Chapter 759: Friendship

In life, we meet many people. Some of them become our friends, while

others remain acquaintances or even strangers. But what is friendship?

It's a bond between two people who share common interests, values,

and experiences.

Friendship is not just about having fun together or hanging out. It's

about being there for each other through thick and thin. Friends support

each other in times of need and celebrate each other's successes.

True friendship is built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect. It takes

time to develop and requires effort to maintain. But the rewards are

worth it — a loyal friend can bring joy and comfort into your life.

So cherish your friendships — they are precious gifts that enrich our

lives in countless ways!

Kian nodded and immediately went to get the car. On the way back to

the Simpson's mansion, Ayan suddenly asked Kian, "Can you check

who Preston had dinner with tonight at Darkmoor?"

Kian replied with a simple "Hmm."

When they arrived back at the Simpson's mansion, it was already after

9pm. Everyone was still up and seeing him come back alone surprised

Talia who asked, "Why are you alone? Where is Cami?"

Ayan responded, "She's at Maple Leaves Mansion. I came back

because I had something to ask you guys."

Seeing Ayan's serious expression, even old Simpson noticed his

demeanor and asked,"What is it?"

Ayan then asked,"Grandpa, does our family have any relationship with

people named Walker or Baxter besides Hance City?"

His serious tone made everyone tense.

Old Simpson furrowed his brow and thought for a moment before

responding calmly, There are hardly any people in Hance City with

those surnames. Why do you ask this question?"

Ayan didn't answer Old Simpson directly but continued asking, "Besides

Hance City, has our family ever had any conflict with other surnames?"

Old Simpson replied lightly,"The Simpsons have been running the

Simpsons Group for many years now and naturally we've made some

enemies along the way. But what do you mean by “conflict’ exactly? It

can be defined in many ways."

Fletcher also chimed in asking Ayan if there was anything wrong since

he seemed so concerned.

Ayan didn't reveal Preston's words directly because he knew that

sometimes it wasn't wise to believe everything someone said but there

were certain things that couldn't be ignored either.

He narrowed his eyes slightly as he spoke slowly,"Nothing really

happened but I just remembered some things that might be important

later on so I thought I'd come by while I had time to ask about them."

Old Simpson knew Ayan well enough to know that if there really wasn't

anything going on then he wouldn't bother coming all this way just for a

simple question like this one. So if something was bothering him

enough to make him come here then it must be important.

After thinking about it for a while Old Simpson finally spoke up again

saying:"The Simpsons have definitely offended quite a few people over

time due to running their business but these were just typical business

conflicts between companies.”

Every business goes through its ups and downs, and although there

are no permanent enemies or friends in the business world, Simpson

Group has been able to stand strong in Hance City for so many years

because the Simpsons don't push people too far. That's why there are

very few people who would dare to cross them.

The old Simpson's words made Ayan nod along with him. He didn't say

anything more but his expression became somber and dark.

Ayan had rushed back to the Simpson mansion tonight for two reasons:

partly because of Preston's words that piqued his curiosity, but mostly

because Preston kept mentioning a secret about the Simpson family

that could lead Camille to leave him.

So he had to keep it in mind and pay attention.

After chatting with the old Simpson at the mansion for a while, it was

getting late and he was about to retire. After helping Timmy out, Ayan

took some videos and photos of Camille before leaving.

As soon as he got into his car, Fletcher came out from inside after him.

Father and son sat together in the car while Fletcher spoke calmly: “If

you have any questions or concerns in future just come directly to me.

Grandpa is getting older now so if you ask him something he may not

remember everything clearly which will affect his mood."

Fletcher's words made Ayan laugh involuntarily: “Are you worried I'll

ask grandpa something? Why so nervous? Does the Simpson family

really have some secrets?"

“Don't talk nonsense! I'm just being cautious. Grandpa is not as healthy

as before; Dr Ellis said last time that he needs rest more often now."

Fletcher looked at Ayan seriously with reminders and warnings

embedded within his speech.

Ayan's smile faded away too; he nodded lightly: "I understand. It's

getting late now; please go inside quickly!"

Fletcher also nodded then turned around walked back into their house.

Ayan sat quietly without any reaction until Kian spoke up from behind

after nearly half a minute:

"Mr. Simpson, can we leave now?"

"Hmm... let's go!" replied Ayan softly.

The car started up then left The Simpsons’ mansion behind them.

Kian didn't know what Ayan talked about with the old Simpsons and

Fletcher when they went in, but judging from what Fletcher just said,

tonight's conversation between Ayan and Preston is related. So Kian

couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Simpson, did Preston mislead you with his

words and cause a misunderstanding?"

Ayan looked out the window with a calm and indifferent expression on

his face. He squinted his eyes slightly, revealing a hint of coldness in

his gaze as he spoke in a low voice: "Whether he misled me or not

doesn't matter. Since he came to the Simpson family with something

real to deal with, it wasn't for nothing that I spent so much time

accompanying him."

Kian glanced at Ayan through the rearview mirror and reported what

happened during Ayan's visit to the Simpson mansion: "Mr. Simpson, I

found out who was dining with Preston at Darkmoor tonight. They have

been doing business overseas for Norman Group and there are some

illegal activities involved. I don't know if they are also cooperating with

Preston.”

"Keep an eye on them regardless of whether they're cooperating or

not,” Mr. Simpson replied firmly,"Don't keep watching over Preston

himself anymore; otherwise he'll become too cautious to do anything

useful. Just focus on those who are associated with him instead - I

want to see how capable he really is."

Kian nodded in agreement.

After dropping off Ayan at Maple Leaves Mansion, Kian watched as

Ayan took the elevator alone up to Camille's floor instead of going

straight back home.

He rang her doorbell without asking her password lock yet again, giving

her enough privacy.

Camille opened the door after two rings of bell, she asked immediately

upon seeing him:"You went back to The Simpsons’ mansion? Why

didn't you tell me? Are you secretly meeting Timmy behind my back

trying to cultivate your father-son relationship?"

Her questions made it difficult for Ayan, but also brought a smile on his

lips. He approached her directly, pulled her into his arms, and spoke

softly:"Yes, I'm cultivating our father-son relationship so that you can be

jealous. What do you think?"

"Aren't you sly, Ayam!" Camille gritted her teeth, knowing full well that

he was joking.

He held onto Camille tightly without letting go, and led them both into

the house while closing the door behind them using one foot. Camille

pushed against him, puckering up her eyebrows as she said:"Let go of

me."

"Hug, hmm?" His voice was low and husky, and he refused to let go of

Camille's hand as he walked her over to the couch. He rested his chin

on her shoulder and spoke softly, one word at a time. "Have you

missed me?"

Camille furrowed her brow at Ayan's clinginess. "Aren't you supposed

to be back at the Simpson mansion? Did your grandfather scold you

again?"

She sensed that something was off with his mood.

Ayan didn't answer her question directly but continued speaking. "I

might have to go back to Dane City in a few days for the project kick-off

ceremony. Will you come with me?"

“I'm already working on the project myself; I don't have any spare time,"

Camille sighed.

"What if you do have some free time? Will you come with me then?"

Ayan asked seriously.

Camille followed his lead and asked, "What do you want us to do

there?"

“I just want you by my side,” Ayan replied.

“If I can't make it, will you pressure the museum into giving me some

vacation days? Don't act like this; we've already attracted enough

attention as it is. I just want this project completed smoothly without any

more distractions,” Camille said firmly.

Ayan nodded in agreement with what she said.