Chapter 317: Chapter 1731-1740

“I’ll make her return to where she came from.” Jared hated women who were full of themselves.

“Okay.” Ellen agreed with his approach. It seemed that those women who tried to seduce him didn’t need her to drive them away; he could handle them himself.

Meanwhile, Hannie returned to her room and immediately asked someone to send a car for her. She was going to the Presgrave Group. After finishing lunch, Ellen was planning to go to the chess club.

This time, Mr. Linton also decided to open a chess club in Averna. Ellen was the one who provided the funds for the decoration, so he gave her a 50% stake, making her a shareholder.

“Wait a minute. Come with me to the company first. I’ll take you to Mr. Linton’s chess club tomorrow.”

Jared pulled her over.

“Huh? Why do I have to accompany you to the company?” She was a little confused.

“I want you to sit back and watch a good show.” Jared believed that Hannie was in a hurry to meet him, so Ellen had to be there to embarrass her.

She thought for a moment and nodded. “Okay, let’s go.”

Hannie’s car set off from the hotel and headed toward the entrance of Presgrave Group. She no longer had the arrogance of a wealthy young lady because she was in a position to ask for help.

She made an appointment to meet Jared at the front desk. Due to her urgent requests, the receptionist had to contact Stanley to arrange the earliest possible time for her to meet him.

Stanley informed Jared of the message, and since he had just arrived at the company, he replied, “Let her wait for an hour before seeing me.”

“Okay.”

Hannie had no choice but to wait for another hour in the lobby. Even though she was impatient, she had to wait obediently no matter what. She had to meet Jared within seventy-two hours, or else she would have to give money to the company that was being acquired for nothing.

She was willing to wait even for a day, let alone just an hour. Ellen sat on the sofa in Jared’s office. She took a rest for a while, and finally, the hour was up.

On the other side of the front desk, Hannie urged again. Stanley finally reported to Jared, and he said, “Let her come in.”

After knowing she got the chance to meet Jared, Hannie couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. She quickly walked toward the direction of the elevator as she was led by the receptionist to the office.

In the elevator, she didn’t forget to tidy up her makeup and touch up on her lipstick. She thought that as a woman, beauty was her advantage in negotiating with men. As long as she pretended to be pitiful, Jared would be soft-hearted.

If she could even make him feel pity and fall for her, wouldn’t that make a great story?

“Miss Quins, you’re here. President Presgrave is waiting for you in his office,” Stanley said.

Hannie smiled brightly. “Okay, please lead the way.”

“This way, please.” Stanley extended his hand to invite Hannie in. She did not forget to use any mirror or glass that could show her reflection to check her current attire and makeup.

At last, they reached the door to Jared’s office. Then, Stanley knocked on the door before he opened it and entered the office. “President Presgrave, Miss Quins is here.”

She immediately revealed a sweet, faint smile. After she received a look from Stanley, she stepped into the office elegantly. However, her smile stiffened the moment she saw another woman sitting on the sofa because she had never expected to see Ellen in Jared’s office. Hence, she was shocked as she turned to Stanley and stated, “I… I’d better come again tomorrow because I have an urgent matter to attend to.”

“President Presgrave needs to leave for abroad at 3.00PM today. Miss Quins, you’d better hurry up and say it if there’s anything on your mind. Otherwise, you won’t have the chance to meet him,” Stanley explained. He was involved in the whole incident, so he knew what to do.

Hannie’s expression became hideous. Then, I’ve got to bow down and beg Jared in front of Ellen in this one hour?

Ellen sat on the sofa and looked at Hannie awkwardly standing at the door. She then resumed reading the magazine in her hand and did not even acknowledge Hannie. Although she was rarely rude to others, she despised people like Hannie—shameless.

“Miss Reiss, good afternoon. I-Is President Presgrave around?” Hannie could only behave cheekily and walked to the sofa to greet Ellen.

“What’s up?” Ellen asked while raising her eyebrows. I wonder if Jared did it purposely, considering that he left me in his office before heading off on some business.

“Can you tell me when he’ll be back? I need to see him about something urgent,” Hannie questioned immediately.

However, Ellen purposely shook her head and replied coldly, “I’m not sure.”

