The Apple of My Eye

Chapter 334 What Reward Do You Want

"Her fever is gone." Chris gave a heavy sigh and said, "I noticed that Autumn have been unhappy

recently. That's probably because you're not here. And it was worse that she got the fever without you

around."

Chris heaved a sigh out of frustration and asked, "Brother, when on earth will you come back?"

"I am coming back today." Charles replied and hung up. Actually he made that decision right at that

moment. He realized that all the agreements and all cooperation were of little importance to him

compared with Autumn. He loved her and and of all people, he should be the one beside her when she

needed him.

He called Leila into his room and instructed her to book the earliest flight back. It beat her why they

were suddenly going back in a hurry. But she soon realized maybe his hasty decision had something to

do with Autumn. She gathered her courage and suggested, "Mr. Lu, we have an agreement to sign in a

few hours. Why don't we …?"

"I have told you to book tickets. Do I have to repeat myself twice?" Charles raised his voice. He did not

want to give up the agreement, but his desire to see his wife as soon as possible was much stronger.

"Yes, sir…" Taken aback and embarrassed, Leila nodded awkwardly. She wasn't used to being yelled

at by her boss. With Charles watching her, she quickly switched on her smartphone and browsed

online for available flights. The next available flight was not until after midnight. "Mr. Lu, the earliest

flight available is sometime after midnight. We have plenty of time for the signing of the agreement

before going to the airport. No need to rush, " she suggested.

"Fine. Go ahead and arrange today's schedule." Charles replied. He had checked to confirm it online

and found that Leila wasn't lying. The next flight was indeed past twelve o'clock that night. He felt

hopeless, like a flattened balloon.

Although he was still in Europe, his heart had already flown out to Autumn.

After the agreement was signed, it came as good news that the agreement they thought they didn't get

was now theirs. Another victory. Charles was happy about that part and regarded the trip as worthwhile

and successful.

When Charles arrived at his partner's office, his partner complimented Leila on her competence and

persistence, "Mr. Lu, we didn't choose your company as our partner. But your secretary Miss Zhang

approached to us several times and that was why this partnership became a reality. She effectively

showed us your advantage over the others. After an internal meeting, we reconsidered your company.

So … she deserves credit for trying her best. You should give her a big bonus for this!"

Charles was astounded to know that Leila had made such efforts without his knowledge. Leila was too

embarrassed to meet Charles' surprised gaze. "It was very kind of you to give me another chance. We

look forward to having a pleasant and long standing cooperation, " she told the client. She was bursting

with pride inside but was too shy to show it and just hung her head low.

"Indeed. We hope for a harmonious relationship ahead of us, " Charles agreed as he stretched out his

hand. Handshakes were exchanged and pleasantries passed around before the meeting ended.

After they left the company, Charles turned to Leila and asked, "Why did you do that?"

"I …" Leila grinned at Charles, her eyes sparkling. "Mr. Lu, I knew that it would please you, so I did

what I could to realize what we came here for."

Leila continued after a short pause, "Last night, you had too much wine thinking that the agreement

was a failure, so I took my chances and requested for reconsideration. I didn't really expect to pull it

off."

"This time… I will have to do something to show you my gratitude, " Charles laughed. "Tell me, what

kind of reward do you want?" Charles didn't know that Leila had feelings for him. After all, that

agreement was beneficial for the entire company.

Leila was delighted by Charles's offer. It took her quite a while to get over her excitement. She said to

Charles, "I will think it over carefully. It's not common for you to make promises like that, so I will

cherish this opportunity."

Charles replied with a smile, "Tell me when you have made your decision."

They went back to the hotel and packed their luggage. Luckily enough, they managed to take the

earliest plane. And to Charles' satisfaction, there were no delays so the plane arrived as scheduled.

When they got out of the airport, Charles booked a taxi for Leila. He explained to her, "My family needs

me, so I won't drive you home. Send me a message to let me know you have gotten home safely."

