Chapter 146: Chapter 148

Chapter 148 They Overlooked Her In The Past Finished Matthew, previously deep in a restful sleep, was now sharply awakened. His face, normally relaxed in slumber, was now marked by a cold, stern expression.

Despite this, he maintained a firm hold on Aurelia, embracing her tightly in an effort to offer comfort. It was clear she was experiencing deep distress, seemingly caught in the throes of a terrifying nightmare.

Within the safety of his arms, however, Aurelia’s agitated emotions began to subside gradually, as though she was pulling herself back from the edge of a harrowing dream scene.

“I hate all of you,” Aurelia declared with a newfound steadiness in her voice once she had regained her composure.

Matthew listened intently to her words, a note of solemnity in his expression as he heard her repeat, “I hate you all.”

He wondered if she was referring to Curtis and Melanie. If indeed she was, Matthew thought it trivial to deal with them–mere nuisances he could dismiss with a flick of his fingers.

However, he understood that Aurelia preferred to handle matters on her own terms. Opting for discretion, he decided it best to feign ignorance for the moment.

Eventually, Matthew, who had awakened and found himself unable to return to sleep, gradually drifted back into slumber, soothed by the steady rhythm of Aurelia’s breathing.

In the subsequent days, life became markedly more difficult for Aaron after he had transferred the last of his funds from his card.

Having been accustomed to dining at Michelin–starred establishments, he now found himself relegated to quick, unremarkable meals at the office cafeteria.

His colleagues, who had once been overly flattering, seemed to have caught wind of his family’s financial woes and had begun to subtly probe him for information.

Particularly noticeable was the shift in office dynamics following the return of Xavier from a business trip. Those who once sought Aaron’s favor were now gravitating toward Xavier, relegating Aaron to a peripheral status within the company.

During his lunch break, concerned and desperate. Aaron made a call to Benjamin. “For the past two months, you haven’t transferred any money into my account. I’ve nearly spent all I have. Could you please deposit some more? Not much, just a million would suffice.”

“Aaron, you’re aware of the company’s situation, right?” Benjamin’s voice was tinged with frustration. “We’re facing unprecedented difficulties. We’re barely making ends meet; there’s hardly any money left in the accounts. Dad and I are at the office every day, trying to figure out a way to save the business. You know all this, so why are you still asking me for money?

Don’t you get a salary every month?”

The bluntness of the question caused Aaron’s face to pale. “I earn only thirty thousand a month, and it barely covers my day–to–

day expenses. Has the company really hit rock bottom?”

Aware of the company’s struggles but not the full extent, Aaron felt a sudden anxiety grip him. Have things deteriorated to the point where basic living expenses are now a concern?

la had navar antipinated starine mch – diffrul riomtien kafora 1/3 Chapter 148 They Overlooked Her In The Past, Benjamin, looking out from his office’s floor–to–ceiling window with a visage marked by worry and exhaustion, reflected on the past with a sense of loss, 25%9 Finished “Perhaps it’s even worse than you imagine. These past two years, Dad and I have been borrowing heavily from banks to expand our company. There’s a real chance our company might collapse and go bankrupt. If that happens, our family will be saddled with a massive debt.”

Aaron felt a surge of panic. “There’s still a way out, right? You’ve always shown exceptional business. acumen since your school days, spotting opportunities that many others couldn’t see. The company has improved several times over under your leadership these past few years. So, you can definitely find a way to save it.”

The thought of losing everything sent him into a panic.

Brace yourself, there’s a high chance the company might go under. But rest assured, Dad and I will do our utmost to revive it from the brink of collapse,” Benjamin confessed, a hint of determination in his voice. despite the grim outlook.

After a pause, he chose to end the conversation, leaving Aaron lost in his own troubled thoughts in the silence of his office.

Could it be... we’re about to lose everything?

That evening, Aaron returned to his now mostly empty villa. With both his father and Benjamin virtually living at the office, and Spencer busy with filming schedules, only he, his mother, and Melanie were left at home.

As he walked in, Luna invited him to dinner with a lack of enthusiasm, “Come join us for dinner.”

Melanie, sitting at the table, seemed to have lost her appetite; the food at home had been uninspiring lately, lacking variety and flavor.

When their eyes met, Melanie quickly looked away, her action tinged with a hint of shyness after seeing Aaron.

Noticing this, Aaron felt a boost in his spirits. No matter how distant others at the company had become. Melanie would never treat him so coldly.

After a light chuckle, he joined them at the table. During the meal, Aaron and Melanie exchanged covet glances, silently communicating through their eyes.

Meanwhile, Luna was preoccupied with her own thoughts and failed to notice the subtle exchanges between the two.

It Wasn’t until the meal was nearly over that she spoke up, her voice carrying a touch of revelation, “I heard from a friend today that Aurelia didn’t get into Old Mr. Gardner’s team through any connections. You see, Old Mr. Gardner is the type of person who wouldn’t even take his own son on board if he didn’t have real talent. So, it’s possible that... she might have gotten into Old Mr.

Gardner’s team all on her own.”

Realizing they had underestimated Aurelia’s capabilities and not truly recognized how outstanding she was, regret appeared on Luna’s face.

Melanie quickly chimed in, “I’ve always thought highly of Aurelia,” she said to her mother, “but... some things aren’t as simple as we think. Also, it seems that Aurelia’s new boyfriend isn’t Mr. Gardner or Mr. Quigley, but rather an ordinary man.”

2/3 29 Jun Chapter 148 They Overlooked Her In The Past Having married an ordinary man, Aurelia was of no use to the family.

25%

eFinished This comment caused Luna’s complexion to fall even further. They had misunderstood Aurelia in the past, and a slight sense of regret lingered; if Aurelia had become the wife of either powerful man, their family might have had substantial backing, potentially resolving their current predicaments.

“Let’s find an opportunity to clear up the previous misunderstanding with her in the future,” Luna suggested. “My friend mentioned that she’s working in Old Mr. Gardner’s tear, which clearly indicates her skyrocketing success. There will be plenty of people seeking her assistance in the future. It’s quite a prestigious matter for our family.”

Luna spoke in a rather ordinary tone, but to Melanie, it grated on her nerves.

Skyrocketing success? No, I can’t let Aurelia surpass me. Everyone at home has to love me more!

Sensing Melanie’s disappointment, Aaron, who previously felt guilty toward Aurelia, now looked concerned. “Mom, let’s not bring her up anymore, she holds too much resentment toward us.”

“I’m done eating. Mom. I’m going upstairs to rest,” Melanie announced with a hint of sadness in her voice as she rose from the table and ascended the stairs.

Seeing this, Aaron also excused himself. “Mom, Mel seems upset, I’ll go check on her.”

“Go ahead,” Luna replied.

Upon entering Melanie’s room, Aaron was immediately confronted with her emotional vulnerability.

Her eyes brimmed with tears as she looked up at him, her voice breaking. “Aaron, is it possible that you all like Aurelia, and none of you like me anymore? Moreover, with what happened between us... do you hate me too?”

228