Chapter 11 Regretting the Divorce
Chapter 11 Regretting the Divorce
Anastasia tried to put on a cheerful facade and exchanged a few more words with Grace before leaving.
She walked out of the room and saw Christian leaning against the wall, his aura cold and his lips tightly pursed, his face clouded with gloom.
He had overheard the conversation inside the room.
Christian couldn't help but wonder if Anastasia's efforts to please Grace indicated that she still had feelings for him.
He started to believe Anastasia regretted the divorce and wanted to return to him.
Christian was in turmoil as he reflected on the past three years. He couldn't fathom how Anastasia could suddenly fall out of love with him after loving him for so long.
The idea that she might still have feelings for him gave him a sense of relief and comfort. It brought a glimmer of hope that maybe they could work things out.
As he watched Anastasia come out with a gentle and happy demeanor, his mixed emotions became even more evident. He seemed somewhat pleased and relieved but also filled with guilt. Over the past three years, Christian acknowledged that he hadn't treated Anastasia as well as he should have.
However, he was now determined to make amends and be a better partner in the future.
He noticed that Anastasia left with nothing when they divorced, indicating that she still cared for him as a person and didn't want to be misunderstood as someone who married him for money. This realization brought Christian a newfound sense of self-assurance.
"Anastasia, if you regret the divorce, there's still time to reconsider."
Without the identity of Mrs. Patterson, Anastasia would face many hardships outside.
Christian's gaze was sharp, his voice cold, yet he couldn't help but feel satisfaction.
He thought that he was being generous by offering her a way back.
But Anastasia's heart grew even colder as she found Christian's offer laughable.
She glanced at him, a hint of disdain in her eyes, and let out a light laugh before turning away and heading downstairs.
She had no desire to exchange useless words with him.
There was no way Anastasia regretted the divorce with Christian.
She couldn't pretend that all those unpleasant things hadn't happened and continue to be part of their ugly affairs. The very thought of it suffocated her.
When Anastasia left without saying a word, Christian's expression gloomed and stiffened slightly.
It felt like a piece was missing from his chest, leaving him empty and restless.
He couldn't express the mix of emotions swirling inside him. It was frustration, anxiety, and regret.
He loosened his collar and hurried downstairs, but Anastasia was already gone.
Lamia intercepted him, and her expression was furious and frustrated.
"This woman has no manners! We had no choice but to accept her when she took advantage of the situation and married into our family. We supported her for three years, yet this is how she repays us. She's been causing trouble online, bringing shame to the Patterson family. I think she needs to learn a lesson. Even after the divorce, she still needs to find a job. Notify the entertainment industry to black-list her. Let her experience hardship, and come begging to us. She needs to learn her place and know who's in charge!"
Christian frowned, his expression turning cold, and his deep eyes showed hints of hidden emotions. He felt a heaviness in his chest as he coolly adjusted his sleeves.
"Mom, you don't need to worry about the things outside. Just focus on entertaining the guests," Christian said coldly, and walked away directly.
Once outside, he called Brian.
"Have you found out where Anastasia is living?"
Christian had been trying to find Anastasia's address during this time, but all efforts had been in vain.
Anastasia had blocked Christian's contact entirely.
Was she deliberately avoiding him?
Brian hesitated before answering cautiously, "I'm sorry, sir, but there's been no information about Ms. Graves since she left."
Christian clenched his teeth, feeling a sharp twist in his heart as if someone had squeezed it tightly.
He felt extremely uncomfortable.
He refused to believe Anastasia could slip out of his grasp easily like that.
Three months later, Amarilla City hosted a charity gala organized by the entertainment giant, Starlight Entertainment.
A few elite figures attended the event. They were all wealthy or prestigious people, making it an imposing spectacle.
Starlight Entertainment held an unparalleled position in the industry.
One widely known secret was that whoever signed with Starlight Entertainment was almost guaranteed to become the next top actor or actress.
Starlight Entertainment was supported by the industry giant Graves Group behind the scenes.
But this event is not open to the public, so the media cannot take any photos.
In the evening, a luxurious and low-profile Bentley parked at the entrance of the Azure Hotel.
The dignified and aloof Christian stepped out from the Bentley, accompanied by his female companion, Beatrice.
Despite his young age, Christian had taken over the Patterson Group and swiftly propelled it to the top position within a few years. Both the lawful and unlawful circles knew better than to offend him. Christian and Beatrice attracted attention as soon as they stepped into the scene.
After all, the scandal of Christian's involvement with two women had been widely discussed online. It t had briefly affected the Patterson Group's stock value.
However, Christian's skills and capabilities were enough to turn the tide.
Beatrice was dressed in a custom-made and expensive gown, standing by Christian's side, exuding a charming and adorable aura.
In the past three months, she had frequently faced interrogation and even spent fifteen days in detention at the police station.
Yet, Christian remained indifferent to her situation.
Fortunately, Charlie was still young and would cry to find his mother, prompting Christian to help resolve the matter.
Beatrice felt a sense of satisfaction.
After all, Anastasia's child was gone, and she left the Patterson family.
Beatrice achieved her goal.
The position of Mrs. Patterson was within her grasp.
The dazzling lights illuminated the banquet hall.
Christian held a small stake in Starlight Entertainment, not much, just for fun, but his status and position were enough to make him a respected guest. People would come forward to exchange greetings with Christian and Beatrice.
"I heard that Starlight Entertainment has appointed a new director, and the person has a remarkable background. Did Mr. Patterson hear about this news?"
"I heard that this dinner was specially organized to introduce the new director."
"It seems the new director has some connection with Mrs. Amanda Graves!"
Beatrice listened attentively, her mind calculating, and she looked expectantly at Christian.
She was tired of working so hard in the theater troupe and felt that getting into the entertainment industry would be a better option.
She had wanted to enter the entertainment circle for a long time but hadn't found the right opportunity to talk to Christian about it.
Christian, composed and dignified, exchanged pleasantries with people, maintaining a certain distance that created a sense of aloofness.
As soon as the others left, Beatrice couldn't wait any longer and spoke up eagerly, "Christian, I want to quit my job at the theater. Can you put in a good word for me with the new director? I..." Christian slightly furrowed his brow, casually sipping his drink, and his voice remained as cold as ever.
"I got it."
For him, it was a trivial matter, merely extending a favor.
Beatrice looked at Christian with a smile, knowing he wouldn't refuse any of her requests.
The banquet hall buzzed with chatter.
Someone announced, "Ms. Graves from Graves Group is also here. Who's the familiar-looking woman by his side?"
Derek exuded an air of grace and aloofness, and every move he made showcased his composure and undeniable power.
The woman holding his arm was equally captivating, drawing considerable attention.
Anastasia's facial features were exquisitely beautiful, and she wore a custom-made black gown. She was breathtakingly stunning, emanating an aura of elegance and allure that was far from ordinary. The moment she walked in, Christian's expression turned somber, and his eyes narrowed slightly.
The woman who had vanished for three months had decided to show up like this, stirring up conflicting feelings within him.