Chapter 10 The Ambitious Woman Chapter 10 The Ambitious Woman The man's tapping fingers came to a halt . In his phoenix eyes - gleaming with their usual luster - there was now a faint trace of amusement . +10 Free Cond He'd expected a delicate flower raised in a greenhouse . Instead , what stood before him was a wild weed thriving in the wind . What an ambitious woman . And she had , unexpectedly , piqued his interest . Natalie noticed the shift in his expression . But everything she'd said had come straight from the heart . Things were different now . If there was even the smallest chance to climb up and drag herself out of the muck , then anyone could become her stepping stone . " I didn't expect you to be such an ambitious woman , Ms. Foster . " Marcus rose slowly , planting his hands on either side of the desk , his eyes locking onto hers . " If that's the case , then losing you is quite the pity for Jackson . " She responded with a faint , cold smile . Jackson's eyes only saw his beloved movie star . The moment their divorce went through , he'd be the happiest man alive . Only outsiders would use words like pity . " When the tea's gone , the guest leaves . When fate runs out , it's over , " she said calmly . " What matters is the time spent together . In the end , the result's always the same . " Her eyes held a quiet , endless sorrow . Though Jackson had never truly understood their marriage - or bothered to look back on their past - it was clear from her words that she'd chosen to let go . When Marcus said nothing more , Natalie turned to leave . " It's getting late . Rest well , Mr. Collins . I won't bother you any longer . " 1/5 6:17 Fri , Sep 26 Chapter 10 The Ambitious Woman Just as she turned , his voice came from behind . " Ms. Foster . " " Yes ? " He pulled out a business card and held it out to her . " Marriages in wealthy farmilies aren't as simple as you think . Getting in is hard . Getting out is even harder . If you need help . I'll be there . " Natalic froze for a second as she stared at the card . She was well aware of what divorce from Jackson meant - half his assets would go to her . Of course she understood the weight of Marcus's words . What surprised her was that he would offer to help . Seeing her hesitation , he added , " I have one of the best legal teams in the industry . If the time comes , you can come to me . " " Thank you , Mr. Collins ." After a moment of thought , she reached out and took the card . Marcus spoke again . " You're still recovering . Do you need a driver ? " " No. " She glanced back at him , a soft light flickering beneath her beautiful peach blossom eyes . " It's easier to catch a ride here than at the old house . I'll be fine on my own . " Before he could respond , she turned and walked toward the door . Marcus watched her retreating figure , the corners of his lips lifting despite himself . She wouldn't come to him easily . But even so , he had still handed her s card . Because the kind of person who could spark his interest ... was rare . Once her footsteps faded , the phone on the desk began to ring- Marcus brought it to his ear . James's voice came through the receiver . " Mr. Collins , according to the latest reports , the only person capable of repairing that jade sculpture is someone named Huai Sang . But she hasn't been seen in three years - completely vanished . No one's been able to contact her . " " Keep looking . Dig her out if you have to . " 2/5 6:17 Fri , Sep 26 Chapter 10 The Ambitious Woman 20 10 Free Cond He stepped back toward the floor - to - ceiling window . The reflection of his face hovered in the glass , his eyes filled with cold determination . That jade sculpture - carved with orchids - was his mother's only keepsake . It had been accidentally broken . Since returning to the country , he'd been searching for someone who could restore it . " Yes , Mr. Collins . " Jackson had planned to escort Victoria home with Aiden . But halfway there , his mother Stella called . Apparently , after they left , Gabriel flew into a rage . She asked him to come back and calm his grandfather down . Jackson had always respected the old man . At a time like this , he wouldn't dare disobey . " But ... can Aiden really handle it ? " Victoria , still waiting in the car , asked softly . " I'm fine , Ms. Victoria . I feel much better already . " Aiden leaned against her , a soft smile on his lips . The three returned to the old estate a little past nine at night . Gabriel , still angry , refused to come downstairs . Stella went up to fetch him while the rest waited in the living room . Aiden , bored , looked around before turning to Victoria . " Ms. Victoria , this is your first time visiting our home , and you had to go through all that . I hope you won't take it to heart . " Victoria's expression darkened at his words . " I never thought things would get so out of hand . I ruined such a lovely family dinner . " " You don't have to blame yourself . We both know who really caused the disruption - and it wasn't you . So don't feel guilty , " Jackson said firmly , though his tone was gentle . Victoria nodded with misty eyes and leaned a little closer to him . Jackson reached out and gently patted her back . 3/5 b : 17 Fri , Sep 26 Chapter 10 The Ambitious Woman " Daddy . " " What is it ? " He turned toward his son . Aiden looked up with his small lips pouting . " Is Mommy really going to divorce you ? " Jackson froze . That woman's face flashed in his mind . Her attitude tonight had caught him completely off guard . So decisive . So resolute ... " Daddy , if you and Mommy really get divorced , does that mean you can be with Ms. Victoria ? " When Jackson didn't answer , Aiden asked again , eyes wide and fixed on his father - waiting for a response . In those expectant eyes , there was also a hint of subtle regret . Ms. Victoria was great - she could sing and act , and she often took him out and bought him toys . But Mommy's cooking was delicious , and she made the best clothes . From age three to six , most of his outfits were ones she had sewn by hand , picking out fabrics and stitching them herself . Every time he wore them outside , people would compliment him . They were the kind of clothes money couldn't buy . Torn between the two , he didn't know what to choose . Victoria , sitting beside him , lifted her eyes as well . She stared at Jackson's handsome profile , her eyes full of anticipation . Jackson , silent until now , let a shadow of anger flicker through his gaze . He spoke without restrain " She's been to prison - and she still has the nerve to ask for a 4/5 6:17 Fri , Sep 26 Chapter 10 The Ambitious Woman divorce ? Besides staying in the Collins family , where else could she possibly go ? She's just acting out . Do you really think your mother will leave ? " 515 In "A Lady Hard to Please" by CrushReels, a single mother makes a poignant return to the city she fled seven years ago. Her mission: to secure treatment for her son's leukemia, setting the stage for an emotional journey of love and resilience amidst past heartbreak. As her ex-lover reenters her life upon hearing of her return, old wounds resurface, sparking a complex web of emotions and decisions that delve deep into themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the enduring power of love. This modern romance novel stands out for its raw portrayal of familial bonds tested by adversity, offering readers a compelling exploration of human strength and vulnerability. With a captivating blend of heart-wrenching moments and tender revelations, "A Lady Hard to Please" promises a captivating read that lingers in the heart long after the final page. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a tale that transcends boundaries and speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.