His expression was stern, his stride long, forcing those behind him to almost jog to keep up. When they saw Wendy, everyone stopped and respectfully greeted her, "Mrs. Ferguson."
Only York's face darkened at the sight of his mother.
As the others departed, York asked, "Mom, what are you doing here?"
Wendy didn't beat around the bush. "Ann James and her son can't stay in their old place anymore. I've arranged for her to rent a place in the city center to make it easier for you to take care of them."
At the mention of Ann, York's expression soured further. "Let's talk in my office," he said.
Wendy gestured to the conference room behind him. "No need. I'll just say a few words and be on my way."
York gave Mark a look and followed his mother into the empty conference room. Mark closed the door and stood guard outside.
York got Wendy a glass of water. "Mom, how many times do I have to tell you? Don't interfere in my affairs!"
Wendy slammed the glass down. "You have an affair, and the entire Ferguson family gets dragged through the mud. You think this is just your business?"
It was the same old argument. York fell silent.
"Since you were willing to acknowledge Ann and her son without a thought for Claudia, you'd better see it through," Wendy pressed, leaving no room for debate. "They're in a tough place right now. You should go stay with them for a few days, be there for them."
York felt powerless to explain and could only try to contain his frustration. "Mom, do you have to see me and Claudia divorced to be satisfied?"
Taking a deep breath, he called Claudia. He made an excuse about a business dinner that would run late. Claudia simply said, "Mm," and hung up.
After work, Claudia was dragged along by a few female colleagues to try a trendy new restaurant. Around eight, as she stepped out of the restaurant, a light rain was falling.
After saying goodbye to her colleagues, she tugged her coat tighter and started walking along the sidewalk.
Her gaze inadvertently caught a familiar figure up ahead. Claudia stopped on the pavement.
Directly in front of her, York stood in a perfectly tailored suit. Ann, dressed in pajamas and slippers, was crying as she threw herself into his arms.
On the misty, rainy night, the dim yellow light of the streetlamp illuminated the embracing couple, creating a scene that was both beautiful and romantic.

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