Chapter 575 Praise
"Didn't Matthew already say it? At STellar Enterprises, we just follow Michael's lead. We don't need to worry about anyone else's opinions," Dean said seriously.
"Elizabeth, have you thought about this? Right now, you and Michael are head over heels, supporting each other. He’s got your back. But what if one day, you two fall out of love or have a big fight? I mean, just hypothetically. How would you handle it then? It’d be easy for him to take control of the Jones Group. You’d lose both your love and your career. Have you thought about that?"
Elizabeth sat on the couch, quietly pondering.
She remembered back in Majestic City, before Michael regained his memory, he had coldly told her he would return to Aurora Bay to reclaim everything he had lost.
Did "everything" include the Jones Group? After all, she had once tried to give his beloved STellar Enterprises to someone else.
Would it really be as Dean said, that Michael would seek revenge and take her company away?
Elizabeth shook her head, trying to dispel the terrifying thought.
No, they would always be in love, never having conflicts again.
In the evening, Sarah arrived at Whispering Pines Estates, bathed in the glow of the setting sun.
She held a bouquet of fresh sunflowers and, as she opened the door, warm light spilled out.
"Elizabeth, I brought you some sleep-aiding aromatherapy," Sarah said, handing the flowers to Susan, who had opened the door. Her eyes fell on Elizabeth's hair. "What did the doctor say? Will there be a scar?"
Elizabeth instinctively touched the scar. "It's faded a lot. We'll see. Cosmetic surgery is so advanced these days."
Sarah nodded. "True."
They sat down on the couch.
Sarah expertly took out two glasses and poured lemon water. She swirled her glass. "Elizabeth, I officially took over the Martinez Group last month."
Elizabeth was surprised. "So soon? I remember you saying you wanted to have fun for a couple more years."
Sarah pouted. "My dad's health check showed he has fatty liver. The doctor told him to stress less. My mom nags me every day, saying I'm unfilial if I don't take over."
Elizabeth mused, "You have strong abilities. You just didn't want to be tied down before."
"You saw right through me," Sarah said, resting her chin on her hand. "I used to love having fun and was busy dating David. But now I find work quite interesting. It's better than being bored at home."
"Your parents just want you to have a solid financial foundation so you won't be mistreated by your in-laws."
Sarah nodded. "My mom told me long ago that David and I both lack stability. Our marriage might not last, so it's best to have a career as a backup. Before we got married, David and I agreed: he manages his family's business, and I manage mine. Our businesses don't interfere with each other."
Elizabeth's eyes widened. "You two are that clear-cut?"
Sarah put down her glass. "Of course! Who can guarantee a lifetime together? If we divorce, we can each manage our own companies without too much hassle. It saves a lot of trouble."
Elizabeth sipped her water, silently contemplating her relationship with Michael.
She had always thought Sarah and David were deeply in love, inseparable. She hadn't expected them to be so rational and clear-headed about their finances.
What about her? She and Michael were deeply in love now. But in the future?
Would it be as Dean said, that if their love faded, Michael would take everything from her?
The thought sent a chill down Elizabeth's spine.
Noticing her friend's unusual expression, Sarah asked with concern, "Elizabeth, what's wrong? Don't worry about me. I'm not that naive girl who believed in love above all anymore!"
Elizabeth gave her a faint smile. "Okay."
Sarah seemed to have opened a floodgate. "Elizabeth, you have no idea how clingy David is now! He used to be out socializing every night, never home with me. I was bored but didn't complain much. Now, he comes home on time every day and starts criticizing me!"
Elizabeth was surprised. "What does he criticize you for?"
"He says I shouldn't be out socializing with a bunch of men every night! Who knows what he's thinking! I'm just having dinner! I'm not out drinking! I'm the second-in-command of the group. Whether a contract gets signed depends on the other party's sincerity and ability, not on whether I can drink! Why is he so difficult? He gives me a hard time every day! If his abilities are lacking, that's one thing, but is he jealous that I'm managing the Martinez Group better than he manages his?"
"Maybe he's just worried you'll get taken advantage of if you drink. Don't misunderstand him."
Sarah rolled her eyes. "I always have my assistant and bodyguard with me. Who would dare take advantage of me?"
The kitchen filled with a delicious aroma, and Pearl came running over. "Aunt Sarah, you promised to teach me flower arranging!"
Seeing the adorable Pearl, Sarah's demeanor softened instantly. She smiled sweetly at Pearl.
"How about this weekend?" She pinched Pearl's cheek. "I just got a new batch of tulips."
Pearl's eyes lit up. "Can I invite Mr. McGinnis too? He loves photography."
Sarah winked mischievously. "Of course, let someone see what a real man looks like."
Elizabeth shook her head helplessly. "Don't corrupt the child."
"I'm helping Pearl develop a proper sense of aesthetics," Sarah said righteously. "Speaking of which, what's Michael been up to? I haven't seen him in a while."
At the mention of Michael, Elizabeth's mood dropped. "He's still in Majestic City. He hasn't finished his business there. It'll be a while before he comes back."
Sarah linked her arm with Elizabeth's. "Elizabeth, I heard he has another woman in Majestic City! Aren't you worried she will steal him away?"
Elizabeth lowered her head. "Of course I am. He's handsome, fit, and capable. Any woman standing next to him would want to have him completely."
Sarah's mouth dropped open in an exaggerated expression. "Elizabeth, this is the first time I've heard you praise Michael! You must really be in love with him!"
Elizabeth gave a bitter smile. "Haven't I always loved him?"
Susan came over with some appetizers, looking at Sarah with hesitation.
Elizabeth, sensing something was up, asked quietly, "Susan, do you have something to say?"
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