21

AUDREY

Shortly, Anton joined our conversation. He told us Dad was currently sleeping upstairs, but he would usually come down at dinner when he woke up, so he suggested or even requested that I could stay low from his sight.
“I can’t run forever from him, Anton. Not after what Cecile has done to Mom’s house,” I said firmly.
“City life definitely suits you, Audrey,” Anton commented with a chuckle.
“This has become your home too. I mean, I hope you understand that.”
“Audrey, this is probably your mother’s house, but this is basically where we all grew up,” he pointed.
I heard Chelsea sigh. “If I may, and I hope I’m not getting too involved, how much did your stepmother take for the mortgage?”
“It’s three million, not quite for the value of this mansion. It’s vintage, and it’s been here for seventy years, but Audrey’s grandfather had preserved it, so it’s still pristine. Its value is more than that, but where else can we get three million dollars? I don’t even have a million right now.” Juliet held his husband’s hand.
Anger grew deep inside me. Nevertheless, perseverance alone wasn’t enough for us to take the house back. Where the heck did Cecile take the money?
“Maybe we can talk to Charles to extend our deadline. He’s Samuel’s friend.”
“I doubt he would help us,” Anton said. “I’m sure it was his motive to take this house in the first place. Our reputation had gone bad ever since we lost everything. They don’t care about us anymore.”
“I can still try. I’m not giving up, Anton,” I insisted.
“All right. Then if you think you can talk to him. But if you could please excuse me. I have to attend the others.”
I nodded. Anton sprang up and greeted the new guests.
“Is there anything I could help you with?” I asked Juliet.
“It’s okay, we’ll manage. Can I excuse myself, too? I’ll help Anton.”
I smiled at her. She was genuinely a beautiful person inside and out. I could tell. Anton was never this sensible. He was still rude when we last met in Manhattan, but something had changed a bit. Knowing Anton, he wouldn’t come to see me talk, so I was surprised he did three months ago.
“Well… do you think it’s still possible for you to take back the house? But damn, Audrey. I didn’t know you were this rich.”
“I’m not rich. Not anymore.”
She bit her lip. “I’m sorry. I know family can be difficult at times, but this is on another level.”
“I’m afraid you’re right.”
She clung her arms to my shoulder and embraced me. “Whatever happens, you have a shoulder to cry on, okay? I’m here for you.”
I hugged her back. “Thank you, Chels. Thank you for being here with me.”
In the afternoon, Chelsea and I decided to help Anton and Juliet assist the guests even if they told me not to. It was for Samuel, so I’d do anything I could.
Surprisingly, our family still had friends across every part of Phoenix after our misfortune. People looked up to us, and some even worshiped us. I hated to admit that Dad was once a sensible man, but he’s gone worse after my mother’s death. I wanted to understand that he was just lonely, but it was never reasonable to sell his daughter because of money.
Some guests remembered me, and some didn’t. However, everyone knew me as the person who ran away with a commoner and the reason for the Cross family’s disaster. People probably weren’t aware that Liam Cross was dead, or maybe they had the idea, but no one dared to speak about it. Until the issue was no more. Unfortunately, you were worth nothing in this town if you were born into a poor family.
“Oh, are you Edward’s girl? Is it April? Annie?”
“It’s Audrey, Mrs. Clifford.” I smiled at her. The Cliffords are included as the ones who thrive in the town. They owned the biggest supermarket in town.
“You are a very beautiful girl, aren’t you, Audrey?” She smiled sweetly. “My son would be smitten if he sees you. Didn’t you say you work in New York now? Isn’t that a big city? I’ve never been anywhere but this place except for Olivia and Jun. How are you coping?”
“Audrey and I work for one of the biggest fashion brands in New York, ma’am,” Chelsea interrupted. “And she works as the CEO’s executive assistant.”
“And what does an executive assistant do? It sounds like a pretty huge job,” Mrs. Clifford asked, totally unaware of the term.
“Well, of course, it does!” Chelsea said proudly, then she sat next to him. “It means apart from the executives; she is fourth in command. First is the CEO, then the vice CEO, and then the General Manager. Lastly, there’s Audrey. She’s basically one of the bosses now.”
I chuckled. “You are exaggerating.”
“But you are! That’s how important her job is.”
“Oh, how lovely is that. As a supermarket owner, that leaves me as the CEO, right?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am.” Chelsea nodded and smiled.
“And she’s like in the same position with my Jun, is that right?”
“Probably so.” I shrugged.
“Ah!” She clasped her hand. “Then you are probably fated together! I’d like you to meet my son, Audrey. Not because you're a Hopkins, which pretty much doesn't have much value nowadays, but as an assistant to the CEO!”
Chelsea’s shoulders fell. I snorted at her expression.
Suddenly, we were interrupted by the noises coming outside. The other guest had begun to prowl at the second entrance.
“What is happening?” Mrs. Clifford asked.
“I don’t know. Let me just check.” Chelsea volunteered and tried to sneak in between the commotion. “Excuse me, please let me through.”
Curiously, the guests suddenly stepped aback, seemingly forming a pathway. I stood up and strode to the entrance.
“Audrey!” Anton came in, coming from the entrance with his wife.
“What’s going on?”
He shook his head in disbelief, and like the other nosy guests, he stepped aside.
I stood in the middle, and Chelsea sprinted back to my side.
The time seemed to have stopped. A man in a designer suit came in, and the noise grew loud. I ignored the whispers and gossip and slowly walked toward him.
“My, my! What a commotion,” he finally spoke. I almost didn’t recognize him, but the more I looked at his face, my brain sent signals of recognition. Dressed in a designer black suit and tie, he was as tall as Anton and no longer the skinny, nerd boy he used to be. I could tell that he didn’t look after his father, and he looked just like his stunning German mother.
“Charles,” I murmured.
“I knew you were here.” He walked towards me and leaned close to kiss my hand. “It’s been a while, Audrey.”