Chapter 624 She’s Not Made of Stone, Of Course She’s Upset
When Hailey asked, Jesse glanced up at Amara too.
Even though he was young, Jesse got the gist of things. He gently tugged on Amara's hand and whispered, "Mommy."
Amara's eyes got even redder.
She crouched down and hugged Jesse softly. "I'm okay."
After calming Jesse down, he happily went back to his room to play with his little ball. Hailey, still busy in the kitchen, watched Jesse leave from the corner of her eye, then pulled Amara aside and whispered, "Did you and Mr. Hawkins have a fight?"
Amara didn't hold back and told her everything.
Hailey was quiet for a long time before she finally said, "Mr. Hawkins seems like a good guy and he really cares about you, but only you know if you two are really a match. This is your call. No matter what, I'll help you take good care of Jesse."
Amara hugged Hailey.
Feeling bad, Hailey said softly, "Afternoon flight? Go pack your stuff. I'll call you when the food's ready."
Amara nodded. She really needed some space right now.
This trip was going to last at least a month. Amara pulled out a big suitcase. After packing, she glanced at her ring finger, where she wore the diamond ring Kingsley had given her.
Amara gently touched it a few times. She still liked Kingsley, but they just weren't right for each other; they were too different.
After a while, Amara finally took off the ring and carefully placed it in the bedside drawer.
Her relationship with Kingsley had to end this way.
Amara thought about taking Jesse to Bostan, but after some consideration, she decided against it.
This trip was going to be hectic.
She wouldn't be able to take care of Jesse, so Hailey would have to look after him instead.
Amara took a taxi to the airport alone. After changing her ticket, she was about to go through security when a voice called out from behind, "Amara."
Amara turned around and saw Caitlyn, wearing a brown coat, sunglasses, and full makeup.
Caitlyn walked closer and took off her sunglasses. "Just a few words, I won't make you miss your flight."
Amara smiled faintly.
Caitlyn noticed her eyes and paused for a moment before saying, "Is it worth giving up everything you have now for Landon? Amara, I really don't get it. If you had feelings for Landon, these past few years you two..."
Amara cut her off, "We're just colleagues."
Caitlyn bit her lip and glared at her.
After a moment, Amara said softly, "If you're worried about him, why don't you go to Bostan yourself? I think he needs not only professional help but also someone to take care of him."
Her words made Caitlyn uncomfortable. She snorted, "I have a boyfriend now."
Amara didn't push Caitlyn any further. Everyone's feelings developed at their own pace—who they liked and when they liked them, every step mattered. Just like her, she liked Kingsley, but so what? She might never be able to love him without reservations.
Amara glanced at her watch. "Do you want me to tell him anything?"
Caitlyn stared at her for a while, then shook her head. "No! Amara, seeing you go to Bostan, I feel relieved! Am I not a walking contradiction? I should hate him, but I find myself both jealous of you and hoping you'll stay by his side. I think I must be crazy."
Amara adjusted her scarf. As she turned to leave, she couldn't help but think that in life, you needed some sort of leverage—until you had it, it was best to stay rational and not get swept away by emotions.
These past two days with Kingsley had been passionate and sweet, but they hadn't resolved their real issues before getting together. Now, breaking up felt absurd. She was just a bit disappointed.
At two o'clock sharp, the plane took off on time, heading to Bostan.
After landing, Landon had his driver pick up Amara. Without even dropping off her luggage at the hotel, she went straight to the Carter Group headquarters and got out of the car.
The employees there all recognized her and greeted her. Amara nodded slightly and walked straight into the elevator.
In the lobby, employees whispered among themselves.
"Mr. Carter's confidante is here! After this power struggle, Amara is definitely going to get promoted."
"Isn't that the truth!"
Amara heard these whispers but pretended not to. The elevator slowly ascended and finally reached the top floor.
In the hundred-person conference room, Landon sat at the head of the table, expressionless.
The two factions sat on opposite sides. Matthew had not yet been buried, and the shareholders' meeting was already in chaos. The door opened, and Amara walked in.
Landon looked up, and Amara smiled slightly. "Mr. Carter!"
Landon quietly looked at her for a few seconds, then nodded slightly. "Sit down; let's start the meeting."
Amara arrived at five in the afternoon, and the meeting lasted until ten at night. When it ended, everyone was sore and tired, but no one showed it and quickly left.
In the large conference room, Landon gently rubbed his temples.
Amara made him a cup of coffee. After setting it down, she said softly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Carter. We didn't succeed in securing the partnership with the Ascend Global Group."
Landon paused.
He had actually known about this in the morning, but hearing it from Amara now, he immediately guessed the reason. He picked up the coffee cup with his long fingers and asked softly before drinking, "Do you regret it?"
Amara shook her head.
Landon smiled faintly. "As long as you don't regret it."
