Vengeful Hearts Return Novel by Susan Clyde

“I’m busy,” Audrey refused again..

“Then make time,” Dylan insisted.

“I can’t,” Audrey retorted.

“Audrey, do you think I won’t deal with you?” Dylan’s tone grew even colder.

“Then go ahead and try!” Audrey shot back defiantly, glaring at Dylan with an arrogant attitude.

This vivid and radiant side of Audrey was something Dylan had never seen before. Now, fully revealed in front of him, it made his gaze deepen.

Just then, Aaron entered the office, immediately sensing the tense atmosphere between the two.

“The prescription is on the table. Follow the directions, and call me if you need anything,” Audrey said to Aaron, ignoring Dylan. She then left the office.

“Ms. Hernandez, why don’t you come over to my place for dinner tomorrow?” Aaron called out loudly just as Audrey’s figure was about to disappear.

Without turning back, Audrey waved her hand and replied faintly, “No time, maybe another day.” Soon, she vanished down the hallway.

“Aaron, when did she become your teacher?” Dylan suddenly asked.

“Sorry, Mr. Clifford, I can’t tell you that,” Aaron replied.

Dylan pressed his lips, waved goodbye to Aaron, and then left the office. By the time he reached the entrance to the hospital, Audrey was already gone.

Gazing at the traffic and pedestrians outside the hospital, Dylan’s eyes narrowed icily, his expression becoming dangerous and stern. “Audrey, you can’t escape!”

***

In the car, Dylan lit a cigarette, the smoke veiling his face. Once he finished smoking, he directed Richard to start the car.

“Mr. Clifford, there’s a call from Clifford Mansion, Richard informed.

Dylan’s expression hardened as he took the phone. “What is it?”

“Come home for lunch tomorrow. We need to discuss your engagement to Sarah,” his mother, Claire Clifford, said firmly over the phone.

Dylan’s eyes grew icy. “I’m not available tomorrow.”

“Dylan, you’ve put this off for years. You’re not getting any younger. It’s time to settle down.” Claire’s voice carried a stern tone.

“My affairs are none of your concern,” Dylan retorted icily.

“Dylan, are you still hung up on Audrey? Let me tell you, she’s not fit to enter the Clifford family. She’s not worthy of you. Don’t forget, she almost killed me. A woman with such malicious intent will never be accepted by our family!” Claire’s voice suddenly grew sharp.

“She didn’t succeed, did she?” Dylan’s voice was icy, the atmosphere around him growing even colder. Richard could sense the dangerous aura emanating from him.

On the other end, Claire was clearly angered, her tone becoming icy. “Regardless, you must get engaged to Sarah. We’ve already arranged a meeting with the Hernandez family at Clifford Mansion tomorrow at noon. You better be there.” She hung up without waiting for a response.

Dylan pocketed the phone, his demeanor turning icy and his expression chilling.

*****

At the Hernandez family.

After ending the call with Dylan, Claire immediately dialed Rebecca’s number. Rebecca’s eyes brightened at the sight of Claire’s call. She answered promptly, fearing the call might disconnect if she hesitated for even a moment.

“Mrs. Clifford, lunch tomorrow? Absolutely, we’ll be there!” After hanging up, she beamed with joy.

“Mom, what did Mrs. Clifford say?” Sarah asked eagerly.

Rebecca smiled proudly at Sarah. “Mrs. Clifford invited us to Clifford Mansion for lunch tomorrow to discuss your engagement to Mr. Clifford.”

“Really?” Sarah’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“Of course, Mrs. Clifford called personally,” Rebecca said.

“Will Dylan be there?” Sarah asked eagerly, her face filled with hope.

“If they’re discussing your engagement, he’ll naturally be there. You’re the only one fit to be Mrs. Clifford. As for Audrey, she’s nothing.” Rebecca smiled warmly.

Early the next morning, Dylan arrived at the Grandview Hotel. After calling Audrey three times with no answer, she finally picked up on the fourth. “What is it?” Audrey’s icy voice came through.

“Let’s have lunch,” Dylan said.

“I’m busy,” Audrey declined.

“I’ll give you fifteen minutes. If you’re not down here by then, I’ll have someone bring you down,” Dylan said icily.

Fifteen minutes later, Audrey and Brian emerged from the hotel entrance.

“Get in the car,” Dylan said, lowering the back window and giving them a cold look. Once they were seated inside, he asked, “What do you want to eat?”

“Whatever,” Audrey replied, eager to finish the meal and get rid of him as quickly as possible.

“To Natural Heaven,” Dylan ordered. Richard made a turn and headed towards Natural Heaven, an exclusive private club renowned for dining and entertainment.

Dylan and his friends frequented Natural Heaven, where they were accustomed to personal attention from Paul Martin, the manager. When Paul spotted Audrey with Dylan, he was momentarily taken aback.

He knew Audrey well from her days as a prominent socialite in Northville, often accompanying Dylan here seven years ago. Seeing her now, with a child, was indeed surprising.

However, Paul was smart enough to keep his curiosity in check. He respectfully led them to a private room and brought three menus.

Audrey didn’t look at the menu, handing it to Brian. “Order whatever you like.”

Brian had long wanted to teach Dylan a lesson. After flipping through the menu, he rattled off a series of expensive dishes. “Braised Fairyland Eel, Cheese Truffle Australian Lobster, Wild Yellow Croaker, Crocodile Tail Soup, Sake Marinated Abalone, Premium Black and White Caviar…

As Brian listed each dish, Paul’s hand trembled slightly. He stole a glance at Dylan, who remained calm and composed, prompting Paul to speculate whether Brian was indeed. Dylan and Audrey’s child.

After ordering over a dozen dishes, Brian added, “No onions, ginger, or garlic in any the dishes. Audrey doesn’t like them. Also, two glasses of orange juice, please. Thank you.”

Paul noted everything down and looked at Dylan, who handed back the menu. “That’ll be all,” Dylan said coolly.

With Paul departed, only the three of them remained in the private room.