Chapter 289 Adding Fuel to the Fire
Elizabeth was too tired to keep stargazing. She closed her eyes and snuggled closer into Michael's arms, mumbling, "Forget the stars, I can't keep my eyes open. Let's just go to sleep."
With that, she nestled into his embrace and drifted off.
Michael looked at her, amused by her adorable demeanor. He shook his head with a soft chuckle.
Sliding one arm under her knees, he lifted her up and carried her back to the hotel.
The hotel owner was still at the front desk. Seeing Michael approach, he quickly opened the door for him.
Michael didn't stop, carrying her all the way to their room. He gently laid her on the bed, removed her shoes and outer clothes, and tucked her in.
After finishing, he turned off the lights, returned to the narrow wooden bed, and lay down beside her. He pulled her into his arms, closed his eyes contentedly, and fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, they woke up early and had breakfast before heading down the mountain.
As they descended, Elizabeth complained, "Climbing up was exhausting enough. I thought going down would be easier. Why does it feel even more tiring?"
Michael replied, "That's because you hardly ever exercise. When we get back, I'll help you create a detailed workout plan. You need to get in shape."
Elizabeth clung to his arm, leaning against him. "You better take it slow. Don't wear me out."
Michael nodded. "Of course, especially for the sake of the baby."
Elizabeth froze for a moment, then distanced herself from him.
She let go of his arm, stood up straight, and focused on walking down the mountain.
Michael was puzzled by her sudden change in attitude. They had been fine just a moment ago, even during breakfast. Why the sudden coldness?
She had been walking slowly, but now she seemed to have found new energy and sped up.
He called after her, "Elizabeth, slow down. Wait for me. Walk behind me."
Elizabeth slowed her pace.
Michael moved in front of her. "Don't go too fast downhill. It's easy to lose control. I'll walk in front to protect you."
Elizabeth didn't respond, following him silently.
Michael extended a hand to her. "You're not alone anymore. You need to be more careful. Think about the baby."
Elizabeth's face turned cold. She shook off his hand and strode down the mountain without another word.
The car ride back was tense and silent.
Elizabeth didn't want to say a word to Michael.
Michael frowned deeply, unsure of what he had done to upset her.
Michael dropped Elizabeth off at Whispering Pines Estates.
Dean was shocked to see her. "Elizabeth, why didn't you come home last night? You just texted me to take care of the kids without explaining anything. Do you know how worried I was?"
Elizabeth patted his shoulder and went straight to her room to change. "Sorry, Dean. Nothing happened. I didn't mean to worry you."
Dean stood at the bottom of the stairs. "You spent the whole night with that jerk?"
The only response he got was the sound of her door closing.
Dean shook his head helplessly. "Love is the most inexplicable thing in the world."
Elizabeth changed and came downstairs. "Where are Pearl and Nolan?"
Dean replied, "They've already gone to school."
Elizabeth nodded. "Good. Dean, let's head to the office."
Dean scrutinized her expression. "You were with him last night?"
Elizabeth confirmed, "Yes."
Dean looked at her suspiciously. "All night, and nothing happened?"
Elizabeth frowned slightly. "Dean..."
Dean raised his hands. "Alright, alright. It's your private business. I won't ask. I'm ready to go to the office with you. But first, I have some potentially good news."
Elizabeth said, "Go on."
Dean continued, "Remember I told you Jennifer secured a lot of funding to compete with our company?"
Elizabeth nodded. "I remember. She's also in the robotics business and wants to crush us."
Dean said, "Do you know who her biggest investor is?"
Elizabeth guessed, "Calla?"
Dean nodded. "Yes. Calla invested a huge sum in FutureTech Robotics Group."
"I knew that already. What else?"
"Recently, I heard Calla wants to back out."
"Back out?"
"Apparently, Calla initially promised Jennifer $3 billion but has only given $2 billion so far. Something must have happened between them because Calla wants to pull out. Jennifer is demanding the remaining $1 billion."
Elizabeth pondered, "A billion dollars?"
She looked at Dean. "I get it. Michael always thought Calla was the one performing surgeries on Eloise. Every time Eloise had a surgery, Michael paid Calla $1 billion. Eloise has had two surgeries, so Calla received $2 billion. Jennifer told me Calla invested a large sum in FutureTech Robotics Group, which must be that money."
"Calla expected a third surgery soon, promising Jennifer another $1 billion. But now Michael has fired her, so there won't be any more payments. Her plan fell apart."
Dean smiled. "So these two vicious women are falling out over the missing billion dollars?"
Elizabeth said, "Twenty billion dollars is already a lot. They're both too greedy, trying to get more from Michael."
Dean nodded. "Calla is incredibly greedy. She didn't even consider that the initial $2 billion was already a lot. She should have kept a low profile. Now, with their internal conflict, they won't have time to deal with you. You can relax for now."
Elizabeth exhaled, her eyes sharp. "Even if they're not targeting me, I still need to deal with them. Since they have internal strife, let's add fuel to the fire."
Dean's eyes lit up. "Elizabeth, what do you plan to do? I'll support you all the way."
Elizabeth said, "Dean, find some new faces to keep an eye on Jennifer without her noticing."
She crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing, her tone icy. "She's dating Calla's father, right? I want to know how their relationship is going."
Dean patted his chest. "Elizabeth, don't worry. This is easy. Leave it to me."
He glanced at Elizabeth, thinking she looked a lot like someone he knew.
They left the house, got in the car, and headed to The Jones Group building.
Elizabeth sat in the car, gazing at the skyscrapers outside the window.
No matter how tall a building was, if its foundation was unstable, could it really stand firm?
Calla and Jennifer, though they were partners in interest, if internal conflicts arose, could their relationship still remain unbreakable?
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