CEO's Contract Obsession-Chapter 312: Book Signing Tour
Henry and Rei returned to Monte City, leaving Amy and the children in Brookegrove to finalize the deal with Rei’s startup company. As soon as they landed at the airport, they proceeded directly to Welsh Holdings’ building to sign the contract required to formalize the partnership.
When they arrived at the boardroom, Anton, Ash, and Ava warmly welcomed the duo. As Henry entered the room, Ash promptly stood up and offered his hand for a business handshake.
With a playful smirk, Henry remarked to Ash, "You know, Ash, it’s the first time we’ve shaken hands without a follow-up punch and threats." This lighthearted comment elicited laughter from everyone in the room.
"I guess it’s a good start then. Allow me to thank you properly Henry for this opportunity that I didn’t even think of, thank you for helping me and Ava." Ash said.
Henry looked at Ava and confirm, "I guess that means that you have decided to join Ash then?" he asked.
Ava nodded and began to explain, "Yes, I’ve already spoken to Amy last night. However, I won’t leave Bellory until she returns and we find a suitable replacement. I promise to train that person before my departure, ensuring a smooth transition. I cannot thank both of you enough, especially you, Rei, for placing your trust in me. But I’ve reached a point in my life where I must prioritize our family," Ava said, her eyes welling up with tears.
Though she wished she could stay, Ava recognized that certain things in life were beyond her control. Nevertheless, she found comfort in the fact that saying goodbye to Rei and Amy didn’t mean severing ties completely. As they became business partners, their friendship would endure, and they would still be able to see each other.
Henry patted Ava’s shoulder reassuringly, saying, "Ava, no need to worry. We completely understand, and all we want is to see you succeed."
Afterward, the five of them proceeded with the contract signing, playfully teasing Ash and Ava about their upcoming wedding.
"Ash, I know you’ve already seen the place, but would you like to join us after lunch? We’re going to visit the site where the two pumps will finally be finished in two weeks. There were some delays, but thankfully, Theo managed to resolve them," Anton offered.
Ash glanced at Ava, silently seeking her permission, although he knew he didn’t have to. Ava smiled, holding back a laugh as she realized what Ash was doing. She nodded and said, "Go ahead, Ash. I won’t be joining you. I need to create a job posting for my replacement and wrap up some things before Amy returns."
When Ava returned to Bellory to resume her work, she was met with Mitch’s boundless excitement. "AVA!!! You won’t believe this! I just got off the phone with Amy’s managing editor. Her book has become a bestseller, and they want to invite her for a short book signing tour! I can’t wait to tell her, but it’s too early in Brookegrove, and she’s probably still asleep."
"Oh, that’s fantastic news, Mitch. I also have something to share, but I won’t keep you in suspense. Please don’t faint," Ava said, pausing to allow Mitch to prepare herself. "I am resigning from Bellory and stepping down from Amy’s security team because I am getting married."
As Ava expected, Mitch’s jaw dropped, and she stared at her in complete disbelief, blinking as if she had seen a ghost. Finally grasping what Ava had said, she screamed, instantly drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
"OH MY GOD, AVA! Congratulations! When is the wedding? Wait, why are you resigning? Are you planning to be a stay-at-home mom? How many kids are you planning to have, and will you be staying at home?" Mitch asked excitedly.
"Wow, Mitch, you have so many questions all at once! Your excitement is contagious," Ava laughed, appreciating her friend’s genuine happiness for her. "As for the wedding, we haven’t finalized the date yet. These past few days, Ash and I were busy working on the business plan for his startup company. But if he asks me, I’d prefer to register our marriage first and have the wedding celebration later."
"But why are you resigning?" Mitch asked, still a bit confused.
"I’ll be managing the refinery together with Ash, so we’ll still see each other often," Ava explained.
"Too bad Dave isn’t here to hear the good news; he’d be jealous," Mitch and Ava giggled together. They were referring to Dave, who had flown to Brookegrove to replace Rei and take charge of Amy’s security team.
The two friends busied themselves creating a job posting to find Ava’s replacement while they waited for the right time to call Amy and share the wonderful news. When they finally made the call, it was Dave who answered Amy’s phone.
Ava felt a bit anxious as it was the first time someone other than Amy answered her phone. "Where is Amy? Why are you answering her phone?" she asked with nervousness in her voice.
Dave replied, "Well, it’s a bit complicated. Amy received a call from her publisher about a book signing tour. She told Henry, and they ended up having a fight. So I’m guessing the big boss isn’t too thrilled about the idea."
"So, she already knows, huh? That’s a bummer; we were excited to tell her. But you still haven’t answered my question. Why are you the one answering her calls?" Ava inquired.
"She’s currently packing her things and asked me to handle her business calls. If the call is personal, she instructed me to reject it," Dave further explained.
"Packing? Where is she going? What about Jena and Jayson?" Ava wondered.
"We’re flying there with the children and their grandparents. Amy spoke to the physical therapist and got permission to end the therapy sessions here since Jayson is doing well. However, she’ll need to continue the therapy once they’re settled there," Dave clarified.
"Is Henry aware of what’s going on?" Mitch asked curiously.
"No, he’s not, so please don’t tell him if you still want to see me alive. I have to go now; she instructed me to organize something in the mansion to surprise Henry and convince him to agree to the book signing tour," Dave stated.
********
In Turner Mansion...
Vanessa made up her mind to stay vigilant and determine whether Francis’ offer was genuine or a trap. After her conversation with the housekeeper, she planned to use the information to gain Dimitri’s trust. If what the housekeeper had revealed was true, it would be easier for Vanessa to endear herself to him. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚
She approached the chef and asked for help in preparing Dimitri and Francis’ favorite meal. The kitchen staff were thrilled that their boss finally had someone to take care of him after so many years.
Rumors spread quickly, and everyone knew that Francis vehemently opposed his father’s remarriage. Thus, the news of his marriage to a young, beautiful, and independent woman who owned her own company delighted the staff, unlike the women he used to bring home occasionally.
When Dimitri arrived, the butler excitedly informed him that Vanessa was currently in the kitchen, cooking for him. Dimitri scoffed and remarked to the butler, "That was fast. I thought she wouldn’t give in that easily. Perhaps being confined here for days really worked."
"Perhaps it did, Sir. Shall I call Master Francis to join you and the madam for dinner? She also made an effort to cook for your son," the butler offered.
"He’s already here? That punk didn’t even inform me that today was his flight. Go ahead, I want to properly introduce him to my wife." With that, the butler headed towards Francis’ room.
"You are finally home! I was afraid that you will go home late and the food that I cooked will get cold," Vanessa greeted Dimitri before kissing him on the cheeks.
"This is a surprise, it is good that you already accepted the fact that I am your husband and you will be mine as long as I live," Dimitri said sarcastically.
Vanessa tried hard not to roll her eyes, she doesn’t want to ruin her own plan of course, "Yes dear, your son actually made me realize how good of a father you are and I thought that I wanted the same father for my future kids," Vanessa wanted to vomit at her own words, but it was something that she must do in order to gain his trust.
"He did? So you’ve met him," Dimitri said.
"Yes, I did Dad," Francis suddenly spoke making everyone in the room look at him.
"Ahh... My treasure. Darling let me introduce to you properly my son, Francis. He is my pride and joy. I hope you two will get along," Dimitri announced and Vanessa gave out a fake smile.
"Come on, take a seat. You’ll love what I made for the two of you," Vanessa warmly invited. The three of them sat down, and Dimitri became so engrossed in the sumptuous dishes Vanessa had prepared that he didn’t notice his wife and son exchanging knowing looks at each other.
