Chapter 113
Chapter Title: Tensions and Decisions
Myra couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry. The entire situation was so confusing. She still couldn’t figure out why Sebastian had visited her apartment. At first, she had been nervous, but after thinking it over, she began to calm herself. Maybe he misunderstood things and came here to thank me, she reasoned. After all, she had done nothing wrong. She hadn’t leaked any confidential information to Hart Group, and Sebastian’s abrupt visit only left her feeling helpless.
Once she sent the old man off, Myra returned to her apartment. As she sat on the couch, her phone lit up with a new notification—a friend request on Messenger. With a sigh, she tapped the ‘accept’ button, only to receive a message almost immediately.
“I’ll consider you as having passed the test since you made pretty decent noodles.”
Passed the test? What is he talking about? Myra couldn’t help but feel more frustrated. His message made no sense to her at all. She tossed her phone aside and headed for the shower, hoping to clear her mind.
The next morning, Eve woke up to find that Sean had already left to handle business matters at the company. Lyla, however, was still there, seemingly taking care of her. But Eve’s displeasure was evident the moment she saw Lyla sitting beside her.
“What are you doing here?” Eve’s voice dripped with disdain. “We don’t welcome you, Miss Fisher. You should know your place and leave before I throw you out.”
Lyla, unfazed by Eve’s harsh words, smiled warmly. “Eve, we both care about Sean, don’t we? Whether it was two years ago or today, my intentions are the same. I left him two years ago to give Myra a chance to revive Chase Group, but things are different now. Myra can’t save the company anymore, but I can.” She leaned in closer, her smile widening. “You might want to be a little more polite with me, don’t you think?”
Eve scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You? Save the Chase Group?” she mocked. “How could you save it when even Myra couldn’t? Don’t get too full of yourself, Miss Fisher. You’ll only end up disappointing yourself.”
“Whether I’m disappointed or not is none of your concern, Eve,” Lyla replied smoothly, sitting down beside her. She was naturally beautiful, and her charm worked in her favor as she navigated the upper echelons of Bradfort City’s elite. “But I do have something important to tell you. Cameron is expecting a son in a few months, and once that child is born, he’ll be fighting for the right to inherit the Stark Group.”
“What?!” Eve’s eyes widened in shock. The news was a blow to her, especially after Richard had just told her about the company’s difficulties. The painful memories of the Hilliville project and the mounting pressure were enough to break her. I can’t handle another shock right now, she thought.
Lyla, however, seemed well-prepared for her reaction. “I’m just telling you that Myra might not inherit the Stark Group. And once Cameron’s son is born, there won’t be enough time to save the Chase Group, even if she does inherit it. Do you think Myra would still sacrifice everything to save the Chase Group after all the hurt she’s endured?”
Eve’s face fell. “Stop making assumptions! Myra isn’t that heartless!”
“Are you worried she’s fickle-minded, or are you really just scared she won’t inherit the Stark Group after her younger brother arrives?” Lyla’s words struck a nerve. She didn’t stop there. “You’re just afraid she won’t be able to save the Chase Group, aren’t you?”
Eve was stunned, but Lyla wasn’t done. She shoved her phone into Eve’s hands. “Go ahead and read this, if you don’t believe me.”
Eve hastily checked the phone, and as she scanned the reports and articles about Cameron’s upcoming child, her face turned a ghostly pale. The reality of the situation hit her like a freight train.
Lyla’s icy voice came from beside her. “At this point, you know you can’t rely on Myra anymore, Eve. The most you can expect from her now is some financial help. But let’s be honest—she doesn’t have much left to offer. You know how much she invested in the Chase Group already. If you want money, what’s the difference between taking my offer or hers?”
Lyla’s words were like daggers to Eve’s heart, but she kept listening. “I have my ways and connections. I can sell the Chase Group’s land in Hilliville. You won’t make a huge profit, but you won’t lose money either. The proceeds will cover the Chase Group’s capital needs. If everything goes smoothly from there, your problems will be solved.”
Eve’s mind was racing. I can’t depend on Myra anymore. The Chase Group has no time to wait for her inheritance. The stock price is falling faster than I can keep track of. Maybe I’ll have to sacrifice something to save the company. And Lyla is offering a way out… but is she doing it for my son, or does she have another agenda?
“How do you plan to do that?” Eve asked through gritted teeth, her desperation evident. I don’t have the time to figure out her true motives. The Chase Group must be saved.
Lyla’s answer was confident. “I have a big client who’s interested in buying all the office buildings, commercial properties, and residential lots in Hilliville. If you agree for Sean to marry me, I’ll contact that client right away.”
Eve hesitated. “But Sean hasn’t divorced Myra yet…”
“It’s not difficult to get an instant divorce,” Lyla replied coldly. “I can guarantee you that if Sean calls Myra to the Civil Affairs Bureau now, they can finalize the divorce right away.”
Eve’s eyes narrowed. “Why should I believe you? If you’re just trying to get yourself married to Sean…”
Lyla’s expression turned serious. “The Chase Group is on the brink of collapse. What do you have to lose? Do you think I want anything from the company at this point? If you’re worried about that, I’m not here for money. I’ve always loved Sean. I’ve been trying to come back and help him for years. Do you think anyone else loves him more than I do? I’m willing to sacrifice everything for him. I’m here because I want to help him, not for anything else.”
Eve’s heart wavered as she looked at Lyla’s face, which reflected both sadness and determination. She thought back to how much Sean had suffered over the past two years. He had never truly loved Myra, even though Myra had loved him with all her heart. Maybe he rejected her because he couldn’t accept their relationship. If Lyla can help, and if she and Sean really love each other… maybe this could work.
With a sigh, Eve finally spoke, her tone shifting. “All right, Lyla. I’ll choose to believe you for now. But I hope you’ll keep your word.”
Lyla smiled, but the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ll do whatever it takes.”