Chapter 697: I Don't Want to Give Up Just Like This

Chapter 697: Chapter 693: I Don’t Want to Give Up Just Like This

Ronald nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with anticipation at the thought of going abroad.

His excitement was a direct result of his limited experience and narrow worldview, which only fueled his curiosity and eagerness for the unknown.

Lily Sterling chimed in to help. “Auntie, Ronald isn’t a kid anymore. It’s good for him to get out and see the world while he’s young. A lot of people don’t have the chance or the means to do something like this.”

“Besides, I’ll take good care of him. Once his visa is about to expire, I’ll personally put him on a plane home.”

Brendan Harris added in a low voice, “Just let him go. He’s all grown up and we’ve never really taken him anywhere. Let him go.”

With that, Yvonne Sterling didn’t want to be the sole bad guy. She finally nodded but didn’t forget to remind her son, “Don’t cause any trouble for your cousin. She’s going there for work, you understand?”

“I won’t, Mom! Don’t worry, I’ll listen to everything my cousin says!”

*

A little after nine in the evening, the lights in Jasmine Sterling’s office finally went out.

Huddled in her coat and carrying her bag, she was the last one to leave the office.

She had just locked the office door when someone suddenly called out from behind her, “Jasmine.”

Even though Lorcain’s streets were still bustling with traffic at this hour, the sudden voice made Jasmine jump.

She whirled around in alarm, but her expression stiffened the moment she saw who it was.

Finn Vance stood there in a long, black overcoat. A smile touched his lips as he looked at Jasmine, his gaze through his gold-rimmed glasses gentle and affectionate, filled with an unmistakable longing.

“Finn…” Jasmine slowly snapped out of her daze and murmured, “What… what are you doing here?”

The two of them hadn’t seen each other since they last parted ways.

Jasmine had thought that would be the last time they ever saw each other. Things had gotten incredibly ugly, and they had already said everything that needed to be said.

“Jasmine.” Finn Vance stepped forward, his eyes brimming with emotion. “I’ve never been able to completely let you go. I was driving today and, I don’t know how, but I ended up on this street. I told myself I’d give it one last shot. If I came looking for you and actually found you, then I would…”

“Finn, it’s impossible between us.” Jasmine cut off his heartfelt confession with a helpless sigh. “What happened before was already ugly enough. I don’t want to come between you and your son.”

“And it’s not just your son who disapproves anymore. I don’t think my daughter would approve, either.”

“I know.” Finn Vance pursed his lips apologetically. “I know Felix caused you trouble and pain before, and I’ll admit I backed down because of it. But my feelings for you are real. I honestly never thought I’d fall in love at first sight with someone at my age.”

“Jasmine, we can overcome any difficulties together…”

Hearing this, Jasmine lowered her gaze and smiled. It wasn’t a scornful smile, but one of resignation.

When she looked up again, her gaze was perfectly clear. “Finn… Mr. Vance, if I were twenty years younger, I would have the courage to face every hardship and obstacle with you without a second thought. But we’re not young anymore.”

With that, Jasmine walked past him and down the steps. Finn Vance didn’t try to stop or pester her, but he did call out after her, “I don’t want to give up just like this!”

Jasmine heard him, but she didn’t pause, let alone look back.

*

Ever since she and Shawn Lane had made their relationship official, Kylie Churchill’s entire world had brightened. She was so happy she’d even scan the QR codes of beggars on the street to send them money.

Mrs. Churchill had initially worried about her daughter having a long-distance relationship with Shawn, but seeing Kylie’s radiant mood every day, her fears were put to rest.

As her husband said, their daughter’s happiness was more important than anything else.

That morning, Shawn Lane came to pick Kylie Churchill up for a good friend’s birthday party.

He had clearly taken care to dress up for the occasion. His already handsome features looked even more striking today, and Mrs. Churchill personally cut up some fruit for him.

“Thank you, Mrs. Churchill.”

“Kylie always takes forever to get ready. Why don’t you go upstairs and check on her?” Mrs. Churchill’s attitude was a complete reversal from before, as she actively invited Shawn to go upstairs.

The thought of Kylie’s dreamy, princess-like bedroom made Shawn uncomfortable. ‘This whole ‘princess’ aesthetic really isn’t my style,’ he thought.

“That’s alright, Mrs. Churchill. I’ll just wait for her down here.”

Just then, Hugo Churchill came downstairs. He greeted Shawn warmly, then looked at him and asked in a business-like tone, “Has your father mentioned anything to you about the Lane Group collaborating with our company?”

Shawn nodded. His father had told him about it just last night. Even though he and Kylie were together, the collaboration between their two companies hadn’t been finalized due to various factors.

“Yes, Mr. Churchill. I’m aware.”

“Good. As long as you know. Business is business. Don’t let something like this affect your relationship with Kylie.”

Shawn replied maturely, “I can definitely keep the two separate. Kylie and I are together because we like each other. It has nothing to do with anything else.”

Hearing Shawn say this, Hugo Churchill couldn’t help but nod in satisfaction.

A short while later, Kylie came downstairs, all dressed and ready. Shawn stood up to get a look. She was wearing a gorgeous white gown, complemented by a full set of diamond jewelry. Sparkling from head to toe, she looked just like a royal princess straight out of a movie.

“Shawn, do I look pretty today?”

She came closer and did a playful twirl in front of him, showing off her look from every angle.

Shawn blinked, snapping out of his daze. “You look stunning. I was completely captivated.”

Kylie gave a shy smile at his words. Nearby, Hugo and his wife exchanged a knowing, happy glance. Seeing them together, their daughter and Shawn really did make a perfect couple.

“Alright, Shawn’s been waiting for you for almost an hour. You two should get going,” Hugo said. “Don’t drink too much, and Shawn, you keep an eye on her.”

Shawn nodded. “Mr. and Mrs. Churchill, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of her.”

“Dad, Yvette’s birthday party is at Cirrus Palace today. I told her it was a shame about the timing. In another two months, Cirrus Palace will belong to our family, and I could have let her have the venue for free.”

Hugo Churchill smiled. “Well, there’s always next year. You’ve just reminded me—I’ll ask them today whether or not they’ll accept our offer.”

“Once you acquire Cirrus Palace, all my friends will definitely come and give you their business.”

“Well, we can’t rely solely on your friends for business, haha…” Hugo patted his daughter’s arm dotingly. “Go on, have fun.”

On the way there, Kylie couldn’t hide her excitement.

“Shawn, this is my first time bringing a boyfriend to a friend’s birthday party. They’re going to be so curious about you. If they pester you with a bunch of questions, please don’t get annoyed.”

Shawn said as he drove, “I won’t. They’re your friends, which makes them my friends, too.”