Chapter 738
Chapter 738
Chapter 738 Ever Thought About Starting Your Own Company
Inside the interrogation room.
The lighting wasn't particularly bright, but the light was still a bit harsh on the eyes.
There was only one table and three chairs in the room.
Nicole sat at the far end, with two police officers sitting in front of the table, their expressions notably stern.
No matter what they asked Nicole, she steadfastly maintained that she knew nothing.
The bright lights made Nicole's already pale face appear even paler, like a ghost devoid of a soul.
The two officers were becoming increasingly frustrated with their questioning, but she remained silent.
They exchanged a glance, feeling that there was no need to continue pressing her. Then, they said to her, “Ms. Lambert, would you mind taking a urine test? We just want to determine whether or not you've been using drugs. The test results will give us the answer.”
Nicole let out a strange, cold laugh, her tone oddly eccentric. “If the test shows that I haven't been using drugs, how are you going to justify arresting innocent citizens? I absolutely won't let this slide! Each and every one of you will end up demoted and punished for this!”
The two police officers' faces turned rather awkward.
...
Outside the interrogation room.
Claire sat in the chief's office, waiting. The deputy chief personally received her, his smile somewhat forced. “Mrs. Lambert, I've heard that your daughter is clever and sensible. I believe she wouldn't do anything illegal. You shouldn't worry too much.”
He awkwardly kept her company, knowing that this woman in front of him was not to be trifled with.
Setting aside the fact that Claire was quite capable herself and was a renowned businesswoman in the city, her husband was also an influential figure who could offer her strong support.
If the deputy chief had the choice, he really wouldn't want to deal with this messy situation. However, a report had been filed anonymously, accusing Nicole of drug-related offenses with evidence to back it up. His superiors had also applied pressure, leaving him with no other option.
Claire, however, seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. She sat there in a daze, unmoving.
About half an hour passed. Soon, she stood up in the office, dialing a phone number.
In a gentle voice tinged with helplessness and a hint of a sob, she said, “William, something's happened to our daughter...”
When William received the call from his wife, he was in the middle of a meeting with a group of government officials. Upon hearing Claire say that something had happened to their daughter, his first
thought was that something had happened to Avery. This caused a rare lapse in his usually composed demeanor in front of the other officials.
Realizing that he was acting inappropriately, William found a quiet corner and immediately called Claire back. He asked with concern, “What's wrong with Ery? What happened to our daughter?” ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
Though Avery had already returned to her original family, she hadn't changed her surname because she still felt a deep sense of gratitude toward the Rumpley family. William and his wife naturally respected her wishes.
On the other end of the line, Claire's voice was anxious, with a touch of despair. “It's not Avery who's in trouble, it's our younger daughter, Nicole.”
Hearing that it wasn't Avery, William felt a slight relief.
Just as he was starting to relax, Claire's next words cast a shadow over his typically stern face. “Two police officers came to our house today. They said that Nicole was suspected of drug-related offenses and had been taken to the police station for questioning. She's currently at the police station. Will, you need to come over quickly. I'm worried about her mental state. I'm afraid something might happen...”
William's grip on his phone tightened to the point that he almost crushed it, and his eyes reddened with anger.
However, he still managed to speak in a calm tone as he reassured Claire, “Claire, try to calm down. I'll be right over.”
...
The tea house exuded an ancient charm.
The room was tranquil and tastefully decorated, merging both Eastern and Western styles. While it was not overly spacious, the place was carefully set up.
A folding screen adorned with a watercolor painting served as the centerpiece. It was carved with diamonds to give a sandblasted effect, featuring antique poetry and accompanied by soft background music that changed intermittently.
Two exquisitely crafted chaise lounges were placed before the screen. Each could accommodate an individual sitting or reclining, cushioned with a snowy white sable. The floor was covered with a plush velvet carpet of a similar hue, creating an atmosphere of opulence and comfort.
Sitting in the chaise lounges were two equally enchanting women, each radiating their unique charm.
A delicate, slender hand held a brown teapot, gently pouring steaming tea into hand-painted porcelain cups.
The fragrance of the tea wafted through the air, creating a lingering sense of tranquility.
On the left, the woman pouring the tea was Avery. She wore a simple white dress today, exuding a gentle and graceful aura. Her soft and lustrous black hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing a small oval face that was both exquisite and rosy. Her jet-black, radiant eyes resembled pearls glistening and akin to morning dew on flower petals. Every movement she made was graceful and captivating.
Seated on the right was a woman of tall stature, exuding a cool and distant air. She wore a thin emerald scarf around her snow-white neck, her face adorned with light makeup, and her long hair was gathered into a neat high ponytail. Her poised legs were tucked beneath her, and her posture rivaled that of a professional model—she was a true ice queen.
Avery gazed at the woman before her, her expression pleasantly surprised yet warm. “Beatrix, with your busy schedule, how did you find time to visit me?”
The ice queen before her was none other than Beatrix Langley, a friend from Avery's days at the University of Ustrana. Beatrix was a fellow student in the architecture department and shared Avery's passion for architectural design. Their shared interests had led to a deep and cherished friendship.
During their university years, Beatrix had been quite the sensation. Not only did her aloof and stunning appearance captivate many, but her academic achievements were also exceptional. She had collected numerous awards and had already made a name for herself in the field of architecture at a young age.
Unlike Avery's modest background, Beatrix came from affluence. However, she never let her talent or her wealth get to her head, nor did she judge others by their social status. She valued friendships based on character and talent, making her quite popular.
Unfortunately, after Avery returned to her own country, her contact with Beatrix diminished due to work commitments. They occasionally exchanged messages on WhatsApp to share updates on their lives.
Avery knew that Beatrix was now employed at one of the world's top ten renowned architectural conglomerates, holding a position as vice CEO. She was still a prominent figure in her field.
Beatrix took a sip of the fragrant tea and smiled lightly, creating an atmosphere of ease and contentment. “It's been a while since I returned to the country. Passing through Ackleton today, I heard you're here, so I thought I'd stop by. How have you been lately?”
Avery picked up her teacup. “I've been doing well. I got married two years ago and now have three children—two sons and a daughter. The older two are almost eight years old, and the younger son is two and a half.”
Avery had previously shared her story with Beatrix about herself and Cayden, so the news of her having two eight-year-old children wasn't surprising to Beatrix.
Beatrix set down her teacup, her cold gaze flickering with a tinge of envy. “Time flies. Before we know it, you have three children, while I remain a perpetual single. Avery, has your husband returned? Are you still serving as the acting president at Trident Group?”
Avery shook her head. “No, my grandfather fell ill recently and needs someone to take care of him. I'm currently looking after my grandfather and the kids at home. Once my grandfather recovers and my younger son grows a bit older, I'll return to work.”
Beatrix paused for a moment, expressing a hint of regret. “Avery, with your talents, it's a shame to see you being a stay-at-home mom. Have you ever thought about starting your own company after returning to work?”
Start my own company?
Avery couldn't help but fall into deep contemplation...