Chapter 159 Laura's Choice
The next day at 8 AM, after a night of thinking, Laura finally made up her mind.
Joe's words made sense to her. Marrying either James or Donovan would be loveless, so she should get the most out of it.
The Diaz Family, where Donovan came from, was one of Lumina City's most renowned dynasties, with assets in the billions.
Marrying Donovan would not only fix her company's problems but also secure her family's future.
If she married James, it would only solve her dad's company's issues for now, and they'd be on their own later.
Given the choice between James and Donovan, Laura knew her decision was clear.
A short while later, Laura emerged from her bedroom in a flowing white gown. The already strikingly elegant Laura now looked even more regal and alluring.
Daniel, who had stayed home from work that day, was lounging on the living room sofa, watching TV and waiting for Laura's decision.
"Dad!" Laura called out.
"You're up?" Joe smiled.
"Yeah, I've decided. If James doesn't bring the investors today, I'll break off the engagement and go with Donovan," Laura said softly.
"Good, I'm glad you see it that way." Joe nodded, then walked up to her and said, "Laura, I know this is tough on you, and I'll make it up to you someday."
Laura couldn't help but smile ruefully at her father's words. She thought to herself, 'If I marry Donovan, I might never find happiness. Nothing can make up for that.'
"It's getting late; you should head to the office," Joe said, seeing Laura not respond.
"Okay." Laura nodded and walked out the door in her high heels.
Half an hour later, Laura drove to Felia Company. Before she could enter, the receptionist hurriedly said, "Miss Hall, the shareholders are waiting for you in the conference room!"
"Got it," Laura replied calmly and headed to the conference room.
As soon as she walked in, a shareholder mocked, "Miss Hall, you're finally here! We've been waiting for over an hour."
"So, you think I'd run away?" Laura sneered and walked in.
Inside the conference room, Laura noticed all the shareholders who had appeared yesterday were present, and Donovan was sitting there, seemingly delighted while playing on his phone.
Seeing Donovan's smug smile, Laura felt a wave of disgust. If not for the greater good, Laura would rather marry James than Donovan. Donovan was truly despicable, doing things that she found utterly revolting.
"Miss Hall, where's your fiancé?"
"Yeah, he said he'd bring investors. Why isn't he here?"
"Did he run away?"
"I think he was bluffing. No way he knows any wealthy investors."
The crowd mocked Laura non-stop.
Laura's body trembled with anger.
Even though the shareholders were mocking James, she felt deeply unsettled.
A middle-aged man, knowing Laura couldn't raise the money, shouted, "Miss Hall, let's stop waiting. Just give us the severance pay!"
Laura frowned and snapped, "It's only 8 AM, why are you in such a hurry?"
"I bet even if we wait until tomorrow, that guy still won't show up!" the middle-aged man mocked.
"Even if James doesn't come, I'm still here. Uncle Mitchell, are you really that desperate for this money?" Laura snapped, clearly annoyed.
"Laura!" the middle-aged man said, standing up, looking ready to argue.
Donovan cut in, "Mr. Mitchell, Laura's right. It's only 8 AM. Let's wait until noon. If James doesn't show by then, Miss Hall won't have any excuses, and you'll get your money."
Mitchell snorted but didn't argue further.
Laura sat down, waiting for James.
Two hours ticked by, but James still hadn't arrived.
One shareholder, impatient, stood up. "Laura, how long are we supposed to wait? It's 10:30, and he's still not here. Just give us the money!"
Others chimed in, "Yeah, how long?"
"Waiting is pointless. James won't come. Just pay us!"
Laura remained seated, a hint of helplessness in her eyes. She considered calling James to find out what was going on, but she knew deep down that he probably wouldn't pick up.
Suddenly, the conference room door opened.
Everyone turned to look.
Laura's eyes lit up with hope.
But it wasn't James—it was Nancy.
Nancy, confused by the stares, quickly walked over to Laura.
"Laura, James isn't here yet?" Nancy asked softly.
"No," Laura replied.
"He's definitely lying. There's no way he knows any investors," Nancy said, biting her lip, clearly agitated.
Donovan, growing impatient, stood up. "Yeah, James is a fraud. He won't come today!"
Laura looked up at Donovan.
"Laura, you've signed the contract. You owe them the money. I know you can't pay it now, but if you cancel your engagement with James and be with me, I'll cover it," Donovan said softly, squinting.
"And about your father's company, I spoke with him yesterday. If you're with me, the Diaz Family will fully support the Hall Family," he added.
Laura faltered
"Laura, just agree to Donovan. James won't come, and why give up a wealthy guy like Donovan for a loser? James isn't worthy of you," Nancy urged, anxious.
Laura took a deep breath and asked Donovan, "Can you really do everything you said?"
"Of course," Donovan smiled.
"Alright, I can cancel the engagement with James..."
Before she could finish, a man's voice came from the door. "Don't you need my consent to cancel the engagement?"
Everyone turned to look.
