Chapter 1327
Aspen thought, "Mom's right. I have feelings for Andrew, but he might not feel the same. In the end, it's probably just my one-sided, wishful thinking. To him, I’m just a tool, a servant he can command at will.
"Maybe he wouldn’t refuse if I offered myself physically, but in his heart, I doubt he ever saw me as anything close to Lauren or Francesca. Wait—no, I’m not even hoping for a place like Lauren or Francesca.
"I’d be content with just a position like Natasha’s, but it seems even that is too much to ask for."
Feeling resigned, Aspen finally said, “Mom, just tell Dad that after the Grand Medical Summit, I’ll return to Bridgefields with you.”
Her heart felt cold and heavy.
Esther noticed her precious daughter’s obvious sorrow and tried to comfort her. “Don’t worry, Aspen. Once we’re back in Bridgefields, your father and I will introduce you to the finest young men from the best families. You’re not getting any younger. Once you’re back, focus on settling down and don’t worry about other things.”
Aspen’s tone turned frosty. “I’ll go back with you, but as for marriage, forget it. I grew up in Bridgefields. I know better than anyone what those so-called heirs are like. In any case, I’ve decided I won’t marry. I’d rather spend the rest of my life alone.”
Esther bit back her frustration, her heart filled with worry. She feared Aspen had already sunk too deep, too far gone to pull back.
The Ferrari’s engine roared to life, and the sleek car sped off, its taillights vanishing around the street corner. Only then did Zephyr turn to Esther, asking, “So? What did she say?”
Esther hesitated, struggling to find the right words.
Zephyr’s frown deepened. “Just say it. Whatever it is, I’m ready to hear it.”
Esther finally sighed and whispered, “Aspen has probably fallen for Andrew.”
Zephyr nearly jumped out of his shoes. “W–What did you just say?”
This news hit him harder than the thought of his precious daughter being physically taken advantage of.
Esther’s face grew complicated. “Zephyr, I’m out of ideas! Aspen has always been stubborn, never one to bow to any man. In Bridgefields, there wasn’t a single guy among her peers who could keep up with her.
“Unfortunately, she ran into this Andrew, someone who completely overwhelms her in every way, leaving her no room to resist. In that kind of situation, feelings are bound to grow, even if you try to guard against them. So now, even if we drag her back by force, her heart’s already his.”
Zephyr gritted his teeth, his expression dark. “This is a twisted, unhealthy kind of affection, you know that, right? Being enslaved and oppressed, yet still falling for him? Aspen is in too deep!”
Esther could not help but whisper, “But I’m not so sure it’s entirely a bad thing, since Andrew treats our daughter quite well.”
Zephyr let out a bitter laugh. “Yes, I can see that he treats her well. But so what? Do you really think our family can handle the fallout if things go south? If he uses her and then discards her, who’s going to pick up the pieces? You? Me? Who? Think about it. In our entire family, is there anyone who can stand up to someone like Andrew?”
Esther let out another heavy sigh, her worries only deepening. Meanwhile, Zephyr’s face twitched as another thought crossed his mind.
He glanced at his wife, his tone awkward as he asked, “D–did you ask Aspen if… if she and Andrew have, you know…”
Esther’s face flushed crimson, and she snapped, “Are you crazy? How could I possibly ask her something like that?! Besides, the way Aspen acts around him… It’s clear her feelings are deep. For all we know, they might already be sharing a bed every night!”
Zephyr’s scalp tingled, and he turned away abruptly. “Forget it! Forget I even asked! Let’s just get back to the hotel!”
Chapter 1328