“Miss Reiss, could you please help me in contacting him? I have an urgent need to see him,” Hannie pleaded. I can’t offend Ellen now, so all I can do is beg her to help me.

Ellen, on the other hand, did not forget how arrogant and confident Hannie was at the party. Thus, she uttered aloofly, “Miss Quins, aren’t you capable? Why are you begging me?”

Hannie’s face became slightly flushed as she explained awkwardly, “I’m sorry for offending you before.

Please forgive me, Miss Reiss.” She was smart, so she knew that she had to soothe Ellen’s anger toward her since Ellen was in the office. Otherwise, it would be useless no matter how she begged Jared as long as Ellen wasn’t on her side.

Ellen supported her chin as she looked at the forced look of plea on Hannie’s face. Serve you right! You should keep a low profile and be humble.

Just when Hannie put her palms together to beg Ellen again, the door behind her was opened. Jared strode into the office with Stanley. Seeing that, she leaped to her feet in delight. “Mr. Presgrave, here you are.”

Jared sat next to Ellen.

Hannie, on the other hand, stood up and took a few steps back. She put up a pleading front and bowed while sincerely begging, “Please help me, Mr. Presgrave. I was just fooling around. I never intended to compete against you. I was simply too naive and childish. I’m truly sorry.”

“Ellie, did she help you cool down?” He tilted his head and asked Ellen.

As a result, Hannie’s heart skipped a beat. She was worried now because of how much she had belittled Ellen at the party. She had no idea Ellen would have the power to decide her fate. “Miss Reiss, I’m sorry. Please forgive me for being so ignorant.” She had succumbed to a very humble level now as she just hoped that Jared could save her.

Jared glared at her; his expression was cold. “Get lost and go back to your country. Don’t let me see you again.”

Her face was deeply flushed. That was the largest humiliation she had ever suffered, but she could only endure it because she had to reap what she had sown.

“Um… Will you be in charge of this project?” While blushing, Hannie continued to inquire.

“I won’t let you off the hook if your family interferes with my projects again,” Jared warned.

She felt humiliated, after which she quickly nodded. “Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.”

After that, she left in a sorry state. She did not forget to turn around and bow at the door, giving her complete sincerity, before she left.

After she left, Jared held Ellen’s waist and asked tenderly, “Have you cooled down?”

“Yes.” She nodded, and she never wanted to see people like Hannie again.

“Stanley, invite the RY Company employees over. I’ll deal with them myself,” he told Stanley.

“All right.” Stanley immediately made arrangements for that.

Ellen did not want to disturb Jared’s negotiation, so she retired to his room to rest.

When Hannie left the Presgrave Group, she called and yelled angrily to her assistant, “Pack up and book the earliest plane ticket to return home immediately!” Her true colors were revealed once she got into the car. She bit her lower lip and glared at the building housing Presgrave Group. This is when I’ve been humiliated the most, but I know that I can’t offend Jared and can’t afford to do so, either. I picked the wrong person. If there’s nothing important, I’ll never set foot in this country again. It’s so embarrassing.

…

When Jared left the office with Stanley, an exasperated figure dashed toward him from the elevator out of the blue. When Stanley noticed that, he immediately stood before Jared and said to that person, “Mr.

Turner, what can I do for you?”

“President Presgrave, I heard that you refused to let my son take over my position. Is that true?”

“Mr. Turner, your son taking over your position goes against company policy. This is a company, not a hereditary royal system, as in ancient times. So, there’s no such thing as the son taking over the father’s position,” Jared responded coolly.

“Then, what about you? You could take over your father’s position. My son is so outstanding, and he works so hard. He’s capable of taking over my position. Please give him a chance…” Gavin gave him a pleading look. “President Presgrave, please do me a favor.”

“That’s impossible, Mr. Turner.”

“I’ll ask for your father’s help.”

“This is already decided even if my father steps in,” Jared said solemnly.

“You… You hold others in contempt, don’t you? You’re just a boy to me. Listen. I sacrificed my whole life for the company, and my only request is for my son to take over my position. Is it wrong?” Gavin glared at Jared with deep wrath as if Jared was being unreasonable.

“Mr. Turner, President Presgrave is leaving for a meeting.” Stanley interrupted him to ask him to set aside his private matter.

