My Pretty Sweetheart (Arianna)
Chapter 2317

"That's true. There won't be winners in life if no risks are taken." I pursed my lips then smiled at Freya, indicating that she didn't have to worry about me. "Don't worry. I understand. I merely need some time to readjust myself. By the way, how's Anne?"

Anne was capable and steady. With Hendrix looking after her, I wasn't too worried about her.

Freya's expression looked a little strange when I brought up Anne. "What could have happened to her? She's fine. She's excelling in everything that she's doing. As her godmother, I feel ashamed that I can't compare to her."

Her tone was cold. As she spoke, she retracted her hand, crossed her hands in front of her, and looked elsewhere.

"Are you angry with Anne?" I didn't beat around the bush since we were long-time friends.

Freya lowered her eyes and did not deny it. However, she still took into account some affections she had for Anne and covered up for her. "Not really. We just argued because our views on some things were different. Our age gap is so big, so it's inevitable if there are some misunderstandings between us. She wants things to be fast, but I want it to be steady. How can we be in the same boat?"

These words were valid, and she did not mean to demean Anne. However, Freya was still as softhearted as ever.

No matter what, she was the one who had watched Anne grow up. I believed that she would not harm Anne.

I had intended to ask more about it, but it hit Freya's sore spot, so I could only let the matter slide for now.

After leaving the Golden Hoof, I met Anne at the clubhouse.

The waiters in uniforms and ties were now all Lucas's men. Although the ties didn't quite match, they looked friendlier when they were smiling. The whole atmosphere in the clubhouse was light. My arrival made them tense, but they still led me to a seat and brought me some wine.

Not long after, Anne appeared. "Mom, why are you so free to come and see me today?"

It was indeed Anne from that forced smile of hers.

Before coming here, I was still worried that we would not get along well with each other because of her decision. I didn't expect her to adapt to the situation so fast. Her friendly manners made me feel like nothing had happened in the past.

I chuckled and gave a lame excuse. "I just happened to pass by and decided to drop by. We've not met up for a long time. Aurelia and the rest miss you. Do you have time to come back home for a meal?" She thought for a moment and agreed. She then added thoughtfully, "Yes, then, shall I go grocery shopping with you?"

"Sure." I nodded and got up. We then went to the largest shopping mall nearby.

Anne pushed the trolley cart and walked at the same pace next to me. Sometimes, she would stop and

look at how I picked out the freshest I cut of vegetables. Sometimes, she would leave me to pick some food that Aurelia and the rest would love to eat.

When we were almost done shopping, we began to stroll around leisurely. I felt that it was about the right time, so I pretended to bring Freya inadvertently. "I heard from Aunt Freya that the club's business is doing well recently. Have you found a new plan for developing the business more?"

"Yes," Anne replied calmly, "I've already done some advertising, and the response is excellent. With that, we have more cash and modal in hand. Aunt Freya wanted to use this money to invest, so we could have more returns and never run out of

money."

"It sounds very feasible, and your aunt has always been good at predicting which investments would pay off. It's a sure business. Don't you believe her?" I stopped and seriously looked at her. Anne looked at me with a gentle smile. "Why would I not believe her? I just wanted to open up more branch. My opinion is to set aside the investment matters at the moment."

"There's no definite right or wrong in making business decisions, but Freya has a good heart. If there's any conflict, you should communicate more, or-"

"Mom," Without giving me a chance to finish, Anne suddenly grabbed my wrist and said with a smile, "Dad said that I will be in charge of everything in the club. I will handle any problems."

I felt as if I had a lump in my throat. I could only swallow it back without saying any words.

Her eyes, movements, and words reminded me that it was her domain, and I had no say in her decisions.

In the past, when I was with Anne, I only felt distance from her, but right now, at this moment, I felt as if I was some stranger. That yawning gap between us horrified me.

Before I could come to my senses, Anne spoke, "Since you've already told me what you wanted to say, I'll head back first. I have other things to settle in the club." After that, she let go of my hand and left without looking back.