The CEO Gets What He Wants

Chapter 713

Chapter 713 It Just Could Not Be Xander

Noticing the sudden change in Nina's expression, Avery suddenly felt she had asked the wrong question.

Avery helplessly said, “I'm sorry, Nina. I shouldn't have asked those questions. Did Xander force you?”

Avery knew better than anyone that the darkness that once enveloped Nina was due to Aaron—that monster who had ruined Nina.

But ironically, Xander was that monster's older brother.

The entanglement between them was simply too complex to be encapsulated in a single sentence.

Nina stood by the window, silently gazing at the brilliant sun outside. The golden sunlight shot into her pupils, causing a sharp pain in her eyes.

Bearing the bitterness in her heart, Nina softly said to Avery, “Actually, it's not a big deal. Many things are beyond our control. I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me. I've become immune to any man now. Having gone through some unpleasant experiences, I see things more clearly than anyone else. My defenses are as thick as a city wall. Not everyone can hurt me.”

“I'm sorry. If it wasn't for me that year...” Avery was overwhelmed with guilt.

Back then, if it weren't for me, Nina would still be that cheerful, lively, and optimistic girl. But because of my involvement, a wonderful woman was tragically ruined.

With a fit of feigned anger, Nina glared at Avery and pinched the latter's arm. “Hey, it's been so many years since all that happened. Aren't you done with it yet? I've almost forgotten about those dark times, but you keep bringing it up. Are you trying to reopen my old wounds? That's really mean!” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

How could I possibly blame Avery? She's my best friend, after all.

Moreover, it was my own decision to stalk Dylan in the first place, hoping to capture evidence of his infidelity, all to stand up for Avery.

But I can only blame my own bad luck for encountering that devil Aaron. This really has nothing to do with Avery.

Moreover, after my mishap, Mr. Moore immediately provided me with a financial compensation of millions, which made me feel it would be disrespectful to refuse.

Later on, after Avery became Trident Group's acting CEO, she provided me with substantial assistance and care in my work. No matter how I look at it, I'm the one who benefited greatly.

To be honest, Avery has been really good to me. However, excessive compensation will only add to my psychological burden.

Avery looked at Nina, knowing that this empathetic girl didn't want her to feel guilty.

Avery could only reach out, grasping Nina's icy fingers. “If you encounter any difficulties, you must tell me. Although I can't protect you from everything, wherever you need me, I will definitely do my best to help you. Nina, this is my promise to you, and this promise is always valid.”

Nina gently embraced Avery, whispering softly, “You've been too good to me, Ery. I truly don't deserve it.”

Nina only stayed for an afternoon before she was picked up by Xander's people.

Avery sat blankly in the living room, slowly exhaling a breath. She only felt the surrounding air was suffocating.

Even though the temperature was warm, she felt a coldness akin to shattered ice.

In her mind, she kept replaying Nina's situation. Suddenly, she felt a bit weary. Why is it that the simple and kind Nina always encounters such inhuman treatment? Her destined love could be any man in the world, but it just couldn't be Xander!

Perhaps due to her deep disdain for Xander, Avery has always been prejudiced against Xander.

Even though Xander was deeply loyal and stunningly handsome, his veins pulsed with the wild and rebellious blood akin to a wolf. Moreover, he was the head of a mafia, holding countless lives in his hands. His background was far from clean. On the other hand, Nina's world was pure, innocent, and full of sunshine. They were simply not from the same world.

In Avery's opinion, Yuvan—who had an unblemished background—was a better match for Nina.

Besides, Yuvan was not only a world-renowned doctor, but he was also a doctor of psychology. With his guidance and comfort, Nina would find it easier to accept him.

But Xander was not an easy man to deal with, and even more so, a man with a strong desire for dominance. One could guess from Nina's insistence on leaving here that she was not happy living with Xander.

Should I ask Cayden to step in and help?

However, if Cayden steps in, there's a high chance of him having an unpleasant confrontation with Xander. They are currently working together to deal with Dark River. If a rift develops between them because of this, it would indeed be detrimental to our situation.

But the thought of watching Nina live under the control of Xander with my own eyes was unbearably painful for me.

What should I do now?

Avery sat on the sofa, vigorously massaging her temples in an attempt to clear her mind.

I really need to come up with a good plan.

I've always felt that I'm the root cause of Nina's misfortune. Nina's originally bright life turned gloomy because of me, so I must take responsibility for her life. Whether one says I'm atoning for my sins or feeling guilty, all I want is for Nina to live a happy and carefree life in her later years.

Just as Avery was deep in thought, the cell phone lying aside suddenly rang.

She paused for a moment. Upon recognizing it was Alina calling, she quickly answered, “Aunt Alina, what's wrong?”

“Ery, when are you coming back?” On the other end of the phone, Alina's voice was faintly tinged with tears.

Avery's heart tightened. “Aunt Alina, what exactly happened? W-Why are you crying?”

Alina was struggling to hold back her tears, her voice choked with emotion as she said, “Ery, please come back soon... Your grandpa had an accident. He fell and hit his head, and he's now in the hospital. The doctors say he might not have much time left... He wants to see you one last time. When can you come back...”

A bolt from the blue hit Avery so hard that she felt like her soul was about to shatter.

“No, Aunt Alina, I just spoke with Grandpa the day before yesterday. He was fine then. H-How could this happen? Besides, isn't there a housekeeper at home taking care of him? How could he suddenly fall?”

That day, Avery called Blake. He was in the midst of doing health exercises with a group of elderly people in the community. When he received her call, he was extremely happy. He told her that he had a large bowl of oatmeal for dinner and also ate four mini bagels, appearing to be in good health and full of vitality.

She couldn't believe that he was suddenly met with such an unexpected accident.

Alina sniffled heavily, her sighs unceasing. “This is a long story. I don't have much time to explain it to you. Dad is still in the operating room. We don't know if he can make it till tomorrow. When can you come back? Please come and see him. We don't know how much longer he can hold on...”

Avery closed her eyes and then looked up at the ceiling. She held back her tears, but her vision was still blurred. “Aunt Alina, I'll be back soon. Please take care of Grandpa for now. I'll be right back!”

No matter how difficult the journey may be, I must make it back to Grandpa's side in time. This could be my last chance to see him...