Chapter 721
Chapter 721
Chapter 721 A Bolt From The Blue
Alina felt a tangle of emotions when she saw how protective Cayden was of her niece. Avery has an excellent eye indeed for people. She found such a good man who loves and protects her. No matter how arrogant, overbearing, or supercilious Allie is, with his protection, that woman won't be able to stir up any trouble no matter what she does.
Looking around and seeing no sign of Cal, Jeffrey immediately turned to Avery with a questioning gaze. “By the way, where's my dear Cal? Why hasn't he come back? You didn't lose him, did you?”
Cal was the apple of his eye. Although the child was just a little over two years old and quite mischievous, he often made him laugh heartily. The affection Jeffrey had for him even surpassed that for the twins.
She replied, “Cal's granddad and granny miss him, so I've taken him to theirs. I'll pick them up in a couple of days.”
“You should bring them back soon, then. What's a member of the Moore family doing spending so much time at his maternal grandparents' place?” he said in a displeased tone.
“All right. I understand,” she hurriedly responded.
Only then did he feel slightly relieved. Turning his head, he saw Alina sitting quietly on the couch. She had kept her head lowered and had not uttered a single word the whole time. Changing the subject, he asked her, “How's your father's health? It's been over a month since I last saw him. I miss him quite a bit. When you have time, bring him here for a visit.”
Avery's gaze suddenly dimmed. She was just about to say something, but Cayden stopped her with a look.
As for Alina, her body stiffened slightly, and she replied somewhat mechanically, “My father is doing okay, Old Mr. Moore. It's just that his old illness has been acting up again these past few days, so he needs to rest at home for a while. Once his health improves, I'll bring him to meet you.”
Jeffrey nodded in sudden realization. “Oh, I see. If he's not well, he shouldn't be running around. Nothing is more important than resting and recuperating. I'll make time to visit him instead.”
He knew Blake's health had always been frail. The latter's asthma problem, especially, had a tendency to flare up during that particular season. Hence, he did not suspect anything.
After a pause, he continued, “Ery, now that Cayden is back, let him handle the company's affairs. You've worked hard these past two years and have done more than enough for Trident Group. It isn't easy for a woman to bear such immense pressure alone. Now is just the time to have a rest. You should spend some quality time with your grandfather the next few days.”
Jeffrey knew that Avery had done an excellent job managing the Trident Group, but since his grandson had returned, he felt it necessary to reclaim the authority she had.
Even though Avery was his daughter-in-law and had given the Moore family three grandchildren, he still regarded her as an outsider and only truly trusted his biological grandson.
While what Jeffrey suggested seemed to show care and concern for Avery, everyone present was astute and naturally knew that his words carried a slight sense of wanting to get rid of someone once they had ceased to be useful.
Avery seemed unbothered, but Alina could not help feeling somewhat upset. What does Old Mr. Moore take Avery for? Someone he can summon and dismiss at will? He was so nice to her when he needed her, but now that his grandson is back, is he planning to kick her out already?
As that thought crossed her mind, she plastered on a fake smile and said sarcastically, “Indeed, these two years without Cayden have been really tough for my niece. She works tirelessly for Trident Group every day to the point she loses sleep. Her dark circles have been getting increasingly worse, not to mention her hair has been falling out in clumps. On top of that, she has to raise children for the Moore family, taking care of three young kids. It truly breaks my heart to see her like that. Ery, now that Cayden is back, you don't need to work so hard in the future. If you want to travel, do it. If you want to pamper yourself, go ahead. Being a lady of leisure who doesn't have to involve herself with such matters sounds pretty good.”
Meanwhile, Cayden wore an icy expression on his handsome face. Although he made no comment, his face seemed to fall ever so slightly.
He was also rather displeased with his grandfather's attitude. However, he had already transferred all his assets under his name to Avery. Therefore, the veiled sting in her words left him somewhat at a loss.
Taking Avery's hand, he looked into her eyes with tender affection before saying to Alina politely, “Don't worry, Aunt Alina. Avery will continue to help me with managing Trident Group's affairs. She has been the acting CEO for over two years and is more familiar with many things than I am. Even if I go back, I'll still need her help in the future.”
A dark look instantly descended over Jeffrey's face. He struck the floor heavily with his cane, and the dull yet intimidating thuds made one's heart pound uncontrollably. This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
Observing that the situation was becoming rather tense, Avery tugged at Alina's sleeve anxiously and whispered in the latter's ear, “Aunt Alina, have you forgotten? Cayden has transferred all his assets to me. He loves me so much that he has gone to such lengths for me, so stop mocking him—”
Alina gave a small snort and tapped Avery's forehead with her finger. “You're always siding with him. Even if he took advantage of you someday, you wouldn't even know it, you silly girl.”
I know about those things mentioned in Cayden's will, of course. However, I simply can't stand how the Moore family treats Avery. There's no doubt she's intelligent and empathetic, but her flaw is that she's too warm-hearted. That's why she always easily gets deceived. However, I'm satisfied with Cayden's response. Thankfully, this nephew-in-law of mine is reliable and of good character. Otherwise, I'd be genuinely worried about Avery staying at such a horrendous place as the Moore residence.
Meanwhile, Lily was leisurely sipping her tea while observing everything with a cold, detached gaze. I wish Cayden had died and never returned. Although Avery was in charge during Cayden's absence, the reason Trident Group could stand firm was also due to the contributions of my son. Kendrick is gradually growing and becoming more capable now. I had planned to wait for the right time to join forces with him and reclaim the authority Avery wields, but Cayden unexpectedly returned from the dead. It was indeed a bolt from the blue!
After the driver sent the twins home from school, they were naturally extremely excited when they saw Cayden.
Rory threw herself directly into his arms. She hugged his neck and kept calling, “Daddy!”
The little girl clung to him tightly, unwilling to let go. It seemed as though she thought he would disappear the moment she loosened her grip.
Cayden calmed Rory gently, and it took a full five minutes before she finally stopped crying.
Then, he fixed his gaze on his daughter, whom he had not seen in two years.
His little princess had grown taller and even more beautiful. Her pretty face had a rosy glow, her eyebrows were slightly arched, and the tears in her eyes made her sparkling eyes shine even brighter. Her fair skin was extremely delicate and soft, and her beauty made her look more and more like a porcelain doll.
Cayden could not help but feel a little emotional. My daughter has grown up and is the spitting image of her mother. It's as though they were cast in the same mold.
However, when his gaze fell on Zachary, he was somewhat taken aback.