Chapter 10 The Ambitious Woman The man's tapping fingers came to a halt . In his phoenix eyes - gleaming with their usual luster - there was now a faint trace of amusement . 38 Finished He'd expected a delicate flower raised in a greenhouse . Instead , what stood before him was a wild weed thriving in the wind . What an ambitious woman . And she had , unexpectedly , piqued his interest . Natalie noticed the shift in his expression . But everything she'd said had come straight from the heart . Things were different now . If there was even the smallest chance to climb up and drag herself out of the muck , then anyone could become her stepping stone . " I didn't expect you to be such an ambitious woman , Ms. Foster . " Marcus rose slowly , planting his hands on either side of the desk , his eyes locking onto hers . " If that's the case , then losing you is quite the pity for Jackson ." She responded with a faint , cold smile . Jackson's eyes only saw his beloved movie star . The moment their divorce went through , he'd be the happiest man alive . Only outsiders would use words like pity . " When the tea's gone , the guest leaves . When fate runs out , it's over , " she said calmly . " What matters is the time spent together . In the end , the result's always the same . " Her eyes held a quiet , endless sorrow , Though Jackson had never truly understood their marriage - or bothered to look back on their past - it was clear from her words that she'd chosen to let go . When Marcus said nothing more , Natalie turned to leave . " It's getting late . Rest well , Mr. Collins . I won't bother you any longer ." Just as she turned , his voice came from behind . " Ms. Foster . " 1/4 19:32 Fri , Sep 19 Chapter 10 The Ambitious Woman " Yes ? " : 38 Finished He pulled out a business card and held it out to her . " Marriages in wealthy families aren't as simple as you think . Getting in is hard . Getting out is even harder . If you need help , I'll be there . " Natalie froze for a second as she stared at the card . She was well aware of what divorce from Jackson meant - half his assets would go to her . Of course she understood the weight of Marcus's words . What surprised her was that he would offer to help . Seeing her hesitation , he added , " I have one of the best legal teams in the industry . If the time comes , you can come to me ." " Thank you , Mr. Collins . " After a moment of thought , she reached out and took the card . Marcus spoke again . " You're still recovering . Do you need a driver ? " " No. " She glanced back at him , a soft light flickering beneath her beautiful peach blossom eyes . " It's easier to catch a ride here than at the old house . I'll be fine on my own ." Before he could respond , she turned and walked toward the door . Marcus watched her retreating figure , the corners of his lips lifting despite himself . She wouldn't come to him easily . But even so , he had still handed her his card . Because the kind of person who could spark his interest ... was rare , Once her footsteps faded , the phone on the desk began to ring . Marcus brought it to his ear . James's voice came through the receiver . " Mr. Collins , according to the latest reports , the only person capable of repairing that jade sculpture is someone named Huai Sang . But she hasn't been seen in three years - completely vanished . No one's been able to contact her ," " Keep looking . Dig her out if you have to ." He stepped back toward the floor - to - ceiling window . The reflection of his face hovered in the glass , his eyes filled with cold determination . 2/4 19:32 Fri , Sep 19 Chapter 10 The Ambitious Woman 38 Finished That jade sculpture - carved with orchids - was his mother's only keepsake . It had been accidentally broken . Since returning to the country , he'd been searching for someone who could restore it . " Yes , Mr. Collins . " Jackson had planned to escort Victoria home with Aiden . But halfway there , his mother Stella called . Apparently , after they left , Gabriel flew into a rage . She asked him to come back and calm his grandfather down . Jackson had always respected the old man . At a time like this , he wouldn't dare disobey . " But ... can Aiden really handle it? " Victoria , still waiting in the car , asked softly . " I'm fine , Ms. Victoria . I feel much better already . " Aiden leaned against her , a soft smile on his lips . The three returned to the old estate a little past nine at night . Gabriel , still angry , refused to come downstairs . Stella went up to fetch him while the rest waited in the living room . Aiden , bored , looked around before turning to Victoria . " Ms. Victoria , this is your first time visiting our home , and you had to go through all that . I hope you won't take it to heart . " Victoria's expression darkened at his words . " I never thought things would get so out of hand . I ruined such a lovely family dinner ." " You don't have to blame yourself . We both know who really caused the disruption - and it wasn't you . So don't feel guilty , " Jackson said firmly , though his tone was gentle . Victoria nodded with misty eyes and leaned a little closer to him . Jackson reached out and gently patted her back . " Daddy ." " What is it ? " He turned toward his son . 3/4 19:32 Fri , Sep 19 Chapter 10 The Ambitious Woman : Aiden looked up with his small lips pouting . " Is Mommy really going to divorce you ? " Jackson froze . That woman's face flashed in his mind . Her attitude tonight had caught him completely off guard . So decisive . So resolute ... 38 Finished " Daddy , if you and Mommy really get divorced , does that mean you can be with Ms. Victoria ? " When Jackson didn't answer , Aiden asked again , eyes wide and fixed on his father - waiting for a response . In those expectant eyes , there was also a hint of subtle regret . Ms. Victoria was great - she could sing and act , and she often took him out and bought him toys . But Mommy's cooking was delicious , and she made the best clothes . From age three to six , most of his outfits were ones she had sewn by hand , picking out fabrics and stitching them herself . Every time he wore them outside , people would compliment him . They were the kind of clothes money couldn't buy . Torn between the two , he didn't know what to choose . Victoria , sitting beside him , lifted her eyes as well . She stared at Jackson's handsome profile , her eyes full of anticipation . Jackson , silent until now , let a shadow of anger flicker through his gaze . He spoke without restraint . " She's been to prison - and she still has the nerve to ask for a divorce ? Besides staying in the Collins family , where else could she possibly go ? She's just acting out . Do you really think your mother will leave ? " Send Gifts 。 20 四 4/4