Chapter 326
Alice’s scrutinizing gaze caught the fleeting guilt in Chloe’s eyes. Chloe knew PZ was problematic? In her past life, everyone only found out about PZ’s fraud next year, when the company imploded. Now, everyone considered PZ a powerful foreign company. Something felt wrong. Alice realized she’d been kept in the dark about many things in her past.
life.
Ethan arrived with others.“What scam company?”
Chloe’s heart sank. If Big Brother found out, she was doomed.
Finn spoke first. “Big Brother, don’t listen to Alice’s nonsense. She’s saying PZ is a scam because she’s worried Windham Corporation will surpass Maple Leaf.”
Ethan looked thoughtfully at Alice.“Why would you say that?”
“Simple. PZ sounds like a scam, doesn’t it?” Alice used a convenient excuse. In her past life, people used this pun after the company’s collapse..
Chloe breathed a sigh of relief. Alice couldn’t possibly know that much. She hadn’t realized her father had chosen the infamous PZ company to drain Ethan’s funds. She’d thought they were legitimate. That’s why even the usually suspicious Ethan hadn’t suspected anything. But Chloe knew PZ was problematic.
Chloe said sweetly, “Sister Alice, I know you’re worried about the competition between Big Brother’s new investment and Maple Leaf. But this is fair competition. You shouldn’t smear PZ.” Finn agreed.“PZ is a renowned foreign company. Alice, don’t talk if you don’t know anything. Don’t embarrass yourself.”
Ethan looked at Alice.“I advise you to sever ties with Maple Leaf before it goes bankrupt. You’ll be in debt. He knew Alice owned Maple Leaf shares.
Alice smirked.“I’ll return the advice. Don’t work with shady companies.” She guessed Chloe couldn’t touch the foundation’s funds anymore, so she targeted the AI project. This required more than Chloe’s abilities. Her father was behind it. Another opportunity presented itself. Alice walked into the venue; Chloe watched her, gritting her teeth.
Chloe said pitifully, “Big Brother, if you doubt PZ because of Sister Alice, decide quickly. Avoid becoming a laughingstock.” She’d persuaded Big Brother to work with PZ; she couldn’t let Alice change his mind.
Ethan said calmly, “I wouldn’t believe Alice’s provocation.” He’d investigated PZ himself, and the Parker family’s investigation showed no problems.
Chloe smiled, relieved. “Big Brother, I knew you wouldn’t be fooled. Hopefully, this new product. will allow Fifth Brother to walk normally.”
Finn, touched, held Chloe’s hand.“Chloe, you’re the best.”
Chloe endured the discomfort and didn’t push him away.
Ethan looked at them. The adoption process is complete. As long as you take care of Fifth Brother, there’ll always be a place for you at Windham Corporation.” He’d initially disapproved of
their relationship because of the adoption. Now Mary knew, there was no need to hide it. He’d help his brother.
Chapter 326
Einn was happy.“Thank you, Big Brother.”
Chloe lowered her head, a flash of hatred in her eyes. Why did she have to marry a cripple? Her father was right; the Windham family never considered her family.
The exchange was crowded. Alice gained more confidence in Maple Leaf’s technology. Things were different this time; she had to be more cautious. Chloe’s true backer remained unknown. The Garcia family’s secrets also eluded her. They were like knives hanging over her head. She had to find the truth.
“Alice.” Mary slowly approached.“Why are you here?”
“My family sent me. They heard about the prosthetic limb project and wanted to see if there’s something suitable for my legs.” Mary spoke calmly about her disability. Alice looked at Mary’s leg.“It’s possible. Want to get your data measured? I can collect data for research.”
“Okay.” Mary agreed, but Ethan stopped them.“Come to Windham Corporation; we’ll measure your data. It’s inappropriate here, with so many people.” He felt embarrassed. Mary usually wore special shoes, masking her disability. But removing her shoes would make it obvious. Mary looked embarrassed, then nodded. Alice held Mary’s hand.“It’s just data. What’s inappropriate? Many people are doing it.”
Ethan whispered, “But they’re disabled people. It’s different for Mary. People will gossip.” “It seems you’re the one afraid of gossip.” Mary didn’t mind; neither did anyone else. Only Ethan did. Alice looked at him; he saw Mary’s disability as a shame. He didn’t like her. Ethan said to Mary, “The Parker family wouldn’t like this.” The Parker family didn’t like public appearances.
Mary’s smile faded.“Thank you, but I’ll do it another time, when there are fewer people.” Alice said nothing. Mary’s situation should be considered.
Finn and Chloe approached, Chloe looking uncomfortable. She’d been humiliated at Pear- Orchard because of Mary. Finn remembered
Pear Orchard 100.
the bill
Ethan said to Chloe and Finn, “Apologize to Mary.”
Neither was willing. Mary smirked.” They seem reluctant.”
Ethan said sternly, “What did you promise at home?”
Finn, needing Big Brother’s money, said, “Sorry, Miss Parker. It was my fault. I gave Chloe your dress.”
Ethan looked at Chloe. “Don’t disappoint me.”
Chloe was furious. She couldn’t afford to offend Ethan. She said pitifully, “Sorry, Miss Parker. I didn’t know it was your dress.” A dress wasn’t worth it.
Mary said, “You should apologize to Alice, not me. You deliberately spilled wine on the dress.” Chloe’s eyes reddened. “Big Brother, Sister Parker dislikes me, but I can’t admit to something I didn’t do.” Big Brother would believe her, not Mary.
