"Avery Jane, would you be willing to shoot the advertisement for next spring? This issue has received great feedback."

Beckett Wright knew that Joshua Hughes wasn’t short on money, nor was he stingy, but he still wanted to try. Working with her was something that made him happy.

All of his most exquisite and perfect designs were brought to life by her. He couldn’t have her, but he at least wanted them to share something together, right?

"That depends on the company’s arrangement. I’m still with M.C Headquarters."

Avery Jane knew that the reason she hadn’t been able to get any ads for so long was definitely related to Joshua Hughes.

So even if she agreed, it would be in vain if that man didn’t nod in approval. She had thoroughly experienced that man’s controlling nature; he wished she were a puppet on strings, moving only when he pulled.

"Then I’ll have the company talk to M.C Headquarters. Your agent is still Miss Scott, right?" Beckett’s warm smile prevented the atmosphere from becoming awkward.

"She should still be, but I’m not sure myself." Avery Jane smiled helplessly.

"By the way, where are you going?" Beckett only just realized, in his excitement at meeting her again, he’d forgotten to ask where she was headed.

"I want to go to XX High School; there’s a shop there that makes really good noodles." Avery Jane smiled faintly. Beckett wondered if something was wrong with his heart, as it seemed to beat irregularly with her smiles.

"Really? Can I come along to try it?" Beckett asked sincerely.

Was she really just going to have lunch by herself? What a great opportunity! Beckett wasn’t going to pass up any chance to spend time with her.

He glanced at Beckett’s beige casual outfit, clean and neat, looking dapper. But when she thought of the greasy tables and simple small stools in the little shop, she shook her head vigorously, like a rattle drum.

"It’s dirty there, and very small. You wouldn’t be used to it."

Someone like Beckett was more suited to sitting at the long dining table in the Glass Palace, enjoying a French meal, as noble and elegant as a prince.

"Avery, you’re underestimating me. I’ve been to every small dive restaurant there is," Beckett said earnestly.

A beautiful smile graced Avery Jane’s lips; hearing the phrase "dive restaurant" from someone like him always sounded amusing.

The heart pounded loudly, and although only her light laughter could be heard in the car, Beckett still heard his own heart drumming like a beating drum...

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Joshua Hughes looked out the window. The sunshine was great, and there were many documents on the table, including a case sent over by Nora Thompson.

This woman sure was bold, going for maximum financing, then integration, packaging for a listing, and a second round of financing to make a grand transformation for her and Abel Chase’s new company, Hayward.

In the past, he would’ve signed off with a wave because Nora Thompson’s plan was detailed enough. Though risky, where there’s profit, there’s risk.

Moreover, Isaac Thompson wouldn’t stand by and let his daughter get into trouble. Even if they couldn’t pay it back, selling a few pieces of land from the Thompson Family would be enough.

However, he had to consider his brother’s feelings and give him some face, didn’t he?

Putting Nora Thompson’s files aside, he suddenly felt a bit irritated.

His mood was initially good, but after that damned guy made a remark, he felt annoyed to the point of wanting to hit someone. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Nanny Collins, have her answer the phone?"

Joshua Hughes ran his hand through his hair in frustration, thinking about having her accompany him for a meal, asking her to reassure him once more.

Yes, that’s what to do.

"Miss Jane went out early this morning. She’s not here."

The voice on the phone was as monotonous as always, with no unnecessary words, finishing the message and then hanging up immediately.

Perhaps Nanny Collins was the only one in the world who dared to hang up on Joshua Hughes like that.

She went out, but where to?

A myriad of uneasy questions began to arise in his mind. She hadn’t gone to M.C Headquarters in several days; it was her protest against him not arranging work for her. She was always so cold, but today she went out?

The Imperial Garden was in the suburbs, requiring a short drive. She must have needed a driver to go out.

"Where is Miss Jane?"

The driver, who was sleeping in the car, picked up the phone in a startle, almost scared to death. It was Mr. Hughes on the phone.

With trembling hands, he answered, and the voice on the line carried a horrifyingly strong aura, sending shivers down his spine.

"Reporting to Mr. Hughes, Miss Jane is at the XX Mall."