In Audrey's previous life, money has always been tight. She understood the true value of money for an ordinary person. Despite her newfound material comfort that most people could only dream of, she remained acutely aware that money wasn't an endless resource. She had no intention of using her wealth to benefit a phony friend.
Her relationship with Linda was now irrevocably severed, and she had no intention of ever befriending such a person again.
How could someone who constantly sought to exploit you be deserving of the title 'friend'? To call Linda her best friend would be an insult to the concept of true friendship.
She was nothing more than a parasite, an ungrateful one at that.
Seeing Audrey finally recognizing Linda's true nature, Anthea breathed a sigh of relief. "It's a good thing you're cutting ties with her. She would have only brought you harm."
In the past, due to Audrey's strong-willed personality and Anthea's desire to spare her daughter any emotional distress, she had endured Linda's actions silently, hoping that one day Audrey would see through her friend's character.
Now, matters had been settled, and Linda had faced the consequences of her actions. Audrey was finally distancing herself from her.
After chatting with Anthea for a while longer, Audrey lay down on her bed, feeling a sense of relief.
Too many things had happened in the past few days, and she needed some rest to ease the stress.
Since joining the production team for the film, Audrey's visits home had become less frequent, but she still made a point to call every day to reassure her family of her safety. As the first payment was distributed, Audrey couldn't help but smile as she counted the zeros, already planning how to spend it.
Evans had played a significant role in the hotel incident, as had her brother Abner. And despite Eric's usual criticisms, Audrey couldn't deny that his unwavering support when Caroline had caused trouble at home had deeply touched her.
And so, she planned to use this payment to buy gifts for them.
With half a month to spare before the next script selection, Audrey could finally relax to her heart's content.
After wrapping up her responsibilities with the production team, she eagerly headed to a luxurious mall for some shopping.
Like Abner, Evans was typically reserved and unassuming. Audrey roamed the mall for a while, considering her options carefully before settling on a gift for Abner, Evans, and Eric.
In Audrey's eyes, Abner was a truly pure-hearted and authoritative CEO. With his busy work life and numerous social engagements, she selected an exquisite brooch, a symbol of his sophistication.
As for Evans, Audrey was less certain about his tastes. She consulted several stores and ultimately chose a stylish tie. He should like it, right?
As Audrey contemplated Evans's perpetually aloof demeanor, she couldn't help but chuckle.
Forget it. If Evans doesn't like or accept it, I can always return it.
She had never been afraid of being rejected. She was just afraid that she was not brave enough.
And finally, Eric's gift.
Audrey pondered over what to get Eric for quite some time.
Eric was known for his laid-back style. Perhaps it was a result of his occupation as a screenwriter in the entertainment industry, but he had a penchant for eccentric clothing. Just last week, he had strolled in wearing an over-the-top vest with a conspicuously missing sleeve.
Audrey couldn't contain her laughter at the sight and quipped, "Is there a reason why one side of your vest is sleeveless?"
Eric even asked his assistant later on if his clothes were strange. His assistant's response was an awkward silence.
Audrey hadn't expected Eric to let bygones be bygones and come to her defense when Caroline had stirred up trouble at the house. She was deeply moved and recognized that she had gone too far during their previous disagreement. Consequently, she treated the task of selecting Eric's gift with great seriousness.
After much contemplation, Audrey finally made a decision. She purchased an exquisitely crafted book with gilded edges, intending to present it to Eric.
Eric possessed the potential to become a director, and he had a penchant for crafting scripts himself. Audrey had offered him the script gift with the hope that it might inspire him to put his thoughts on paper in the future.
Upon returning home, she found that everyone was already busy preparing dinner.
"Audrey? We were just about to send you a message, but I didn't expect you to be back so soon," Anthea greeted her with a smile.
Audrey returned the smile and then directed the maid to carry all the bags upstairs..
# They say a shiver down your spine means that someone's walking over your future burial site. As my husband walks around outside gardening, the shivers won't stop.