“I’m not going to give up like this,” Gavin declared before storming out.

Stanley put his hands on his waist furiously the moment Gavin left. “What’s wrong with Gavin? Why is he so stubborn? Why does he want his son to take over his position no matter what? It’s a modern world now. Why does he think that you’re wrong? It’s quite baffling.”

Jared recognized Gavin’s requirements. Gavin wanted to give his son a chance to develop his skills before he retired, owing to his unusual faith in his son. He hoped that the Presgraves would do him a favor.

“Forget about it. Let’s get this meeting started!” Jared stuck to his principles. He would not allow his company to be involved in string pulling, so he strictly adhered to the policies.

Stanley nodded. I don’t have to waste much time worrying about this. After all, Gavin is just making a fuss. He’ll retire when the time comes.

At that time, a middle-aged man was pacing to and fro anxiously outside the lobby of Presgrave Group.

When he saw his father coming downstairs, he immediately rushed to his father and asked, “Dad, how did it go? Did President Presgrave agree to it? Will I be promoted to your position?”

Gavin clenched his fists in frustration. “That b*stard rejected me, and he didn’t even consider it.”

Jason Turner soon became disappointed and even slightly enraged. “Dad, didn’t you claim that you have a very close relationship with the Presgraves? Didn’t you promise to help me get a promotion?

You must keep your word!”

“I’m doing everything I can for you! Easy. Let me handle it. When was the last time I let you down?”

Gavin patted his son’s shoulder. Since his son had grown up in a single-parent household, Gavin was everything to him, which was why he handled all his son’s affairs well.

Now that Jason was still a manager of a small department in the Presgrave Group, he wished that he could inherit his father’s position to feel elated and proud of himself.

Consequently, he was soon overjoyed. “Okay, Dad, I’ll leave it to you. When I’m in your post, those who looked down on me won’t be able to laugh at me again.”

“Expect good news!” Gavin nodded. He would never fail his son.

…

After the meeting that lasted for an afternoon, Jared left the conference room to walk to his room quickly.

“President Presgrave, about tonight’s social gathering—”

“Just reject it,” he answered without even turning around.

Stanley inevitably smiled helplessly. I’m afraid there’s nothing else he cares about except Miss Reiss.

Ellen enjoyed her quiet alone time. She dozed off, however, while reading a book on the sofa in front of the French window.

Jared was taken aback when he opened the door and entered the room. He noticed the setting sun shining on the sofa and Ellen was sound asleep with a book on her face. He squatted and gently removed the book to reveal Ellen’s adorable and sweet face. Her slightly apart rosy lips were appealing, so he kneeled to steal a kiss and did so repeatedly until she awoke from his kisses.

Finally, she opened her doe eyes, which were slightly glassy from the sleep. When she saw him, she smiled. “Is the meeting over?” Her long hair was draped behind her head as she sat up. Anyone would wish to adore and pamper her forever because she resembled a fairy with a gentle and natural temperament.

“Yes, it’s over. Come. I’ll take you to dinner.”

“Okay!” She nodded.

“Let’s go back to my mansion tonight. It’s the weekend tomorrow. Let’s sleep in.” He touched her nose briefly, and she soon blushed. She no longer felt shy around him.

That night, they had a candlelight dinner. He had taken her to various high-end restaurants in Averna to enjoy different dishes from countries all over the world. Regardless, she found herself the happiest eating with her loved one, and it did not matter how tasty the food was.

Jared drove her to his mansion at around 9.00PM. His bodyguards were clearing the way for them.

Suddenly, something happened that caused the bodyguards to slam the brakes. The other bodyguards at the rear had also consequently braked, which then led Jared to follow suit. As a result, Ellen was caught off guard and bumped her head on the dashboard.

“Are you okay? Does it hurt?” Jared rubbed the spot where she hurt herself, and he was enraged. He wondered what happened in front of them.

“I’m fine.” Ellen shook her head. Although it was slightly painful, something seemed to have happened in front of them. “What’s the matter?”

He asked her to stay in the car before he alighted from the vehicle and noticed that all of his bodyguards had gotten out as well. A figure quickly dashed toward him and screamed, “President Presgrave, it’s me!”

