Chapter 103: Talk to Ansel’s Parents 1
After the Desi family moved out of the Brown mansion, Mrs. Hani also regained consciousness thanks to Erica’s devoted care. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Mr. Brown decided to hold a family meeting. In the living room of the mansion, not only were the members of the Brown family present, but Erica and Nika were also there.
With seriousness and determination, Mr. Brown asked Nika to clearly narrate the important pieces of evidence he had provided. Everyone’s gaze focused on Nika as he recounted the sequence of events, starting from when he noticed Kevin’s suspicious behavior.
“So, I decided to keep an eye on Kevin, quietly investigating the anomalies in his management style. And I discovered that Kevin not only colluded with outsiders, betraying the company, but also betrayed Ansel by having an affair with Desi,” Nika concluded.
After Nika finished his account, silence filled the meeting room. All eyes turned to Mr. Brown, who would make the next decision. Mr. Brown, with the consideration and determination of a leader, spoke up:
“Have you gathered enough evidence of Kevin’s betrayal?”
“Yes, sir,” Nika respectfully replied. “Today, I am here to report the results to you and let you resolve this issue as soon as possible.”
“Okay, I will soon come to a decision about how to handle this situation. Temporarily keep this secret; if they find out, they will find a way to get rid of the crime.” Mr. Brown said he felt deeply disappointed and saddened. He never expected the person he trusted to betray him.
“I understand,” Nika replied.
“You’ve done well, Nika,” Mr. Brown suddenly praised. “Thanks to you, the company will be safe.”
“Thank you for your compliments,” Nika modestly responded. “Because Ansel entrusted me, I simply do my best to assist him. After all, my role is to provide support for Ansel.”
“Not only are you the most reliable support, but you are also my indispensable right-hand,” Ansel said, acknowledging Nika’s capabilities. “It is not in vain that I have entrusted you with such responsibility.”
“Well, then give me a raise, Director,” Nika calmly requested. “And grant me additional vacation days.”
“That goes without saying,” Ansel generously replied. “Not only will I increase your salary, but I will also reward you handsomely.”
“That’s great; thank you so much,” Nika happily said. “I’ve put in my utmost effort for you, and it’s not in vain.”
For a long time, Nika had been regarded as Ansel’s trusted elder brother figure, so the natural and affectionate way they spoke was no longer unfamiliar to Mr. and Mrs. Brown.
“Well, I still have some matters to attend to. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I would like to take my leave,” Nika added. “If you need anything, please feel free to contact me.”
Nika received a nod of agreement from Mr. Brown.
…
Since Nika left a few minutes ago, silence has filled the room. The atmosphere was filled with contemplation and unease. After gathering his courage, Ansel finally spoke up to address the matter with Mr. and Mrs. Brown. Ansel looked directly at Mr. Brown and Mrs. Hani, his soul filled with hope yet also laden with anxiety. He began his words:
“Father, Mother, during this time, I have been keeping a secret from both of you. The truth is, I had cancer but underwent treatment, and now I am healthy again. The pretense of being sick and possibly dying was a lie to serve the plan of finding the betrayer. I apologize for causing both of you to worry all these days.”
Upon hearing Ansel’s confession, Mr. Brown and Mrs. Hani couldn’t contain their surprise and emotions. Both of them could feel the pressure Ansel had endured and the pain he had felt while keeping this secret. At the same time, they also felt a sense of happiness and gratitude to know that their son had overcome the dangerous illness and was now healthy.
“Is it true, Ansel?” Mr. Brown asked again with joy. “You are no longer suffering from cancer?”
“It’s true; I sincerely apologize for not discussing this matter with you all sooner,” Ansel said remorsefully. He blamed himself for the concealment, which had caused many complications.
“Well, that’s good then. I no longer have to worry about losing you-losing an heir,” Mr. Brown said, touched. “The future of the Brown family, as well as the future of the company, will be secured. I am truly overjoyed with this wonderful news.”
Mrs. Hani wanted to say something upon hearing the news but chose to remain silent, reminded of the previous incident. Her mistake had been grave, and knowing that, she felt a deep sense of regret. She was not yet ready to talk to Ansel and seek forgiveness from him.
“Does anyone else know about this?” Mr. Brown asked.
“Nika is the one who came up with the idea,” Ansel revealed. “In addition, Erica has also been a great help to me.”
As Ansel mentioned Erica, he looked at her with a gaze full of affection, taking her hand in his before continuing:
“Erica not only helped me, but she is also a great benefactor in my life.” With a gentle smile on his face, Ansel proudly exclaimed, “It was Erica who discovered my cancer and a way to warn me to seek early treatment. She was also the one who took care of me throughout my time at the hospital for treatment.”
Upon hearing Ansel’s sincere sharing, Mrs. Hani unconsciously turned her gaze towards Erica and could no longer hold back her feelings. She unexpectedly spoke up:
“Why did you hide such a serious matter from us? Aren’t we family?” There was a hint of reproach in Mrs. Hani’s voice directed towards Ansel.
“Because then I didn’t want you two to worry.” Ansel looked at her mother, courageously admitting, “Besides, the doctor said I can recover to normal if I get treatment early. I plan to inform you two after I get the results. If it’s successful, there’s no need to say anything. But if it fails, then I will say.”
“Are you completely healthy now?” Mrs. Hani wanted to make sure.
“Yes, I am.”
Mrs. Hani nodded with understanding, deeply moved to the point of tears. This was truly overwhelming happiness, and she wanted to step forward, embrace Ansel, and speak words of love and encouragement to him. However, the overwhelming sense of guilt held her back, delaying her desires. Sensing his wife’s emotions, Mr. Brown gently stroked her back, an act of profound comfort. Without needing to speak it out loud, both Mr. Brown and Mrs. Hani understood that everything would be alright, just taking a little time.
“There is one more thing.” Ansel continued after a moment of emotional silence. “Erica has become an integral part of my life, and the love and care she has shown me are indescribable.”
Ansel took a deep breath and added, “I understand that there may be concerns and objections, but our love surpasses all barriers. Erica has stood by my side during the toughest times, from my battle with cancer to uncovering Desi’s betrayal. She has helped me overcome every challenge and regain faith in life.”
Ansel looked deeply into his parents’ eyes, his determination evident on his face.
“For all these reasons, I respectfully ask for your permission to marry Erica. I understand that this decision may be controversial, but I hope that you can accept it and support us in our future journey together.”All content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.
Mr. Brown and Mrs. Hani exchanged glances, their hearts filled with emotion. Ansel and Erica were tense and anxious, holding each other’s hands tightly as they awaited the response of Ansel’s parents.
After a brief moment, Mr. Brown spoke in a low but firm voice:
“I have a question for both of you. Is it true that you love each other?”