Chapter 40: Linda’s Invitation
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
As anticipated, Gary was already aware of the incident. Upon spotting Abner, he uttered in a somewhat dazed tone, “Audrey has transformed considerably since the car accident. I thought she had truly turned over a new leaf.”
Abner didn’t want to discuss such nonsense with him. He only told Gary what he had heard from Audrey.
After thoroughly explaining the situation, Abner concluded, “Audrey wasn’t at fault in this matter. She consistently declined any involvement. Jerry was the one persistently bothering her and even resorted to aggression. Audrey’s response in defending herself was normal.”
Gary looked at Abner in surprise. “That’s true, but your mother and Jerry won’t let it go. Jerry is your brother after all.”
There was no emotion on Abner’s face. He only said, “I’ll handle this.”
Gary’s position was inherently awkward. Regardless of how he handled the situation, there would always be suspicions of bias and overprotectiveness. While Audrey wasn’t his biological daughter, Anthea was his legally recognized wife. It was probably best that he refrained from intervening.
Caroline didn’t think much of Audrey. Jerry’s demand went beyond a simple apology – he insisted that Audrey both apologize and look after him in the hospital until he was discharged.
Instead of Audrey, Abner and a lawyer arrived.
Without exchanging any pleasantries, Abner gave them three choices.
One was to just let it go and Abner would take full responsibility for Jerry’s medical expenses.
The second choice was for Audrey to apologize, but Jerry would have to apologize to Audrey first.
The third option was to comply with Caroline’s instructions. They would report the incident and let the legal system determine who was in the right and who was in the wrong.
Caroline was dumbfounded. “Abner, do you know what you’re doing? Jerry is your biological brother. He’s still lying on the hospital bed.”
Abner didn’t want to argue with her. He only said, “I’ll be responsible for the hospitalization fees. He can stay as long as he wants. If you want to sue Audrey, that’s fine too. I’ve already found a lawyer. Find your own lawyer and write a complaint before going to court.”
With that, Abner left.
Caroline’s expression was a mix of astonishment and incredulity. Initially, she had assumed that Audrey was just a stepdaughter. Faced with Jerry’s demand, if she didn’t comply, Caroline was prepared to take the matter to court. In her mind, the attorney she intended to engage would undoubtedly possess the capability to ensure Audrey’s imprisonment.
However, if Abner intervened, the Lance family’s legal team would be very powerful. Caroline would have no chance of winning at all.
Jerry also comprehended Abner’s stance. His expression turned furious. “Is he defying us for the sake of that stepdaughter? Does he no longer care about me, his younger brother, or even you, his own mother?”
Caroline looked dejected and dazed.
Jerry’s countenance took on a scheming hue. His anger was palpable. Even though he couldn’t directly confront Abner, he was convinced that dealing with a stepdaughter lacking power or influence shouldn’t be beyond his capabilities.
He tasked someone with investigating Audrey’s background. Given that Audrey wasn’t a prominent figure, probing her circumstances was a relatively simple task. Once he discovered the connection to Linda, Jerry began to piece together a plan.
Audrey felt apprehensive for a couple of days, yet nobody approached her. Eventually, she received a call from Linda, inviting her to meet up for a conversation.
Seemingly anticipating Audrey’s refusal, Linda sent a photo as a message. The background of the image depicted the hospital where Audrey had been admitted after the car accident.
So Linda had actually taken a photo!
After the production team wrapped up, Audrey went straight to the hotel Linda had mentioned.
Today, Evans engaged in negotiations for a collaboration with the president of a foreign company. Following the discussions, he had his assistant accompany the president to the hotel.
Just as he was about to leave, he saw someone.
Jerry, Abner’s younger brother, still bore traces of bruises on his face. At that very moment, he was engaged in a phone conversation, his excitement so intense that his facial expressions seemed to be in constant motion. He appeared quite frenzied, almost resembling a madman.
Evans did not have a good impression of this person. After he found out through his assistant that Jerry was pestering Audrey, he felt even more disgusted.
He avoided Jerry and did not want any interaction with him.
However, the moment Jerry passed by, Evans stopped moving.
Initially, Jerry’s voice held a soft tone. However, as his excitement grew, he seemed to lose control over his volume, resulting in a more exuberant delivery.
“Who does she think she is? Just a stepdaughter. Why is she putting on airs of nobility? I’m going to give her a piece of my mind today.”
The assistant observed that Evans had come to a halt and was looking at him with a puzzled expression.
Evans looked back and saw that Jerry was walking toward the elevator.
Evans instructed his assistant, “Head to the hotel’s front desk right away and verify if Audrey has checked in. Examine both the check-in records and the visitor logs. Find out which room she’s registered in. Contact me without delay if you discover any information.”
Without pausing for his assistant’s response, he swiftly pivoted and trailed after Jerry.
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