Chapter 66: What’s the point of digging up the past?

Words : 1196 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 66: What’s the point of digging up the past? ’For my own good?’ Augustine scoffed inwardly, bitter bile rising in his throat. Years ago, his grandfather sent him abroad to pursue higher education. But within months, financial support from the Beaumont family had been cut off, forcing him to juggle two, three jobs to pay his tuition. It was clear—they had been eager to sever ties, likely believing he wouldn’t survive without their backing. His uncle and cousin had even plotted to eliminate him. But he had survived and endured. He had risen to power with his own efforts. And soon, he would reclaim everything they had snatched from him. Dimitri’s voice broke through his thoughts. "After your parents passed, the property dispute erupted. Gabriel wanted everything in his name. I feared he might harm you, so I sent you abroad for your safety." Augustine’s eyes darkened. "What’s the point of digging up the past?" he interrupted. "Ten years have passed. Everything has changed. I am no longer the same Augustine." Dimitri let out another deep sigh. "It’s reassuring to hear you don’t hold a grudge. Since you are back, I plan to host a grand welcome party in your honor." "There is no need for extravagance," Augustine replied indifferently. "I am an ordinary man. I don’t belong in the elite social scene. I prefer my simple life." Dimitri’s tone hardened. "You are a Beaumont. Whether you like it or not, you belong among the elite. No arguments. You are turning thirty this year—it’s time for you to settle down. The Granet family is our longtime associates. Their younger daughter, Megan, has recently returned from abroad after completing her studies. She would be the perfect match for you." A flicker of irritation crossed Augustine’s face. His grip on his composure was slipping away. "Your rules don’t govern my life anymore," he said icily. "I won’t marry someone I barely know." "Megan is the woman you will marry," Dimitri said in a commanding tone. "I’ll arrange a blind date—" "I already have someone I like," Augustine cut him off sharply. "You can’t force me." A stunned silence followed before Dimitri demanded, "Who?" Augustine opened his mouth to respond, but the door swung open, and Anne stepped inside, interrupting him. He inhaled deeply, collecting himself. "You’ll find out soon," he said simply, ending the call. Turning his full attention to Anne, he stood and extended his hand toward her with a soft smile. "You are finally here. I’ve been waiting impatiently." He held her hands. Anne observed him, sensing the emotions simmering beneath his carefully maintained facade. "Who were you talking to?" she asked, curious as to what had disturbed him. His smile faltered momentarily but quickly returned. "My grandfather," he answered evenly. "He wants to see me." "Okay." Anne nodded. "So you going to meet him." "No." Augustine shook his head. "We’ll go together to see him this weekend." "We?" Anne blinked in surprise. "Of course. You’re my wife. It’s only right that I introduce you to my family." His smile was warm, sincere. Anne stood motionless for a moment, emotions swirling within her. When she had been with Denis, he had always insisted on keeping their relationship hidden—meeting his family had never even been an option. But Augustine? He was eager to announce their marriage to the world. A comforting warmth spread through her, yet the lingering questions refused to fade. What if his grandfather didn’t approve of her? After all, she was an orphan, and her foster parents came from a modest background. "This is for you." He reached handed her the bouquet. Anne’s face lit up with a smile as she gently ran her fingers over the vibrant roses. "They are beautiful," she murmured. Seeing her smile, Augustine felt a wave of relief. His efforts to mend things between them seemed to be working. "Yes, they truly are," Augustine replied, his gaze fixed on her. When she looked up, he quickly averted his eyes. "Come, have a seat," he said, pulling out a chair for her. Once she sat down, he gestured for the waiter, instructing him to serve the food. The waiter nodded respectfully before stepping away. "How is the job hunt going?" Augustine asked teasingly as he settled into his seat. "Any good news?" "I’ve applied to a few companies," Anne said. "Still waiting to hear back from them." Augustine pulled an envelope from his coat pocket and placed it on the table. "I have a proposal for you. We recently secured the project that the Beaumont Group lost due to the scandal. We are hiring, and I’d like to offer you the position of project lead." He slid the envelope toward her. Anne’s expression shifted between surprise and excitement. Quickly opening the envelope, she found an offer letter inside. A delighted chuckle escaped her lips. "Are you serious? You want to hire me! Do you really think I can lead this project?" "Hmm." Augustine nodded. "I’m not offering you this job because you are my wife. I genuinely believe you are the best candidate for the role. No one understands this project better than you." Anne felt a surge of confidence at his words, but hesitation still lingered. "You know the truth, but your employees don’t. If I’m hired without going through the interview process, won’t people assume you are favoring me? I don’t want anyone to question your integrity. It’s best if I go through the proper selection process." Her determination to earn the job on her own merit only deepened Augustine’s admiration for her. "You don’t have to go through the process as my wife," he reminded her. "But since you prefer to earn it on your own, I’ll respect that. I have complete faith in you—you’ll ace the interview and secure the position." Anne’s smile brightened. "Thank you for understanding me." As they ate, their conversation flowed naturally. However, the ringing of her phone from inside her bag suddenly interrupted them. She retrieved her phone. Patricia’s name on the screen sent a wave of unease through her. After a brief hesitation, she answered the call. "Hello?" "Come home quickly. There is something important I need to discuss with you." Patricia’s serious tone unsettled Anne even more. "What is it about?" Anne asked. "I can’t explain over the phone. Just come home." Anne glanced at Augustine. "Okay, I’ll be there." She ended the call. Augustine, noticing her distress, asked seriously, "Who was that?" "My mother. She wants me to come home." "I’ll go with you," Augustine offered without hesitation. Not wanting to drag him into her family’s problems, she shook her head. "You just joined the company. You should focus on work. Don’t worry, I can handle this." His brows furrowed with doubt. "Are you sure?" Anne nodded firmly, forcing a reassuring smile. "Yes. She is probably just worried about Papa, that’s all." Although Augustine felt something was off, he couldn’t pinpoint why. He didn’t want her to go alone, but he also didn’t want to push her. Reluctantly, he agreed. "Alright. Call me if you need anything. I’ll be there in an instant." "I will."

Chapter 66: What’s the point of digging up the past?

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