Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Chapter 548

Chapter 548

Chapter 548 Won’t Laugh for Long

“I won’t deny what you said, but I think you probably shouldn’t be so overconfident.”

Elspeth shook her head slightly. “That’s enough. We are here today mainly to discuss the issue regarding Winthrop Group’s acquisition, not relationship problems.”

Arthur raised his hand as a sign that he understood what she meant as he responded, “Alright. Quote your terms. I will certainly try my best to meet them as long as they are acceptable.”

“15 billion.”

His facial expression instantly took a drastic turn as soon as this figure escaped Elspeth’s lips.

“15 billion? Isn’t that a bit too exorbitant?”

Callum shrugged his shoulders. “Although Winthrop Group is in a precarious situation, its current market value is still somewhere around 45 billion. I’m only asking for one-third of that price. This, to you, is not a loss at all.”

Callum is right. Winthrop Group is indeed a piece of prime meat. Its annual profit can exceed 15 billion if I manage it properly. Still… Taking out a current asset of 15 billion is not as simple as I thought. Although Bluestone Corp’s development is going strong, it’s still somewhat strenuous if I do this. Arthur’s hand froze as he raised his head and looked at them. His gaze was deep and somber. “Let me think about it.”

“It’s now or never. Frankly speaking, besides Bluestone Corp, several companies have offered me an olive branch. However, considering we were siblings, I am still willing to give priority to Bluestone Corp.”

Callum curled his fingers slightly and rapped against the table rhythmically as he added, “You really do need to think about it carefully. Don’t miss out on such a great opportunity just because of momentary prudence.”

For some reason, Arthur kept having the feeling that this seemed to be a plot to set him up.

As he carefully observed Callum’s facial expression, he tried to spot a trace of Callum’s masked-up panic. That way, he could be certain that Callum was pretending to deceive him. Yet, he couldn’t. Callum’s facial expression is still as calm as ever. He’s totally unruffled whenever something terrible happens. Since we’ve been siblings for years, I know his current calm, and collected state befits his character. Then again, the likelihood for Winthrop Group to plunge into trouble is significantly high. I don’t dare to take this risk lightly. That’s why I’m willing to meet him in person. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if Callum is just too good an actor, or if I’m just overthinking.

Arthur pursed his lips tightly. “Let’s talk about it next time, then. Give me two more days, and I shall give you my reply.”

Callum rose to his feet languidly. “In that case, we won’t bother you, then.”

Elspeth also stood up after Callum. Not once did she interject as the conversation flowed between Callum and Arthur.

She knew very well that the suspicion and doubt in Arthur’s heart would become more rampant if she didn’t speak a word. This was precisely what she wanted.

Arthur didn’t say anything else. Instead, he merely gestured to his assistant with a wave of his hand to see Callum and Elspeth off.

The two only tacitly exchanged a smile after they stepped out of the company building. Something interesting is about to go on.

…

Meanwhile, on the other side, Hank wanted to find an opportunity to tell Cecelia that his mother, Simone, had approached Yelena. Therefore, he invited her to his law firm and wanted to explain it to her face-to-face.

Yelena was highly pleased with Hank’s plan.

As the two sat on the couch and waited for Cecelia’s arrival, Yelena started getting bored when suddenly, her stomach growled.

“Hungry?”

When Hank noticed her clutching her stomach with a painful look on her face, he curved his lips into a smile as he watched her antics with amusement, “I have a slice of cake in the refrigerator upstairs if you’re hungry. Do you want me to get it for you?”

Yelena giggled and stood up when she heard that. “That won’t be necessary. I can get it by myself. Besides, I can see what other delicious food that I can get.”

Hank nodded slightly. His heart softened as he watched her dance up the stairs.

Not long after Yelena went upstairs, a skinny figure stepped through the door.

Dressed in a clean-cut and lovely-looking JK uniform and with her hair casually tied into a bun, the figure looked immensely youthful.

