Chapter 228 Brady's Scheme
When Ethan returned to the hotel room, he saw Sarah and Alice sitting on the sofa as soon as he walked in.
He didn't expect Alice to be there too; she was probably there to see him!
"Ethan, you're back! I just came over to find you. Miss Harris said you took Miss Miller back!"
Seeing Ethan return, Alice's eyes lit up, and she immediately stood up from the sofa.
"Looking for me?" Ethan glanced at Sarah, who was staring at him with a smirk, making him feel a bit guilty.
"It's my first time in Everglow City. Shouldn't you show me around this ancient city?" Alice looked at Ethan expectantly.
"These two days might not work. After the new company is established, I'll take you around the Everglow City."
Ethan thought, 'With the Skyline Center issue unresolved, how could I have time to take her out?'
Alice felt a bit disappointed upon hearing this.
On the other hand, Sarah seemed astonished by how decisively Ethan refused Alice. Her expression showed a hint of bewilderment as she said, "This is Alice's first time in Everglow City. It would help if you take her out to see the city. You have time to go shopping with us today, right?"
Ethan was stunned upon hearing this; he didn't expect Sarah to speak up for Alice!
"Thank you, Miss Harris. If Ethan is busy, then forget it." Alice gratefully shook her head at Sarah.
"Don't call me Miss Harris; it sounds awkward. Just call me Sarah," Sarah said seriously.
"It's because I have to take you shopping, and I don't have time! We don't have anything else to do tomorrow, so we'll continue shopping at Skyline Center. Isn't there a cinema on the fourth floor? If we get tired, we can watch a couple of movies. Alice, if you don't find it boring, you can join us!" Ethan explained with a wry smile.
"More shopping at Skyline Center? What good does it do to hang around someone else's place every day? Do you think Dorian will give you the Skyline Center because of that?" Sarah was astonished; she didn't expect Ethan to be so fixated on Skyline Center!
"Anything is possible! If there's no opportunity, you have to create one. By the way, inform Lucien and the others to come over to Skyline Center early tomorrow. I'll cover whatever they want to buy; consider it a welcome gift from me!" Ethan said confidently.
"You're being so blatant; won't you infuriate the Ashford family?" Sarah widened her eyes instantly. She didn't understand why Ethan was doing this, as it would only anger the Ashford family, making it even less likely for them to give up Skyline Center!
"That's exactly what I want! The angrier they get, the happier I am!" Ethan said with a cold smile.
"Then I'll go with you tomorrow! You must buy me a gift, too!" Alice, clearly focused only on the gifts, immediately raised her hand to remind Ethan, worrying he might break his word.
"Alright, buy whatever you like tomorrow. Consider it my gift to you. We can even clear out the mall!" Ethan agreed without hesitation.
Logan and Zephyr, the poor brothers, had their reputations utterly ruined during this trip to Everglow City. They were directly defeated by Ethan, a member abandoned by the Wilson Family.
After the engagement party ended, the news quickly reached the Wilson Family.
Upon learning of the situation, Brady was so furious that he smashed several vases before he could suppress his anger.
That same day, Brady notified Beverly, who was still in Novaria, to return to the Wilson Family.
Beverly, who had been secretly keeping an eye on Ethan's activities in Everglow City, was naturally aware of everything that had happened there. Surprised by Ethan's tactics, she was also curious about what Brady had planned by calling her back at this time.
While Ethan was eyeing Skyline Center, Beverly returned to the Wilson Family and met with the grim-faced Brady.
Clearly, he had been in a foul mood these past few days.
"Brady, you called me back suddenly. What are your orders?" Beverly asked directly in the study, with just her and Brady.
"You're aware of what's happening in Everglow City, right?" Brady asked calmly, squinting his eyes.
"I've heard. Is your urgent call related to the events in Everglow City?" Beverly furrowed her brows and asked, "The Wilson Family is planning to collaborate with the Ashford family to expand into the Everglow City market and establish a foothold there. Since you are now in charge of the Cloud Group, I want to hear your thoughts!"
Brady laid out his intentions clearly.
Beverly's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. She thought, 'Is Brady implying that I should return?'
"With the Wilson Family collaborating with the Ashford family, given the Ashford family's strength in Everglow City, establishing a foothold wouldn't be difficult for us as long as they are willing to help. The concern is that if the Ashford family's and the Wilson Family's interests don't align, Wilson Family can be in a difficult position," Beverly pondered for a moment before carefully responding.
"Your perspective is quite balanced, unlike those fools who, upon hearing about the collaboration with the Ashford family, blindly support it as if we could split Everglow City with them tomorrow! I'm pleased you can see this point." Brady's previously grim expression softened considerably, showing a hint of appreciation.
"In business, it's all about interests. The Ashford family is no different. They are willing to help the Wilson Family partly because the failed engagement will put them under pressure from the Miller family and the Harris family, forcing them to collaborate with us. Additionally, they can divert attention and use the Wilson Family's resources to wear down their opponents, thereby reaping benefits. To be clear, the Ashford family is very likely to use the Wilson Family as a scapegoat," Beverly bluntly reminded.
"You're right, and that's exactly my dilemma. It seems calling you back is the right decision. In your opinion, what should we do?" Brady nodded and asked.
"If we must collaborate with the Ashford family, it's not impossible. But the collaboration shouldn't be individualistic; we must bind the two families together on the same boat! Only by prospering and facing difficulties together can we avoid being manipulated by the Ashford family." Beverly thought for a moment and then shared her idea.
"I was initially planning to have you set up a branch of the Cloud Group in Everglow City. What do you mean by binding the two families together?" Brady immediately became interested, and he quickly asked.
"It's simple. Both families should jointly invest and announce the establishment of a new company. This way, we don't have to worry about being scapegoated by the Ashford family. If our interests are affected, it would also mean significant losses for the Ashford family. They wouldn't do anything detrimental to themselves. So, this would make the collaboration much smoother," Beverly explained her plan.
"That's a good idea! I haven't thought of that, but now that you mention it, it makes sense! Do you think Ethan would use the same strategy against us?" Brady's tone turned icy at the mention of Ethan.
"With his intellect, he definitely would. He would likely form a new company with the Miller and Harris family. Only this way can the three families' interests be united, enabling them to face challenges and setbacks together." Beverly nodded in agreement.
"In that case, we'll proceed as you suggested. The main person in charge of the Ashford family, Dorian, just called me this afternoon. Initially, I plan to send you to Everglow City, and it seems you must go now!" Brady squinted and nodded.
"Why send me? My position may not be sufficient to complete this task." Beverly was clearly reluctant.
"You have a point. Sending you to negotiate with Dorian might be a bit much. However, Logan and Zephyr are still in Everglow City so that you won't be alone. I'll have Dashiell from the Enigma City branch handle the negotiations. You can follow him and offer your advice. You can also use the Cloud Group's resources to assist him if necessary." Brady clearly had his plans and wasn't entirely comfortable entrusting such a significant task solely to Beverly.