Alexander got jealous of their interaction and turned away childishly.
Based on Gregory’s behavior around Emery and Alexander made me certain that this child was not one to judge based on appearance. Although the latter had a handsome face and a good figure, I could tell the kid was more comfortable with Emery.
After a while of bonding, Emery asked sarcastically, “Don’t our superstar here have any commercials to shoot today?”
Alexander ignored her underlying message. “Work is never-ending. It’s such a rare opportunity to see Gregory. Naturally, I want to spend more time with him!”
His mischievous tone seemed like a provocation to Emery. Try all she might, but he would not leave.
She rolled her eyes and resumed playing with Gregory. She could not be bothered to entertain his childish behavior.
After the waiter served our dishes, he closed the door tight after him. Emery got down to business.
“Do you know Ashton had a fallout with his sister recently?”
“Really?” Some time back, I had noticed Ashton got mad during the company’s performance appraisal. However, he had done nothing to Tiffany then. After all, they were family. Who knew what happened afterward.
“I’m quite certain this is true. Now that Ashton discharged Tiffany from all responsibilities, many people in the upper management are getting restless.” She analyzed the situation seriously.
Alexander chipped in his two cents’ worth. “Perhaps Ashton regained his memories. He’s just paying back for what the Hall family did to him. They deserve it.”
“What’d you mean?” I asked.
Emery glared warningly at him. “That’s enough. Shouldn’t you leave now? If your fans discover you, it’ll disrupt my business.”
Alexander clearly had more to say, but kept it in. He could not go against her words and left reluctantly.
Then Emery took the spot right next to me. “So… any progress with you and Ashton?”
“Not really. But if I have to name one, I wish he would go away.”
She felt dispirited by my response. “Do you really hate him this much?”
I shrugged helplessly. If Emery was being harassed by Ashton repeatedly like I was, she probably wouldn’t even have the mood to meet me for dinner. I asked her seriously, “Has Ashton ever loved anyone seriously before?”
“I mean, if he didn’t love you, you probably won’t have given birth to his children.” While speaking, her eyes reflexively landed on Gregory. “What a looker! I’m so envious.”
I teased, “Alexander has good genes too. Why not have one with him? I bet the child won’t pale beside Gregory.”
“Forget it. One troublemaker is enough. I won’t want to get myself involved in another. And, we’re talking about you now! Don’t digress.”
As the conversation got deeper, she advised, “You know, the both of you have been through so much all these years. Obviously, it’ll be great to have your memories back. But if that’s not possible, shouldn’t you think for yourself and the kids? If the Hall family knows you’re still alive, they won’t let you off easily.”
Some words did not have to be said explicitly. Tiffany’s behavior was enough for me to infer what the Hall family was like. Pretending to recover my memories was so that I could help Ashton get his custody of our daughter back. No matter what, it would only benefit the Halls.
“I haven’t thought that far. Ashton’s plan is to get Audrey back first.”
“What about you? Do you feel the same way?”
I pondered for a few moments. “A child can’t grow up without a mother. Six years is enough. I don’t want to miss any more of her growth.”
