Despite saying that, Maria scanned the room to search for Dylan.
“Aunt Talia, why isn't Dylan home yet?” she asked tentatively.
Talia sighed loudly on purpose and complained, “Musk Group is in a severe financial crisis now. Dylan has been
leaving home early and returning late every day in an effort to save the company from its downfall. We have no
choice...”
“Don't worry, Aunt Talia. I'll talk to my dad and brother when I get home and tell them to help your company with
the finances. That should be able to solve Musk Group's problem,” Maria offered ingratiatingly.
Although she had studied business, all she cared about was having fun. In fact, she only managed to get accepted
into her school at her parents' expense. As a result, she knew nothing about the tricks and schemes of the business
circle.
Being the naïve girl that she was, she thought she just had to act coy in front of her father and brother, who adored
her, and they would be persuaded to finance Musk Group.
“You're such a good girl. The man who gets to marry you will be so lucky.”
While Maria and Talia were conversing, Dylan walked in. Even in his drunken state, he emanated a frosty aura.
Under the light, his attractive features looked even more charming.
“Dylan, you're back!” Maria had been keeping an eye on the door since earlier. Upon seeing Dylan, she approached
him enthusiastically.
Immediately, Dylan's face darkened. “Mom, why is she here?”
He had no liking for this bimbo cousin of his who was so full of herself despite her foolishness.
Because of her, he was utterly humiliated before Avery in Azure Royal the last time. His distaste for Maria grew
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtfurther since that incident.
Feeling thirsty, Dylan ignored Maria's gaze of admiration and got the jug from the coffee table. After pouring
himself a glass of water, he chugged it down.
“Dylan, what's with your attitude toward your cousin? She came all the way here to visit me. How could you treat
her like this?” chided Talia unhappily when she saw how cold Dylan was toward Maria.
She continued, “Did you drink again? How many times have I told you? It hasn't been long since Maria returned to
the country, so you should spend more time with her. Why don't you ever listen? Do you want to see me die of
anger?”
Talia's nagging was making Dylan's patience run thin.
He raised his leg and kicked the coffee table before him forcefully.
He raised his leg and kicked the coffee table before him forcefully.
As the coffee table slid forward abruptly, the coffee pot on the table dropped to the floor and shattered into pieces.
Seeing the mess in the living room, Talia frowned and scolded, “Dylan, what are you doing? Do you even see me as
your mother?”
“Mom, I want to be alone. Stop disturbing me. I'm not in the mood!” Dylan groaned in exasperation as he sat down
on the couch and hugged his head despondently.
It had been a while since he and Avery divorced, but he couldn't stop thinking about her.
Even when he tried to numb himself with work and alcohol, it was useless. He felt that he was utterly hopeless.
The fact that he couldn't have her to himself made his urge to win her heart even stronger.
Talia couldn't help but sigh when she saw Dylan's state. She asked the housekeeper to clean up the place before
resuming her lecture. “Look at you. You've been so aggressive and short-tempered since you were young.
Whenever things don't go your way, you start smashing things. That's a terrible habit! If your dad were here, you
two would surely get into a fight. If you have any problems, don't keep them to yourself. Tell me about it, or you can
talk to Maria. It's easier for you youngsters to communicate with each other, after all.”
Maria squatted down before Dylan and added carefully, “Dylan, are you troubled with work? I heard from Aunt Talia
that Musk Group is experiencing some financial problems, but don't worry. I—”
“Could you two please just stop talking?”
Dylan stood up in a huff and put on the jacket he had just removed. His hoarse voice was tinged with exhaustion as
he said, “I need to go out to attend to something. Go to sleep first. Don't wait for me.”
“You've just arrived home, and you're going out again? You can't leave! Are you going to hang out with those good-
for-nothing friends of yours again?” Talia roared in frustration.
“Dylan, you can't go anywhere because I'm here today. You have to stay at home with me!” uttered Maria
adamantly while she stood in his way.
Dylan merely shot her a disdainful glance before shoving her to the side.
Fortunately, Maria crashed into the soft couch at the side. Although she didn't fall to the ground, she felt her head
spinning from the hard push.
It was during that time when she heard the door being slammed shut and the car outside being started.
She hurriedly ran outside, but what greeted her was the sight of the car speeding away. Feeling aggrieved, she
threw herself into Talia's arms and sobbed.
The next day, Avery noticed that Cecelia's complexion looked better.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmShe smiled in relief, but at the thought of the renovation project they were in charge of, she started feeling nervous
again.
Not only was that project stressful, but it was also very demanding. She couldn't help but wonder if the pregnant
Cecelia could keep working on it.
Besides, Cecelia was about to be promoted. If the news of her pregnancy got out, she would surely be subject to
criticism.
As if sensing her worries, Cecelia said calmly, “Since I have decided to keep this baby, I'll just go with the flow.
Avery, I don't think I can keep working on that project anymore, considering my health now. I have talked to the
higher-ups and requested a transfer, so another colleague will take my place. You have to perform well so Vivi
Group won't look down on our team. Okay?”
Avery nodded in understanding. “Cecelia, I will work hard.”
Cecelia then took out a gray flash drive from her bag and handed it to Avery carefully. “This flash drive contains my
collection of materials on architectural designs. There is also some information about construction projects and
topography. In short, there are lots of things to learn from here. It also includes my compilation of successful
renovation projects by renowned experts in recent decades. You can learn from their experiences.”
“Thank you, Cecelia. Words cannot express how grateful I am to you,” Avery expressed sincerely while taking the
flash drive.
Due to competition among employees, people in the workplace were usually very calculating. Most of them were
friendly on the surface, but the rivalry behind the back was intense. They would never share any of their valuable
tips with others.
On the contrary, Cecelia was like an angel, so it was only natural that Avery was so deeply touched by her kind
gestures.
With a smile, Cecelia told Avery, “Among all my colleagues, I feel the most connected to you. This flash drive is
password-protected. I'll send the password to your WhatsApp later.”
It was during that time when she heard the door being slammed shut and the car outside being started.