Chapter 35

Automa’s heart sank completely. She pulled her hand away and took a step back. Christine noticed her guarded posture and sighed. “Autumn, I’m afraid this might hurt you, but the truth is, Damien and Emilia have known each other for a long time. They’ve always been the real couple, and you were the one who came between them.”

Luckily, Britney had told Autumn before that Damien and Emilia weren’t even together years ago. Otherwise, Christine’s words might have completely broken her. Nonetheless, she wasn’t interested in dwelling on that. What she really wanted to know was why Christine’s attitude toward her had changed so drastically. It was something she had been wondering about for a long time.

Autumn had her suspicions, but she didn’t want to believe them. Now, though, it was all too clear. She mumbled, “Christine, so Emilia really was the reason why you started distancing yourself from me?”

“How could you think that of me?” Christine didn’t like having the harsh truth exposed; it was easier for both of them if they pretended not to see it. However, Autumn didn’t want to lie to herself anymore, especially not when it came to family. Her mother, Virginia Green, had always been strict with her. Christine’s icy expression resembled Virginia’s, and she couldn’t bring herself to look away.

Eventually, she said, “I know you’re wondering if I’m really going through with the divorce this time.” Her voice was steadier than ever as she added, “I’ll tell you right now—yes, I am.” Christine had always known how much Autumn loved Damien, and this was her first time seeing Autumn so determined. She could not help but wonder if Autumn was really serious this time. Then again, Emilia had told her otherwise—that Autumn still showed up uninvited, kept checking on Damien, and acted like it was all just a coincidence. It all felt twisted.

Autumn was like Virginia—responsible, committed, and determined in everything she did. However, when it came to Damien, she was always stuck in this back-and-forth mess. Christine could not tell if this was her just putting on a show or if she really meant it.

Autumn looked at Christine and instantly knew she didn’t believe her. She was used to people doubting her, brushing her off with pride and prejudice. Yet, Christine had watched her grow up, so how could she not know what kind of person her own niece was?

She wondered why Christine did not trust her. That quiet disbelief cut deeper than she expected. She used to look at Christine and feel comforted, but now, it just hurt. She didn’t even want to talk anymore.

“Grandma’s asleep. I’ll head out now,” Autumn said, turning away.

Suddenly, Christine reached out and grabbed her wrist. Autumn tried to shake it off, but when she looked back at Christine’s face, she couldn’t do it. She asked, “What is it?”

Only then did Christine notice she had grabbed Autumn’s injured hand, the same one she had hurt at the tech expo. Autumn remembered how, back when she caught a mild cold, Christine had literally dragged her to the hospital even when she insisted she was fine. She had scolded her the whole way, reminding her to take care of herself. She even playfully slapped her a couple of times out of frustration, only to bombard the doctor with questions afterward.

A tiny flicker of hope stirred in her chest as Autumn wondered if Christine was actually worried about her. It was faint, but impossible to ignore.

Christine, seeing that Autumn was about to leave, dropped the argument. She noticed the freshly bandaged wound across Autumn’s hand but swallowed her questions. She was more concerned about Emilia’s current project.

Even though Emilia hadn’t officially asked for help, Christine still brought it up. “I heard Lugi-X was developed by one of Professor Ivy Beck’s students at Averpark University. Since you go there, could you help me get some info?”

Christine knew little about Autumn’s life on campus, but she had heard her mention Ivy once or twice. Of course, Autumn only had a bachelor’s degree, which was nothing compared to Emilia, who had gone abroad to get her PhD.

If they were comparing accomplishments, he believed Emilia was clearly the star. She was just trying her luck; it happened to know Ivy, that’d be great. Ivy wasn’t just any professor; she was Autumn’s mentor. Autumn froze for a second but quickly caught on. She asked, “Aren’t you in real estate? Are you planning to change fields?”

As soon as Christine brought it up, she immediately thought of Emilia. However, she really didn’t want that to be the case.

Still, Christine left her no room to doubt, replying, “It’s for Emilia’s job….”

Just as Autumn had expected. Even now, Christine couldn’t bother to ask about her injured hand.

Chapter 36