Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After

Chapter 638 The Sky–High Copyright Fee (1/8)

Sending Rachel away seemed like the best choice. It would give Meryl peace of mind during her pregnancy.

But Rachel froze, her face filled with disbelief. “Chandler, you’re trying to get rid of me?”

“I’m not getting rid of you,” Chandler explained. “I’m arranging for you to get specialized treatment overseas.”

“Is it because I’m blind now? You think I’m a burden, and you’re using this as an excuse to push me away?”

“What are you talking about?” Chandler frowned, thinking Rachel was being unreasonable. “Going overseas is for your own good. Think about your situation. What orchestra here would take you now?”

Understanding that Rachel was still processing her recent blindness, Chandler softened his tone as he watched her cry. “You don’t need to answer right away. Take some time to think it over.”

“Chandler, where are you going? Are you leaving me?” Sensing Chandler was about to leave, Rachel quickly called out, “I can give you my answer now. I won’t go overseas! I want to stay with you!”

Chapter 638 The Sky–High Copyright Fee (2/8)

“I’m scared to go abroad alone when I can’t see. Unless you go with me for the treatment.”

Chandler replied, “I can’t get away.”

“Then I’m not going overseas,” Rachel said firmly.

Chandler remained silent.

After a few seconds, he said, “Fine, we’ll treat you here in the country. Get some rest.”

“I’m in this state, and you’re thinking of leaving instead of staying with me at the hospital?” Rachel shot back immediately.

She’d heard about how Chandler had stayed by Meryl’s bedside during her hospital stay for pregnancy complications. Now, Rachel wanted the same treatment.

It was already 4 AM, and Chandler hadn’t closed his eyes once. He had work in the morning.

His head was throbbing. He rubbed it gently and said, “Just go to sleep.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll be right here.”

Rachel felt somewhat reassured.

Chapter 638 The Sky–High Copyright Fee

Perhaps due to all the drama from earlier, Rachel fell asleep shortly after lying down. (3/8)

Walter came over and shot Chandler a sympathetic look. “Mr. Aniston, there’s a couch here. Why don’t you get some sleep, too?”

Chandler’s thoughts were with Meryl. He’d initially planned just to check in and leave.

But with Rachel’s unstable emotional state, she could fly off the handle if she woke up suddenly and found him gone. He had no choice but to stay and keep watch.

He said, “Walter, thanks for your hard work tonight. Once this mess is sorted out, there’ll be a bonus in it for you.”

Walter nodded.

It was exhausting work indeed. Any man would be unlucky to deal with someone as complicated as Rachel.

But compared to Chandler, he had it easy.

He was just an employee, while Chandler was genuinely stuck in a miserable situation, unable to shake her off.

When Meryl woke up, daylight was streaming through the windows.

Chapter 638 The Sky–High Copyright Fee (4/8)

The other side of the bed was empty. Chandler hadn’t returned since he left last night.

She felt an inexplicable sense of loss.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Harvey, who invited her to the celebration dinner.

Given her advanced pregnancy, it would be a small gathering, just Harvey and Casey.

While the celebration was modest, Harvey’s real intention was to introduce her to her senior colleague, Casey.

Thinking that staying home alone would only lead to overthinking, Meryl accepted the invitation.

The restaurant was an upscale private kitchen, offering excellent privacy.

When Meryl arrived, Harvey and Casey were already there.

“Come, sit down.” Harvey waved enthusiastically at Meryl. “This is Casey Riley, though he hardly needs an introduction, being such a renowned cellist.”

“Nice to meet you, Casey!” Meryl greeted him, placing her gift in front of him.

Casey smiled, “Meryl, why so formal? Now I feel like a heel showing up empty–handed. Mr. Herty will surely scold me for this.”

Chapter 638 The Sky–High Copyright Fee

Meryl said, “You lent me your strings during the last competition. It really saved me. It is just my way of saying thanks.” (5/8)

Before coming, Meryl had made a memorable trip to the mall. Since Casey was a musician, she’d carefully chosen a vintage record player after much consideration.

It had a certain charm to it. Something a musician would appreciate, and it suited Casey’s sophisticated personality perfectly.

Casey replied, “Alright then, I’ll have to get you something in return.”

“Enough chat! Let’s order some food,” Harvey said.

He noticed the dark circles under Meryl’s eyes, a clear sign she hadn’t been sleeping well. He asked, “What’s up? Insomnia keeping you up last night?”

It wasn’t insomnia, exactly. Something weighing on her mind had made her sleep restless.

In her drowsy state at midnight, she’d had a dream.

She dreamed of bloody hands grabbing her ankles, trying to drag her into a swamp.

After what felt like forever, she managed to crawl out, and then dawn broke.

Chapter 638 The Sky–High Copyright Fee With Rachel’s situation already putting her on edge, Meryl didn’t elaborate much to Harvey. (6/8)

Casey spoke up, “Meryl, we called you here partly to celebrate your success but mainly because a friend of mine wants to buy the rights to your award–winning piece from the competition.”

Meryl was caught off guard.

During her hospital stay, several copyright agencies had actually approached her about purchasing the piece.

But being new to the industry, she’d held back, worried about getting a raw deal since she didn’t understand how things worked.

Casey reassured her. “Don’t worry, we’re from the same circle. I wouldn’t screw you over. You just need to authorize it, and then you can sit back and collect the checks.”

Meryl looked to Harvey for guidance.

Harvey nodded in agreement. “Casey got lots of connections in this business. You should exchange your contacts! You never know when you might need his help down the road.”

Casey had many fans, and countless people would jump at the chance to get his contact info.

Meryl added him to her contacts.

Chapter 638 The Sky–High Copyright Fee (7/8)

She trusted Casey entirely and was happy to do him this favor. “Since it’s your friend, I’ll definitely grant the authorization.”

Casey smiled and produced a document seemingly out of nowhere. He’d clearly come prepared, placing the papers in front of Meryl. “Since you agree to authorize, please sign here, Meryl.”

Meryl rubbed her brow, quickly scanned the terms, and found nothing concerning. She signed her name.

But she never expected the money to arrive so quickly.

She’d barely left them after dinner when her bank account received the first transfer.

Meryl counted the zeros… there were six of them!

This windfall significantly lifted her spirits.

Perhaps emboldened by her newfound financial security, she decided to call Chandler.

The phone was switched off.

After a moment’s hesitation, she called Galaxy Holdings Group’s executive office.

Freya answered, “Hello, Galaxy Holdings Group Executive Office. How may I help you?”

“It’s me,” Meryl said, pressing her lips together. “Is Chandler there?”

Chapter 638 The Sky–High Copyright Fee (8/8)

“Meryl!” Freya exclaimed, delighted to recognize her voice. “Long time no see! I heard you’re pregnant! Oh, you’re looking for Mr. Aniston? He seems to have something on today. He hasn’t come to the office. Aren’t you two married? Didn’t he tell you beforehand?”

Meryl froze. Chandler wasn’t at the office?

It was already afternoon.

She wondered, “Has Chandler been with Rachel this whole time since last night?”