Chapter 17
After Edric finished speaking, Freda was shocked for a moment, then shook her head to comfort him. “Mr. Vale, it’s not your fault. This has nothing to do with you. Even if it wasn’t Jolie, it would’ve been someone else.“]
Cyril’s heart was an ocean vast enough to hold two women at once–his devotion was never singular, never absolute.[]
“Well, I’m just glad you’re not mad at me. And don’t call me Mr. Vale anymore–just call me Edric.” He tried to sound casual. “I’m not practicing law anymore. I’ve decided to get into charity work like you. You can think of me as your sidekick from now on‘
on“]
“You don’t have to do that. I’m doing fine on my own.” Freda politely declined.[]
“I know you’re doing great. I just want to learn from you and help these mountain communities too.” Edric pretended not to understand her rejection and smiled, taking the textbook from her hands to continue teaching the children.[]
Edric settled into life in the village, spending most of his days helping with construction and teaching the kids.[]
He took care of Fréda in every possible way, always seeming to anticipate her needs. While carefully maintaining a respectful distance, he surrounded her with quiet devotion.[]
Everyone in the village could see that he liked her.[]
Mabel often urged her to accept him too.[]
This bothered Freda a little.[]
One evening, as the sun was setting, Freda climbed up to the platform to watch the sunset.]
Edric had somehow followed her up. He handed her a peeled apple.[]
“Try this–it’s really sweet!“]
“Thanks.” Freda took the apple but didn’t eat it, instead gazing at the red–tinged sky in the distance.[]
“Edric, are you really happy staying here?” she asked softly.[]
“Yeah.” Edric nodded. “I’ll always be happy as long as you’re here.“]]
“I know how you feel, but I’ll never love again. I don’t have it in me anymore. Stop wasting your time on me out of guilt.” She handed the apple back to him. “I found a worm in an apple a few days ago. I’ll never eat them again.“]
“Freda, life stretches long ahead of us. I believe that someday your heart will heal. If you don’t want apples, that’s fine–there are plenty of other fruits.” Edric persisted. It wasn’t guilt driving him–he genuinely cared for Freda.]
The sun set and the twilight was swallowed by darkness. Freda said nothing more, quietly getting up and leaving.
Whatever–if she couldn’t talk sense into him, she’d stop trying. He’d figure it out on his own eventually.[]
Meanwhile, Cyril had never given up searching for Freda.[]
Every time he found a lead and followed it, he’d discover that Freda had bought tickets to multiple destinations.[]
She was deliberately hiding from him.]
Cyril grew more and more frantic, becoming increasingly volatile. He’d lost his temper with business partners several times during
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negotiations, costing the company hundreds of millions.
The shareholders handed together in protest, demanding a change in executive director and insisting that Cyril personally cover the Josses
The shareholders cornered him outside his office.]]
“Mr. Prescott, we won’t accept these massive losses the company’s taking for no reason.‘
1
“If your personal issues are affecting your work, maybe you should consider stepping down temporarily.“]
This company doesn’t belong to you alone–you need to think about our interests too. We’ve already spoken to your mother. If you keep this up, we’ll dump our shares and pull our investments.”
Faced with their threats, Cyril showed no reaction, completely dismissing them.
Just then, his assistant came running over, out of breath. “Mr. Prescott, we’ve got a lead on your wife!“]]