"Okay." As a sensible woman, Leila knew what she should do at that time. She smiled and said, "Don't

worry about me, Mr. Lu. I am sure that your wife is waiting for you. Drive safely."

Charles replied with a smile and saw Leila's taxi off. He couldn't wait to get home, so he drove quickly

to Dream Garden, only to find Autumn not at home. His grandpa said that she had left for work.

Autumn went to work as soon as she felt better as there were so many things that needed to be done.

Isla was competent and could very well be trusted, but she couldn't handle all the affairs by herself.

Moreover, staying at home only made Autumn's imagination run wild. And that was a worse

punishment than being up to her neck in work. It was better to distract herself with it.

When Isla saw Autumn come, she looked at her in a weird manner, surprised to see her back so soon.

"I thought you were sick. Weren't you rushed to the hospital just the other day? I'm sure you are not

fully recovered yet. Why don't go back home and rest some more?"

"I am used to being busy. You know that about me, don't you?" Autumn smiled at Isla and asked, "Are

the materials ready?'

"Almost ready, " Isla replied causally. She was more concerned about Autumn's health and well-being.

Things at Cloud Advertising Company were still well within control. "Autumn, I don't want to interfere

with your personal affairs, but you …" hesitated Isla.

"Isla!" Autumn interrupted in a stern voice, "I am not in the mood to talk about it."

Autumn looked serious, so Isla's face broke into a smile to change the atmosphere. "Okay, okay. Sorry

about that. In that case, don't hesitate to let me know if I can help with anything."

After lunch, she had dealt with the most urgent tasks, including the most important documents.

Knowing Isla was busy, she went to the hotel alone to discuss the details of the Giant Promise

Company's launch event.

When Charles arrived at the Cloud Advertising Company, Autumn again, wasn't in her office. His wife

was getting harder and harder to find. Isla happened to see him as she walked into the hall.

"Mr. Lu, I heard you have gone to Europe?" she mocked. "What brought you back so soon?" Isla

addressed Charles in a polite way, calling him "Mr. Lu." But her tone wasn't natural.

Isla thought Autumn had suffered a lot since she married Charles. She hated the fact that although

their marriage was happy, Autumn endured too much hate because of him. He was to be blamed for

the whole thing.

"Miss Zhao, where is my wife? Have you seen her?" Charles had driven from their house to the office.

He got increasingly annoyed when he found out that Autumn wasn't there either. He had no choice but

to ask Isla for help.

Isla replied with a forced smile, "Mr. Lu, you are ridiculous. She is my boss. Do you think there is any

need for her to inform me of her entire schedule? As for you, you are her husband. You should know

where she is. Funny, isn't it?"

"I…" Charles was confused about Isla's double edged attitude. She sounded friendly, but there were

hostile undertones of it. But he didn't care much about it. He thought, 'Isla is Autumn's good friend. If

Autumn was unhappy, it's normal for her to jump to Autumn's defense. I admit, I haven't been a very

good husband lately.'

He was eager to know the whereabouts of Autumn. So he explained, almost begging, "I arrived just

now. Straight from the airport. My grandpa said that she had come to work. I didn't see her in her office

and I can't get through to her phone. Please tell me where she has gone."

Isla didn't reply. "Miss Zhao, I know Autumn is not only your boss, but also your good friend. I am sure

you know where she is, " Charles continued asking.

Seeing him somewhat upset, Isla kind of felt bad for him.

On one hand, Autumn went through hell in the last couple of days. As Autumn's friend, she wanted

Charles to feel what Autumn had experienced. On the other hand, she knew that Autumn loved

Charles. If she found out that her husband had unexpectedly returned, Autumn would be happy again.

Isla was still struggling inside.

Charles began perspiring heavily as he urged her some more, "Miss Zhao, I don't know what has

happened during my stay in Europe. We couldn't have a real talk unless I find her. What's more, I heard Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

that she is not feeling well now. I am really worried about her. She shouldn't even have left the house.

Please help me find my wife."