Chapter 577 Contest
Murphy Castle, Cordelia's place, second-floor guest room.
Michael dialed Juan's number. "Juan, Gerald's starting to get suspicious of me."
There was a brief pause on the other end. "I warned you, he's not easy to fool. He's even got his eye on me now. What's your next move?"
Michael stared out at the darkening sky, his voice low. "Stick to the plan, but we gotta speed things up."
Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, his knuckles turned white as he gripped his phone.
The screen displayed a message from Matthew: [Elizabeth has agreed to let STellar Enterprises invest in the Jones Group. The signing ceremony will be scheduled soon.]
Michael wasn't worried about Gerald stripping him of his power. His only concern was Elizabeth's reaction.
He pondered how to break the news to her.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, and Michael quickly put away his phone.
Cordelia entered, carrying a cup of coffee. "Michael, you look awful."
As she approached, she suddenly felt dizzy, and the coffee cup slipped from her hand.
Michael swiftly caught the cup, but Cordelia rushed to the bathroom, holding her mouth. When she emerged, her face was still wet.
She gave a weak smile. "Sorry, this keeps happening lately."
She wiped the remaining water from her face. "Michael, are you upset?"
Michael placed the coffee cup on the coffee table, the ceramic clinking against the marble. "You know why. Your father took away all my power. Now, I can stay home with you every day. Are you happy?"
Cordelia's pupils contracted sharply. "My dad..."
Michael's voice was eerily calm. "He thinks I betrayed him. You can guess what happens next."
Cordelia's fingers twisted the hem of her dress unconsciously. "I'll explain to him."
Michael turned away, his tone icy. "No need. The game has begun. It's either him or me."
The words cut Cordelia like a knife. She trembled, grabbing his arm. "Michael, please take me away, wherever you go."
Michael gently pulled his arm back. "You know that's impossible."
Cordelia shook her head, tears streaming down her beautiful face. "Michael, you can't be so cruel. I've loved you for so many years."
Michael remained unmoved. "I'm sorry. I don't love you. The person who loves you isn't me, it's Zander. After I leave, you can marry him. He'll treat you well."
Cordelia choked back her tears. "What if this child is yours?"
Michael's brow furrowed, then he dismissed the possibility. "Cordelia, you know how this child came to be. Don't make it harder on yourself."
With that, he strode out, leaving Cordelia to collapse weakly onto the bed.
In the dining room, the servants had already set the table. Michael sat alone, eating with elegant manners, as if the previous conversation had never happened.
Cordelia stood in the shadows of the hallway, watching the man who fascinated her. He was always like this, an unyielding iceberg.
A servant approached, speaking softly. "Ms. Murphy, it's time for dinner."
Cordelia's eyes were red, her voice hoarse. "What he said..."
The servant handed her a warm towel, whispering. "I didn't hear anything. You need to think about the child you're carrying. This is just the beginning. You need to take care of yourself to ensure a smooth birth. The child is your future leverage."
Celestria, Aurora Bay, convention center.
The hall was brightly lit.
Elizabeth stood under the spotlight, announcing the strategic partnership between the Jones Group and STellar Enterprises to the media.
"This collaboration will bring us a new tech team," her voice was clear and confident. "Next month, we'll launch a new generation of smart medical devices."
Flashbulbs went off continuously. No one noticed Matthew discreetly taking a photo of her profile and sending it to Michael in Majestic City.
A reporter suddenly asked, "Mr. Anderson, you seem very confident about this partnership?"
Matthew put away his phone and smiled calmly. "Of course. STellar Enterprises never makes a losing deal."
The response elicited laughter.
FutureTech Robotics Group, CEO's office.
Jennifer stared grimly at the live broadcast on her computer, her nails digging into her palm.
When she heard Elizabeth announce the formation of a new research team, her pupils contracted sharply.
She pressed the intercom, her voice cold. "Find out the composition of the Jones Group's new tech team immediately. Especially the backgrounds of the core members."
She had just put down the receiver when her assistant rushed in.
Jennifer frowned angrily. "What's wrong with you? Don't you know to knock before entering my office?"
The assistant wiped sweat from his forehead and bowed apologetically. "Sorry, I was too anxious. There's a problem in the tech department. We've just received three resignation letters, all from core research staff."
Jennifer stood up abruptly, scattering papers everywhere.
She should have seen it coming. STellar Enterprises' investment in the Jones Group was not just a simple business deal.
"Prepare the car." She grabbed her coat. "I need to meet these 'traitors' personally!"
Meanwhile, the press conference was in full swing.
Elizabeth answered questions with poise, showing no signs of the company's previous financial struggles.
"Ms. Jones, can you reveal what technological breakthroughs the new team will bring?" a financial reporter asked.
"We'll focus on AI applications in medical imaging diagnostics," Elizabeth replied with a smile. "Details will be announced at next month's tech conference."
Matthew stood nearby, feeling his phone vibrate. He checked it and saw Michael's brief reply: [Good.]
Matthew smiled and put away his phone.
After the press conference, Elizabeth had just settled into the car when her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen—it was Jennifer.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and answered impatiently. "Jennifer, what do you want?"
"Elizabeth, do you think poaching my people will make you win?" Jennifer's voice was filled with suppressed anger. "Don't get too cocky! We'll see who comes out on top!"
Elizabeth calmly hung up and turned to Matthew. "Looks like she's already heard the news and is furious."
"As expected." Matthew fastened his seatbelt. "By the way, how's Sherry doing lately?"
"She and Nolan are getting along well." Elizabeth was surprised. "Why do you ask?"
Matthew rubbed his nose. "She blocked me. I need you to help me out."
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