Chapter 80
All of Stefan’s arguments had been brushed aside. But the moment I spoke a single sentence, Simon believed me without hesitation.
Stefan panicked. “Mr. Alexis, please, listen to me. They’re trying to trick you into investing in their company.“”
But Simon replied coolly, almost dismissively, “If I’m going to invest, I’ll invest in her.“”
Stefan’s expression stiffened. Realizing he was losing control, he shoved Alicia forward in desperation. “Fine. You may not believe me, but at least hear what Alicia has to say.“\
Alicia squared her shoulders, speaking with unshakable confidence. “Everything Stefan said is true. Caitlyn jumped ship to another company and used her body to climb the ladder.“}
The atmosphere turned instantly frigid.”
I raised my hand and the waiter stepped forward to escort them out. But Stefan resisted, shouting, “Mr. Alexis, we have no reason to lie. You and Alicia–there’s a special relationship between you!”
Simon paused, his brows drawing together. “What relationship?”
He studied Alicia for a long moment but still could not place her. His assistant leaned in and whispered a reminder. “Oh… the student our group once sponsored?” Simon murmured, then casually waved to the waiter. “Escort her out.“”
Alicia, realizing he had finally remembered her, grew frantic. Her voice trembled with urgency. “Mr. Alexis, I swear on my integrity that only cooperation with the Hawthorne Group will bring real profit. Caitlyn’s nothing but a slut. Her words mean nothing!”
Simon’s expression chilled. He raised his hand and Alicia fell silent, thinking she had finally gotten through to him.” But in the next second, his assistant slapped her hard across the face.”
Simon’s eyes darkened, his voice dangerously low. “I’ve tolerated enough of your slander. If I hear one more word against my daughter, I’ll pull every cent of my investments–and your company will collapse overnight.“”
Stefan froze in place. He slowly turned to look at me, stunned. “What… Caitlyn is your daughter?” His eyes blinked in disbelief. “But her last name is Sinclair…”
I met his gaze without flinching. “I took my mother’s surname.“}
Stefan’s fight drained out of him. He stopped resisting and allowed the waiter to drag him out. Even as he was being led away, he mumbled to himself that this could not be real.
My father had always been a man who listened more than he spoke.”
1
When I invited him back to this country, I told him it was for this conference. I wanted him to meet my boyfriend, see my new family and consider investing in our company.”
But Alicia’s sudden appearance had thrown everything into chaos.
I could not let him run into Stefan. So I asked Hayden to keep him occupied–talk about sales projections, trends, even small talk if needed. Yesterday, Hayden spent the entire afternoon with him and barely got a word in.
But after today’s incident, the truth was laid bare.
That evening, during dinner, Hayden carefully laid out the company’s development plans and projected growth. In the end, I left the decision to my father. Whether or not to invest–I told him it was entirely his call.
After reviewing everything, he finally decided to invest.”
Before leaving, he pulled Hayden aside for a quiet conversation, then turned to me with a weary smile.
“I chased money and ignored your mother’s feelings. There’s no way to win her back now,” he said with a sigh. “I heard she’s
in the Maldives. I’ll be heading there now, Caitlyn. If you ever need anything, just call.“\
Later, I happened to overhear part of their secret conversation.
My father’s tone was solemn. “Whether this works out or not depends on you, Hayden.“”
“Understood. I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
I could not help but ask, “What were you two talking about?”
Suppressing a grin, Hayden replied, “Your father said he wants the company to thrive–and crush Stefan.”
After returning home, Stefan locked himself in his room for two full days. Hayden’s words echoed in his mind–You’ve thrown away your trump card.
The longer he stewed on it, the more enraged he became.”
He had built this company from scratch. Why should I be his so–called trump card?
On the third day, he summoned Alicia and laid the latest proposal for an interprovincial medical collaboration flat on the table.
