Chapter 59: Jerome's Concert

Abbie considered the difficulty of leaving Kelvin's side and the possibility of returning if she went with Cody. Kelvin had viewed Abbie as a younger sister for years. Since his divorce from Cheyenne, he was single. If she left, another woman might enter his life; a man of his status would remain highly desirable in Akloit, even after divorce.

Cody, however, was determined to take Abbie home, emphasizing their shared last name, Berry, and their familial connection. Returning home without going to the Berry mansion would invite negative media attention. Furthermore, Kelvin's intentions toward Abbie were unclear, making her a potentially useful pawn against him.

Abbie hesitated before saying, "No, I'm fine here. Thank you for the invitation, Uncle, but Kelvin needs me right now, so I want to stay and take care of him."

Cody chuckled coldly. "Mr. Foley asked me to pick you up. He said our uncle-nephew reunion should be a good one."

"Don't disappoint Mr. Foley, Abbie. I haven't seen you in three years and am really looking forward to it. Your cousin and aunt are also waiting for you at home."

Was Kelvin behind this?

A sharp pain pierced Abbie's heart, like a fresh wound. She had stayed by Kelvin's side for years, hoping for reconciliation, only to be actively pushed away. Upstairs, servants were packing her luggage. Chris, Kelvin's assistant, saw her off—clearly acting on Kelvin's orders.

Abbie took a deep breath, concealing her emotions. A bitter smile touched her lips. "I miss my aunt and cousin too, so I'll go back with my uncle."

Chris descended with Abbie's suitcase. "Miss Berry, your luggage is packed. You can leave anytime."

Abbie resented Chris's apparent opposition to her. Does he only consider Cheyenne Kelvin's wife? If I became his wife, Chris would be the first to go.

Abbie ultimately chose to leave with Cody. En route, Cody noticed her pallor. "Is the wind too strong? Should I close the windows?"

Abbie smiled and shook her head. "Thank you, no need. I'm fine."

Cody understood her reluctance to leave Kelvin. He offered a wry smile. "If love is meant to last forever, it doesn't depend on seeing each other every day. Mr. Foley's attitude might even become more affectionate if you leave for a few days," he added knowingly. "Men understand men's thoughts best."

Abbie found his words insightful and nodded. Silence fell for half an hour until they reached a lavish European-style mansion in a wealthy area.

Cody, 46, was married to Jazzlyn Cline, an arrogant university history professor from an intellectual family. She had disliked Abbie since childhood, finding her gloomy and possessing unusually sharp eyes. Their daughter, Jane Berry (23), three years younger than Abbie, was a finance graduate working as a financial director.

Jane greeted Abbie with a faint, envious smile—this unknown cousin was Mr. Foley's sweetheart. Affecting friendliness, she took Abbie's hand. "Cousin, it's been years!"

"Three years," Abbie replied. "You've grown so much! Have you graduated yet?"

Jane smiled inwardly. "A long time ago."

Abbie's concern felt disingenuous; she should have known Jane graduated that year.

Cody, seeing the cousins interacting, summoned servants to prepare dinner and invited Abbie inside.

Later that evening, Kate called Cheyenne, urging her to attend a downtown mall performance. Jerome, a top-tier celebrity, was performing.

Cheyenne, simply dressed in a white cotton dress and heels, drove her $20 million car downtown.

A temporary stage was set up in the mall, surrounded by fans holding LED light boards and posters, chanting Jerome's name and nickname ("Fairy"). Even before the performance, people fainted from excitement.

Cheyenne parked and watched the commotion. Kate spotted her and approached, offering a glow stick.

"Cheyenne, you're here! Come backstage with me; he's so handsome!" Kate exclaimed, pulling Cheyenne toward backstage.

"Why backstage? Let's watch from below," Cheyenne protested.

Kate realized her mistake, laughing. "Okay, later then. Wear this glow stick."

Cheyenne refused. "No thanks, it's stupid."

"It shows our love for Jerome!" Kate retorted.

Surrounded by the crowd, Cheyenne reflected on the difference between on-stage and off-stage.

"Wow! Jerome's coming out!"

Screams erupted. On a circular stage ladder, a young man in a black sequined jacket, blue ripped jeans, and silver-white hair descended.

He looked familiar.