Anna pursed her lips disapprovingly. It was rare if she got a chance to be alone with Stuart.
Anna was a bit puzzled by Eddieās sudden attitude, and she asked, "Eddie, you know that I am in love with Stuart and that I came with him today because I want nothing more than to be with him. Yet, I donāt quite understand why you are relieved? You still want to go, but arenāt you afraid Iāll take him away from you?"
A malicious smile appeared on Eddieās face, "What belongs to me, I canāt take away. What doesnāt belong to me, I canāt keep. You knew Stuart when you were ten. If you could take him, you would."
It was a realization that Eddie had acquired through bruises. Like Stanley, who had never been a father. What did not belong to her, even if it was forced, would not have a good result?
After so many bad experiences, Eddie was indifferent. It was not that she didnāt go for it, but now she knows that some people will leave you even if you fight.
There was a flash of meaning in Annaās eyes, and she precisely knew what Eddie was talking about through her own experiences in life. Eddie didnāt care about her attitude. After saying these words, she turned around and walked towards Gould. This time, Anna didnāt stop her.
Anna looked somewhat surprised as she watched Eddie walk away. Eddie was obviously thin and fragile, but she could see her strength and stubbornness as well.
Although Eddie was younger than her, Eddie seemed to have experienced the world. It was as though she could see everything clearly. Anna felt nervous and confused, and for some reason, she knew there was no chance of winning Stuartās heart.
She had never understood why Stuart chose Eddie to be his wife. She was not an upper-class person at all. The only reason that came to her mind was that she was pretty, and there was something about her demeanor that made Stuart love her.
Anna didnāt have an answer, and she probably would never understand Stuartās rationale. Rubbing her eyes, Anna tried to rein in her scattered thoughts.
Eddie had a stubborn vitality in her. She was not subservient to anyone. Eddie always adhered to her own values, and she was proud of herself.
Stuart was meeting with the chairman of Dior. So Anna stood outside the door and waited. About ten minutes later, the door opened, and Stuart came out. He glared at Anna with cold eyes and showed no emotion on his face. Anna looked worried, "Stuart, whatās the matter?"
When Anna spoke, Stuart looked eagerly around but saw only Anna alone outside the door.
"Where is she?" Stuartās voice sounded cold and distant. Anna was so discouraged, she asked him a question, and his only reply was, "where is Eddie." Annaās face turned pale, and she paused, pressing her lips together, "She said that she had to go. I couldnāt stop her."
The moment Anna saw him, she knew he was angry. Stuartās eyes grew dark, and his thin lips pressed together. There was an unpleasant feeling of coldness in the atmosphere. Anna was frustrated and didnāt want to say anything that she would regret, "I did try to stop her, but she insisted on continuing. There were two of them. I couldnāt stop them. Iām sorry, Stuart, I didnāt do what you asked of me."
Stuart gave Anna an uncomfortable perceptive look. She felt as though he could see right through her, but she could not hold back. Anna could not show any clues and could only look into his eyes.
Anna could see that he was struggling, but she couldnāt help him. She didnāt do what Stuart wanted her to do. Stuart said nothing and turned around in the direction of the elevator. He walked so fast that Anna could hardly keep up with him.
"Stuart, the general manager of Dior, came to me just now and said that they had sent Hicks to the hospital for a thorough examination in the name of the spokespersonās routine physical examination. The inspection report will be back any minute. Hicks is waiting at the hospital. Letās hurry to the hospital now and find out if she is Marina or not."
"You can go ahead. I have work to do."
Stuart walked straight into the elevator. Anna was determined, and there was no way that she was going to give up. She couldnāt help it, but she walked into the elevator with Stuart.
He pressed the button to the first floor. It was clear that he was going to chase Eddie. For a moment, she stared at Stuart in disbelief.
With a look of embarrassment on her face, she said, "Stuart, how did you become like this? Arenāt you the one who cared the most about Marinaās whereabouts? Even though Marinaās family had given up looking for her, you never did. Now, the truth may be one step away from us, and you donāt want to find out?"
Stuartās lips slightly twitched as he leaned against the side of the elevator, "I am going to find Eddie first."
Soon the elevator reached the first floor, and with his long legs, Stuart stepped out. Anna rushed over to him and grabbed his hand. She used all her strength to prevent him from pushing it away, "Do you still have Marina in your heart? Youāre full of that woman! Eddie is an adult, and she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. What do you think that she will die without you?! Did you forget about Marinaās accident? Donāt you remember how much she went through?!"
Anna had known Stuart for nearly fifteen years and had never spoken to him in this kind of manner. Her sense of dread grew as she approached and touched Stuart with her heart pounding hard. But these words succeeded in stopping Stuart from moving forward.
The tragic appearance of Marina flashed through his mind. She died for him, and it was a sin he could not wash it away. Anna looked at Stuart, and she could see his lips trembling. He shook his head ever so slightly as if trying to stir the memory of Marina.
She was so happy, and she continued to break through Stuartās psychological barriers, "Marina was so afraid of pain, but those inhuman things tortured her, and she was finally thrown into the sea. We couldnāt find a body, and now there were no ashes to put in her grave! Do you remember that? Stuart, why did Marina suffer? Do you remember? A man cannot be without a conscience!"