The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 198 Cutting Ties

Charles decided to negotiate despite having various ways to stop Wendy from making trouble. If it weren't for the fact that she's Autumn's mother, he wouldn't have even bothered.

Charles wanted to avoid further disagreement. But it didn't mean that he would just agree to everything that she said. He knew that willingly granting Wendy's request would only end into more trouble.

"Don't be too greedy?" Wendy said, shaking her head with a scoff. "I'm the one who gave birth to Autumn. I'm the one who raised her! I'm only asking for 50 million. A very small amount in exchange for everything I did. Don't you think that's only fair?" she exclaimed.

Charles stared at her with indifference. After a few moments, he finally said. "I can only give you thirty-five million. Take it or leave it."

Charles felt sympathetic at the thought of Yvonne's miscarriage that he decided to add another five million. Wendy knew she had no other choice but to agree, knowing full well that Charles would withdraw his offer if she dared to ask for more.

Besides, she had no intention to destroy her relationship with Autumn.

Despite already taking a large sum of money, she knew that remaining in good terms would prove to be beneficial. Knowing Autumn, she didn't think she had it in her to turn a blind eye the moment she asked for financial help in the future.

"Alright. I'm accepting your offer,

Wendy said, nodding her agreement to Charles.

"I will ask my assistant to remit the money to your bank account later. But let me be clear. If you ever dare to bother Autumn again, I will definitely make you regret it. You better keep that in mind."

Wendy was so pleased to receive such a large amount of money that she wasn't able to pay attention to what Charles was saying.

She didn't have any doubts when it came to Charles' character. As long as Charles promised to remit the money, Wendy knew that he would keep his word. But somehow, she can't help but feel uncomfortable at the thought of Autumn living such a privileged married life.

"Charles, why do you love Autumn so much? What do you see in her?

Have you forgotten that she had a relationship with Sam? That's something that she can't deny, Wendy said, trying to dishonor Autumn before leaving. Gary got enraged upon hearing this.

"

He couldn't bear the fact that Autumn's biological mother treated her in such a cruel way.

He didn't care how much money Charles had promised to give her. He just wanted to get Wendy out of his sight.

"Wendy, you should be careful with your words. Autumn is my grandson's wife and she is a part of our family. If you talk about her that way again, I promise you won't receive even a single cent. Do you understand?"

Serious about the matter at hand, Gary went on. "Starting today, Autumn has nothing to do with you. I don't ever want to hear you talking to her in that way. She is a part of my family. Therefore, she's my responsibility.

If you are tired of doing nothing, why don't you go ahead and try to discipline your other daughter?" he exclaimed. Wendy blushed with embarrassment upon hearing Gary's words. Mortified, she left without saying anything.

Gary and Charles went back inside the room. They saw Autumn hold her grandmother, her eyes red from crying.

Emily suddenly knelt down, surprising Charles and Gary in return. "Grandma, what are you doing?" Charles said, rushing over as he held her arms. "Don't do this ever again," he continued, worry apparent in his voice.

"Charles is right. Please don't do this again,"

Echoed Gary, startled by the scene in front of him.

"Gary, Charles, I want to express my deepest gratitude. I really appreciate both of you for taking the time to help my granddaughter. I haven't been able to protect her because of my old age. Please help me take good care of her, " Emily said while choked with sobs. "She's gone through so many hardships because of me. But thank God! She's really lucky to be a part of your family. I really hope we could prevent Wendy from hurting her in the future," she continued.

"Grandma, don't worry about that. I promise I'll never let anything bad happen to Autumn as long as I'm alive," Charles said, trying to reassure Emily.

With a soft smile, he then continued, "Autumn, are you going shopping with Grandma?

I'll go with you."

"Don't you have to be in the office today?" Autumn asked, her eyes glistening with tears.

She didn't want Charles to put off his work despite being pleased by what he said. After all, she understood that he was busy with his work these days.

"Don't worry. I've already taken care of my work so that I can go shopping with the both of you," he said, beaming with a smile.

Charles temporarily excused themselves, taking Autumn to the bathroom.

"Why are you crying? I don't want to see you upset," he said upon entering the room, holding her in his arms.

"Charles, I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me, "Autumn responded in return.

"I just thought that if I stayed obedient and followed Wendy's orders, she'll eventually be moved by me someday. But that was naive of me to think so. You know what? I'm willing to let go of the past and support her when she gets old if Yvonne decides to abandon her. But I realized she doesn't really care about me at all.

She just wants to take advantage of me for the sake of Yvonne's happiness," she said, smiling sadly.

"This is why I'm so grateful to you, Charles. I promise that I'll pay you back the money no matter how much it costs."

"Autumn, I'm your husband. We are married which means that what's mine is also yours. As a couple, we need to face everything together. Have you forgotten that?" Charles said, trying to explain to her. "Now go ahead and wash your face. Grandma is waiting for us downstairs."

"Okay," she said, unable to express her appreciation.

Autumn knew that she had no time to be upset. Despite grandma's critical condition, she wanted to keep her company and enjoy the remaining time she had left, knowing that a peaceful life was the only thing that she could give her.

Charles went shopping with Autumn and Grandma for the whole day. Emily had so much fun that she didn't even notice the time quickly passing by. They heard bursting laughter in the room as soon as they went home. "Dr. Zhao, why are you here?" Autumn asked with great astonishment, clearly shocked to see Arthur.

"Autumn, you're back!" Gary stood up, smiling as he walked towards them.

He was also surprised to see Arthur drop by after dinner. Through their conversation, he found out that they were very compatible. Gary even discovered that he had already made contact with the Zhao family before.

"Dr. Zhao has been here for some time. He came here so he could have a look at your grandma because he's worried about her,

Gary said as he asked Nancy to serve them some fruits. "I'll go ahead so you and Dr. Zhao will have a chance to talk."

"Thank you, Grandpa. Have a good night, "Autumn said, nodding slightly and then she turned to Arthur.

"Dr. Zhao, I didn't expect that you'll come here to see my grandma in person. Thank you for being so considerate."

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"No worries. Emily is my friend and I am also concerned about her health condition, "Arthur said as he walked towards Emily to give her a medical check-up.

A few moments later, Autumn stepped into the room to ask about the result of the examination. "Dr. Zhao, how's my grandmother doing? Is she getting better?"

"She's fine. She even looks pretty good. Perhaps it's because of her good mood after being discharged from the hospital, "Arthur replied.

"But you have to make sure that she's well taken care of. Recovery time may speed up if she keeps having such a good mood. You have to trust and believe that miracle is possible," he continued, smiling. "Don't worry, Dr. Zhao. I'll make sure to take good care of my grandma. I really hope she'll get better soon,"

Autumn said, relieved by hearing Arthur's words.