Attracted By My Ex-wife
Chapter 500 Mutual Agreement

Anne got off work at noon that day, so she made her way to kindergarten to pick up Eddy and Ella.

Perhaps it was because they had been living together for some time now, the two kids were getting along really well as the days passed. Ella had become an honorary member of the Fu Family.

She had been born in a wealthy and good-natured family but she lost her mother when she was still just a baby. Her father was very often away on business. He was a wonderful father when he was around bu it just never fully made up for the time that he spent away on business.

What was more, Ella was a good friend to Eddy, which made Anne have an even greater sympathy and affection for her.

During this time period that she stayed with them, Anne treated her just as she would treat her own daughter, and cared for her with all her heart.

Although Ella was still too little to understand the complexity of emotions, she understood the basics and was quite sensitive and discerning. She knew whether someone was being sincere or not. Sensing the sincerity of Anne, she grew to really love her.

Anne arrived at the school a little earlier than the time the kids were to be dismissed. She got off her vehicle and waited outside.

"Mrs. Anne!" A familiar voice suddenly came from behind. Anne turned to see who had called her.

It was Colin!

A look of pleasant surprise appeared on Anne's face. "It's so nice that you're back from your trip!"

Colin smiled but avoided making eye contact with her. The kids had just been dismissed but the teachers were trying to get them into an orderly line so that they did not fall in their rush to get to their parents. "Daddy!" Ella squeaked, thrilled at the surprise. She and Eddy had walked out of the schools gates together. She ran up to her Dad, her happiness apparent on her little face.

Ella really enjoyed her time she had spent with the Fu Family, but regardless of how well they got along, they were not her own blood.

For Ella, no one could compare to her wonderful father.

With a wide smile, Colin squatted down so that she could run into his arms. He held her affectionately and planted a little kiss on her forehead. "Sweetheart, did you miss me?" Looking at his beautiful little girl, Colin did not try to hide the unconditional love from showing on his face.

With her arms around Colin's neck, Ella nodded vigorously. "Of course, Daddy. I really missed you a lot. I'm so happy that you're finally back." Colin smiled and touched her nose. Then he turned to Anne and said, "Mrs. Anne, thank you for taking such good care of my darling Ella."

Anne shook her head. "She is such a wonderful little kid. It is only a pleasure to have her."

Colin smiled gratefully. He wanted to say something more but stopped himself after some consideration.

Anne had interacted with a diversity of people over the years and had developed the ability to read them like an open book. Colin did not do a good job of disguising that he had just been about to say something else. She instantly knew there was something he was holding back.

"Kevin actually came home a bit early today. He's been home since midday. Why don't you come over to our place?" Anne asked warmly.

She knew Colin had problems with his business and knew that she could not help directly, but nonetheless she wanted to extend a hospitable invite.

Colin looked at Anne; the look of gratitude on his face increased. He nodded in acceptance of her thoughtful invitation.

When Anne returned home with Colin and the two kids in tow, Kevin and the other kids were home, but Selma was not around.

Colin's presence was a bit of a surprise to Kevin. He knew that Colin had to deal with great business problems on his trip. He shouldn't have been back this soon as it would have taken quite a bit of time to clear up all the issues.

And furthermore, Kevin thought he shouldn't be here, of all places.

But on second thought, Kevin could understand why Colin would want to pay them a visit. He smiled welcomingly and invited Colin to take a seat. The servant immediately plied him with some tea. Colin nodded to the servant in thanks, then turned his attention on Kevin.

Just a few days had passed since they'd last seen Colin but he had clearly lost significant weight. The issues he was dealing with must have really taken its toll on him.

"Dinner will be ready shortly, but while we wait, why don't we have a seat in the study?" Kevin made this suggestion as he did not want to discuss such serious matters in front of the little ones. Colin nodded and put Ella down. But she urgently grabbed at his hand with anxiety.

"Daddy, how long will you be gone for this time?" Ella looked up at Colin with her big, beautiful eyes. Colin would never want to disappoint or neglect her.

But sometimes things were out of his hands. He just could not always do what he wanted because of his commitments.

Colin sighed and placed his hand on the top of her small head. He looked at her, guilt apparent from his face, and said, "I'm so sorry, sweetheart, but I have to leave this afternoon."

Ella screwed up her face and looked at Colin with anger. She was used to her father going away for business but it had never been as frequent as recently. This would be two times in the shortest space of time.

Previously, Colin would spend at least a few days with her between his business trips. But now, not even a few hours would pass before he left her again.

"Is it because you don't like me that you're always going away and leaving me?" Ella relaxed her grip on Colin's hand and wrinkled her face in concern. He could see the tears building up in her doe-like eyes, ready to overflow any second now.

Colin gathered her into his arms, and gave Kevin an apologetic look. Kevin smiled in consolation. He was in no rush when there was a scene like this to deal with.

"Honey, what are you talking about? You know that you are the most important thing in my whole life. How could I ever abandon my favorite person? I have just been very busy lately. I know you're a clever little girl, and you will understand, right?

I promise, you and I will spend some time together as soon as I manage to sort this matter out. Please don't be angry with me now, okay?" Colin said in a warm, comforting voice.

Ella pursed her lips and didn't give Colin any further grief.

"Good girl. I have to leave this afternoon so let's share some happy time together before then," Colin continued.

