Chapter 252

At one of the Hughes family's properties.

Orion and Edith sat facing each other. On the coffee table between them, Orion's phone rang incessantly.

After it automatically disconnected once again, Orion looked up from his phone toward the person across from him.

"Seems Ms. Langley really does hold an important place in Chris's heart, to make him this frantic."

Edith saw the name on the screen too and calmly curved her lips.

"Are you really not going to answer, Mr. Hughes? What if it's about something else? Your two families must have quite a few partnerships, don't you?"

They'd been in this standoff for a while now. Edith remained poised and composed throughout, earning a trace of admiration in Orion's eyes.

Too bad Abigail didn't like her.

If Edith and Abigail got along, Orion wouldn't mind sharing some resources with her.

"When I first met you, I felt you looked familiar. Later I learned you're that rising designer, Emily. I watched your press conference."

Orion shifted topics. "You're a very talented designer. It's just a shame your personal life is so messy."

Edith said calmly, "I accept your praise, but as for my personal life, Mr. Hughes may not understand it fully."

Orion spread his hands. "I had you investigated. I know about your relationship with Chris. You're his ex-wife, though it seems there wasn't much affection during your marriage."

He looked at Edith meaningfully. "I'm quite curious what you did to make him change his attitude toward you so dramatically after the divorce—even enough to set Abby aside."

Edith's lips twisted sarcastically.

"If you want to know, why not ask your precious daughter directly."

Her attitude stirred something odd in Orion. He wanted to press further, but Edith clearly didn't want to continue this topic.

"So Mr. Hughes called me here today because you've already reached a conclusion about what happened yesterday."

"Your conclusion is that I did attack Abigail."

Orion suppressed his doubts and said gravely, "I watched the surveillance. The facts are clear."

Edith thought back to Abigail's actions last night. From the surveillance footage, she really hadn't given anything away.

And Orion would certainly believe Abigail unconditionally now.

Any explanation from Edith would be futile.

In fact, that Orion could even speak to her this calmly exceeded Edith's expectations.

"What does Mr. Hughes want me to do? Apologize to Abigail?" she asked evenly.

Orion said, "The doctor advised that Abby shouldn't have any more contact with you. It's best if you two don't see each other."

Edith looked at him as an ominous feeling suddenly welled up inside her.

The next second, she heard Orion say, "So I'm hoping you'll leave Starlight City and not appear in front of Abby again."

Edith's brow furrowed slightly. "Is Mr. Hughes informing me, or negotiating with me?"

Orion said, "You can take it as an order. After all, every time Abby's heart condition flares up, it's connected to you. I won't gamble with her life."

Edith pressed her lips together, defiance written in every line of her face.

"I'm not leaving."

"I haven't found my mother's killer yet. Until I do, I won't leave Starlight City."

The phone on the table rang again.

Orion glanced at the screen and said heavily, "Chris cares about you so much. Whatever you want done, I'm sure he'll help you accomplish it. He'll investigate your mother's death for you too."

"I recall the Sanchez family also has a good relationship with you. They'll help you as well."

The implication was clear—whether Edith stayed in Starlight City made no difference.

Edith still refused.

"This is my personal matter. I'd prefer to bring my mother's killer to justice with my own hands."

She stood. "If that's all Mr. Hughes wanted to see me about today, I don't think we have anything more to discuss. When you've thought of other terms, perhaps I'll cooperate."

With that, Edith turned to leave.

Orion's unyielding voice came from behind her.

"I'm afraid you don't have the option to refuse."

"Someone, escort Ms. Langley to the airport."

Following his command, orderly footsteps echoed from outside the door.

Edith looked up to see seven or eight tall men in matching suits striding toward her with commanding presence.

The man in front stopped beside her, his manner respectful enough.

"Ms. Langley, please."

Orion said, "I've already purchased a ticket to Everglade City for you. Once you arrive, someone will arrange accommodation. You won't need to worry about anything. You just need to go."

Edith looked at the wall of men before her, her heart full of bitter irony. "So should I be thanking Mr. Hughes?"

Orion didn't respond.

The man in front of Edith said, "Ms. Langley, the flight leaves in three hours. If you don't cooperate, we'll have no choice but to escort you forcibly."

Edith's hands clenched at her sides. After a moment of silence, she stepped forward.

Outside the villa, two black sedans were already waiting, one with its door open—clearly prepared for her.

Edith walked over, bent down, and got in.

The lead man sat beside her. Before they departed, he offered a reminder.

"Ms. Langley, you should know you can't escape from us."

Edith's lips twisted sardonically.

She never would have imagined Orion would make such a demand.

No—Abigail must have suggested it.

How clever of her. She knew to use Orion's hand to drive Edith away. Once Edith left, no one would bring up the past anymore. And since she was only asking Edith to leave, Orion wouldn't think badly of her. He might even consider Abigail kind-hearted.

Thinking of this made Edith's stomach turn.

The car slowly pulled away from the villa.

Edith watched the unfamiliar scenery outside the window and gently closed her eyes.

She had no doubt that once she left Starlight City, as long as the Hughes family remained, she'd never have another chance to return.

She still hadn't gotten justice for Dione...

Meanwhile.

Christopher had just left Hughes Estate.

"Mr. Hale, Mr. Hughes really hasn't come back. If you want to find him, why not just call him?"

Leo followed respectfully, seeing him out.

Christopher had already checked every place Orion might be. He'd found no one. The chill surrounding him had nearly solidified.

Once in the car, he received a call from Frank.

"Mr. Hale, we just found out—Ms. Langley bought a ticket to Everglade City, departing in three hours!"

Christopher checked the time and ordered the driver coldly, "To the airport."

Then he said to Frank, "Bring more people. The Hughes family probably bought that ticket."

Edith hadn't uncovered what she was looking for yet. How could she suddenly leave? Especially after meeting with Orion.

This could only be Orion's way of handling what happened last night.

He wanted Edith out of Starlight City.

The car sped toward the airport.

Christopher's eyes were ice-cold.

No matter what, he would bring Edith back.