Chapter 6

Sierra went silent momentarily. "Mr. Blackwood, if you need a job, I can recommend you to Winoria Group. They happen to be in need of a deputy director. Based on your experience and capabilities, I believe that you'll be able to take that position." Aaron was taken aback momentarily. Right after that, he refused, "Thank you for offering, but I haven't thought of what my next steps would be." "In that case, here's my name card." Sierra pulled out a name card stamped with gold from her elegant-looking card holder. "Feel free to contact me any time if you change your mind." Aaron took the name card from her. He read the gold-foiled words on it, which read, "Sierra Thorn, CEO of Gemstone Company." Gemstone Company? Wasn't that the new artificial intelligence technology company that had been on the rise recently? Aaron was shocked. When he looked at Sierra again, the look in his eyes changed. Noticing the skepticism in his eyes, Sierra curled her lips slightly. "It seems like you've recognized who I am, Mr. Blackwood." Aaron nodded. "I never imagined that I'd meet you like this, Ms. Thorne." "It's just how fate works, I guess," Sierra remarked in a soft voice. "Oh, right. I haven't asked. Where are you planning to go?" After pondering for a moment, Aaron answered, "I'll spend a few days at a hotel." Sierra smiled. "What a coincidence. My driver can drop you off." Aaron was about to refuse when a black car came to a stop before them. "Ms. Thorne, has your car been fixed?" "Mr. Pattinson, please take Mr. Blackwood to Twilight Hotel. I have to stay back and wait for a bit." Charles Pattinson nodded. "Will do, Ms. Thorne." Hesitantly, Aaron said, "I shouldn't impose." "It's no trouble at all," Sierra responded with a smile. "Just take it as a gesture of apology for scratching your car." Looking at Sierra, Aaron finally nodded and said, "Thank you, then." Just as he was about to get into the car, Esther dashed out from the workshop. "Aaron!" she screamed, her eyes looking bloodshot. "You can't do this to me!" Aaron ignored her. He opened the car door and got in. Esther charged to the door. Slamming her palms on the car window, she shouted, "Aaron, I'm pregnant with your child! You can't leave us alone!" In the car, Aaron shut his eyes as he clenched his fists tightly. Upon seeing this, Sierra immediately gave Charles a nod. Charles took her hint and started the car. When the car drove away, Aaron looked through the rear-view mirror and saw Esther crouched on the ground, wailing. Meanwhile, Sierra stood a short distance away, observing all that was happening. Charles was an understanding man. Rather than probing Aaron or comforting him, he focused on driving. Aaron leaned back in his seat and experienced the comfort of this high-end vehicle. Then, his mind wandered back to seven years ago. At that time, he had just returned to the country after his studies abroad in Avencia. He was young and energetic, and he believed that love could conquer everything. In order to prove to the Butterfields that he was a capable man, he gave up a high-paying job overseas and started working his way up to the position of deputy director from the bottom. Unfortunately, he was unable to escape the reality of life. "Mr. Blackwood, we've arrived." Charles' voice pulled Aaron back to reality. Aaron came back to his senses, only to find that the car had already stopped at the entrance to Twilight Hotel. "Thank you," Aaron thanked Charles after getting out of the car. "You're welcome," replied Charles with a smile. "Ms. Thorne has said that you can contact me any time if you need a ride." Charles handed Aaron a name card, which only had a phone number on it. Aaron accepted it from him, feeling a little perplexed over how attentive Sierra was toward him. Nevertheless, he thanked Charles courteously once again. Aaron took a deep breath as he watched Charles drive away in the black car. Right after, he turned around and walked into the hotel. … Aaron was just done showering in the presidential suite of Twilight Hotel when his phone rang. It was Dolores calling. He hesitated for a moment before picking up her call. "Aaron, have you gone mad? You asked Esther for a divorce in public?" Dolores questioned through clenched teeth. By now, Aaron was not in the mood to care about these things. "I believe this is just moving the timeline of our agreement ahead." "Our agreement? Did you meet a slut at the workshop, so you're urgently trying to cut ties with Esther?" Aaron jeered, "I'm sure you're well aware of the relationship between Esther and Russell." Dolores went silent for a few seconds. "Fine. I'm fine if you want to get divorced, but you can only tell the public that it's because both of you were incompatible. You can't mention anything about Esther's affair!" "I won't make that known for now. But I can't promise what I'll end up doing if my hand is forced." "Are you threatening me?" Dolores raised her voice. "No, I'm not. I'm just telling you that we're doing this according to each of our needs. There's no need to cause a scene." Dolores paused for a moment before replying, "Sixty million dollars. Come to my place at 9:00 am tomorrow." Aaron raised a brow. "Eighty million dollars." "What?" Dolores screamed. "You've gone overboard, Aaron!" "The market value of Butterfield Group has increased threefold under my leadership these two years," Aaron said candidly. "Moreover, I have sufficient evidence that shows what Esther and Russell's relationship is like. I also have a record of her abortion." "You looked into my daughter?" "I'm just looking out for myself. Eighty million dollars. It's non-negotiable." Dolores' end of the call went silent again. "Seventy million dollars. This is my maximum." Aaron gave it some thought. "Sure. But on one condition." "What is it?" "After the divorce, Esther shall not pester me no matter the reason." He paused before continuing, "Otherwise, she'll be doing so at her own risk." Dolores gritted her teeth. She mocked, "Aaron, you're ready to spread your wings, aren't you?" "I just want us to separate amicably," Aaron explained light-heartedly. "See you tomorrow." Without waiting for Dolores to reply, he hung up. After that, he realized that he had received a text message from a number he didn't recognize. The text message read, "Mr. Blackwood, if you need an attorney tomorrow, you may contact Steve Lewis. He's a friend of mine and a very reliable person. From, Sierra." Along with her message was Steve's contact number. Aaron stared at the text message for a long while. He couldn't help but feel that it was rather odd. Why was Sierra so helpful toward him? He had only met her for the first time today. Was it truly just out of pure kindness? Feeling doubtful, he called Steve anyway. "Good day, Mr. Lewis. I'm Aaron Blackwood. Sierra introduced you to me." "Hello, Mr. Blackwood. Ms. Thorne has informed me about it. I can wait for you in the lobby of Twilight Hotel at 8:30 am tomorrow. Then, we'll head out together to meet with Mrs. Butterfield." Aaron exclaimed in surprise, "You know about this?" "Ms. Thorne gave me a brief update on it," Steve answered professionally. "I'll prepare the necessary documents." Deep down, the doubt in Aaron's heart grew. "Mr. Lewis, how are you and Sierra connected?" "We were college mates, but she's one of my most important clients at the moment." Steve paused. "Mr. Blackwood, I'm guessing that you're wondering why she's helping you out, am I right? All I can tell you is that Ms. Thorne is a very special individual. You'll find out after a number of interactions with her." After the call ended, Aaron felt even more baffled. Who in the world was Sierra?