“Mr. Turner?” He knitted his brows in slight shock.

“Mr. Presgrave, this person rushed out of nowhere and blocked the way, so we had to brake. Are you hurt?”

Jared was fine, but Ellen hurt her head. Nevertheless, he was still frustrated. “Mr. Turner, what do you want?”

“I’d like to meet with you privately to talk.” Gavin did not give it much thought. He could not see Jared in the company, so he wanted a private meeting with him. Thus, he acted rashly and blocked the car.

“It’s getting late. Let’s do it another day!” Jared did not want to talk to him because discussing his affair was pointless.

“President Presgrave, just give me five minutes.” Gavin strove for a chance as he said so.

However, Jared was still very angry at him for blocking his cars, so he said to his bodyguards, “Please ask him to leave.”

“President Presgrave, I promise I won’t take up too much of your time. Please give me five minutes.”

He then pulled a folder from his backpack and handed it to Jared. “This is my son’s resume. He’s truly exceptional. Please consider giving him a chance!”

Jared did not accept it. He simply and calmly answered, “Mr. Turner, I respect you since you’re my elder, but please understand that the company is bound by its policies. I can’t break them.”

“We can be merciful, can’t we? Can’t you please do me a favor?” Gavin became agitated all of a sudden. “Is it necessary for you to be so cruel to my family? Do you have to go to such lengths?”

Jared gave the bodyguard a look before he turned to go back to his car.

Gavin quickly pursued Jared and dashed to his car. From the rolled-down window, he noticed Ellen, who was sitting in the shotgun seat. As a result, he soon realized why Jared was eager to return home.

It turned out that there was a woman in the car.

The bodyguards came and carried him away at that instant. He watched as Jared drove away. After that, his gaze became slightly sinister and horrible under the dim light. He gritted his teeth as he watched that team of cars leave. “There’s nothing impossible in this world,” he murmured.

Sitting in the car, Ellen could not help but inquire curiously, “Who was that?”

Jared did not want to frighten her, so he explained, “He’s my senior staff, and he came to discuss something with me.”

“It’s late now. Was it anything urgent?”

“He made a very unreasonable request, so I refused him,” he elaborated.

“What was his request?”

“He’s about to retire, but he wants his son to be promoted to his current post before his retirement. I didn’t promise him that, so he’s been begging me about it these few days. However, rules are rules. It’s prohibited to break the company’s policy,” he explained patiently.

“That is, in fact, against the rules.” After hearing the entire story, she concluded that the employee mentioned was indeed out of line.

“I’ll strive for more benefits for him in terms of pension, but I can’t help him with the other stuff.” Jared could only help him so far.

It was already dead of winter, but the warm bedroom was as warm as spring at night. Nobody was around to interfere with their private moment, so it was a pleasant experience to snuggle in bed and watch a movie projected on a screen together. That night, Jared and Ellen both chose a slightly romantic film to watch and only went to bed late at night.

He went to the chess club established by Brook Linton with Ellen the next morning. It was still under renovation, but Brook was very happy at how supportive she was toward his attempt at reestablishing the chess club. He was confident in nurturing better chess players and teaching more people about chess, so this game could be fostered and enhanced as it was passed down from generation to generation.

Ellen would go there to teach other students as she continued to learn as Brook’s disciple. It was her hope to achieve greater success in chess in the future.

Jared drove her back to the company after they had lunch nearby at noon. As she was a patient and quiet lady, she could pass the time with just a book and a cup of tea.

He then left for a meeting, leaving her in his office to read a book. Suddenly, she heard a female assistant’s voice from the door. “I’m sorry, Mr. Turner. President Presgrave isn’t in the office, so you can’t go in.”

“What do you mean? He just wants to avoid me. Step aside. Let me in,” Gavin roared angrily, and he pushed the female assistant away roughly. He then pressed the doorknob down to barge into the office.

Consequently, Ellen was shocked as she looked up at the fierce man. At a glance, she could tell that he was the one who blocked their car the previous night.

He looked at her and asked rudely, “Where’s President Presgrave?”

“He is in a meeting,” she answered.

Gavin’s gaze was fixed on Ellen as he recalled her sitting in Jared’s car last night. It seems that this girl is Jared’s girlfriend. That means someone he cares about deeply.