He slowly drank half a cup of coffee, then looked up and said softly, "The headquarters doesn't know about this yet. For now, keep the news under wraps until the Ascend Global Group and the Hawkins Group make the announcement. This failed contract is really bad for us."
Amara still wanted to apologize.
Landon stopped her. He gently stroked the armrest of his chair and said calmly, "Given the current situation, you're far more important than a single contract. Go get something to eat, then come with me to pay our respects to him. He actually liked you quite a bit when he was alive."
After speaking, he stood up, his simple words carrying a hint of melancholy.
Amara nodded.
After eating, they went to the Carter Manor. By the time they got back to the hotel, it was already past midnight. Amara carried her luggage to check in, and while the receptionist processed her paperwork, she noticed light snow falling outside the hotel entrance.
The snow was fine, but Amara seemed to hear its sound.
She was a bit lost in thought, and the receptionist had to call her twice before she took her room key and thanked them.
After washing up and lying in bed, the argument with Kingsley from earlier in the day flooded her mind. She wasn't heartless; it had taken a lot to convince herself to reconcile with Kingsley, and now being apart was naturally hard to bear.
When she said they should part ways, they didn't contact each other again.
At seven in the morning, Amara washed up, had breakfast, and went out. Her days were filled with meetings, overtime, and socializing. Apart from a few words with Jesse and Hailey each day, she had no energy to think about anything else, and gradually, Kingsley faded from her memory. Those sweet days felt like a dream to her.
At the Hawkins Group, Kingsley stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, quietly looking at the thick snow outside. Behind him, Rebecca knocked and entered. "Mr. Hawkins, the press conference is about to start. Are you really going to announce the partnership with the Ascend Global Group?"
Kingsley continued to look outside and said calmly, "I'll be there shortly."
Rebecca hesitated but spoke up, "Shouldn't you call Amara? The New Year is almost here; she might come back to Syeattel for the holiday."
After she finished speaking, the air fell silent.
Kingsley lowered his head and gently opened his palm, revealing a diamond ring.
He had seen it when he visited Jesse last time; Jesse had accidentally opened the drawer, and there it was—the diamond ring he had given Amara. She had taken it off. She had flown to Bostan and hadn't called him in a month.
When she said they should part ways, she meant it.
Kingsley felt a twinge of heartache. Looking at the ring, he said softly, "No need. Go ahead and start the press conference."
Rebecca sighed lightly.
Ten minutes later, a major announcement from the Hawkins Group revealed a hundred-billion-dollar partnership with the Ascend Global Group, a project that was originally intended for the Carter Group.
Kingsley's maneuver shifted the power dynamics in Syeattel, stifling the Carter Group's growth and causing a significant uproar within their ranks.
Luckily, Landon and Amara had prepared in advance and secured a contract with a Hogland company, which helped turn the tide, but there were still many follow-up issues. With the New Year approaching, Landon decided to let Amara return to Syeattel.
Firstly, to let Amara celebrate the holiday, and secondly, to handle the mess at the branch office.
"Mr. Carter." Amara looked at Landon and noticed a few more gray hairs that he hadn't bothered to groom.
Landon signed an appointment letter.
Amara was appointed as the executive president of the Carter Group's Syeattel branch, fully responsible for its operations. He gently pushed the appointment letter towards her and rubbed his forehead. "This quarter's business has dropped by 12%. Amara, that branch took me two years to build up; I can't abandon it. As for here, things are temporarily stable."
Amara's annual salary was $1.6 million, plus a 2% profit share from the Carter Group. Her compensation was very generous.
This was something she had worked hard to achieve. For the past month, she had barely slept more than five hours a night, and only she knew the toll it had taken.
Amara's voice tightened. "I won't let you down, Mr. Carter."
Landon took out a gift box from his drawer. "Help me give this to Hailey and Jesse. I won't be able to see them this year."
Amara didn't refuse.
Landon looked down at the remaining gift box in the drawer. He had a habit of preparing a gift box for Caitlyn every year because she always asked for one.
This year, he probably wouldn't be able to give it to her.
Landon wanted to say something but ultimately said nothing. However, Amara could guess what he was thinking. She said softly, "She might get engaged on Valentine's Day."
Landon was stunned. "Engaged? So soon!"
He quickly realized his lapse and smiled faintly. "She's not young anymore; getting engaged is quite normal."
Amara only delivered the message and didn't say more.
She returned to the hotel, packed her luggage, and headed straight to the airport. It wasn't until she was seated on the plane that Amara felt a sense of reality. She was going back to Syeattel; she would finally see Jesse.
It had been a month since she last saw Jesse.
She hadn't called, wanting to surprise Jesse. At 5:30 in the evening, she returned to the apartment and quietly opened the door, only to bump into a solid embrace.
Amara looked up in surprise and saw that it was Kingsley.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
