Chapter 169: The Return of Ivan
Giselle nodded and replied, "Yes, Ms. Lockwood."
After giving clear instructions, I left.
Giselle had been by my side for quite a while now and was very reliable. I felt at ease leaving things in her hands.
When I arrived at Henry's office, he had just finished his work.
I told him about the audit. Henry nodded, "The legal department used to handle these things, but as the company has grown, they've gotten busier and busier. It's been over a year since the last audit, hasn't it? We really should check things out."
"Not just the finances - I'll go through all the other accounts one by one too. This is just to be safe."
Hearing my words, Henry nodded, "Alright, with you handling it, I'm not worried."
After speaking, Henry glanced at the time and stood up, "Let's go. We should leave early to avoid traffic."
I obediently followed behind Henry, my mind constantly thinking about how I should respond if Rosalind and John's family made unreasonable demands when we met Ivan.
Seeing me silent the whole way, Henry thought I was still angry at Natasha and tried to comfort me, "Helena, Natasha is your cousin after all. Even if she was wrong, you've already punished her. Today is Ivan's homecoming - you mustn't argue with her again."
I smiled at Henry, "Don't worry, I'm not one to hold grudges."
I don't hold grudges - I just get revenge. What's the point of holding grudges? Revenge is much more interesting.
I would make Natasha lose everything. And Knox, didn't he covet the Lockwood Group? Then in this life, I'd let him taste what it's like to have his company taken away and be left penniless.
None of those who harmed me and my parents in my past life would escape!
Soon the car arrived at Rosalind's house. As soon as I entered, a dark figure flashed by, and I was pulled tightly into this figure's embrace.
"Helena, I finally get to see you! I've missed you so much!"
He even lifted me up and spun me around in place.
"Put me down, let go of me!"
I hit the arms of the person holding me hard, and he finally put me back on the ground.
Once steady, I looked up to see a pair of bright, sparkling eyes.
"Helena, it's me, Ivan! Did you almost not recognize me?"
Ivan leaned closer with wide eyes, grinning at me.
Ivan was only twenty-one this year, at the prime of his youth and energy. The way he looked at me had no scheming in it at all, just pure joy at seeing family.
My feelings were complicated. On one hand, I was wary that he was John's son, but on the other hand, I hoped the events of my past life had nothing to do with him, that we could maintain this rare family bond.
"Of course I recognize you. When did you get back?"
Hearing my words, he grinned, "Just got home. Oh, and Helena, I brought back some gifts for you."
He pulled me toward his suitcase.
Opening it, he took out a film camera, "This is the oldest model film camera that's been discontinued - it was also the highest pixel camera at the time."
"I remember you used to love photography, so I specially found this for you."
"Ivan, you're more thoughtful toward an outsider than you are to me, your own sister."
Natasha, standing nearby, spoke jealously when she saw the camera.
"Natasha, what are you saying? Helena isn't an outsider - she's family."
Ivan looked up at me with a grin.
"Helena, try it out."
He pressed the camera into my hands. I took it, adjusted the focus, and pressed the shutter.
"How is it?" Ivan immediately asked.
I nodded, "It's great. I just don't know how the film will turn out when developed. And there probably aren't any places left that develop this kind of film, right?"
"Don't worry."
Ivan pulled out a box of chemicals from his suitcase, "Look what this is!"
Seeing my confusion, he quickly explained, "These are special chemicals for developing film. And I've learned the technique for developing film too, so Helena, don't worry. You just take the photos, leave the rest to me!"
Ivan proudly patted his chest.
I looked at him and put away the camera seriously, "Thank you, Ivan. I came in a hurry today and didn't prepare a gift. Later, pick something you like and I'll give it to you."
"Then could Helena spend a day with me? Let's go around together. I've been away from Starwave City for so many years, and it looks like it's changed a lot."
I thought he would ask for a luxury car or watch right away. I was prepared to spend a lot of money, but I didn't expect his request to be so simple.
So simple I could hardly accept it.
"Is that really all you want?"
I asked in surprise, "You don't want anything else?"
"I don't really want anything else, just this."
Ivan smiled warmly. I looked at him in disbelief and said tactfully, "Actually, you could ask for something else too."
"No need, just this. Plus I get to spend a day with you. But I heard you have a boyfriend now, so make sure to tell him in advance so there's no misunderstanding."
Seeing him tease, I let down my guard and smiled, "Don't worry. I'll introduce you two another day."
"Sounds good."
After Ivan responded, a timid voice came from behind.
"Ivan, I'm Serenity. Nice to meet you."
Ivan must have heard about her. He turned around with an indifferent expression, "Serenity, sorry, I didn't know about you when I came back, so I didn't bring you any gifts. Hope you don't mind."
"Not at all, not at all."
Serenity held out a box, "This is the latest model watch, very popular with young people. I thought you might like it, so I bought it for you."
"No need, I don't need a watch right now."
Ivan glanced at the box in her hand but didn't reach out to take it.
"Ivan, this is Serenity's thoughtful gesture. She went to many places to buy this watch. Please accept it."
Hearing John's words, Ivan reluctantly took the box and said expressionlessly, "Thanks."
He then casually placed the box among a pile of gift boxes.
Seeing this, Serenity's tears were about to fall.
Natasha, standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh, "Thinking you can win over my brother with just a watch - how ridiculous."
Then Natasha called out loudly, "Ivan, look what gift I got you!"
Ivan looked up and asked, "What is it?"