Ellen felt uncomfortable being stared at by him. At this moment, her assistant walked in and apologized, “Miss Reiss, sorry for disturbing you. Mr. Turner, this way please!”

“He has time for women, but not for his staff?” he complained with a hint of arrogance as he emanated a strong sense of domineering.

After he left, Ellen patted her chest lightly while thinking that Jared must have a headache managing this kind of subordinate.

In the conference room, Gavin searched for Jared one room at a time and finally found him in the fourth conference room. He was meeting with several foreign guests, but Gavin ignored it and walked in.

“President Presgrave, let’s talk after the meeting.”

Jared’s eyes suddenly became sharp. “Gavin, can’t you see that I have guests?”

“I’ll wait for you outside then,” Gavin said as he pushed the door and went out.

After waiting for half an hour, Jared got up to send the clients out, and Gavin immediately came over.

“President Presgrave, can we talk now?”

Jared said to him, “Let’s talk inside.”

Gavin was excited that Jared finally allowed him to talk. He said eagerly, “Sure, sure.”

After the conference room door was closed, Gavin took out his son’s resume and copies of his academic qualifications again. “President Presgrave, this is my son’s resume and academic qualifications. He excels in everything, and I believe he can take over my position. Besides, even if I retire, I can still support him from behind. He can take up this position. Please promote him!”

Jared folded his arms and squinted his eyes as he looked at Gavin. “Gavin, as a senior employee of the company, you know the company’s rules best. I don’t need to explain them to you.”

Gavin’s face changed. “What? I’m already begging you. Can’t you make an exception for my son?

There are exceptions to everything. You inherited your father’s position, so why can’t my son inherit mine?”

Jared looked at him. He was not only stubborn but also desperate. Jared knew that Gavin had raised his son alone and how much he cared for his son.

But this was the workplace, and he couldn’t overstep his authority.

“Gavin, I can apply for the highest amount of your pension for you. When you retire, you won’t have to worry about life. How about that?” Jared suggested as he tried to negotiate.

“Do you think I need money? I don’t need money, and I don’t use much of it. What I want is to let my son take my place.” Gavin insisted but he couldn’t explain why he wanted his son to be promoted.

His son had always complained to him about being looked down on and bullied by others, which made him feel heartbroken. He had only one son. How could he let his son be looked down on by others? He wanted to use his last bit of power to help his son so that he wouldn’t have to suffer any more grievances from society.

“No!” Jared calmly refused.

Gavin’s actions froze. He looked at Jared’s expression, which indicated that there was no room for negotiation.

“No? Jared, do you look down on my son too?” he asked.

“It’s not that. He just doesn’t have enough ability yet to take on the position of vice president. He still needs to continue to hone his skills in the middle management of the company for a few more years,”

replied Jared.

Gavin was about to lose it, but he held back. Just then, he suddenly knelt in front of Jared.

Jared was surprised and quickly reached out to help him up, but he refused to get up. He pleaded, “President Presgrave, I’m begging you. If you don’t agree, I won’t get up. I only have one son, and I hope he can have a bright future. I promised him that I would fight for him, and I cannot break my promise.”

Jared took a step back. His handsome face tightened, and his voice became colder. “Gavin, are you threatening me?”

“No, I’m begging you. I can give up everything, but I can’t let my son be bullied in society. As long as he takes my position, no one will dare to look down on him,” Gavin said, not afraid to express his demands.

“You can help him for now, but can you help him for a lifetime? I don’t know if your son is outstanding or not, but the fact that he relies on you for everything shows that he is not a responsible person.” Jared pointed out.

“As long as I’m alive, I’ll always help him. This is a father’s love for his son,” Gavin said.

“That is not called love. You’re just spoiling him.” Jared corrected him.

“What do you know? My son has been living his life without a mother since he was young and has suffered too much. Besides that, I’ve been too busy to take care of him, and I owe him too much. So, I must help him no matter what. President Presgrave, please have mercy on me and agree to my request,” Gavin begged.

Jared had originally wanted to persuade him, but now it seemed that talking to him was just a waste of time. He could only be stern and remind him that the rules in this world were cruel.