Ella looked lovingly at Colin, her heart melting. She really was a daddy's girl, through and through.

Colin smiled at his little girl and held her in his arms. Feeling her small, squishy little body in his arms, he wished he never had to leave her. But he also was well-aware that this would be utterly and completely impossible!

Money made the world go round, and in today's society, it was the only thing that would ensure Ella had the best opportunities and a good life in the future.

Plus, he had promised her mother that he would ensure that she lived a happy life that was short of nothing. How could he realize this promise without money?

Inadvertently, he had provided her with more financial security at the cost of familial affection and quality family time.

Right now, she had trouble accepting this. But Colin had a feeling she would appreciate all his hard work when she was a bit older, and understood why he was so busy in her formative years. "Honey, wait for a few more years. I'll always be with you then!" Colin said in a low, reassuring tone. If it weren't for the complete silence in the room, no one else would have even heard him speak.

Now that he had successfully managed to make a name in in the business world in the city in such a short time, it was inevitable that his influence and power would grow greatly in the coming years. He was sure he would have more time with Ella in future. This was just the initial push.

Pursing her lips but looking like she understood, Ella nodded. Heaving a great sigh of relief, Colin finally felt comfortable to follow Kevin upstairs into the study.

Ella got herself off the couch and walked sadly to Anne. Anne held her close and touched the tip of her nose affectionately. "Ella, life is full of things that we can't control. Your father loves you very much and wants to spend all his time with you, but right now, there are other things that he has to do."

After all, people could not just do as they pleased in this world. One could not always have it all. If he wanted to ensure his business would thrive, he had to sacrifice some family time. It was just how things had to balance.

It was even true in respect of Anne's life.

In order to gain the success she wanted for the LF Group, she had to dedicate a lot of time and effort at the cost of quality time with her children. If Selma hadn't been there for her kids, she would have also felt deeply guilty.

Ella nodded her head to show she understood but she was nonetheless upset, and buried her face in Anne's arms.

Sally couldn't help pressing her lips angrily together in frustration. Her eyes filled with furious tears. As far as she was concerned, her mother's affection and warm embrace belonged to her. She did not want to share it will Ella.

She wanted to pull Ella off her mother. But she fought the urge when she looked at Eddy next to her. There was a chance that Ella would be her future sister-in-law so she would endure it. Colin went upstairs and sat down in the study with Kevin.

"From word going around, you've come into some real trouble this time. I didn't anticipate that you would be back in no less a month considering the magnanimity of the issues. But you came back so quickly. Is it because you don't think the problems can be resolved by yourself?" Kevin got straight to the point.

Colin had come straight to the Fu Family's house. He decided it would be better not to beat around the bush, and just be honest and to the point.

Colin nodded. "You have read the scenario correctly. This time, the issues are extremely complex. I don't think that I will manage to resolve it on my own. I wanted to ask for your assistance. As a fellow businessman, I will not let you suffer any losses due to your helping me. I will ensure you are remunerated for you services."

Kevin raised his eyebrows in pleasant surprise and smiled. They were currently in a partnership on some projects so he knew what kind of man Colin was.

"Your partner and I have had conflict before. He will not have any respect for me if I involve myself with your problems with him. Plus, I don't interested in the projects you two have been working on." Kevin shook his head.

"He has very ambitious plans but he does not have the capability and skillset to achieve these things. I have already ended the cooperation with him. I feel that if the business plan halts at this juncture, it will not be soon before I will have to face bankruptcy. I am going to have to replace a new business partner before it's too late for me to salvage what has been done thus far," Colin elaborated, after a brief moment of hesitation.

Kevin nodded. He understood exactly what Colin was trying to say. Colin needed his cooperation and support in order to complete his business endeavor successfully.

Initially, Kevin had not thought much of Colin's business ideas. But now that Colin had come to him and been so genuine and honest, coupled with the fact that Ella had become so dear to his family, Kevin reconsidered his position.

"What if we include the business district into the plan as well?" Colin suggested.

Most of the Fu Family's businesses were long-standing, well-established businesses that had run over many generations. There weren't any new start-up companies in the portfolio.

This was why Colin and Kevin both were not interested in working with each other initially - their business strategies were completely different.

Kevin raised his eyebrows and smiled at the proposal.

If the business district formed part of this venture, his interest would definitely be peeked.

Kevin had interest in acquiring that piece of land from the moment it came on the market. But before he could even think of making a move, Colin was already one step ahead in acquisition of it. It had truly disheartened Kevin and it had played on his mind for a very long time. Now that Colin was willing to make a deal in respect of this property, he was indeed pleased.

"Please do not worry. I will not let any loss come to you," Kevin said to Colin with a smile.

Colin let out a sigh of relief and looked at Kevin gratefully.

This was the best he could have hoped for!

Now that the two of them had decided to partner up, they would have to consider the ambit of their agreement very carefully. But now was not the time for that. Dinner was ready so the two of them made their way back downstairs.

Anne looked at the two of them returning with concern on her face. Seeing that they both looked cheery and had smiles on their faces, she felt a great sense of relief. It seemed they had reached a mutual agreement of some sort.

Kevin was a businessman who ensured that he would not sustain any heavy losses, so she knew that he would consider everything proposed to him diligently.

With a kind smile, Anne addressed the servant. "Please serve the meal."

The servant nodded at once and instructed the other helpers to begin serving the meal.