“What took you so long? Did you get stuck in traffic?”

Cecelia took off her bag and hung it on the bag stand next to her. After that, she wearily slumped on the couch without an ounce of care about her image. “Let me tell you something. Guess whom I met on

the road today?”

Hank, who was just about to pour her a cup of hot tea, paused a little after he heard what she said.

“Don’t tell me it’s your child’s biological father.”

At once, Cecelia glared at him. “Biological father?! My son is solely mine and has no relation with him!”

“Fine, fine. So, did the stranger who provided his sperm recognize you?”

She rolled her eyes, feeling that such a form of address sounded more perverted. Hence, she let it slide and replied, “Yes! He was in the car next to mine while I was waiting for the red light to change. He recognized me at a glance and even smiled at me. That smile was so sinister that I kept having the feeling that he was going to tear me apart in the next second.”

“Besides, do you know what he said to me when he saw I dressed like this? He criticized me for pretending to look youthful for my age by wearing a navy uniform!” Cecelia roasted as she scolded, “Damn it! He is still as tasteless as that outdated Bentley he drives!”

As Hank handed her the cup of tea, he smiled helplessly. “There’s nothing you can do. He is probably going to trail you for the rest of his life. Besides, he even followed you back to Damoria from far away. Who knows? He might be parking his car outside and secretly spying on you right now.”

Cecelia nearly sprung to her feet out of shock when she heard what Hank said. As she checked the situation outside, she instantly felt dizzy. “Can you check the license plate number of that Bentley outside? Is it DMA 935? I forgot to wear my glasses when I went out today, so I can’t see clearly…”

Hank glanced and nodded. “Dayum, I was right. He really would chase you all the way here.”

Cecelia instantly had a dismayed look on her face. “You have got to help me, please. I really don’t want to have any more ties with him…”

“Then, why do you still remember his license plate number when you wish to cut off all ties with him?”

Cecelia’s face flushed slightly as she replied sheepishly, “That’s because it’s my birthday…”

“As I see it, you still have feelings for him. In that case, why do you insist on avoiding him? Even if it’s for the sake of the baby in your womb, you still shouldn’t be so impulsive.”

Cecelia pursed her lips and said nothing in response. However, her eyes were clearly gleaming with reluctance. Furthermore, she even started frantically scanning the Bentley outside from the corner of her eye.

“You can stop looking. I lied.” Hank shrugged his shoulders, feeling speechless at Cecelia’s reaction.

“Huh? He’s not there? Why do you always lie to me?!”

For a moment, Hank was utterly exasperated as he watched her throwing a tantrum on the couch. How on earth would someone think I would fall for someone with such a character, especially after knowing her for more than ten years? Only I know that she may look like a dignified and ladylike diplomat in front of the public, but behind their backs, she is just a kooky lady with a really weirdly wired brain. Sure, such contrast is quite appealing to men. Unfortunately, that can’t be said for me.

“By the way, where’s your girlfriend? Why isn’t she here together with you? Hmm… How shall I put it? Did she break up with you because she was aware of the overwhelming odds against her?”

Just as Hank was about to explain the purpose he called her here today, a figure suddenly danced down the stairs, catching Cecelia’s attention.

“Still like old times, huh?” Cecelia whispered to Hank as she calmly linked his arms. Then, she amplified her voice a little and whined, “Hank, didn’t you promise me that you won’t let this woman come to the law firm ever again? So, why are you going back on your words?”

Not only that, in order to express her dissatisfaction, she even took Hank’s arm and shook it coyly as she spoke.

Even Yelena, who already knew the truth, couldn’t help being stunned by such a sight.

Hank could feel the sweat beading on his temples. “No. Listen to me…”

“No, I don’t want to. I don’t want to listen. Hurry up and chase her out!”

The corner of Yelena’s mouth twitched as she watched the scene playing before her very eyes. “What’s going on?”