Avery asked.
Mrs. Scarlet shook her head and said, “Doctor Sanford said that this was a normal post surgical reaction and that she just needed more rest.”
“You and Shea don’t think this is normal, do you?”
Mrs. Scarlet hesitated, then said, “I don’t have an opinion, so I just listen to the doctors. However, it doesn’t feel good seeing Shea like this.”
“Take her to the hospital, then!” Avery sighed. “If you can bring her here, why can’t you send her to the hospital for a checkup?”
“I wouldn’t dare take her to the hospital myself,” Mrs. Scarlet responded dejectedly. “I’m worried that would upset Doctor Sanford.”
“She’ll be even more upset that you brought her to me.”
“Shea wanted to come here. Please take her to the hospital for a checkup, Miss Tate! Mr. Foster won’t be angry if it was you.”
Avery was speechless.
The truth was that Mrs. Scarlet did not want to offend Elliot and Zoe herself, so she wanted to use Avery as a scapegoat.
“I’m begging you, Miss Tate,” Mrs. Scarlet pleaded as she bowed her head.
At that moment, Layle chimed in, “Take Shea to the hospital, Mommy! She wasn’t like this before. What if she really dies?”
“Layla, you…”
“Mommy! Layla isn’t a bad person! She’s already so pitiful. Please help her!” Layla cried through reddened eyes.
Avery surrendered and gave in.
She sent the children back to school, then drove Shea and Mrs. Scarlet to the hospital.
“Did you bring any ID, Shea?”
Shea shook her head.
“Do you remember any ID numbers?” Avery asked again.
“Shea doesn’t have any ID, Miss Tate,” Mrs. Scarlet answered.
Avery was at a loss for words.
How could that be?
That was unimaginable!
Every citizen in Aryadelle had some form of identification. Even the children in the orphanages had them.
Why did shea not have any ID?
Avery did not pester further.
Mrs. Scarlet would not tell her anything even if she asked.
Moments later, Shea said in the backseat, “I think you’re the one who did my surgery, Avery.”
Avery saw the shock on Mrs. Scarlet’s face in the rearview mirror.
“It wasn’t me,” Avery denied right away. “I’m just taking you to the hospital for one checkup, Shea. Go to Elliot if anything ever happens again. Got it?”
Mrs. Scarlet picked up the dismay in Avery’s voice, then quickly said, “I’m sorry for the trouble, Miss Tate. I won’t let her bother you again.”
“Thank you for understanding,” Avery said. “I understand,” Mrs. Scarlet said with an embarrassed face.