Chapter 993
As she listened to Elliot‘s deep voice, Avery‘s eyes suddenly began to well up. She did not say anything, but it was as if he could feel it. “Do you feel like crying, Avery?” he asked hoarsely. “I‘ll come see you now! The office isn‘t important.”
Avery took a breath, then said, “I’m fine. I just feel awful thinking about how our daughter almost got poisoned to death. I can‘t imagine how painful it would be to lose her. I can‘t...” “I know. I can‘t lose her either. She shouldn‘t eat at the school anymore after this.” “I know. Go and deal with your company. I‘ll take a nap with Layla.” “Alright. Call me if you need anything.” “Okay.”
That evening, everyone showed up at the Starry River Villa to visit Layla.
Layla was sitting on the couch dressed in a pretty nightgown and holding her favorite doll in her arms. The expression on her face was a gloominess way beyond her years.
She was usually a bundle of joy. She would be warm and welcoming no matter who showed up at the house.
Now that she was sullen and silent, nobody knew how to comfort her. “Why don’t you all go ahead and start dinner? I’ll wait for Hayden outside with Layla. I asked the bodyguard to pick Hayden up from school earlier today,” Avery said to everyone. Then, she took Layla‘s hand and walked outside.
Everyone else took their seats at the dining table.
“Has Chelsea Tierney‘s body been dealt with?” Tammy asked.
“Her mother claimed it,” Chad answered.
“Oh, I thought she didn‘t have any family left!” Then, Tammy asked again, “What happens to their family business now? I doubt her mother knows how to run a business, right?” Chad glanced over at Elliot, then answered, “Mr. Foster will absorb Trust Capital. From then on, Trust Capital will cease to exist.”
“Ha ha! I knew she would get what she deserved! I knew she would die a horrible death! I was right on the mark!” Tammy exclaimed. Jun grabbed one of Tammy‘s hands under the table, then said, “Let‘s not talk about her, Tammy. Layla‘s gone through enough today. Let‘s talk about something else!” “Alright.”
Hayden arrived home moments later.
After he heard about the day‘s events, he gave Layla a hug.
“I almost died, Hayden.”
“You‘re not dead, Layla.” Hayden released her. “Since you‘re still alive, don‘t cry anymore.” Layla‘s eyes were still slightly red AWN(T[tI swollen. “I‘m not crying anymore. I’m just scared.
“I‘m here. Don‘t be scared.” Hayden took his sister‘s hand and led her into the living room.
“Daddy‘s here, Hayden,” Layla warned.
“I know.”
It would be weird if Elliot did not show up after what happened to Layla today.
“He said he‘ll stay here for the next few days to keep me company,” Layla said softly. “You won‘t be mad, would you?” “Do you want him to keep you company?” Hayden asked. Layla lowered her gaze and did not say a word. “I won‘t be mad if you want him to keep you company,” Hayden said as he compromised. He would never have compromised if something so serious had not happened today. Layla was just as important to him as his mother. Five days later, a package arrived at the Starry River Villa. Mrs. Cooper quickly brought the package into the house. Elliot, who was sitting on the couch, asked, “What is it?” “It‘s for Avery.” Mrs. Cooper checked the information on the package. “Public and Judiciary Paternity Test Center...”