Chapter 509 Refusal
Dominic snapped back to reality, looking utterly lost.
"What did you just ask me?"
Phoenix's brow twitched, and he cheekily said, "Dad, you look like you've seen a ghost. Did you find me a stepmom or something?"
Dominic gave his son a light smack on the head. "What nonsense are you talking about? Get serious."
He paused and then asked, "We were just in the hospital room, and Nathaniel mentioned that Aurelia's birthday is coming up soon. Did I hear that right?"
Phoenix, fiddling with a new action figure he had just bought, lazily replied, "Aurelia's birthday is October 21, 1996."
Dominic's breath caught. 1996...
"How do you know her birthday so well?"
Phoenix blushed slightly, a rare sight. "Dad, why are you asking so many questions?"
Phoenix paused, then his face showed a look of shock. "Dad, don't do anything crazy. There's a whole generation gap between you two. I don't mind you finding me a stepmom, but she has to be someone I approve of, not someone my age."
Dominic gave his son another light smack on the head. "What are you thinking? Can you think about something normal for once? I'm telling you, stay away from Aurelia. Go back and focus on your own dating life."
Phoenix bristled at his father's words. "Dad, stop meddling. Who arranges marriages these days? If you want to date, go ahead. With my looks, I'm already well-known; I don't need arranged dates."
"If you don't want arranged dates, then bring a girlfriend home. All you do is talk big and accomplish nothing. And stay away from Aurelia, got it?"
Phoenix fell silent, realizing his father had seen through his thoughts. He didn't bother hiding it anymore. "Dad, I finally like someone, and instead of encouraging me, you're against it. People your age are already grandparents. Aren't you worried?"
Dominic reacted strongly. "Don't sass me. I'm telling you, anyone else is fine, but not Aurelia. If you don't listen, I'll freeze your bank account tomorrow."
Phoenix was stunned. He hadn't done anything that serious, so why was his dad threatening to freeze his account? He thought his dad must be hiding something.
"Dad, why?"
"I'm not sure yet, so I can't tell you. Just stay away from Aurelia."
Phoenix was left bewildered.
Meanwhile, Aurelia and the two kids stayed in the hospital room until dark. As they were leaving, Marcus escorted them out, with Nathaniel following.
Marcus had been so anxious these past few days that he had trouble sleeping, and staying by the bedside made him look even more worn out.
"Nathaniel, Aurelia, have you discussed when to bring Burry back?"
"Uncle Marcus, Joe is out of town for a few days. There's an issue with a company project, and he's tied up. It'll be a few days before he returns."
"Maybe I should fly to Elvenia and wait to assist you. Just waiting around is useless and makes me feel like an idiot."
Nathaniel quickly interjected, "Uncle Marcus, listen to Grandpa. Don't act rashly. Joe should be back soon, and the Semona Family won't let their child suffer outside. We need to plan this carefully. If we mess up the police's plans in Europe, the consequences will be worse."
Marcus adjusted his glasses, looking defeated. "So there's really nothing I can do right now?"
"Uncle Marcus, we can start preparing by contacting the best doctors here, and we will be ready for Burry's return."
Marcus looked utterly exhausted, like he hadn't slept for three days and nights. "Uncle Marcus, Grandpa has a caregiver with him. Go rest. Don't wear yourself out. I need you to watch over things during the day so I can focus on work."
The uncle and nephew had resolved their past misunderstandings, easing their relationship.
Marcus had no interest in fighting for the company or power. He just wanted to bring his loved one back and live a peaceful life.
"Hand over all the dress business to Ashley. I can't manage anything right now."
"Ashley lacks experience and can't handle everything. Uncle Marcus, you need to guide her."
Marcus rubbed his brow. "Do you think I can focus on anything right now? Did Joe say when he's coming back?"
Nathaniel shook his head. "He's anxious to return. The Semona Family's Cathy is even more urgent than we are, pushing him to hurry."
Aurelia pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts. "I'll ask Joe when he's coming back."
She dialed the number, and after several rings, Joe finally answered. "Aurelia, call me back later. I'm in the middle of something."
At that moment, a wealthy woman had entered Joe's office, sipping tea and negotiating with him.
Beatrice sat in Joe's office, her diamond ring sparkling. "Mr. Semona, Thaddeus is my brother, Nathaniel is my son, and Aurelia is my daughter-in-law. We're all family. This is a big misunderstanding!
I went to see Aurelia this afternoon and flew back to Imperick to see you right after. She hopes you'll give her some face and help my brother. It's not a huge deal, not worth a confrontation."
Joe sat in his executive chair, legs crossed, watching the woman perform as if it were a show. If this were a stage, she'd be singing by now.
Beatrice saw Joe listening intently, hope lighting up her eyes. "Mr. Semona, Aurelia was a timid and cautious girl when she was with the Heilbronn family. I often took her to big events, introduced her to the ladies' circle, taught her flower arranging, and played mahjong. We were like best friends. The socialites in Imperick envied her for marrying into a good family and having me to look after her."
Joe's eyes narrowed. He knew what the high society ladies' circle was like. Making real friends there was laughable—full of snobbery, hypocrisy, and competition. What kind of friends could you make in that environment?
He coldly watched Beatrice embellish her relationship with Aurelia, making it sound closer than a mother-daughter bond.
But he knew what Aurelia's life in Imperick had been like. He had investigated it.
"Mrs. Heilbronn, let me correct you. Aurelia is currently single. She's no longer your son's wife, and she has no connection to your brother. Her uncle is with her now."
Beatrice was momentarily speechless. She had prepared herself for this, willing to swallow her pride at Aurelia's place and then come to Joe.
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