Chapter 298: Chapter 298: A Devoted Person
Chapter 298: A Devoted Man
Charlton Lawrence let out a low laugh. "So unconcerned about your own sister. Back when President Sullivan was living under the Ainsworth family’s thumb, didn’t you have to rely on Mrs. Ainsworth and your sister? I also heard you put your own mother in the hospital out of anger. How ruthless. To be so cruel to your own family... We really can’t compare to such methods, haha." Naturally, Charlton Lawrence had people investigate Alexander Sullivan’s history with the Ainsworth Family.
His words all but directly called Alexander Sullivan a dog of the Ainsworth Family who used women to climb the ladder, only to turn on them once he’d succeeded—nothing more than a heartless, ungrateful bastard.
Alexander Sullivan’s handsome face remained serene, his eyes showing no hint of emotion. He simply thanked the servant who was pouring his tea.
Tristan Sterling glanced at him from the side.
Charlton Lawrence reached out to pet a Blue Bay Shepherd squatting beside him, remarking pointedly, "It’s a shame about that wolfdog I had. It suddenly went mad and bit someone a couple of days ago, so I had to put it down. You can’t keep a dog that bites." Everyone could hear the true meaning behind Charlton’s words.
Alexander Sullivan sipped his tea, his expression impassive.
Tristan Sterling spoke unhurriedly. "It’s clear you’re not very capable." Just that one sentence made Charlton Lawrence’s face stiffen.
Across from Tristan, Adrian Preston rolled the Prayer Bead String in his hand, remaining silent as a quiet outsider.
The atmosphere grew momentarily tense.
Jason Sinclair quickly interjected, "Actually, Dobby just had a litter. Charlton, if you want, I can send you a pup once they’re a bit older." Charlton Lawrence composed himself, a stiff curve forming on his lips. "Fine." "Daddy!" Melissa’s cheerful voice rang out, breaking the tension.
Tristan Sterling reached out to steady Melissa’s back. When Melissa saw Alexander Sullivan, she called out, "Uncle Alexander."
Alexander looked at Melissa and said with a gentle smile, "Hello, Melissa."
Melissa looked up at her father. "Daddy, where’s Mommy?"
At Melissa’s sudden question, everyone except Franklin Fitzwilliam, Alexander Sullivan, and a composed Theodore Sterling looked at Tristan in surprise.
Tristan Sterling asked, "Why are you looking for Mommy?"
Melissa replied, "I want Mommy to do a puzzle with me."
Since there were children present, Sharon Sinclair had prepared plenty of activities for them.
Tristan Sterling had someone take Melissa to find Rachel Royce.
After Melissa left, Jason Sinclair snapped back to his senses. "You sure work fast! You’ve already found Melissa a stepmom."
Tristan looked at him. "If I’m not fast, I can’t just let her be coveted by others forever."
Jason met the man’s gaze and scoffed. "I haven’t even done anything yet. Don’t be so wary of me."
Tristan said, "Of course I’m not wary of you."
Hearing the hidden meaning in his words, Jason raised an eyebrow. "Then who are you wary of?"
Tristan Sterling just smiled without saying a word.
As Melissa pulled Rachel Royce over, Rachel saw Alexander Sullivan. She hadn’t expected him to be here today.
When Alexander saw her, he nodded slightly and smiled.
Rachel discreetly averted her gaze, ignoring Alexander’s greeting.
It was only then that Charlton Lawrence and Adrian Preston saw Rachel Royce.
The moment he saw Rachel, Charlton was struck by her beauty. He felt she looked familiar, and then it clicked—she was the financial news anchor who had hosted the finance summit. Her stunning appearance had caused quite a stir, and there were even rumors about her afterward.
No wonder Tristan Sterling had moved on so quickly.
Her beauty and aura surpassed Claire Ainsworth’s. More importantly, Claire was just a delicate vase to be coddled, whereas Evelynn not only had a beautiful face but was also incredibly capable.
Melissa pulled Rachel over to play with the puzzle.
「At noon.」
Lunch was ready. The ingredients had all been flown in from around the world just yesterday and prepared by a five-star chef.
Everyone took the dishes they wanted and sat down at the dining table to eat.
Tristan Sterling served some food on a plate for Melissa, then poured a glass of white wine for Rachel. "Try this grand cru from Lefay Winery."
Rachel lifted the glass and took a sniff. A rich, elegant aroma filled her senses. She took a small sip, her palate filled with satisfaction. ’As expected of a wine worth millions.’
"How is it?"
"It’s quite good."
Tristan said, "If you like it, I’ll have a batch ordered tomorrow."
Rachel glanced at the man but said nothing.
The interaction between them showed Tristan’s doting and deferential attitude.
Anna Lawrence and the others never would have guessed that Evelynn was actually Tristan Sterling’s woman. No wonder she was so arrogant and looked down on everyone. And Chloe Cheney knew her, too.
’To be able to snag Tristan Sterling, she must be truly cunning and calculating.’
Anna Lawrence’s eyes were fixed on Rachel, her jealousy impossible to hide. Bianca Lowe spoke up, "Don’t be so obvious."
Anna retracted her gaze and looked at Bianca. "I never heard about any other woman in Tristan’s life. Do you know when they got together?"
When Tristan was with Claire Ainsworth, he had never acted like this. He was always the lofty one in control, a cold-blooded king who only had women falling at his feet.
But in the scene before her now, it was Evelynn who was acting cold and distant toward him, which completely contradicted her understanding of Tristan Sterling.
It seemed now that things had been over between Tristan Sterling and Claire Ainsworth for a long time.
Bianca Lowe picked up her glass, took a sip of red wine, and then said slowly, "I only just started at Cedarwood. I don’t know much about President Sterling’s private affairs."
Anna Lawrence was suddenly fuming.
"However, Evelynn is the Investment Director at Rowan, and she’s highly valued by Julian Jennings."
Anna couldn’t believe it. ’Tristan Sterling is actually keeping a key executive from a rival company by his side? Isn’t he afraid of corporate secrets being leaked?’
’To be an investment director, this woman must actually have some skill.’
"I heard there was a major accident at Rowan’s annual party. Julian Jennings was injured saving someone... I think it was Rowan’s investment director. It couldn’t have been Evelynn, could it?"
Bianca Lowe hummed in affirmation.
Anna grew even more scornful. "I bet Evelynn’s relationship with Julian Jennings isn’t so simple either. This woman is really something else."
Bianca Lowe did not respond to Anna’s comment.
「After lunch.」
Jason Sinclair called Tristan Sterling over for a game of cards.
"No thanks, you guys go ahead."
Seeing his refusal, Jason teased, "Anyone who didn’t know better would think you’re henpecked. You two have all the time in the world to be lovey-dovey, yet you have to pick now to show off."
Rachel Royce listened to Jason’s words, her face expressionless.
Tristan looked down at Rachel. "How about we play a couple of rounds? If we win, the money’s yours. If we lose, the loss is mine."
Rachel said, "No, you go play."
Tristan replied, "Alright then. You can stay with Melissa."
"..."
Tristan was so gentle with Rachel, his deep eyes filled with such doting affection, as if she were the only person in his world. Anyone who saw them would think he was a truly devoted man.
