“The Andersons!” Sharon exclaimed, not exactly knowing where to start with. “You must have encountered some problems related to the family to ask me that. I don’t know much about them now, but back in my days, the Andersons are one of the most prominent families in Avenport. Their power is much stronger than the Smiths and the Tanners, and that can be proven by the fact that your dad was able to make a name out of their support.”
I had never heard of this before. All I knew was that my grandparents died in an accident before I could meet them. I never knew that the Andersons were so powerful.
“Your Uncle Robert was a very talented young man. I saw him twice at parties and we had a collaboration once. Alas, his parents passed away in an accident and his investments went wrong. I guess he couldn’t take it anymore and committed suicide.”
“Did Uncle Robert really jump from Centurion Tower?” That must be the end of the Andersons’ glory after Uncle Robert’s death.
“Your mom must have already told you. It’s true. Your mom had such a hard time dealing with the loss of family and your father’s infidelity that I wasn’t surprised at all when she finally left him for good. Your mom may seem gentle and forgiving, but deep down she is a tough person who will not endure such humiliation.”
Listening to what Sharon said, my heart sank. Despite being angry with my mother, I knew perfectly well that she was in a difficult spot. Even Sharon, who was not part of our family, could tell.
However, at the thought of me and Christopher’s bleak future, I couldn’t help feeling sad.
A Porsche stopped at the gate and Lyle came down from the car. When he noticed me standing beside Sharon, he paused for a brief moment before resuming his pace. Handing some documents to Sharon, he said, “I’ve brought these as requested. All Yvonne has to do is sign on them.”
“Since Eve is here, how about we have dinner together?” As Sharon turned around and asked Molly to prepare food, I hurriedly declined, “It’s okay. I still have things to settle.”
“All right then.” She handed the documents to me. “This is what your mom wants. Make sure to give it to her. You should give Eve a lift home, Lyle.”
I hadn’t seen Lyle in a while. He seemed to have changed and become much quieter. Other than one sentence, he didn’t say anything else on the way back.
As the car headed toward my house, I spoke. “Please drive me to the Goldstein residence.”
“Okay.” Lyle made a U-turn and continued driving. After a moment, he blurted, “I’m sorry for what happened last time. I was drunk.”
It took me a while to realize that he was referring to what happened at the golf course. I had almost forgotten about it.
“I know,” I replied shortly.
“Are you and Christopher preparing for the wedding soon? Your mom told my grandma that the shares will be your dowry.” Lyle didn’t look back because he was concentrating on the road, yet I could sense his grim tone.
After Christopher revealed our relationship to be with me, everyone thought we were eventually going to have a grand wedding ceremony. With all the blessings and envies, I thought I was going to marry him too. Who knew that the wedding would not happen after all we had been through? Lost in my own thoughts, I agreed with Lyle evasively.
All of a sudden, I saw my mom standing at the entrance of a café on the opposite road. She was talking to a man with a smile on her face, and the man was holding her hand affectionately.
“Stop the car!” I yelled.
Startled, Lyle stepped on the brakes and asked, “What happened?”
Ignoring him, I dashed out of the car and followed my mom. I still could not believe my eyes, but I recognized the man beside her as Lucas’ father. Why are they so close together? Isn’t she with Mark?
