Chapter 558 - 550: Countdown to the Main Story’s Finale (Part 2)

Mrs. Sterling was so furious she nearly fainted. In front of her friend, however, she maintained her imperious demeanor. "How could that be possible? No matter what, she’s a daughter-in-law of the Lynch Family now."

Nora Ainsworth walked over and took Sierra Ainsworth’s hand. "Sierra is right. She married Aaron to be his wife, not a pawn for business convenience. If you’re not satisfied, you are welcome to propose a divorce to our family at any time."

Turning, Nora Ainsworth pulled Sierra away.

Once they were in the elevator, Nora Ainsworth hugged her. "It’s okay. Wealthy families are all like this. You need to have a good talk with Aaron about this and hear his thoughts. You’ve just gotten married. If you’re open about things, you can get through anything."

"It’s fine, Sis. You know my personality. I’ve always followed the rules. Besides, now that I’m married, the word ’divorce’ isn’t in my vocabulary."

Nora Ainsworth let her go and smiled faintly. "It’s no big deal. As long as your big sister is here, I absolutely won’t let you be mistreated."

"I understand."

The elevator doors opened with a DING. The two sisters walked out, hand in hand. Sierra Ainsworth went to Aaron Sterling’s side and joined him in toasting the guests, her expression as serene as ever.

After making the rounds to dozens of tables, the arches of Sierra Ainsworth’s feet were screaming in pain from her high heels. Yet, she maintained her calm composure, waiting until all the guests had departed.

The Lynch residence fell silent.

Only then did Mrs. Sterling angrily plop down on the sofa. Watching the newlywed couple enter, she snorted, "Aaron, get over here."

Seeing this, Aaron walked over.

"Mom, what’s wrong?"

"What’s wrong?" Mrs. Sterling shot back. "You tell me what’s wrong. Why don’t you ask your wife?"

Aaron looked at Sierra Ainsworth. "What did she say?"

Sierra Ainsworth smiled faintly and replied, "It went like this. As I was coming out after changing my dress, I overheard your mother’s friend asking her why I was walking abnormally. Your mother told her the truth, and her friend then asked why a prominent family like yours would want to marry me. She concluded the only reason must be because my brother-in-law is Quentin Grant and my family’s Ainsworth Group is highly influential in Valeria. Your mother then agreed, saying I had no other merits. Her friend continued, asking if her son—that is, you—knew about this. Your mother proudly replied that this was the very reason you married me. My sister happened to overhear this and stated that my parents had forbidden the Ainsworth and Grant Groups from showing any favoritism to the Sterling Group in business matters. Your mother was not pleased, and now, she’s furious."

Hearing this, Mr. Sterling gave an embarrassed cough and shot a harsh glare at Mrs. Sterling. Mrs. Sterling just rolled her eyes. But looking at Sierra’s mild-mannered disposition, she wanted to lash out but couldn’t find a reason to.

Only Aaron Sterling’s expression remained unchanged. He spoke slowly, "If I hadn’t said that, our marriage probably wouldn’t have gone so smoothly."

That one sentence explained everything.

Sierra Ainsworth looked up and smiled. "I understand. But since we’re already married, as long as you still like me, we must tolerate each other’s flaws and offer each other tolerance, understanding, and trust."

Her words hung in the air, firm and clear. Mr. Sterling’s face flushed red, and he felt deeply ashamed of his wife’s comments.

"Alright, it’s been a long day. Sierra, you should go upstairs and rest. I’ll have the kitchen prepare a meal for you and bring it up later."

"Okay. I really am exhausted."

After sitting down, getting back up was a real struggle.

The pain in her feet was excruciating.

As soon as she went upstairs, Mrs. Sterling’s anger flared up. "Bring it up to her? Have you ever served me like that once?"

Aaron Sterling laughed. "Alright, Mom. No wonder people say mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law are natural enemies. Your rivalry started before we were even married. Aren’t you making things difficult for your son, stuck in the middle? When you’re older, how about Sierra and I bring you tea and meals together?"

Mrs. Sterling was once again left speechless. Finally, she waved a dismissive hand at him. "Fine, go arrange a meal for your little wife."

Aaron Sterling stood up and planted a kiss on Mrs. Sterling’s cheek. "My mom’s the most magnanimous of all; her heart’s big enough to sail a ship in. Let’s all get along, alright? Cut your son some slack."

"Just go already."

Aaron headed to the kitchen. Only then did Mrs. Sterling say languidly, "I can see I have a long future of biting my tongue ahead of me."

Mr. Sterling looked at her. "Can’t you ever keep your voice down and be mindful of the situation? Thankfully, our daughter-in-law is a cultured person and didn’t get into a huge fight with you. Otherwise, think of the shame it would bring us if word got out. And don’t be so fixated on the family connections. They’re married now. Even if they say they won’t get involved with us on business matters, if the company runs into any real trouble, they’ll still lend a hand."

Mrs. Sterling thought he had a point and cleared her throat. "Fine. No matter how dissatisfied I am, they’re married. We’re family now. I won’t say anything more about it."

"That would be for the best."

After spending a few days in Valeria, Nora Ainsworth and her party returned home.

