The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 564 Much Resemblance To Autumn

Chris frowned and continued,"Charlie has the blood of Lu family. He rightfully deserves our love and care, but you..."

Chris paused for a moment and then continued, "After all, you are Charlie's mother. You'd better seek my grandpa's help to gain entry into Lu family."

She then suggested to Leila, "It will be better if you take Charlie with you. He will comfort and amuse my grandpa immensely. When he softens up enough, he may speak in your favor." That was all the help that Chris had to give to Leila.

Leila had expected Chris to offer her fullest support and assistance. She desperately needed her help to be admitted into Lu family, however, she met with disappointment. Feeling helpless, she stood up to bid farewell to Chris,"Anyway, I am indebted to you for your earlier support. Now I have to rely on my own self to achieve my goal, it seems."

After Leila left, Sam came into the room carrying their son in his arms. Chris smiled and enjoyed the pleasure of amusing her son. Meanwhile, Sam peeled an apple, heated it and lovingly began to feed her. "Did Leila come to ask you to appeal to Charles on her behalf once again?" Sam enquired.

"Why else?" Chris nodded gently with a resigned sigh.

"She has no right to keep pestering you," Sam said with irritation and distaste. "You should not entertain her but dismiss her instantly and rudely if need be."

"Sam, I know! I am not a silly woman." Chris admitted to her previous mistake. "After deep reflection, I realize I can not change Charles's mind. If I persisted in helping Leila, it would upset Charles." On hearing Chris say this, Sam felt greatly relieved.

Isla, informed of Charles's decision to throw a birthday party for his love child, Charlie, lost no time in calling Charles, as the information came from a reliable source.

'How could Charles celebrate Charlie's birthday on the day that Autumn went missing? How could Charles forget Autumn so easily?' Isla wondered.

"Isla, why are you calling me?" Charles was sitting on the bed in Autumn and his bedroom. The layout of this room remained unchanged and untouched. He was happy at the prospect of Autumn's return. Isla questioned Charles over the phone, "I was recently informed that...."

Isla paused, took a deep breath, and then continued, "you have decided to arrange a birthday party for your love child on the same day Autumn went missing. Is this true? Can I believe this news?" "Yes, it is true." Charles found it unnecessary to lie to Isla. He had decided that celebrating Charlie's birthday would add meaning to the painful day.

"Charles, how could you do this?" Isla fiercely questioned Charles, "On that day, we have planned to mourn to honor Autumn's memory. Instead, you change your mind and play with the emotions of that sad day."

"Isla, you misunderstand me," Charles had planned to give everyone concerned, including Isla, a big surprise by announcing Autumn's return at a wonderful moment.

"Charles, your actions and behavior disappoint me." Isla recalled how happy and proud she was to see Autumn blessed with a loving and dutiful husband like Charles. He had always remained devoted to Autumn. Only now she realized that Charles had another side.

'By no means would I let Charles celebrate his love child's birthday on that sad day though he may start anew, ' Isla thought with determination and disliked Charles in her mind.

It was beyond her tolerance for Charles to be disloyal to Autumn and Autumn's memory.

"Isla, give me some time. I will explain this matter more clearly to you later." Charles paused and continued, "I will give you a big surprise when you attend Charlie's birthday party."

"No, thanks." Isla sneered in reply,"I will go to mourn Autumn without you. At least I will forever honor the friendship between Autumn and me."

So saying, Isla angrily disconnected the call.

Reeling at Isla's hostility, Charles texted Aron in the hope that he would be able to convince Isla to attend the birthday party.

Aron assured Charles of his co-operation. Comforted by Aron, Charles set his mind at rest.

BM Corporation's Spring and Summer Fashion Show was scheduled for 2:00 PM. All the models and staff were exceptionally busy. Meanwhile, Anthony boarded an airplane for a neighboring city with Shirley. Anthony pulled out his phone from his pocket to call someone. The person answered and immediately responded, "I am waiting for you at the entrance of the terminal."

Carrying Shirley in his arms, Anthony walked out of the international terminal. He met Andy who was dressed in a smart suit. Andy stared at Shirley with affection.

"Tony, where are we?" Shirley idly asked Anthony as she played with her doll.

"We are visiting an old friend before reuniting with Sher. Is it okay, sweetie?" Anthony tried to comfort Shirley.

Shirley was very excited at the promise of meeting Sheryl later.

Andy escorted them to a coffee shop near the terminal. It was well equipped with playthings for children. Shirley was extremely happy at this and was soon lost in play. Andy studied Shirley for quite a while and exclaimed, "Time does fly. Shirley is growing up so fast and so soon."

"Most definitely, she is." Anthony proudly replied with almost paternal love for Shirley.

"Shirley looks so much like Autumn," Andy remarked casually as he continued to gaze at the playing child.

"Exactly," Anthony smiled, "A true beauty. So much like her mother Autumn."

With past memories of happiness and sadness still vivid in mind, Andy cast a meaningful look at Anthony. He then asked, "Anthony, I know you're not here to talk about the old days. Now let's get down to the business on hand."