Chapter 4 Do I look like I care

Avery quickly ran to her father's arms and hugged him. It was only in his arms that she melted like butter and sobbed out all the pains she had been holding in since Sebastian picked her up from Abel's residence.

She has been the sweetheart of the family an apple of her father's eyes. She fled from home without telling anyone and changed her identity so that no one would find her. Her actions broke her father's heart and right now just like a prodigal daughter, she has come back home to ask for his mercy.

"Enough of this Princess, it's a good thing that you are home. You came back at the right time." Frederick Clinton said not hiding his disappointment.

"The company at Mallory Avenue needed help and your brother's hands were full already, so get ready because Sebastian will take you there tomorrow morning, from now on, you will be the new CEO over there," Frederick said. He vowed to punish Avery for her disappearance and this seems to be the best way to start.

"Father! How can you send her to that dead company, are you trying to see her fail after what she went through?" Adam asked.

"No, Adam, that was not the case. Your sister and I had an agreement. The three years of her foolishness are over and it's time for her to fulfill her part of the deal."

When Frederick found out about Avery's marriage with Abel, he came to take her home, but then Avery promised to return after three years if the marriage did not work. A month later, Frederick discovered that she was in prison. He got annoyed and wanted to release her, but Avery refused. She wanted to finish her jail term and make Abel happy. But all her efforts were nothing to him.

"I think she could handle it," Sebastian said calmly.

"What are you saying, Sebastian?" Adam asked. The company both of them were too busy to revive is what Sebastian is trusting Avery with.

"She was the one that restored the Clinton company in the Bay Area. She systematically brought the methods that we used to get the company back on its feet" Sebastian said.

"Yes Adam, your Elder sister did not only have what it takes to run the company, but she was also the brain behind all the success we attained in the business world so far. My heart broke when she disappeared to London years back to study medicine without telling anyone. She knew I would thwart her ambitions. Then three years ago, when she returned, she left home again to marry the nincompoop that sent her to prison. She is going to the company and that's final " Frederick's heart was heavy, it was clear he had not forgiven his daughter and had no intention of forgiving her soon.

"Don't worry Adam, I will do just fine, but if things get tough, I won't hesitate to ask for a helping hand?" Avery said, smiling at Adam, who stared hatefully at his father.

The two men don't get along so well. He can't stop blaming the old man for his sister's disappearance. If not because of his overprotective towards her, Avery wouldn't have ended up in the hands of Abel.

Sensing the soured atmosphere, Sebastian pulled Avery from the seat and led her out of the house.

"There is something I want to show you," he said and led her towards his car.

"What is it?"

"Why not wait and find out," Sebastian said and the two entered his car and drove out.

****

Abel and his friends were having a good time at the White Spake bar. He was hosting the return of his first love Riana Meghan with them in one of the VIP rooms.

Unfortunately, the Carton of the most expensive wine he ordered was not completed. Instead of getting a full carton, Abel was given just a few bottles and when he enquired from the waiter, the young man couldn't give him a satisfying explanation. Abel got angry and made his way toward the manager's office.

Coincidentally, that was when Avery walked into the bar with Sebastian Clinton, the youngest billionaire in Mallory Avenue and the most powerful in the entire Znach City.

Seeing Avery and Sebastian walk hand in hand like a couple, Abel pulled his brow together. Is this not the same woman he divorced a few hours ago? How did she end up with Sebastian Clinton in just a matter of a few hours? Something in him made him feel awful. Without thinking, he quickly grasped Avery's wrist and pulled her out of Sebastian's grip.

"How dare you cheat on me, Nicole? Tell me, is he the one that got you released from prison so quickly? You and I know that you have not completed your five-year jail term. So tell me how did you end up with Sebastian Clinton? Don't you care about my family? Do you want to bring disgrace to their name? I am not surprised. You don't have a root and wouldn't understand what it means to preserve family reputation"

In response to his question, Sebastian pushed Abel away from Avery. He raised his hands to slap him but Avery quickly intervened and held his hands then gently put it down. Sebastian stared at his sister and clenched his fist. He turned his gaze on Abel.

"You dare touch her in that manner in my presence Abel? Do you wish for your death?" Sebastian roared. His eyes glint in hostility.

Many consider Sebastian a cool-headed guy when compared to Adam, but when it comes to Avery, he can be scarier than anyone could ever have imagined.

"Do I look like I care? Didn't she tell you that she is my wife?" Abel asked, his eyes narrowed down to Avery who looked at him in disgust.

"You are shameless Nicole and nothing but a greedy bitch" Abel continued. His frosty demeanor turned the room to tranquility.

Avery wanted to talk, but Riana came into the passage and ran to Abel's arms the moment she saw Avery. A smirk of triumph on her face.