Helen's POV:
A week later, Cece completed her work in Philly and came to New York.I went to pick her up myself.
After walking out of the airport, she couldn't help but sigh.
"I never expected to return to New York again one day.Had I known earlier that this would be where I
eventually ended up, I would have remained here after graduating from university.Now I will have to
start my life here afresh." I put her suitcase into the trunk of my car and smiled.
"It's meaningless to think about these things in hindsight.It's more important to focus on the
future.Besides, sometimes, only by taking a detour will we be guided to take the right direction in our
lives." Cece also smiled.
"Helen, you've changed a lot recently.You've grown so much more matured.Previously, it was Lucy and
I who had to comfort you, but now the roles have been reversed.Initially, I thought you were the most
immature amongst the three of us.But you are the one who has experienced the most holistic
development.I should take a leaf out of your book."
"Don't flatter me.I don't have any special advantage.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмI just flow with the options that life
throws at me and deal with each situation as it comes.I just focus on the present and ignore everything
else."
"You also handle your job so well.Most people are so impetuous and can't handle the basics.Helen,
you are an exemplary role model."
Cece always liked to talk about work, as if there was no other topic to discuss.She was too much of a
workaholic.
When we were still in college, Kendal's mother confronted her one time and told her in her face that
she was too poor to associate with someone like Kendal.
Since then, Cece had dedicated all her time and effort into her studies and career, working exceedingly
hard to prove her worth.She wanted to prove to Kendal's mother that she was an outstanding, capable
person.
"Helen, please don't tell anyone else that I quit my job to start a business in New York."Cece looked a
little uneasy.It seemed that by "anyone else" she was referring to Kendal.
"Only George and I know about it.I have told him to keep mum."
In fact, my guess was that Cece had come back to New York for Kendal's sake.But being so obstinate,
she would not meet him till she had established a successful business in New York.
"I have booked a hotel.You can drop me off there."
"I don't think it’s a good idea to live in a hotel.Why don't you come and crash with me?"
"No, I don't want to disturb your cozy little love nest." Cece flatly refused.
After thinking for a while, I said, "Okay, then why don't you live in my old apartment since it is now
empty? Although it's in the suburb, it has everything you'll need.You need to save money to start up
your business, so why waste it on hotel expenses?"
Since I had moved in with George, that apartment was a white elephant.
"Okay, sounds like a great idea.I'll live there and find a house of my own once I get back on my feet."
Cece was content.I drove Cece to my apartment in the suburb.
"The acquisition project of Leeson Holdings will draw to a close after the final negotiation.Thereafter, I
will introduce you to the person in charge."
After she settled in, I explained the overall situation to her.
Whether she got the job or not would depend on her capabilities.
As soon as I heard that Devin Gordon, who was in charge of the project, was going to search for a
good advertising company as part of his promotion plan, I immediately proposed to introduce Cece to
him at the appropriate time.
The negotiation between Yeadon Real Estate and Leeson Holdings went smoothly.
The two parties quickly reached an agreement and expedited the handover.
Before the handover, I somehow still feared that what George had suggested might materialize, but
fortunately it concluded without any hitches.I could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Coincidentally, after the project was over, George’s mother called me and invited me out to dinner.I was
grateful to her for introducing this project to me, so I accepted her invitation and went to the
rendezvous.
We met at a high-end restaurant downtown.
This was the first time I had met her alone after knowing who she really was, so I was a little nervous.
Our last encounter was not so pleasant after all, so I wasn't quite sure why she wanted to meet with me
this time.
When I arrived, she was already seated there.иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмShe looked at me haughtily with an
arrogant posture.
"Have a seat," she said coldly, taking a sip of coffee gracefully.
I greeted her with the little warmth I could usher up and sat down opposite her.
"What can I do for you, Mrs.Affleck?"
"I have found a good designer who is willing to design a set of furniture for the apartment.Choose the
plan that you like and I'll arrange for the purchase of the furniture at a later date."
She handed me the fancy design drafts.It seemed that she wanted to meet me to choose the furniture.I
could finally breathe easy.
"Why don't I show these to George?" George did have better taste than me.
She sneered and said contemptuously, "Show them to George? What is your intention? To indirectly tell
him that I met you in private or do you have no confidence in your taste?"
"Actually, George does have better taste than me." I didn't think too much about it.I just thought that
since George also lived in the apartment, he should have a say in its decor.
Moreover, both the designs were extremely beautiful, so I could not make up my mind.I didn't expect
George's mother to misunderstand me.I frowned and felt visibly uncomfortable.
"I've dealt with a lot of people over the years, and I've seen tons of fish like you.Don't think you can play
innocent with me and get away with it.I can see right through you.It's really ridiculous." She spoke with
disdain and looked at me scornfully.
Listening to her cutting words put me on my guard.
I said unemotionally, "Mrs.Affleck, I pitched up here today to thank you for introducing the Leeson
Holdings project to me.Now that it has been successfully completed, I thought it would be polite to
inform you.If there's nothing else, I'll leave now.By the way, the decor designed by the person you hired
is indeed exquisite and beautiful.But it lacks life.There is no vibrancy or vitality in it.So I doubt anyone
would want to live in a place like that."
Then I stood up to leave.
"Sit down!"
George's mother ordered in an authoritative manner.I couldn't help but feel my legs weaken and waited
for her to finish her words.
Her face softened a little, and she continued, "I know you and George are in a good relationship.I have
no desire to separate you.But you should understand this.You don't deserve him at all.You are not
Affleck bride material.I introduced a girl of equal social rank to George during the New Year
holidays.Her name is Josie Burke."
"Just get to the point, would you!"
"I just want to tell you that you can play house with George for a little while longer.Enjoy the fling.But
get it through your thick skull that George will only marry someone from a noble family with a strong
heritage, like the Burke family.You'd better be sensible about this matter.Know your place and stay
within the line; otherwise, don't blame me if I make all your little dreams come crashing down."
I was amused by her so-called threats and asked in a subdued mocking voice, "Are you telling me then
that I can only be George's mistress?"
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