The Apple of My Eye novel Chapter 1866

In Cloud Advertising Company, Phoebe rushed into Sheryl's office.

Once she was inside, it took her a while to compose herself, for she was out of breath.

Sheryl, on the other hand, was about to leave but stopped in her tracks when she heard Phoebe dashing in. Looking completely confused, she asked, "What's wrong?"

"Ms. Xia, I heard that Mr. Lu has come back," Phoebe broke the news nervously.

"Pardon?" Sheryl looked at Phoebe in disbelief.

Then she ran to Phoebe and grabbed her arm with her shaking hands.

Phoebe nodded and repeated her words, saying, "Yes, Ms. Xia, you have heard it right. Mr. Lu has returned."

"Really?" Tears fell from Sheryl's eyes as soon as she received this confirmation. Her whole body began to tremble.

"Yes, yes, yes! Really!" Phoebe knew without a doubt just how concerned Sheryl was about Charles. This was the sole reason why she had rushed over in such a manner to break the news. She had wanted to put an end to Sheryl's misery.

"Okay. I am going to Shining Company now." Afterward, Sheryl staggered out of Cloud Advertising Company.

Unfortunately, a second before Sheryl reached Shining Company, Charles had left the building. They failed to meet each other by a narrow margin of chance.

"Is Mr. Lu in the company?" Sheryl looked at the receptionist and nervously put forward the question.

"Ms. Xia, Mr. Lu just left with David. How about you call him?" Even the receptionist knew about Sheryl and Charles's strained relationship. She knew they were on the verge of divorcing each other. This news had spread like a wildfire. But at the moment, she was still the president's wife; hence, the receptionist spoke to her in the most polite tone.

"Okay, I shall do that."

There was no disappointment on Sheryl's face. If anything, the receptionist's words made her happy. It confirmed the news that Charles had returned safe and sound.

Swiftly, Sheryl plunged her hand into her handbag and took out her cellphone. She dialed Charles' number but couldn't reach him. It stated that the number she was trying to call was powered off. Her earlier relief was once again replaced by concern. At any cost, she wanted to speak to him. Without wasting any time, she decided to go to Dream Garden.

In Dream Garden, Leila had just returned.

She was walking lazily, in low spirits.

But Melissa's mood was a stark contrast to Leila's, and she was enthusiastic. Normally, she would lie on the bed most of the time. But after Charles came back, Melissa was always in good spirits. She dressed up and prepared to play cards with her friends. In short, she had returned to her old lifestyle.

But when she went downstairs, she caught sight of Leila slouching on the couch.

Melissa checked the time and felt that something was amiss. Puzzled, she walked toward Leila. "Leila, why have you returned so early? Is there something wrong?"

Her words snapped Leila back to reality. With a gloomy face, she looked at Melissa and shook her head.

"No, Leila, something is definitely wrong. Please, explain the matter to me. Perhaps I can help." Melissa took a seat in front of Leila and frowned, looking at her.

Since Melissa seemed genuinely concerned, Leila forced a smile. "Aunt Melissa, I am fine. Charles noticed that I was tired. Hence, he asked me to get some rest. I will return after a day or two...."

"Did he fire you?" Melissa asked, cutting Leila off. Her face was now contorted with sadness. She couldn't believe that her son would take such a harsh decision.

"No, I am still Charles' secretary. Like I said, I am going to get some rest for two days." Leila stared at Melissa firmly and made sure to feign a smile. She hoped Melissa wouldn't bug her with more questions.

"Okay, okay, if you say so! That's great news. But your expression scared the hell out of me. Looking at your face, I thought my son had once again mistreated you." Melissa relaxed and patted her chest. She glanced at Leila but noticed that she hadn't returned the smile.

After sighing, Leila finally decided to speak out. "Aunt Melissa, Charles' attitude towards me is still cold. I don't think there is anything that I can do to gain his love. Don't you think so too?"

After speaking, Leila had tears in her eyes. She was a good actress and did a great job of looking grieved.

Realizing that Melissa and Sheryl were about to start a fight, Leila began to smile. She moved closer to Melissa and stood at her side, looking at Sheryl disdainfully. In a vicious tone, she added, "Sheryl, if I were you, I would leave, rather than staying here to humiliate myself."

"Leila, this has nothing to do with you. So why don't you stay out of it?" Sheryl was here with the sole purpose to find out about Charles' well-being. A fight was the last thing she wanted to indulge herself in.

"Of course, it has something to do with her. Leila is my future daughter-in-law. Get out now!" Since Sheryl had the audacity to speak with Leila in that tone, Melissa became furious.

"Mother..." Sheryl began to say.

"Aunt Melissa, go upstairs now. Don't waste your energy fighting with her." Leila knew that in Melissa's presence, she couldn't say what she wanted to say. Hence, she hoped Melissa would leave her alone with Sheryl. Her heart was itching to taunt Sheryl.

Every time that Melissa came face to face with Sheryl, she found it hard to keep her anger in check. Now that Leila had proposed to take some leave, she silently went upstairs to pack.

"Nancy, I think you should get back to your work."

Melissa had left, so Leila asked Nancy to leave as well.

Now it was just the two of them, Sheryl and Leila. Both the rivals were standing face to face.

Sheryl understood something dirty was brewing inside Leila's head. Otherwise she wouldn't have made an arrangement to speak to her alone.

"Sheryl, it stuns me to see how shameless you are! You are blind to everything that is happening around. Can't you see? Charles is mine. Get out of our way if you don't want to end up dead!" Leila scowled at Sheryl ruthlessly, finally letting out all the bottled-up rage.

"Leila, I am telling you for the last time--this matter is between me and Charles. You need to stay out of our business!"

Sheryl had no interest in arguing with Leila. Once she spat out those words, she prepared to go upstairs to take a look. She couldn't leave without knowing if Charles was safe.

"Stop! What are you trying to do? In the first place, you are the sole reason why Charles was in trouble. It is all your fault! Now he has just come back, but you dare to show up here! Don't you think I know what you are planning to do?" Leila blocked Sheryl's way. She didn't want this woman to step inside Charles' room.