Chapter 223
Hanson squinted his eyes, a hint of skepticism crossing his features as he considered Kristin’s confidence
in Rhett.
*Kristin,” he drawled, “I’ve told you before, I can help you out, but on one condition that you leave Rhett and come work with me.” There was no way Hanson would lift a finger for Rhett’s sake without something in it for himself.
“Mr. Lewis, you’re not short on women, and certainly not interested in someone like me, right?” Kristin forced herself to stay calm, to not stumble over her words, “I’d like to propose a different deal.”
“Oh?” Hanson’s smile was a curve of intrigue, “What kind of deal?”
“If the Lewis Group wants to establish a stronghold in Silvergrove City, you need a flagship project. I hear the Lewis family is in a tug–of–war with the Turner family over a certain deal?
While Hanson had been digging into Kristin’s background, she had done her homework on him as well.
“The Turners wield considerable clout in Silvergrove City, and Johnnie Turner’s child is married into the FitzGerald family,” Hanson prodded, watching for Kristin’s reaction.
Kristin’s grip tightened until her knuckles went white, “I’ve left FitzGerald Corp, and I’m willing to work as your assistant. If my qualifications are an issue..*
Hanson’s eyes narrowed, a spark of interest flickering within, “Welcome aboard”
Kristin was shrewd, and she’d rather be a professional assistant than a domestic caretaker in his home.
She was telling Hanson, in no uncertain terms, that he might not lack for women, but what he truly needed was someone capable, someone useful.
And Kristin’s worth was far beyond the fleeting pleasures of the sex.
“How can you turn against the Turner family, the people who raised you for twenty–one years? Isn’t that a bit inhumane?” Hanson’s voice deepened with reproach, “Have you forgotten the basic principle of gratitude for Rhett’s sake? Is this his teaching?”
“Mr. Lewis, please keep your mouth shut when you don’t know the whole story,” Kristin shot back, her voice trembling with barely contained emotion.
It took a lot to push her to such defiance, a testament to Hanson’s skill at provocation.
Kristin would tolerate Hanson bad–mouthing her, but not Rhett.
“The Turner’s project manager is Clarence. My dealings with Clarence will be a fair competition based on our own merits. Gratitude has nothing to do with it,” she said, her fingernails digging into her palms.
If it weren’t for Rhett, she would never wish to stand against the Turner family.
But she couldn’t stand idly by.
Rhett was fighting a lonely battle, and it was wearing him thin.
Kristin knew Hanson would consider her offer. The international trade market had been sluggish these past years, and Hanson’s permanent move to Silvergrove City was a clear play for the coveted project, a dream his mother had harbored for over twenty years.
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Two decades ago, had it not been for this very project, Hanson’s mother wouldn’t have rushed back to Silvergrove City on the verge of labor, desperate to secure the deal, only to give birth prematurely in a small–town hospital and suffer the heartbreak of a baby switch.
Now, as the Larkspur Landing project was reignited, both Hanson and Mrs. Lewis had their sights set on it. But without a foothold in the Silvergrove City business circles for over twenty years, Hanson’s confidence was shaky. Moreover, the Turner family had risen too quickly with the backing of the FitzGerald Group and local business support policies from the government. For Hanson to clinch the project wouldn’t be straightforward.
“Why should I trust you?” Hanson countered.
Kristin was a prodigy with excellent academic achievements, but after five years disconnected from society, did she really have what it took to secure such a challenging project?
Yet, inexplicably, Hanson found himself believing in Kristin.
“Because I’m the person who knows Clarence better than anyone else in this world.” Kristin took a deep
breath.
She never wanted to be at odds with Clarence.
Even after he had shattered her heart, she had seen it as atonement.
But now, Rhett mattered more.
“The Turners have nurtured a viper,” Hanson scoffed with a mocking coldness.
Silence lingered before Hanson spoke again, “Deal.”
In his eyes, Kristin’s readiness to confront the Turner family who had cared for her for twenty–one years for
Rhett’s sake was vicious.
But that was none of his concern. He was a businessman, and his priority was profit.
At the Rhett residence.
As Hanson ended the call, Kristin’s phone slipped from her grasp.
Shaking uncontrollably, she crouched on the floor, hugging herself tightly.
Vicious?
Once she chose to become an enemy of the Turner family, everyone would label her as such.
Kristin understood the consequences of her decision.
But she had no other choice.
The debt she owed the Turners had long been repaid.
Her competition with Clarence was fair.
At FitzGerald Corp.
The moment Rhett stepped into the office, Holcomb, seething with anger, charged at him, ready to strike in front of the gathered reporters.
Rhett raised his hand, catching Holcomb’s arm.
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With fury in his eyes, Holcomb glared at Rhett, “You dare betray me?”
Struggling to free himself, Holcomb realized that his son, towering half a head over him, had grown strong enough to be unshakable.
“Pop, watch your back.” Rhett nudged Holcomb out the door, straightening his tie, “You think I’m still a little boy? Standing by helplessly while you played the tyrant at home?”
Holcomb froze, then his embarrassment turned to rage, “After all these years, you’re holding a grudge against me?”
Rhett just smiled, “Of course not.”
““Hertha is a sweetheart, but you didn’t appreciate her. You’ve been with her for six years and now you’re copping out, swayed by some bitch.” Holcomb bellowed on purpose, “Hertha’s tried to off herself and is in the hospital. I’m ordering you to go see her now.”
The reporters clicked away, snapping photos. Gossip about Rhett and Hertha instantly spread like wildfire. Clearly, Rhett and Kristin knew how to play the media game, and so did Hertha.
Hertha had cast herself as the victim, while Rhett had just gone public with his love life, and Kristin was now labeled ‘the mistress.
Suddenly, the whole internet believed Rhett had been with Hertha for six years, only to be disrupted by a mistress.
In an instant, the tide of public opinion was turning.
The worst part was, that Holcomb and Hertha had exposed Kristin’s identity, even leaking Kristin’s photos and personal information, claiming she seduced Rhett under the guise of being his personal assistant.
They also spread that Kristin was a socialite known for mingling in elite circles.
That she’d been with every man.
They even dredged up news about Kristin pulling a Cinderella act, swapping lives with a rich heiress.
With this, public opinion was sure to polarize.
Some even uncovered that Kristin had a five–year–old son.
Out of all people, Rhett had to choose an unmarried mother.
“Mr.
Gerald, have you been with Miss Hertha for six years?” a reporter asked.
“Is it true that your personal assistant ruined your relationship with Miss Hertha?”
The journalists were camped out at the door, each one firing questions.
Rhett’s mood was dark, his cold gaze fixed on Holcomb.
Clearly, Holcomb was pushing his limits.
Dragging Kristin into this was a death wish.
Holcomb returned the icy stare, father and son locked in a silent showdown.
“The board is waiting, think carefully about what you say and what you don’t,” Holcomb spoke first, reminding Rhett to watch his words in front of the press.
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“If you admit your fault, I’ll consider your previous actions as mere rebellion. Otherwise, don’t blame me
for being heartless,” Holcomb laid out the threat plainly.
He wanted Rhett to validate the reporters‘ questions.
Sacrificing Kristin was no big deal to Holcomb.
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