The CEO Gets What He Wants

Chapter 599 Good To Have You

The night was somehow chilly. In the breeze, the light-colored curtains moved gently.

Avery sat in the bedroom and watched Cayden smoking on the balcony, her brows slightly furrowed.

Cayden had stopped smoking at home since they learned that she was pregnant, so she knew his mood must be terrible at that moment.

Quietly, she walked over to him, snatched the remaining half of the cigarette, and put it out in the ashtray. After staring him down for a moment, she wrapped her arms around his waist.

“You agreed to quit smoking, but you broke your promise.”

Cayden's eyes were grim as he tried to conceal the mixed feelings bothering him.

He removed his coat and put it on Avery. “Sorry, I was too overwhelmed with my emotions today. I won't do this again next time.”

Though Avery was tempted to ask what Cayden and Allie talked about that led to the tension between them, she held her tongue at the sight of Cayden's odd expression. “Do you feel better now?” she asked while stroking his face.

“I confirmed something with my mother today. Mrs. Lambert is indeed your biological mother.”

Cayden held Avery close, a hint of shame evident in his deep voice. “The document about your family background which you read is mostly accurate. I just never expected Mom to switch you out merely because she was jealous of Mrs. Lambert.”

Upon hearing that, Avery widened her eyes at him in surprise. “I remember you mentioning that your mother and Mrs. Lambert used to be friends who were so close that they'd even share clothes. Why would she be jealous of Mrs. Lambert?”

Despite knowing for certain now that Claire was her mother, Avery was still used to addressing her as “Mrs. Lambert.”

Avery's words brought Cayden back to the time he asked Allie the same question at the Moore residence.

Allie's expression had looked twisted as she griped, “Do you think I really wanted to be friends with Claire? If it weren't for the fact that I could benefit from her, I would never hang around her! Since we were young, she surpassed me in every way. As long as she was there, the guys' attention would be drawn to her. I'm obviously prettier than her, but no one ever noticed me when I was right beside her! The guys who pursued her were sons of influential figures and capable men like professors and government officials. What about me? I was surrounded by playboys! Even those good-for-nothing scions asked me to pass their love letters to Claire. How could I accept that? We were from the same small town. How come she can marry William and be part of a political family, while I end up as someone's mistress? I couldn't stand seeing her living so well, so I switched her baby!”

While Cayden recounted what he had heard, his breathing was somehow shallow and unstable.

He was humiliated to have such a jealous and narrow-minded mother. If it were someone else who did that to Avery, he would have countless ways to get back at them.

However, Allie was his mother. Thus, they were ultimately bonded by blood no matter what horrible things she did.

These complex emotions made him feel helpless.

Although Cayden tried to hide his sorrow from Avery, his paling knuckles from his grip around her hand betrayed his true feelings.

Avery was pained to see Cayden in this state.

She stood on her tiptoes, pulling him closer by the neck and tenderly placing her forehead against his. “Cayden, let the past be the past. There's no point in pursuing the matter further. Besides, I'm all grown up now and became a mother of three. I'm not really hung up on formally acknowledging my biological mom. The most important thing we should do right now is to enjoy the present and appreciate what we have.”

In response, Cayden tightened the hug.

They gazed at each other, their lips touching.

Cayden's warm breath fanned over Avery's face, and her understanding smile made him feel fuzzy.

“I'm so thankful I have you,” he murmured, his quiet voice melting into the night.

...

In a luxurious private room elsewhere in Ackleton, the tall and buff Roderick sat on the couch casually with his legs propped on the low table before him.

A sea of gorgeous ladies was around him, each attractive in their own way.

Women in all sorts of revealing outfits flashed past Roderick's sight—bunny costumes, maid uniforms, doll getups, but he was unimpressed.

These women had been in the industry for so long that they gave off a debauched vibe. Overwhelmed by their cloying scent of perfume and obsequious behavior, Roderick suddenly missed Nicole and her untainted body.

She had a sweet look unfitting for her wickedness and shrewdness, and while she appeared to be high and mighty in front of everyone, her submissive side would show whenever she was under him.

This gave Roderick a sense of accomplishment.

Some time ago, he had taken on an important confidential mission that was perilous but high-paying.