Chapter 352 Annabelle Upsets Mrs. Everhart
Jasmine nervously glanced at Mrs. Everhart. "Do you mean that Alex has other considerations?"
"Yes, Annabelle has a wide network, and Howard has contacted Alex several times separately. This time, he might have to give them some face," Mrs. Everhart said somewhat reluctantly. "But I came to see you because I know you are capable. Maybe Alex has his considerations. After all, your project mirrors the Douglas family's. Alex won't back two identical ventures."
Jasmine nervously looked at Ethan who shook his head at her. "It's okay. Alex is a businessman who has been through a lot in the venture capital market over the years. He certainly has his considerations. Although Daniel and Annabelle's project is backed by Stellar Enterprises, being supported by a big company doesn't always guarantee high returns."
Jasmine nodded.
"Seeing you both reminds me of Alex and me when we were young. Back then, he came to Maple Grove with nothing. When I first saw him, he was working three jobs a day and serving drinks at a bar at night," Mrs. Everhart chuckled. "I was drawn to him because of his determination. I knew he was capable; gold always shines."
Mrs. Everhart looked at Ethan. "Ethan is a buried treasure, and Jasmine, your choice is right."
Jasmine held Ethan's hand. "Whether in poverty or wealth, I will steadfastly choose him. Even if his business fails, even if we need to leave Silverlight City to develop in another city, I will always be by his side."
Ethan felt warm inside but also a bit worried. He mused, 'Is it possible not to get divorced then? What if my wonderful wife left?'
"Youth is truly wonderful," Mrs. Everhart smiled.
As Mrs. Everhart got up, Jasmine followed suit. "Mrs. Everhart, would you like to go shopping later? I can accompany you."
Mrs. Everhart nodded. "Since you're in Maple Grove, I'll definitely take you shopping. I like you; seeing you makes me feel close like you're my daughter."
Jasmine lowered her eyes, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Thank you."
"The only regret Alex and I have in our lives is not having our child. We had a child when we were young, but the child died before birth, causing me to lose my uterus," Mrs. Everhart held Jasmine's hand. "I know I've wronged Alex. I suggested he have a child with another woman or even divorce me, but he refused."
She said, "He said he doesn't want children. He wants to spend his life with me alone."
"I've been with him through the toughest times, and he wants to be with me for the rest of his life. He says his heart is small; having me means he can't let anyone else in," Mrs. Everhart smiled and looked down.
It was evident that Mrs. Everhart was truly happy.
Jasmine had also heard that Alex treated Mrs. Everhart exceptionally well. Whenever he went out for social events, if the partners tried to set Alex up with someone, he would get angry, firmly refuse, and cut ties permanently.
Since then, the partners never dared to set Alex up with anyone again.
Everyone knew that Alex only had Mrs. Everhart in his heart.
"You are very fortunate," Jasmine said, looking at Ethan. "I am also fortunate. We have both found our soulmate."
Mrs. Everhart nodded with a smile.
Just as they left the cafe, Jasmine spotted a car not far away.
Alex got out of the car, walked to the back, opened the door, and welcomed Karen.
Jasmine was shocked. It was Karen.
The person she had called "mom" for 21 years. Jasmine couldn't be mistaken. Subconsciously blocking Mrs. Everhart, Jasmine stammered, "Mrs. Everhart, let's go over there and browse."
Ethan also saw Annabelle and Karen coming to meet Alex.
Furrowing his brows, Ethan had indeed investigated. Karen was Alex's first love.
It was said that when Alex's father was young, he was a driver for the Stevens Family. Alex liked Karen, but their backgrounds were vastly different. The Stevens family forced Alex to leave Silverlight City, and he came to Maple Grove.
Karen was also forced into a marriage with the Wilson family due to family arrangements.
Mrs. Everhart was somewhat suspicious. She nodded to follow Jasmine but felt something was amiss. She turned back and saw Alex and Karen chatting and laughing, with Annabelle following them into the cafe.
Jasmine was at a loss and quietly explained to Alex, "Mrs. Everhart, it seems Alex intends to collaborate with Annabelle; that's why he met her."
Jasmine had also heard about Alex and Karen. After living at the Wilson Residence for so many years, whenever Benjamin and Karen argued, they often brought up Alex.
"Is that Karen?" Mrs. Everhart had sharp eyes and asked casually.
"I didn't see clearly." Jasmine scratched her head.
Mrs. Everhart stood still, said nothing for a moment, then turned to lead Jasmine away. "Let's go, I'll take you shopping."
Ethan held his breath, feeling like he was on a battlefield.
Mrs. Everhart's husband secretly met his first love.
After a few steps, Mrs. Everhart stopped, rolled up her sleeves, abandoning her long-standing ladylike image, took out her phone, and called Alex.
Jasmine was startled by the sudden change.
Jasmine nervously moved closer to Ethan.
Ethan suppressed a smile and hugged her.
Answering the call, Mrs. Everhart's demeanor changed instantly, her voice gentle and sweet. "Alex, I made dinner plans with friends tonight. How about we have dinner together?"
"Honey, I have a prior engagement tonight. My apologies. How about we have dinner together another day?" Alex comforted her.
Their relationship seemed very harmonious.
"Alex, where are you? I'm so bored at home," Mrs. Everhart sounded a bit timid.
Jasmine was wide-eyed, wondering, 'Are they spies, testing each other?'
Ethan whispered to Jasmine, "Don't mimic their behavior."
Jasmine glared at him.
"After my engagement tonight, I'll come home early to be with you, okay?" Alex changed the subject.
They were truly skilled at this game.
"Alex, are you busy at the company? I'm craving pizza," Mrs. Everhart continued to probe.
"I'll have my secretary order for you," Alex didn't disclose his location.
Mrs. Everhart gritted her teeth, clearly running out of patience. "You buy it for me. It's only a half-hour drive from the company to home. If the company isn't busy, you can come back."
"I have a meeting at the company; I'll be back later. Is that okay?" Alex reassured her in a low voice.
Jasmine looked up at Ethan.
In this game of wits, Alex was clearly defeated.
"Okay, you're busy. I won't bother you. I'll be waiting at home for you," Mrs. Everhart hung up gently, elegantly placing her phone back in her bag, then spoke up, "Alex, you scoundrel, meeting your first love behind me and saying you're at the company."
Jasmine trembled, thinking Mrs. Everhart was about to expose Alex.
To her surprise, Mrs. Everhart just scolded him briefly, instantly reverting to her elegant demeanor, smiling as she took Jasmine's hand. "Jasmine, let's go shopping together! Since someone wants to take shortcuts secretly, I won't believe I can't help you win this project!"