Chapter 336 He Wants You to Leave Here
"That's because of you," Tristan defended seriously, "You seemed to really like Evie, and then I had a dream where you had a very ugly child. You were always crying because your child wasn't as good-looking as Evie..."
Although this surprised Katniss, she could understand the feeling of having a child who wasn't as good-looking as someone else's.
Nowadays, many parents compare their children, whether it's looks, academics, or talents.
"I should have thought of it earlier, Evie looks a lot like you, she clearly is your child."
At some point, Tristan lay back down, propping his head with one hand, and gently poked open Evie's fist with his injured left hand.
Evie moved a bit, then grabbed Tristan's finger. Her little red mouth moved twice, and she continued to sleep soundly.
The curve of Tristan's lips widened as he looked up at Katniss, "Although there are still many things unresolved, our story as a family of three is just beginning."
Katniss's heart trembled slightly. Yes, last night was their first night together as a family of three, and everything was just beginning.
She suddenly lowered her head and touched her stomach, "My mom isn't here these days, so you can stay here and take care of our meals for now. But it's too late for breakfast, I have a morning meeting to attend, I need to get up and leave now."
Last night's food was terrible, she had really had enough of it.
"Then you go," Tristan said, lying next to Evie without lifting his head, "I'll take care of her."
Katniss got up with an empty stomach, washed up, changed clothes, and as soon as she got to the first floor, she saw Aaron hurrying over from the sofa.
"Katniss, I forgot Evie was here, I didn't mean to let Tristan in, I..."
After letting Tristan in, he remembered that Evie and Katniss were in the same room.
He wanted to go up and check, but was afraid of encountering something inappropriate.
He hadn't slept well all night, worried that he had caused trouble for Katniss.
"I know you didn't mean it," Katniss said, seeing his uneasy expression, and smiled, "I'm going to the office, you stay here and take care of Evie. Call me if anything comes up."
Seeing she wasn't angry, Aaron nodded enthusiastically, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of Evie."
Katniss changed her shoes at the entrance, glanced at the empty staircase corner.
She clearly remembered that occasionally when she left for work first, Tristan would always see her off, with kisses and hugs, sometimes even driving with her.
Even now with Evie, he couldn't see her off, at least he could see her out the door.
She pressed her lips together and left.
White Corporation had acquired The Astor Corporation some time ago, and the work to save The Astor Corporation was proceeding in an orderly manner.
Katniss had a lunch meeting, and before that, she initiated a video call with Tristan. In the video, Evie was lying on Tristan, the father and daughter basking in the sun by the window.
"Mommy's over there," Tristan pointed at the video on the phone, pinching Evie's cheek. Evie's mouth was squeezed into an 'o' shape, drool dripping down her chin.
Evie's bright eyes moved, then looked elsewhere.
They talked for five minutes, with Tristan talking about Evie for four and a half minutes.
The remaining half minute was Katniss responding to him.
Then the video call ended, Katniss put away her phone, left the office, and called Hazel to the lunch meeting.
Samuel would also be there, but he was handling business outside and would meet them directly at the restaurant.
The car was quiet, Katniss glanced at Hazel, who was seriously checking the schedule, and asked softly, "Actually, this job isn't very fulfilling, the high salary is because of the certain risks and confidentiality required."
"I know, but I still want to do my best in recording your schedule and reminding you," Hazel closed the schedule and smiled at Katniss.
Katniss was silent for a moment, then asked, "Last time you refused to leave because you needed money, why do you need money? Do you have any family?"
Hazel shook her head, "I don't have any family left. I was raised by my grandfather, and was adopted by my brother by chance. At that time, I had an eighty-year-old grandfather who passed away a few years ago. My biggest dream is to earn a lot of money, build a beautiful tomb for my parents, and erect a monument for my grandfather."
Her parents died in an accident, the family was very poor, they couldn't even afford a coffin, and her grandfather buried them with two wooden boards covering the dirt.
Later, she followed Benjamin, who, upon hearing this, had coffins made for her parents and reburied them.
But at that time, she was too embarrassed to ask for much, so the appearance was just traditional.
But the custom in her hometown is that after a couple is buried together, the tomb should be renovated.
"How much would that cost?" Katniss knew customs varied by region and didn't ask for too many details.
"Not much, all together it would be around ten to twenty thousand dollars," Hazel said, embarrassed, "But I just graduated from college, and my previous jobs barely covered living expenses. This job is the only one that allows me to save some money."