“Gavin, get up! I’m telling you clearly that it’s impossible for your son to be promoted.”

After that, he picked up the documents on the table, turned around, and pushed the door to leave.

“President Presgrave, President Presgrave…” Gavin knelt on the ground, trying to stop him, but he still left without looking back.

Three days later, Gavin retired, but his request was rejected. A new vice president was appointed. He was a talented and experienced executive from the company’s branch overseas.

Having failed to get the position, Gavin’s son Jason threw a tantrum in the office and even beat up a staff, which caused extremely negative consequences.

According to the company’s rules, the incident was classified as malicious behavior, and Jason was dismissed by the company.

After leaving the company, Jason drove in a rage and lost control of his vehicle while driving on a bridge that afternoon. He crashed through the guardrail and fell into the river.

When Gavin learned of the news, he was devastated. He was supported by several of his former subordinates to the police station, where they showed him the footage of how the entire event happened. The police classified the incident as an accidental suicide.

“No, my son wouldn’t have committed suicide. He was murdered.” Gavin couldn’t accept the news and caused a scene at the police station.

In the end, the police had to forcibly send him back home and had people keep an eye on him.

In the evening, Stanley reported the incident to Jared.

“President Presgrave, Gavin spoiled his son too much. His son would resort to suicidal thoughts when he encountered setbacks. He had himself to blame,” Stanley lamented.

“Send someone from the company to console him,” Jared ordered.

“Understood. We’ll send his subordinates. Hopefully, he can get through this.”

Jared also hoped that such incidents would not happen again. As the saying went, “you sow what you reap.”

The Turner Family.

Gavin’s former subordinates came to express condolences one after another, and representatives from the Presgrave Group also came. When they handed over condolence money, he suddenly raised his hand and scattered the cash all over the place as he shouted angrily, “Get out of here! Get out!”

“Gavin, please accept our heartfelt condolences.”

“Do you not know who caused my son’s death? It’s that arrogant brat, Jared. It’s all because of him. If he had approved of my son taking my position, how could my son have died?”

The company representative’s face sank. “Gavin, mind your words. What does this have to do with President Presgrave?”

“It was him who caused my son’s death.” Gavin insisted that Jared was responsible for his son’s death.

“We are all very saddened by your son’s death, but this is no one’s fault. The police have also announced that your son’s death was accidental.”

“Hmph! I have unfinished business with the Presgraves.” Gavin stubbornly snorted, as if he wanted to take on the Presgrave Group on his own.

“Gavin, don’t do anything foolish!”

“Get out.” Gavin did not show them any respect and ordered them to leave.

Stanley quickly reported this matter to Jared as he scolded, “Gavin is becoming more and more fatuous. He blames his son’s death on you, President Presgrave.”

“Don’t worry about it. As long as the company runs as it’s supposed to, it’s fine.” Jared didn’t take it to heart and decided to let Gavin vent his emotions.

“President Presgrave, I’m really worried. What if this he does something out of line?”

“Notify everyone in the company that he is not allowed to enter, and you should send someone to monitor him.” Jared frowned. Gavin was emotional right now, and they should be on guard.

“Understood. I’ll notify everyone immediately,” Stanley replied.

The Turners Residence.

After Gavin had finished arranging his son’s funeral, he suddenly realized that his son was alone in the underground world at such a young age. At the thought of it, he felt even more grief-stricken.

“Jason, do you want me to find someone to keep you company? You like beautiful girls, right? I will get you one, and you’ll have a companion in the underground world.” Looking at his son’s photo, he said this sinisterly.

While he spoke, a person came to his mind. He chuckled coldly. “Yes, it’s her. She’s pretty enough. And she’s Jared’s woman. Jason, I will make sure you’re respected in the underground world by giving you Jared’s woman. Don’t worry, I will deliver her to you soon.”

“That girl’s name seems to be Ellen.” He had heard of Ellen before in the company, as he knew that Jared was pursuing her. That was the reason why he recognized her name.

Moreover, he knew something about her. She was the champion of this year’s chess championship.

Therefore, it wasn’t too difficult to find her.

He dialed a number, “Hey! Kayden, I want to ask you about someone.”

“Who is it?”

“Don’t you have some acquaintances playing chess? I want to know who the teacher of this year’s champion is!”

