Chapter 261 Inciting Clara
When Clara heard Edward was on his way, she just stopped fighting. She plopped down on the floor, waiting for him. As she started to calm down, I gave the head of security a nod, and the guards took off.
Once everyone was gone, I helped Clara onto the couch. She looked at me, totally shocked, like she couldn't believe I was being nice to her.
With Clara still looking confused, I began to speak slowly, "Hayden told me everything you did for Edward, for him, and for the whole Howard family. I was really touched when I found out. Even though you did a lot of things against me, I understand you had your reasons. People are naturally selfish, after all."
I paused for a moment before continuing. "You can see how well the Cooper Group is doing now. Even without the inheritance Hayden left me, my child and I will still have a good life."
Clara looked stunned and then asked, "So, you're not planning to remarry Edward?"
I smiled and shook my head.
Seeing this, Clara asked again, "Isn't it hard to raise a child on your own?"
I knew she was heartbroken by Anne, and their relationship had been strained for a long time.
So, I said, "A mother works tirelessly to raise her child, and when the child grows up, it's only natural for them to support their mother, especially when they're financially secure."
Hearing this, Clara looked displeased and complained, "That ungrateful Anne is probably enjoying herself somewhere now. After I got out of prison, I heard Edward gave her a position at the Howard Group. I went to see her, but not only did she refuse to support me, she even kicked me out."
Seeing how quickly Clara redirected her anger toward Anne, I realized she was easily manipulated. Instantly, a plan began to take shape in my mind.
So I feigned surprise and said, "How could Anne ignore you? I saw her at a party just the other day, and the Howard Group is doing very well under her leadership!"
Just then, there was a knock on the office door.
I looked towards the door and said, "Come in."
Theo entered, looking tired, with Edward following behind. I nodded at Theo, and he left.
Edward walked quickly to Clara and, with a hint of reproach in his voice, said, "Mom, why did you come here causing trouble? If you need money, just ask me. Even though Dad is gone, you and Diana are my only family. How could I not take care of you?"
As he spoke, Edward tried to pull Clara up from the sofa. However, Clara grabbed Edward and led him to me, forcefully placing our hands together.
"Edward, listen to me," Clara said, "I've come to realize my mistakes after everything that's happened. You two should have a good life, and I'll be here, looking forward to enjoying my grandchildren."
She smiled as she spoke.
I could see that her smile masked her true intentions. Even after I had clearly stated my decision to raise the child alone, she was now trying to leverage Edward and the Cooper Group's resources for her own gain.
After I firmly refused again, Edward and Clara left reluctantly.But Clara just wouldn't let up. She kept showing up at the Cooper Group, making a scene and crying for me to get back with Edward. It was starting to wear me down, and I knew I had to do something about it.
Dealing with Clara wasn't that tough. Someone as greedy as her could be easily swayed with a bit of profit.
Finally, when she caused another ruckus at the Cooper Group's entrance, I had Theo bring her into the meeting room.
"Diana, why did you change your mind and agree to see me today?" Clara asked bluntly, plopping down on the sofa.
With a gentle smile, I replied, "I've been thinking a lot lately. I know you've always hoped for me and Edward to reconcile and for us to be a family again. Honestly, I also want a complete family. After all, Edward is the father of my child."
As I spoke, I tenderly touched my slightly rounded belly.
Clara's eyes lit up with hope at my words, and she eagerly asked, "Diana, do you really think that way? That's wonderful. As long as you listen to me, everything else will be fine."
I sighed softly and continued, "Of course, I want to rebuild my family. But I have to think about the child. After everything I've been through, I understand that a woman must have her own career and financial foundation. Otherwise, being a full-time wife in a wealthy family offers no security."
Clara nodded and said, "Exactly. I devoted so many years to Hayden, only for that jerk to leave me with nothing. Diana, you're right. It's financial security that truly matters in life."
I gently patted Clara's hand and said, "That's why I plan to invest in a few projects. Once I make enough money, I won't have to rely on anyone else."
I deliberately made the idea of making money sound easy.
Clara's eyes sparkled, but she still seemed doubtful and asked, "Diana, do you really have reliable investment projects?"
I nodded and casually said, "It's a project my mom was investing in before. As soon as I took over the Cooper Group, I prioritized this project. It will definitely make a lot of money in the future."
Under my persuasion, Clara finally became interested and eagerly said, "Diana, can I join your project?"
I pretended to be hesitant and said, "This project does have some investment spots open to individuals. However, according to Cooper Group's tradition, we typically only offer these project shares to internal members. As for you..."
I deliberately slowed my speech, looking Clara up and down.
Seeing this, Clara eagerly leaned in and said, "Given our relationship, can't you just let me invest?"
I remained hesitant, saying, "But you don't hold a position at the Cooper Group. Even the security and cleaning staff have official roles."
Clara paused for a moment, then, with a touch of arrogance, said, "Just give me a project manager position, and that solves everything."
I showed a doubtful expression and said, "A project manager isn't a position I can just assign. It needs the board's approval. But if it's a cleaning position, I can decide that myself."
"Alright," Clara quickly agreed before I could finish. "The position doesn't really matter. I won't actually do any work, and you don't even have to pay me. Just let me invest alongside you."
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