Chapter 119 Esme's Best Friend
Victoria didn't mean to meddle in the Barnes family's business; she was just giving a friendly heads-up.
Adrian was a true philanthropist. Sure, he did it to make up for Anthony's messes, but he genuinely helped a lot of struggling families.
The Barnes family was one of the few respected and clean wealthy families in Jakarda City, except for the troublemaker Anthony.
Adrian took over the family business at twenty and, now nearly fifty, had kept a spotless record for over twenty years.
In the cutthroat business world, it was rare to find someone like him who stayed honest and upright.
The Barnes Group's success was all thanks to him.
Even with a son like Anthony, people in Jakarda City still respected Adrian as a philanthropist.
"So, how do you know Esme?" Adrian finally asked.
The more he looked at Victoria, the more familiar she seemed.
Victoria's eyes widened slightly at the mention of her mother's name. She squinted and asked, "You knew my mom?"
Adrian was shocked. Victoria was Esme's daughter?
No wonder she looked familiar.
What a small world!
He got a bit excited. "How's your mom?"
Victoria pressed her lips together. "She passed away."
"What?" Adrian was stunned, his face full of disbelief.
He and Esme were college classmates. She was a standout—beautiful, smart, kind, always helping others.
But after graduation, she vanished without a trace.
"When did she pass away?" Adrian asked.
"When I was five. She died of illness," Victoria replied.
Adrian was even more shocked. Victoria was 24, meaning Esme had been dead for nineteen years. She was only twenty-seven when she died. He never expected her to die so young.
Realizing Victoria was still there, he apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring this up."
Victoria was surprised by this turn of events.
Adrian started talking about his past with Esme. "Your mom and I were college classmates. She was amazing—beautiful, smart, and a role model for everyone.
She was exceptional. I was juggling studies and taking over the family business. We often sat near each other in class and got to know each other. Sometimes, she even helped me with company stuff. She was better at it than I was. Her advice was spot on. Thanks to her, I made a name for myself in the Barnes Group within a year."
Adrian's eyes showed deep respect for Esme.
He continued, "After graduation, she disappeared, but I remember her words. She said, 'To be a good leader, stay true to your intentions, know what you want, and have a clear conscience.' She also believed that heirs should get equal opportunities, no matter their gender."
Victoria listened quietly. She knew very little about her mom's past.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
