Chapter 701: Questioning Audrey
Everything returned to normal. Grandma Sterling’s health was poor, so Terrence had to take over the company again. However, Terrence focused more on Audrey, leaving the company’s affairs to trusted individuals. Except for important meetings and project signings, Terrence rarely made appearances. He also refused any media interviews. Many media outlets wanted to interview Mrs. Sterling upon her return, but Terrence wouldn’t let them disturb their peaceful life.
Winter in Auroraville grew colder.
One day, there was an important meeting at the company. Terrence brought Audrey along, letting her watch movies and relax in his office. Linda heard that Mrs. Sterling was at the company and excitedly went to see her. When she saw Audrey sitting on the sofa, eating snacks and watching a movie, Linda almost cried. Meredith had really come back.
Audrey turned and greeted her with a smile, “Hello.” She didn’t know who Linda was but assumed from her attire that she was an employee and greeted her politely.
“Meredith, you really came back alive,” Linda said, having heard the news but not believing it until now.
Audrey nodded, “Would you like some fruit?” Seeing Linda’s reaction, Audrey could tell she was someone who hoped for Meredith’s return.
“No, thank you,” Linda replied as she approached. “Meredith, it’s really wonderful.”
Audrey smiled but said nothing in response.
At that moment, Rick also came to the office to see if Meredith had really returned. Seeing Audrey’s face, he was equally surprised. “Mrs. Sterling, you really came back.”
“Hello,” Audrey greeted him. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember much from before. You are…?”
Linda quickly introduced herself, “I’m Linda, Mr. Sterling’s secretary.”
Rick added, “I’m Rick, Mr. Sterling’s assistant. We’ve both worked with Mr. Sterling for many years.”
Audrey nodded in understanding. “Please sit down; no need to stand.” She encouraged them not to be formal.
In the past, both of them were quite casual around Meredith without much formality or strict hierarchy.
They sat down and wanted to catch up with Audrey. She asked Rick and Linda about their past experiences as she wanted to learn more about her past.
They shared everything with Audrey, and their conversation went very well.
Just then, Azure walked in. “Mr. Shepard, Linda, you’re all here? Meredith, I heard from Stella that you and Terrence came to the company today, so I stopped by.”
“Miss Azure,” Rick and Linda greeted warmly.
To them, Azure held a special status; if Meredith hadn’t returned, Azure might have become their boss’s wife.
Azure held up a bag of chestnuts and said, “Would you like to try some? I just bought them; they’re still warm. Meredith, you used to love these.”
“They smell delicious,” Audrey said with a smile as she took one to taste.
Rick said, “Miss Azure, we won’t have any; we have work to do.” He then excused himself.
Linda also excused herself tactfully: “I need to deliver a document. Meredith, let’s chat next time.”
Audrey smiled and said, “Alright, take care.”
With both of them gone, only Azure and Audrey remained in the office.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
Azure casually asked, “Is Terrence still in the meeting?”
“Yes,” Audrey replied. “He should be done soon. Are you looking for him?”
“No,” Azure said with a smile. “I wanted to chat with you alone since we haven’t had the chance yet.” Then she asked curiously, “Meredith, how did you survive after falling into the sea? Who saved you?”
“It was a whale,” Audrey said calmly. “I vaguely remember being on a whale’s back before waking up at home. My father told me I encountered a typhoon at sea and that the whale saved me. But I don’t remember much; I thought I was my father’s daughter until memories started coming back to me. That’s when I traced my way back to Auroraville.”
Azure was astonished; she hadn’t expected Audrey would say a whale saved her. But considering how vast and mysterious the world is, she recalled reading news about a man who disappeared at sea for months only to return safely after being rescued by a whale from a shark attack.
“Why do you go by Audrey?” Azure asked.
Audrey answered frankly: “When I woke up, my father told me my name was Audrey.”
“A life-saving debt should be repaid,” Azure remarked. “Didn’t Terrence go back with you to thank those who saved you?”