“Oh! It’s Brook Linton, my old buddy. He founded a chess club, and I heard this girl even invested in it!”

“Really? So, does that mean this girl hangs around there?”

“Why are you asking about this?”

“It’s nothing. I have a relative who wants to meet her. Kayden, do you know the address of this chess club?”

“Of course, I do. I even visited it a few days ago!”

“Okay, send me the address. My relative wants to learn chess. I’ll introduce the place to him,” said Gavin.

“All right, I’ll send you the address now. By the way, I heard about your son. My condolences to you,”

replied Kayden.

“Thank you. My son won’t be alone in the underground world,” Gavin said.

Kayden could tell that Gavin’s mental state was not quite normal, so he didn’t say much and hung up the phone.

After getting the address of the chess club, Gavin looked at his son’s photo and said, “Son, let me go take care of something. I’ll be with you soon.”

He no longer had any desire to live, but he had one last thing to do in this world, which was to give a companion to his son.

Just then, his phone rang, and he saw that it was one of his former favorite subordinates.

“Hello! Terry!” Gavin answered.

“Gavin, when I came to see you just now, I saw a few people from the company outside your building,”

Terry reported.

Gavin’s face instantly changed. It seemed he was being monitored by people from his ex-company.

That would mean that he couldn’t handle this matter personally. Otherwise, he would be taken down by Jared’s bodyguards before he could even kidnap Ellen.

Gavin sneered. “Jared Presgrave, do you think I have no other way? Even if I have to spend all my fortune, I will still bring your girlfriend to accompany my son in the underground world. This is what you owe him.”

Gavin was wealthy. He had just received a large sum of pension and combined with his salary over the years, he had about a million of fortune.

With this money, he could easily hire someone to kidnap the girl.

Early in the morning, Ellen went downstairs alone to the supermarket to buy some daily necessities.

Jared was busy these few days, so she and Jared had returned to live in the house he prepared for her.

Their cohabitation life was full of sweetness and happiness. Looking at the cute teacups on display, she couldn’t help but bend down and admire them while hesitating whether or not to buy them.

Thinking that there might not be a need for so many cups at home, she eventually just admired them and bought other things instead. She was enjoying herself shopping lazily. Ah. As if time had slowed down.

Just then, Ellen arrived at the food section. She wanted to cook dinner at home tonight. Although Jared dined at high-end restaurants every day, it would be nice if he could eat some homemade food occasionally.

She was just about to approach the meat section when a strong fishy smell pierced her nose, causing her to feel instantly nauseous and her stomach churning.

She quickly covered her mouth, trying not to make a sound. Fortunately, she managed to suppress it, but she dared not approach the area where the meat was sold again.

After that, she breathed a sigh of relief and walked toward another area to breathe in some fresh air.

However, she felt strange inside. Why did she have such a strong reaction today? Usually, when she smelled something unpleasant, she would simply dislike it, but her body wouldn’t react so strongly.

Ellen walked up to a rack and looked at some sanitary pads, after which she suddenly remembered the last time she had urgently asked Jared to go to the supermarket and buy some for her. Although she wasn’t shy to ask him to buy feminine hygiene products for her, it was also not pleasant to always make him do it. So, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to buy some in advance.

As Ellen was browsing through the brands, she couldn’t help but recall the date of her last period. As she calculated, she was shocked to realize that time had passed by so quickly, and it had already been a month. Her period was now one week late.

Wow, have I been too comfortable lately that I didn’t even notice time passing? It had already been a month and her period was one week late.

After looking at the date, she slapped her forehead as she concluded that people in love were often slow.

Yep. Better buy some today in case it comes at any time.

After picking out what she needed, she went to the checkout and stood in line behind a young couple.

Just then, an old lady had a freshly killed fish in her basket, and the fishy smell wafted through the air.

The girl in front of Ellen suddenly covered her mouth and retched, and Ellen also covered her nose.

“This fish is too smelly, and I can’t stand it. I’ll go to the front and wait for you,” the girl said loudly, looking uncomfortable.

The old lady who bought the fish was instantly unhappy. “It’s just fish smell. She can’t even handle it?

Doesn’t she eat fish?” she grumbled.

