The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 2024 Isla's Proposal

However, Isla was serious about the matter. "Don't you think Charles could be busy covering up a crime, and perhaps that's why he has sent David here to do it?" she asked in a serious tone. Isla meant every single word she said. She was inspecting the matter from every angle possible.

Sheryl couldn't help but grin at Isla's assumption. "Do you think that the CEO of the Shining Company is a gangster?" she asked, shaking her head in amusement.

"No, but don't you think that there must have been something unusual?" Isla was extremely vigilant and eyed everything with suspicion.

"Whatever you think," Sheryl said. She didn't try convincing Isla to stop overthinking because she knew that nothing would change her mind.

After they had finished their coffee, Sheryl drove Isla home.

She was upset that Aron had gone on a vacation with their child, leaving her all alone. Although Isla was complaining, Sheryl couldn't help but wonder at how beautiful and happy their family was. "You've no clue as to how lucky you are. Aron loves you and treasures you like a precious gift. You're the most important person in his life. But look at you-You're always complaining about him," Sheryl advised Isla.

"You're my best friend! You're supposed to be on my side, not his. How can you stand up for Aron?" Isla exclaimed in mock annoyance.

Sheryl burst into a fit of laughter. "You're such a drama queen. Aron is overprotective about you and has turned you into a spoiled child. Would you be the same without him?"

"Ha-ha! Very funny!" Isla rolled her eyes. "If you want to live your life the way I do, the first thing you've got to do is forget Charles. Then, replace a good man, start a new relationship, and move on. If you're looking for men, I'll help you out. I know some guys who'd interest you."

Isla was going on and on about what Sheryl should be doing.

"Isla, have you changed your profession? Are you a matchmaker now?" Sheryl was amused.

"Sheryl, if you utter another word, I'll bring a man right away and set you up on a date!" Isla threatened her.

"Oops, sorry boss." Sheryl knew that Isla would do what she had said. So, she gave up, looking at Isla innocently. She didn't want to complicate her life any further.

Luckily, they had reached Isla's house in no time.

"Bye," said Sheryl. She didn't want to give Isla the chance to talk about dating and guys again.

"Sheryl, I want you to take my proposal seriously. Please think over what I said," Isla said, looking concerned.

"Okay, I will." Sheryl waved at Isla as she watched her leave.

When Isla walked upstairs, she couldn't contain her excitement. She was still thrilled about what she had found on the CCTV footage. She felt that she was close to unraveling Charles' true colors. This meant that Sheryl would finally understand who Charles was, forget him and move on for good. Isla decided that she should gather more evidence against Charles before revealing it to Sheryl.

The mere thought of it made Isla happy.

The kids were already asleep when Sheryl had reached home. She walked straight into her room as she didn't want to wake them up.

As soon as she walked into her room, she broke down. She couldn't pretend like she was okay anymore.

Although she had brushed off the matter nonchalantly, Sheryl believed Isla's speculation about the conspiracy to be true. That was when a name flashed in her mind-Vicky!

She laughed at her own stupidity. She had been so naive and stupid. 'Our love has finally perished,' she thought.

Sheryl's heart was heavy, and her vision was clouded with tears. She mustered all her strength to prevent them from tumbling from her eyes. She didn't want to cry. Crying was meant for cowards, and she didn't want to be one.

The next morning

Charles was interrupted by Melissa when he walked out of his room. "Charles, I miss the kids. I want to see them."

Her eyes were pleading at him.

Charles couldn't say no to her. Melissa was their grandmother, after all. She had the right to visit her grandchildren, even if things had gone bitter between him and his ex-wife.

"Yeah, sure. You can, if Sheryl is ok with it," Charles said, looking strained.

Melissa's face broke into a grin. "Don't you worry about that. Sher will agree, she's a nice girl."

Charles didn't have the heart, to tell the truth, to break his mother's heart. He couldn't forget what Isla had told David the previous night. He feared that Melissa might be the one receiving Isla's bashing today. Melissa was constantly shooting questions at Charles during breakfast. She wanted to know what games the kids liked to play, what their favorite food was, and their likes and dislikes.

Charles was explaining it to her in detail. Although he hadn't seen them in a long time, he hadn't forgotten anything. He even remembered Sheryl's hobby. All the memories were still vivid in his mind. "Charles, why don't you come along with me and see the kids?" Melissa finally asked.

Although she regretted questioning him, she was determined to know the answer.

Charles' body stiffened. He paused for a moment before biting into the food. "Mom, I'm busy these days."

"Couldn't you come up with a better reason? Stop lying, Charles," Melissa retorted. She was mad at him for not being serious about his kids.

Charles was determined. No matter what Melissa did, or said, he wouldn't visit the kids today. He had his plan-nothing would stop him from implementing it.

"Enough, Mom. I have to go to work now." Charles stood up and walked out without looking back. He didn't want to hear another word from his mother.

Melissa couldn't let go of it. She ran after him. "Charles, wait!"

"Mom, I swear, I don't have the time to talk. I should go." Charles didn't have a reason that was good enough to convince his mother. He had to leave immediately. He couldn't afford to waste the time. "All right, I don't want to bother you anymore. I just wanted to know whether you'll be back for dinner," Melissa said, suppressing her anger.

"I'm not sure. Ask for Sheryl's consent if you're going to see the kids." Charles drove off, leaving Melissa all alone.

David was driving the car in silence, but his eyes were speaking a thousand words as he was glancing at Charles and studied his face.

"Just say it," Charles said coldly. Charles' eyes were closed, but he could feel that David was peering at him.

David was embarrassed about being so obvious. "Mr. Lu, I think you can visit the kids if you like," he said, smiling shyly.

"I know. I don't want to be distracted, as this is a critical moment for me. If anyone replaces out that I still love my kids, they'll use them to get back at me." The love for his children was Charles' biggest weakness. Understanding crossed David's face. "You're right, Mr. Lu. You can count on me. I'll instruct more people to keep a close eye on Ms. Xia and the kids," he promised.

"Thank you,"

Charles mumbled, closing his eyes, drowning in his thoughts.