Chapter 816: Friendliness

Chapter 816: Friendliness

The friend request came from the museum project group.

It was from Preston.

Camille didn't click accept immediately. He seemed to anticipate her

response and sent the request again.

Camille finally accepted. She had blocked Preston once before and

even deleted his contact. They had only communicated through calls or

text messages. So why did Preston proactively add her? Did he have

something to tell her?

Just after accepting his request, Preston's message immediately

arrived.

Preston asked, "Cami, the museum project will officially resume

tomorrow. I'm sorry for the trouble caused to you and Mr. Simpson. I

didn't know how to approach you until now, and I wasn't sure if I could

earn your forgiveness."

Camille didn't immediately reply upon reading Preston's message. She

stared at her phone in silence.

Aria came out of the restroom and saw Camille lost in thought. She

asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Camille shook her head and didn't tell Aria anything. She simply

remained silent, gripping her phone tighter subconsciously.

As for Preston's message, she naturally didn't respond.

Her feelings toward Preston had always been conflicting. He had

indeed helped her many times and provided assistance and company

when she felt most helpless and didn't know what to do. The company

had also thrived with Preston's support.

So sometimes, she couldn't help but ask herself, how did they end up

like this?

Camille let out a silent sigh and her lips curved into a helpless smile.

And what did Preston mean by asking for her forgiveness? Did he know

from the beginning what Austin intended to do to her and didn't tell her?

If that were the case, Camille probably wouldn't forgive him.

If it had nothing to do with him, then why would he say such a thing?

Camille pursed her lips slightly and didn't dwell on it further. She put

down her phone and didn't check if Preston had sent any more

messages.

Since Aria was here, Camille personally cooked dinner for her. Ayan

returned from the company just in time for dinner.

The three of them raised their glasses and toasted. Aria couldn't stop

praising Camille, making Ayan slightly jealous. Ayan said to Camille

casually, “You should keep your distance from her. Why do I feel like

she's eyeing my wife?"

Camille couldn't help but laugh, "Who is your wife?"

“Don't you have an answer?"

"l have no idea.”

"Really? Aria is right here. Can't you do me a favour?" Ayan smirked, a

hint of grievance in his eyes, a sight that made people feel sorry for

him.

Aria chimed in, "Sister-in-law, just give my brother a chance! He only

has you in his heart. Besides, he belongs to you now. If you don't want

him, we, the Simpson family, won't take him back either. Anyway, it's up

to you!"

Camille chuckled, "So you're shifting the responsibility onto me?"

"Well, yeah, I'm pushing it on you. So, are you taking over?"

“Let's see how he behaves himself. Since you all don't want him

anymore, I feel kind of sorry for him. But he has to prove himself before

I give him a chance!"

Aria clapped her hands with a smile, then shot a meaningful look at

Ayan. "Brother, did you hear what sister-in-law said? You need to

behave well. Whether you can enter through this door depends on your

abilities.”

"Alright, I understand that I am unable to go back to the Simpson family

now, and here I am still an outsider. So, am I the most pitiful one?"

Ayan willingly served the two girls, preparing their meals and soup even

though they were dining at home. Despite being indoors, he took good

care of the two girls.

The three of them engaged in an open and honest conversation,

without any concealment, freely discussing various topics.

After dinner, it was already dark outside.

Naturally, Aria couldn't stay for long. After drinking some tea, she bid

farewell.

Before leaving, she embraced Camille tightly and whispered in her ear,

"Sister-in-law, if my brother upsets you, I'll help you punish him. And

Mom will be on your side too. Three women against one man, he won't

stand a chance.”

Camille nodded gently and said, “I understand. Thank you, Aria."

"We're family, no need to thank me."

Aria waved goodbye, reminding Ayan to behave well and try to win over

Camille early.

Camille felt deeply touched, watching Aria enter the elevator before

turning to the man beside her. She reached out and held his hand

tightly.

Ayan sensed her emotions and asked softly, “Is this really so

touching?"

"Don't you find it touching?"

"If this already moves you, then in the future, you might spend every

day feeling moved.”

Ayan's statement was not an exaggeration.

Talia had treated her exceptionally well, as had Fletcher. The old

Simpson was even more caring. Every member of the Simpson family

stood by her side, showering her with love. This was a level of affection

she had never experienced in the Armstrong family. Camille considered

herself fortunate to have encountered such a kind family like the

Simpson family.

Camille sincerely thanked Ayan, saying, "Thank you."

Without him, she probably wouldn't have experienced the love of her

caring parents, younger sister, and grandfather.

Ayan gently rubbed her hair and pulled her into his embrace, holding

her tightly. In a soft and hoarse voice, he said, "You are being silly."

He lowered his head and lightly kissed her forehead, his voice tender

as he said, "No matter what happens between us, they are your family.

They won't change their care for you.”

This was Ayan's promise to her, and she believed he would keep it.

Camille nodded with a smile on her lips, feeling her heart warmed by

something indescribable.

The fact that Austin had kidnapped Camille was known by very few

people. Ayan had kept it a secret, not wanting anyone to casually

gossip or misunderstand Camille.

Only a few individuals were aware of the incident.

As for how those people were dealt with, Ayan assured Camille that he

would take care of it, and she didn't inquire further.

She trusted that Ayan wouldn't let those people go unpunished.

As for Austin?

She had also been keeping an eye on the online news, but there was

no update about Norman Group or Austin.

So she had no idea what Ayan had done to Austin, if anything.

Camille didn't dwell on it too much as the next day she would return to

work. Two architects had already left: Louise had permanently

departed, and Amber had resigned for various reasons, consequently

exiting the project.

Their company also lost the opportunity to continue participating in the

project. On the first day of resumption, Jenson thoroughly explained the

situation to everyone. He stated, "We still need to recruit another

architectural firm, so there will be new architects joining us. I hope

everyone can get along well and avoid any internal conflicts or

unexpected incidents. Otherwise, the future of this project will be

uncertain.”

Everyone immediately nodded in agreement.

Such a significant event had a profound impact on other architects. It

was truly an unimaginable and affecting experience.

After all, a living person had vanished like this, and the “culprit” had yet

to be apprehended.

Although Louise was not well-liked by many, her death still evoked

feelings of pity and regret.

After the meeting with Jenson, Preston also arrived.

Preston wore a solemn expression as he expressed his apologies to

everyone present. He said, “It's my lack of discipline that allowed my

secretary, Sean, to develop emotional entanglements with Louise. I will

cooperate with the police to apprehend Sean and ensure justice for

Louise. I also hope that all of you can supervise me, alright?"

Preston looked at everyone, his gaze filled with hope. It seemed as if a

parent, who had made a mistake, was pleading for forgiveness from

their children. His attitude carried emotional entanglement, an

indescribable sense of melancholy.

His eyes eventually fell on Camille, as if waiting for something.