"That kid is quite pitiful…" Carla could not help but feel sorry for Simon. "He's the same age as Venus, yet he has already experienced the dark side of humanity. I'm afraid that he would be deeply traumatized by what had happened."
"Yeah, I heard that he stabbed Lena with a knife at the wedding, " Freda said regrettably. "Was he only four years old back then?"
"Mm." Carla sighed and said, "A four-year-old kid is supposed to be innocent, not ridden with hatred." At the end of her sentence, she let out another sigh.
"News about that incident can still be found on the internet, " Freda said softly. "Photos and videos of it are also still available."
"After the Stayton family's downfall, they probably could not afford to have all traces of it removed from the internet." Shaking her head, Carla smiled bitterly. "I'll let you handle it. Wipe out everything related to that boy. Otherwise, he may be triggered if he chances upon them after growing up."
"Sure, " Freda replied, dealing with the matter right away.
As the two of them chatted, the car soon arrived at Skyview Hotel.
It was a five-star hotel that only started operating a few years back. As it was situated near the coast of the South Sea, guests had access to a vast sea view through the windows.
Recalling Rogan's mention of Zayn and Nella's date, Freda remarked, "I think Seacrest Restaurant is just nearby."
"That's none of our business, " Carla replied in displeasure. "Stop gossiping about others."
"Yes." Freda quickly lowered her head and did not dare to speak any further.
"Carla?"
Carla looked up, searching for that familiar voice that she had just heard. Then, she saw Brad standing at a distance. He was looking at her excitedly.
"Brad!" Overjoyed, Carla quickly strode toward the man. "It's been such a long time! You… You look so different!"
Brad used to look like a dreamy artist, spotting long hair with a slender figure and a melancholic look. However, he had gotten a haircut and was wearing a suit, looking absolutely dashing and sharp.
A calm and composed look also replaced his usual sorrowful gaze.
"Two years ago, because of what happened to Lena, my uncle's company was seized. My dad was so upset that he fell ill, so I had no choice but to step up and take the helm."
Brad was overwhelmed with a myriad of emotions when he saw Carla.
"Back then, my family forced me to break off all ties with the outside world and had me learn the ropes in seclusion. That was why I couldn't attend your wedding and was unaware that you were in an accident… I'm so sorry."
"Please don't say that." Carla felt guilty. "You have always been there for me, helping me whenever I'm in deep water. However, I have never done anything for you. That incident was my own predicament, and it was something I had to overcome by myself."
"I've heard so much about the second-largest shareholder of Lierger Corporation, who is rumored to be an extremely charismatic lady. I've never expected that person to be you!"
Brad got increasingly emotional as he spoke. "I've been busy with doing business in Dartan in recent years and did not have time to find out what's happening in the corporate world here. That was why I missed out on your news. When I got back this time around, I heard my friends mentioning that lady by chance, but they couldn't be sure if it were you. I used all means to get your number and tried to contact you, but I did not expect you to really…"
At that, he paused and hugged Carla tightly before continuing, "Carla, I'm so glad to see you again. I'm so happy!"
"Me too."
Carla returned his hug as warmth filled her heart. Even though they had gone through their fair share of tribulations in life, Brad never changed, so was the pure and genuine friendship they shared.
"It's really windy here. Let's chat inside." Brad put his arms around her shoulders as they entered the hotel together. "Carla, how did you become the second-largest shareholder of Lierger Corporation?"
"Actually, I'm no longer a shareholder there." She let out a bitter laugh and continued, "But I'm indeed a Lierger. My name is Carla Lierger now."
"What happened? How have you been doing for the past two years?" he asked in concern. "Didn't you marry Zayn?"
"It's a long story…" Carla proceeded to summarize her life over the past two years to him.
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