Chapter 355

Whose Fault Is It?

As our conversation continued, we lost track of time. Carol eventually came to remind me, “Ms. Chloe, it’s almost time to leave. Are you still planning to attend the reception?”

After a brief moment of contemplation, I decided that we should get ready to go together. Carol glanced at Grayson, her face slightly flushed. I didn’t dwell on the subtleties of their interaction and promptly told Grayson, “I’ll head home first.”

I went downstairs and quickly left the office before rush hour began. On the way home, I mulled over the various possibilities related to the accident.

Either it was Celine’s doing, trying to stop him from going abroad, or Atlas had orchestrated it to trap Celine. The third possibility was that there was another force, like the three factions mentioned online, before the shareholders‘ meeting.

I cursed my involvement in such a complex situation and wished for a simpler life.

Then again, how could he not fight back if someone keeps pushing him to his limits? Just like Matthew, he took half of my asset and gave it to someone else.

I parked my car and sat there in a daze, recalling the humiliations Matthew subjected me to before our divorce.

Then, I thought about Celine’s actions, and Atlas’s statement about the plane crash didn’t seem so straightforward.

It made me shiver. If what Atlas said was true, that the plane crash was orchestrated, then what significance did this minor car accident hold?

It seemed that Atlas’s car switch was a very clever move indeed.

Suddenly, someone knocked on my car window. Startled, I looked out and saw my mother, who had picked up Ava from kindergarten.

“Mommy! Why didn’t you get out of the car? My daughter’s sweet voice rang out.

I quickly reached over, opened the car door, and kissed her little cheek. “Baby, are you done with school?

“Mommy, today I performed in a show. I’m going to perform in school tool Today was the rehearsal!”

She said it excitedly.

Really? My daughter’s going to perform?” I asked, genuinely surprised.

“Yes! My classmates even recommended that I sing!” She chatted on.

I explained to my mother that I was going to the reception and returned to change clothes.

“You’re not having dinner at home again?” My mom seemed a bit unhappy. “You’re hardly here!”

“I’ll have dinner when I come home tonight! Just save me some food!” I smiled awkwardly. It was true that I had been coming home less frequently for meals.

“Mommy, are you still going out?” My daughter turned to look at me. “Are you going to see Uncle Atlas?

Why hasn’t he come to our house for so long? Is he on a business trip abroad again?”

Her innocent voice was sweet, but the questions were sharp. I didn’t even know how to answer her.

“He’s still recovering from an illness. He hasn’t completely gotten better yet!” It was the only lie I could muster.

“Can Mommy take Ava to see Uncle at the hospital?” She stopped abruptly, looking at me solemnly.

I suddenly realized that this excuse was terrible and quickly said, “He’s not in a hospital in the country!

When he comes back, Mommy will take you to see him.”

Ava finally relented and skipped into the house. My mother asked, “Is Mr. Atlas not better yet?”

“He’ll be soon!‘ I assured her.

I went upstairs and changed into a business suit instead of a formal dress. After all, I was a businesswoman, not an actress. This reception was originally a thank–you event for old clients, and I felt no need to be overly flashy.

After a quick touch–up of makeup, I looked a bit more refreshed. I picked up a small handbag and placed my phone inside before heading downstairs.

I then realized that Ryan was already waiting for me and chatting with my parents. Ryan was universally appealing. His gentle demeanor made everyone feel at ease.

He stood up, said his goodbyes to my parents, and we walked out together.

Ava called out from behind me, “Mommy, come back soon! I’ll wait for you to tell me stories!”

“Alright!” I replied, waving to her.

My mom accompanied me to the door, watching us enter the car and drive away, I knew what she was thinking, but my mind was elsewhere.