Chapter 491 Growth
While Addison was removing the needles from Abigail's legs, Mary and James settled into a nearby restaurant for lunch.
She had initially planned to take him back to Cloud Residence, but seeing it was nearly noon, decided food was the priority.
Without Addison's interference, James relaxed into the meal. Mary, however, was multitasking—conversing with him while sending messages on her phone.
James placed a plate of sliced steak in front of her. "You're such a busy person. Can't even eat without working."
"It's about Christopher, not business," Mary replied, accepting the plate. "He approached me several times in the past, hoping I'd give him some work from the Smith Family company, or at least hire Abigail as a manager."
She took a bite of steak before continuing. "I didn't trust their abilities. I worried they'd not only fail but create problems for me. Abigail begged me too, even had my parents intervene, but I refused."
"I always assumed they still had enough money for a comfortable life," she added with regret. "On my way here, I learned how desperate their situation really is—bankrupt company, uncollected payments, savings nearly gone. They still pay my parents $100,000 monthly for 'living expenses,' plus holiday gifts."
Living expenses? Gifts? James smiled bitterly. Addison hadn't changed a bit.
"I should have helped them," Mary continued, her eyes shimmering. "Even if I kept professional distance, I could have arranged some work. They wouldn't be in this situation if I'd offered even minimal support. We are family, after all."
"Christopher has changed a lot," James glanced toward the operating room. "His love for Abigail is genuine. You should help him if you can."
"I'm already on it," Mary smiled. "I've contacted someone to reach out to Zane. I plan to help Christopher recover his money and get justice for today."
"Without that money and justice, Christopher will feel powerless his whole life." She leaned back. "Of course, I hope to resolve this peacefully. I don't like violence."
"After recovering the money, I'll bring them back to Stardust City and arrange for them to manage one of my factories." That was all she could do.
James gave her a thumbs up. "You've thought of everything. You're much more humane than before."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Mary shot him an annoyed look. "You make it sound like I was heartless."
"Pretty much," James teased. "Why else would you have made me sleep on the floor for a year?"
Mary's face turned bright red. She reached over and pinched him. "Nonsense."
Her phone buzzed, interrupting their banter. She answered, and a haughty voice came through:
"Miss Smith, mission accomplished. I've spoken with Mr. Lowe and convinced him to give you a chance. Let's meet for dinner tonight. It was exhausting, really."
"Thank you. If this works out, I'll repay the favor," Mary replied neutrally. "Where and when?"
"Golden Bay Club! Eight o'clock. Do be punctual."
Mary smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Katya. I'll be there."
After hanging up, she explained to James, "That was my intermediary, Katya, a Sovereign City socialite. I asked her to arrange a meeting with Zane."
"I could handle this directly," James offered. "If he's connected to Sovereign City's Mystic Alliance, my word should carry weight."
"Let me try first," Mary took a sip of lemon water. "I need to grow too, and I want to do something for Abigail and Christopher myself."
James nodded. "Fine, but I'm coming with you tonight." He didn't want a repeat of the Vocal Vista incident.
"Well, well, if it isn't the country bumpkin," a mocking voice suddenly cut through the restaurant. "Dining at such a high-end place? You must have some money after all."
James and Mary looked up to see several well-dressed people swaggering toward them. The young man in front, sporting braids, looked disdainfully at everyone around.
James immediately recognized Asher—the same man from the high-speed rail station who had sent thugs after him. From his demeanor, he clearly hadn't heard what happened to those thugs.
"Kid, I was too busy to deal with you at the station, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten," Asher positioned himself between James and Mary. "Besides sending those guys to teach you a lesson, I've been looking for you. Afraid I'll kill you?"
Most diners maintained their dignity, but Asher's loud behavior drew many sideways glances.
"Get lost if you have nothing better to do," James said calmly.
"Get lost? Who gave you the courage to say that?" Asher smiled coldly. "You cursed my girlfriend. If I don't cripple you, how will I save face?"
Mary continued sipping her lemon water, seemingly unfazed.
"Well, this woman's not bad at all," Asher eyed Mary. "You're quite lucky. I'm jealous."
He bluntly ordered James, "I like your woman. Send her to my villa tonight so I can play with her for a couple of days."
His companions snickered lewdly.
Asher reached out to touch Mary's face. "Mmm, that face must feel..."
Before James could react, Mary's eyes turned cold. She grabbed Asher's fingers and snapped them without mercy.
As Asher howled in pain, Mary delivered a powerful kick. With a loud thud, he flew backward, crashing into a table.
Before he could struggle to his feet, she was in front of him again, driving her knee into his chin.
Asher screamed, falling backward and spitting blood before passing out.
Three strikes, and it was over.
"Let's go." Mary grabbed her purse and pulled James toward the exit as if nothing had happened, ignoring the shocked stares around them.
James followed calmly, secretly amazed.
This woman had definitely grown.
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