Chapter 225
After a brief silence, Holcomb thought he had misheard, “Who?”
“The Lewis family, Hanson,” his assistant quickly replied.
Holcomb’s demeanor changed in an instant. He waved his hand, signaling the lawyer to leave, and gave Rhett a warning glance.
Rhett wasn’t completely without his uses.
The Lewises were far more valuable than the Haywoods could ever be.
Originally, Holcomb had gone to great lengths to discuss a marriage alliance with Mrs. Lewis, but alas, the true Lewis heiress had yet to be found.
For this, Holcomb had even ordered a thorough investigation, hoping to ingratiate himself by helping the Lewises find their child.
Unfortunately, several years of searching had yielded nothing.
And now, the Lewises had come to them to discuss a marriage alliance?
The news that the Lewises had come to discuss a marriage alliance sent shockwaves through the boardroom. After all, the Lewis family was one of the chaebols.
Even though the FitzGerald Group had been developing steadily under Rhett’s leadership, who wouldn’t want to boost it even further?
There were only two sons in the FitzGerald family. Vincent was already related to the Turners by marriage, so that left only Rhett.
Though Rhett had gone public with a romance, it wouldn’t hinder a breakup and subsequent alliance with the Lewises.
“Rhett, my boy, don’t hold grudges with your dad. You have a bright future ahead of you.”
“That’s right.” The sycophants started their flattery once more.
Rhett sat stiffly in his chair, his complexion visibly darkening. He stormed out of the meeting room abruptly.
“Mr. FitzGerald?” York, thinking Rhett had arranged something in advance, beamed at him excitedly, “You set it all up and didn’t even tell me. I’m sweating bullets here.”
“Beat it,” Rhett’s voice was deep and ominous.
Was this the ‘no need to worry‘ Kristin was talking about?
Was she going to help him?
Was this the surprise Kristin had for him? Or was this some sort of jealous fit? She actually went to Hanson.
“Mr. FitzGerald, where are you off to? The Lewises are here, and aren’t you going to meet them?” York asked, puzzled.
“Meet my foot.” Rhett scowled, straightening his tie as he stepped into the elevator, leaving York standing outside the doors.
10:20Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.
He just wanted to see kristin now.
Rhett knew Hanson all too well, and he wouldn’t easily agree to Kristin’s request. She must’ve promised ham something in return.
Back in the boardroom
Nicola slumped into her chair, and once the board had filed out, she slammed her hand on the table, “A curveball from the Lewises”
Just when victory was within grasp, the Lewises had made their move.
“Mom. Vincent began.
“Shut it. This is your fault, tying yourself to that weakness. If you hadn’t married that sickly girl, the Lewises would be knocking on your door.” Nicola was frantic, pacing back and forth, “No, we cannot let Rhett get together with the Lewis heiress. If that happens, we’ve lost for good. We’ll never be able to topple him.”
“Mom, what are you so worried about? The Lewis heiress has been missing for years, who knows her marital status” Vincent scoffed, “I bet the Lewises just want that adopted daughter Patty to marry Rhett.”
“What’s wrong with Patty? She may be adopted, but she’s Hanson’s darling. What matters is the backing she brings.” Nicola looked at Vincent as if he were hopeless.
“Still, isn’t the true Lewis heiress a better match than Patty?” Vincent retorted.
Nicola paused suddenly, a smile creeping on her face, “You’re right.”
“If we find the real Lewis heiress before Rhett does, Mrs. Lewis will owe us a favor.” Nicola slammed her fist on the table, “Vincent, I think Ruby’s too frail for you. It’s time we find a way to break off your engagement with the Turners.”
“Mom, what are you saying?” Vincent stared at Nicola, shocked, “You were the one who pushed for my engagement to the Turner heiress. Now you want me to call it off?”
“Are you daft? What’s more important, the Turners or the Lewises? Don’t you know?” Nicola’s anger was palpable as she stared at Vincent, “You’re my son, and you’ll do as I say. I have the final word on this.”
With a thud of her hand on the table, Nicola strode out on her high heels.
She had to find the real Lewis heiress, and quickly.
In the chairman’s office.
After Hanson left, the two had parted on amicable terms, so much so that Holcomb had a fatherly smile as he bid Hanson farewell, “If only my Rhett were half as understanding as you, I’d have peace of mind.”
“Holcomb, you flatter me. I greatly admire Rhett, which is why I’d like my sister to marry him.”
“Very well, we’ll agree to a one–year timeframe. Our families will work together to find her as soon as possible, Holcomb nodded, “Send my regards to your mother, tell her not to worry.”
The scene was set for a clash of titans, with the prize being more than just a union of families, but the power and influence that came with it.
When Hanson’s elevator doors slid shut, Holcomb’s demeanor flipped in an instant, “Where’s Rhett?”
“He just left. Nobody could stop him,” the assistant whispered.
Holcomb snorted but seemed in a fairly good mood as he strode into his office.
10:20
→Chapter 225
He had a clear preference for the Lewis family over the Haywoods, but he still had to play peacemaker with the latter, after all, they had something on him.
“Tell Rhett he’s been too hot–headed lately, Give him a month off to sort himself out. I want his attitude and performance adjusted.”
In a token act of discipline, Holcomb handed Rhett his punishment.
On the drive home, Rhett called Kristin.
“Hello?” Kristin’s voice carried a trace of anxiety,
“Where are you?” Rhett’s voice was deep and stern.
“I’m at the daycare, picking up Summer and Liam,” Kristin stammered, afraid to lie.
“Stay there. I’m on my way,” Rhett ended the call abruptly,
At the daycare gate.
Kristin could tell that Rhett was angry.
Hanson must have already visited the FitzGerald Group, and York had messaged that the crisis was averted.
Relieved, Kristin stood waiting for Rhett, wondering why he was upset. Was it because she had taken things into her own hands?
“Garner, what brings you here?”
Barely ten minutes passed when Garner showed up first.
“Rhett sent me,” Garner said with a gloomy face, hand on his forehead as if he’d just dodged a bullet, “He said he’s got serious business with you tonight and asked me to pick up the kids. Just call me next time, and I don’t mind picking them up.”
Kristin couldn’t help but laugh, “Garner, why are your ears so red?”
Garner looked away, clearing his throat. “Never mind that.”
“Garner, you’ve got lipstick on your face and a love bite on your neck,” Kristin observed honestly.
Garner’s face flushed a bright red, his voice faltering. “That’s nonsense. Mosquito bites.”
Kristin gave him a knowing look, “Those are some resilient mosquitoes, surviving in the dead of winter.”
Garner covered his forehead again, “Rhett’s here. You should go.”
Kristin smiled at Garner but felt a twinge of anxiety.
What if things between Melissa and Garner went as far as Rhett had suggested?
“Garner, be happy,” Kristin waved at Garner before turning to leave.
Life was too short, and happiness was what mattered most.
Inside the car, Rhett received a document from Granger.
He glanced at it and his expression darkened.
Kristin and Garner, no blood relation.
10:21
Which meant that Garner and Kristin weren’t siblings by blood.
So Madge had been lying.