Chapter 8 Why?

• After hearing Zelda's remarks, Emilia felt a deep sense of anguish and abruptly ended the call.
• "Emilia, your mom just mentioned Chester resides at Riverside Residence. Is that accurate?" Sherry inquired.
• "I need some fresh air." Emilia avoided Sherry's question, rising to leave the room.
• "Sherry, did you catch that? Chester lives at Riverside Residence?" the sales manager asked once Emilia had left.
• "Yes, and Emilia's mom also hinted that Emilia settled for too little money during the divorce," Sherry responded with a wry smile.
• "Riverside Residence is an exclusive villa community, home to the elite of Kinlande. Does that imply Chester is wealthy?" The sales manager's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
• "Precisely. Owning a Land Rover is insignificant. Residing at Riverside Residence signifies true affluence. You can't merely purchase a property there with money alone." Sherry took a deep breath.
• "Sherry, do you now believe it was Chester who facilitated our company's contract with Callister Group?" the company accountant asked cautiously.
• "Without a doubt! I am well-acquainted with Riverside Residence. When my aunt attempted to buy a property there, she brought a substantial amount of cash, but they didn't even consider her. They wouldn't sell even the least expensive villas. The security is stringent. The guards are said to be ex-military, and non-residents are barred entry! Moreover, shortly after Emilia's divorce, we lost the deal with Callister Group. It's too coincidental. Chester must have connections with either a shareholder or a senior executive at Callister Group!" Sherry concluded, her expression filled with astonishment.
• The room fell into a contemplative silence.
• They had all encountered Chester before. At Emilia's home, he was always donning an apron, preoccupied with household chores. Zelda often barked orders at Chester, treating him like a subordinate.
• They had all, to some extent, belittled Chester. Now, reflecting on Chester's indifferent smiles, they felt a wave of regret.
• "Two years ago, when Emilia's dad was gravely ill, they brought in Chester as a live-in son-in-law. In hindsight, Chester likely endured Zelda's abuse to spare Emilia from additional grief. With his wealth, Chester didn't need to work, but Zelda perceived him as worthless…"
• "How did Emilia end up with such a mom? A good husband like Chester was driven away by Zelda," Sherry muttered through clenched teeth.
• "Well, Emilia's mom really is something else. Should we attempt to speak with Chester? Perhaps he could reconcile with Emilia?" the sales manager suggested hesitantly.
• "Reconcile? Do you think that's feasible? You all know how Zelda treated Chester over the past two years. Just now, Zelda was talking about demanding even more money from Chester!" Sherry shook her head.
• "Zelda has jeopardized our company!" the accountant exclaimed.
• "Sherry, now that we understand it was Chester who assisted us, what should we do?" the company attorney queried.
• "This situation fundamentally revolves around Emilia's family matters. None of us can intervene effectively. Emilia left just now because she recognized Chester's role in helping her. We need to observe and, if necessary, gently persuade Emilia. Chester tolerated two years of humiliation as a live-in son-in-law out of love for Emilia, indicating he genuinely cared for her. If Chester harbors even a faint trace of affection for Emilia, there's a chance to resolve this!" Sherry sighed.
• ...
• After departing the office, Emilia found herself aimlessly wandering through the bustling streets without a specific destination.
• Couples strolled past her—some laughing and playfully teasing each other while others leaned against one another in quiet intimacy.
• At that moment, Emilia was certain that the person who had aided her in the past was Chester.
• But this revelation was pointless at the moment.
• She was already divorced from Chester, and just the previous night, in an effort to provoke him, she had even claimed that Derek was her boyfriend.
• Emilia felt profoundly isolated, convinced there was not a single place in Kinlande where she could find solace for her soul.
• Home? Is that still a home?
• In the past, upon her return, everything had been meticulously arranged for her—from the slippers by the door to the steaming meals and freshly made bed.
• But now, all of that was absent. No matter where she found herself within her home, a pervasive chill enveloped her.
• And the company—is it truly on the brink of bankruptcy? Should I approach Grandpa for assistance? Forget it.
• She vividly recalled how her grandpa had banished her dad from the family.
• Emilia would rather seek out Chester than approach her grandpa... But to find Chester...
• With a deep sigh, Emilia gazed up at the sky.
• A billboard caught her attention.
• Corner Bar!
• In the corner of the billboard, a small line of text read: 'If you have nowhere to go in this city, come to Corner Bar. At least you can drink your worries away.'
• "Drink your worries away…" Emilia murmured, as if catching a glimmer of hope.
• "Hey, Marilyn, do you have a moment? Could you join me for a drink? Yes, at Corner Bar. Are you familiar with it? Great! I'll wait for you!" After finishing her call with her best friend, Emilia stepped into Corner Bar.
• True to its name, Corner Bar was a quaint establishment.
• Inside, it was a narrow, hallway-like space.
• Emilia found a secluded spot at the back, ordered a bottle of red wine, and began to drink.
• After several glasses, a pleasant haze enveloped her. Then, a woman clad in yoga attire, her figure accentuated, approached her.
• "Emilia, what's troubling you? Why are you drinking so excessively?" Marilyn inquired, dismissing the envious glances from the men nearby as she took a seat across from Emilia.
• "I could sense something was amiss during our call. I canceled my class to be here with you." Marilyn poured herself a glass of wine, adopting a slightly admonitory tone.
• Due to their demanding jobs, their time together was infrequent, but they were always present for one another—truly the best of friends.
• Seeing Marilyn, Emilia felt a wave of comfort wash over her, her cheeks flushed with warmth, knowing she had someone to confide in.
• "Marilyn, you've encountered many men. Let me ask you. I have a male friend who is quite wealthy, but why would he willingly choose to become a live-in son-in-law and endure such humiliation?" Emilia asked.