After a moment of silence, the car stopped at the hotel entrance. Katniss didn't get out immediately but took out the black card Benjamin had given her and handed it to Hazel, saying, "There's enough money in here."
Hazel quickly shook her head and waved her hands, "No, Ms. Grey, how can I take your money?"
"This isn't my money," Katniss said, turning her body slightly, her clear eyes reflecting Hazel's initially surprised, then slowly understanding expression.
She tugged at the corner of her lips but still didn't take the card, "I don't want his money either. Does he think he needs to thank me for what happened at the hotel last time? It's really unnecessary, I... I don't mind, it's not the first time, just consider it a favor."
Her words made Katniss feel heavy-hearted, but some things needed to be said plainly, without leaving any hope.
Otherwise, a naive girl like Hazel might dive in headfirst and never come out.
"He wants you to leave here."
Hazel's smile froze instantly, her round face turning a bit pale as she looked at the black card Katniss handed over, motionless.
"This isn't his way of protecting you. He's just someone who values interests over feelings. He wants you to leave because he's worried you'll cause trouble for him and affect his marriage alliance with the Adams family. I should have told you this a few days ago, but I never found the right time."
Actually, today wasn't the best time either, with a lunch meeting coming up.
But with Benjamin occasionally coming over these past few days, Katniss had noticed Hazel's emotional fluctuations and felt she couldn't delay any longer.
"Really?" Hazel asked Katniss, her eyes red and tears barely held back, "How long have you known him? I don't think you understand him. He used to be very good to me."
Katniss placed the card on the storage tray between them, "I haven't known him as long as you, but I want to tell you, a person's true nature is fully revealed in their lowest moments. He used to be the son of the White family, living a life of luxury, appearing kind and gentle, but that was without facing any setbacks."
She thought, after Benjamin was expelled, during the time Hazel accompanied him, he seemed to gradually regain his strength.
But in reality, he had already planned his revenge in his heart, his nature being relentless in achieving his goals.
"I don't believe it," Hazel said stubbornly. In front of Benjamin, she would often say harsh words in anger.
But as soon as she turned away, she couldn't help but fantasize, "It's said that Mr. Forbes is a cold-blooded person who never shows emotions, but after everything you've been through, isn't he also someone who values feelings?"
Katniss and Tristan occasionally talked on the phone, never avoiding Hazel.
So Hazel knew they had reconciled and knew about Tristan's car accident for Katniss.
"Because he may seem unfeeling and decisive on the surface, but once he commits to someone, he never changes. Benjamin is the exact opposite. Don't compare anyone to anyone else; people are different."
Hazel fell silent, sitting up straight with her head down, not saying a word.
The midday sunlight refracted into the car, and a crystal-clear tear fell on her hand.
She quickly raised her head, wiped away the tears, and said in a muffled voice, "Ms. Grey, I won't cause him any trouble. Whether I leave or not, I can't take this card. I've already spent a lot of his money. Please tell him that I'll pay him back once I've saved enough money. As for whether I leave or not, he shouldn't worry about it."
"Take the card and talk to him yourself," Katniss couldn't remain indifferent to their affairs.
She decided to let them handle it themselves.
"You should go back now. Mr. Bennett will accompany me to the meeting."
After Katniss got out of the car and closed the door, she immediately saw Samuel waiting at the hotel entrance.
Seeing her, Samuel put out his cigarette and took his hand out of his pocket, "No rush, they haven't arrived yet."
"No rush. When did you start smoking?" Katniss didn't remember him smoking.
Samuel smiled awkwardly, "During the time I resigned from The Astor Corporation, it was quite stressful, so I picked it up."
They entered the elevator, heading to the reserved private room on the fifth floor.
As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, they saw Eudora and Michael.
The two were coming out of a private room at the end of the right-hand side. Michael walked ahead with a composed and calm expression, while Eudora followed behind, looking a bit unwell.
Katniss couldn't remember the last time she had seen Michael, it had been so long that he seemed completely different from her memory.
The once meticulously groomed, model-like man now appeared somewhat unkempt.
His suit was last year's style, his face no longer bore the usual smile, and he looked serious.
The few of them stood at a distance, an awkward atmosphere spreading around Samuel.
After all, he used to be Michael's assistant, and now he was doing better than Michael.
After a moment of silence, he slightly nodded towards Michael, "Mr. Astor."
Michael spoke with a cold face, "Mr. Bennett's status in the business world is now much higher than mine, and... Ms. Grey."
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