As soon as they arrived at the airport, Quentin Grant received a call from the captain of his Men in Black. His expression grew increasingly taut as he listened, then he said, "Stay put. Let’s see what tricks he’s trying to pull this time."

He hung up. Nora Ainsworth asked instinctively, "Toby Dalton?"

"Who else could it be? I knew he wouldn’t stay quiet. I’ve had people watching him and Nicholas Ainsworth these past few days. That’s collusion for you."

"What did he do?"

"He secretly snuck into Fravia. Didn’t dare take a plane. He’s clearly up to no good."

"Then be extra careful. Since he’s come to Fravia, I’m sure he’ll look for Nicholas Ainsworth."

Nora Ainsworth said, "Let’s get off. They’re waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs."

"Alright."

Quentin Grant took her hand and led her out of the cabin. It was scorching hot outside. Despite a light rain, nothing could mask the oppressive humidity.

They descended the stairs, got into their cars one by one, and drove slowly toward the residential community.

Just as they reached the entrance to the community, they saw Nicholas Ainsworth standing at the gate of Quentin Grant’s house, holding an umbrella. He seemed to have already known they were arriving today.

Quentin Grant and Nora Ainsworth got out of the car as it slowly drove through the main gate. He opened an umbrella, shielding both himself and Nora as they walked up to Nicholas Ainsworth.

"What brings you here? To be waiting for us so precisely, you must have known in advance that we were coming back, right?"

Nicholas Ainsworth didn’t deny it. "That’s right. If I didn’t know, I wouldn’t be standing here waiting. The timing is indeed perfect. You’ve had me under surveillance for a while now. I assume you’ve also received word that Toby Dalton has come to Fravia."

Quentin Grant chuckled. "So you’re self-aware enough to know that I already know."

"Young Master Grant, I know exactly what you’re thinking right now. I’m well aware of how you would deal with the Ainsworth Family and him if Toby Dalton and I were to meet or make any moves. So, I’ve come here just to tell you that while I may have previously coveted things that weren’t mine, I won’t anymore. Therefore, please call off your surveillance. This constant interference has left me feeling very unsettled."

’Coming here had taken all of Nicholas Ainsworth’s resolve. In his heart, he would rather die than come here. But a more serious reality served as a daily warning: if he dared to make the slightest move, Quentin Grant’s men would be upon him. In Fravia, trying to take down Quentin Grant was, for now at least, basically impossible. Toby Dalton’s situation was the best example of that.’

"It’s rare to hear you speak an honest word. But, you see, I don’t have much of anything here... except people. Lots of idle hands. Alveria is quite peaceful, and if I don’t find some work for them, they get restless all day. This way, I can rest easy, and they have something to do. Isn’t it perfect?" To Nicholas Ainsworth, Quentin Grant’s words clearly meant he had no intention of calling off the surveillance.

"What will it take for you to call it off?"

Quentin Grant looked at Nora Ainsworth. "Sweetheart, go on inside and eat. I’ll have a word with him and be right in."

"Okay." Nora Ainsworth glanced at the two men and went inside.

A moment later, he continued, "I absolutely... will not believe this ’I’m no threat’ speech from an ambitious fox like you. If problems could be solved just by taking people at their word, I would have been devoured, bones and all, long ago. This little olive branch of yours won’t work on me. If you really want me to call off the surveillance, it can only be when you pose absolutely no threat at all. How about this... The Ainsworth Group’s performance hasn’t been great lately, and the company has been quite volatile. Just let it be absorbed by our Grant Group."

’Hearing Quentin Grant’s words, Nicholas Ainsworth’s fists clenched. The fire in his chest felt like it was about to explode. Not only had Quentin Grant assigned people to watch his entire family twenty-four hours a day, but he was also sanctioning and suppressing the Ainsworth Group, causing multiple large contracts to vanish for no reason. How could he not have come here personally to wait?’

"You want to acquire the Ainsworth Group?"

Quentin Grant’s smile was deceptively pleasant. "I believe it’s the only way to ensure you’re no longer a threat to me. I’m the type of person who can’t let a cat with its claws out scratch me. Wouldn’t it be better to just make it my own? However, if you’re unwilling, I won’t force you. After all, this requires mutual consent, doesn’t it? But you should know... I am fully prepared to continue this close surveillance on you and my current ’approach’ toward the Ainsworth Group for a very long time... Have a good trip back... I won’t see you out..."

With that, he strode toward the main gate.

"Wait," Nicholas Ainsworth called out.

Quentin Grant stopped and turned his head. "Is there something else?"

"Let me think it over."

"Mm, you’d better give me an answer within three days. I don’t have the patience to wait for you. Your company isn’t that big, and frankly, I could take it or leave it. But... it’s always better to be safe than sorry..."

"Fine." Nicholas Ainsworth stood in the rain, watching him walk into the courtyard as the main gate slowly closed.

’Is the Ainsworth Group going to be lost in my hands?’

’Quentin Grant... he’s the real monster who devours people without spitting out the bones...’

"You really are... ruthless..." he muttered under his breath. He turned and strode toward his car, pulled open the door, closed his umbrella, and sat inside.

A moment later, the car sped away from the upscale community, returning to the gates of the Ainsworth Residence.

The guard opened the car door and said, "Young Master, a man named Toby Dalton has arrived."