The girl’s husband smiled and explained, “Sorry about that. My wife is pregnant, and she can’t stand the smell of anything fishy.”

The old lady’s expression changed and looked better as she said, “Oh, I see.”

Ellen, who was standing behind them, was shocked to hear this. She suddenly remembered the night at Jared’s villa when they were out of condoms. When he offered to drive out at night to buy some, she felt sorry for him, so they had done it without protection.

At this moment, she felt her face burning hot. Did I ‘win the jackpot’ with just one night?

After finishing the checkout, she hurriedly went to a nearby pharmacy and bought a pregnancy test kit.

She rushed to the bathroom as soon as she got home. Even though she was mentally prepared, she was still horrified when she saw the two lines appear on the test kit.

Gosh, how am I so ‘lucky?’ She washed her hands and came out of the bathroom blushing. Sitting on the sofa, she debated with herself what to do next.

We aren’t married yet, and I haven’t even met his parents. Having a baby at this time doesn’t seem appropriate.

However, the baby came, and it was a joyous occasion. It was just that it came a little too early.

Ellen was considering whether she should call Jared to tell him or wait until he came home tonight.

Before she could make a decision, her phone rang.

She picked it up and saw that it was Brook calling.

“Hello, Mr. Linton.”

“Is this Ellen Reiss? Mr. Linton just got hit by someone and is in the hospital. Can you come over?”

“What? Is it serious? Which hospital?” Ellen asked anxiously.

“He broke his leg, but it’s not that serious. He’s at General Hospital. Come over quickly!”

Ellen grabbed her bag from the couch, held her phone tightly, and rushed out. Brook was already seventy years old this year and couldn’t afford to take a hit like this!

At this moment, outside the hospital, several people who looked like gang members were smoking and chatting in a black MPV.

“Will this trick work? Will it attract this girl over?”

“I heard she’s Brook’s direct disciple. She’ll definitely come.”

“This girl is really pretty, huh?”

“What the—What are you thinking? Before we get the money, you can’t mess around! Remember the five hundred thousand! After we get the money, you can sleep with whatever woman you like.”

There was laughter in the car as they dreamt of getting a large sum. Kidnapping someone wasn’t their first time.

The leader’s phone rang, and he answered, “Hello!”

“Boss, that girl just got out of the taxi and is walking towards the hospital! Should we take action now?”

“No, wait until she finishes visiting Brook and comes out. Besides, we have someone to help us, and he’ll bring her to us.”

Ellen walked quickly towards the ward, pushed open the door, and saw Brook sitting there with a bandage wrapped around his leg. Two disciples from the chess club were taking care of him.

“Ellen, why did you come? It’s just a minor injury!” Brook felt sorry for her making the trip.

“Who hit you?” Ellen sat down and angrily asked.

At this moment, a gentle-looking young man with glasses walked in and apologized, “I’m sorry, it was me. I didn’t mean to do it. I accidentally knocked him down.”

Ellen glared at him and then asked about Brook’s condition. The doctor suggested that Brook should be observed in the hospital for two days. After chatting for twenty minutes, Brook insisted that she head back first and he would call if there was an emergency. So, Ellen finally left with relief. As she exited the room, she saw the man who hit Brook standing outside the door.

“I’m sorry, miss. I didn’t mean to hit him. I will take full responsibility for the medical expenses,” the man said apologetically.

“Leave your phone number, and we will let you know the specific cost when he is discharged,” Ellen replied. He immediately pressed the elevator button for her and said, “Okay, don’t worry. I will not shirk my responsibility.” He then handed her his business card, which had his phone number and address.

Ellen took the card and left the elevator quickly. The man followed her and asked, “Miss, where are you going? Can I give you a ride?”

“No, thanks,” Ellen rejected.

The man followed Ellen out all the way, and just as she stood at the intersection, a black MPV suddenly stopped in front of her. The door opened, and she thought someone was getting off, but unexpectedly a huge force pushed her towards the van compartment from behind, and a man inside quickly stretched out his hands and pulled her in with great strength.

Ellen could not call for help. She was pushed into the van, and the person who knocked Brook over also got in. Her hands and feet were pressed and bound no matter how she struggled, and even her mouth was taped.