Chapter 247 Personal Relationship
Elizabeth's face went beet red. Dean sure had a knack for guessing.
She cleared her throat, trying to play it cool. "Alright, let's get to it," she said.
Dean clapped his hands, making Elizabeth jump a bit. "So, Elizabeth, did you secretly hire Carter as our celebrity spokesperson? I was wondering why you seemed so chill when I told you the company was struggling and we had no orders."
He was practically glowing with excitement. "So, you had a big plan all along! Spill the beans, when did you get in touch with this superstar? Carter's a tough one to snag! He's got over 20 million followers on Twitter. Ever since he retired three years ago due to an injury, his fans have been dying for his comeback. Who would've thought his first appearance in three years would be in our ad? Elizabeth, you really blew my mind!"
Elizabeth awkwardly rubbed her forehead. She hadn't actually hired Carter, but she couldn't tell Dean that, so she decided to roll with it.
Dean was still buzzing. "Elizabeth, you have no idea. Since the workday started, the phones in sales and customer service have been ringing non-stop! Everyone's asking about Carter and inquiring about robot orders. I just checked Carter's Twitter. His fans are over the moon that he's back! I bet these orders are from his fans showing their support," he said.
Suddenly, Elizabeth's phone rang. The caller ID was hidden.
"Dean, I need to take this call," she said.
"Alright, I'll go see if the sales department needs any help." With that, Dean left the CEO's office, closing the door behind him.
Elizabeth answered the call.
"Dr. Jones." The voice on the other end was deep and pleasant, warm and soothing.
"Carter," Elizabeth said.
Carter continued, "I did something a bit bold this morning. I hope it didn't cause you any trouble?"
"Not at all, Carter. I should be the one thanking you. You saved me from a tight spot. Did you see the negative reviews about the Jones Group online and decide to help me out?" Elizabeth responded.
Carter said, "The Jones Group's home robots are genuinely top-notch. I know from personal experience. They're just as good as any foreign brand."
"Thank you, Carter. I was worried that by doing this, you might reveal your location and not be able to rest properly," Elizabeth said.
"Don't worry. The video I posted didn't give away my location. No one will find me," Carter reassured her.
"That's good. Remember to rest well and exercise. Aim to get back on stage soon. I'm a loyal fan now, and I'll be there to support you at your concert," Elizabeth said.
Carter chuckled softly, "Alright, it's a deal. I'll be waiting for you."
In the CEO's office at Stellar Enterprises, Michael was deep in thought, watching Carter's video.
Daniel knocked and walked in. "Mr. Thomas, did you see Carter's latest news? Now you don't have to worry about Ms. Jones's company's survival. With a big star like Carter stepping in, all her problems are solved."
Michael looked up and said, "When did I ever worry about her?"
Daniel quickly nodded, "Well, you never did. Anyway, she always has someone to help her out whenever she faces a problem. Like a few years ago when she founded Innovatech Solutions in Valoria. If it weren't for Ms. Johnson's nephew helping her, she wouldn't have managed the company so smoothly."
Michael's brow furrowed. "Wait, what? Ms. Johnson's nephew helped her run Innovatech Solutions? Ms. Johnson isn't exactly a fan of businesspeople. Not only did she not stop Elizabeth from diving into business, but she actually supported her?"
Daniel nodded. "Yeah, I just found out. Mr. Thomas, I hired some top-notch hackers from abroad."
Michael replied, "Got it, Daniel. You may leave now."
Daniel left the office.
Michael was lost in thought. His initial intel was that Emily didn't like Elizabeth. Everyone knew Emily had high standards for her students and a deep respect for medicine. She wouldn't let her students juggle medicine and business.
But why was Elizabeth involved in business with her nephew? Did Emily know? Or did she silently approve?
Michael realized he might have been looking at this all wrong.
Elizabeth was definitely more complex than she seemed.
Just like Carter, who had been off the radar for three years, suddenly popped up to help the Jones Group. At first glance, it looked like an ad. But as Elizabeth mentioned, ads wouldn't be posted at such odd hours.
So, it could only mean that Carter and Elizabeth had some private connection. Carter was helping her out for free!
Michael had to find Carter and meet his doctor. He had to cure Eloise.
But first, he needed to see Calla and apologize. Today was supposed to be their engagement day. Leaving her alone must have been really embarrassing for her. He needed to clear things up.
Michael left the company and headed straight for the old mansion.
Inside, Calla had already changed out of her dress and was lying in bed.
Today had been an emotional rollercoaster, and the baby in her belly was kicking up a storm.
Michael walked straight into her room.
"Calla, I'm here to apologize. I'll give you enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life. But I can't marry you. We don't have any feelings for each other. Forcing ourselves to be together won't make either of us happy," he said.
Calla responded weakly, "Okay."
Michael hadn't expected her to agree so easily, and guilt washed over him.
"If you want, you can keep living at the Thomas Villa. The family's servants and drivers will still be at your service. But as for your child... I won't have any feelings for them."
Calla closed her eyes. "I know you don't like kids. I'm just grateful you're letting me have them. I won't force you to love them. Once I'm stable, I'll take the child and leave, far away from you. I won't bother you."
Suddenly, Mary burst into the room. "Michael! How can you be so heartless? Calla finally has a child. Why can't you let her stay? She's had many prenatal checkups. Every time, the doctors say the baby is healthy."
Michael supported her as they walked out of the room and into the living room.
"Once she gives birth, I'll send her away," he said.
Mary asked, "Have you thought about Eloise? If Calla leaves, who will treat Eloise and perform the surgery?"
Michael responded, "I have my own plans for that. You don't need to worry. I'll find a doctor better than Calla."
Standing quietly at the staircase corner, Calla heard this and covered her mouth tightly.