Chapter 386 Once Family
"We can't wait any longer!" David suddenly shouted, "Who knows what kind of tricks Anne and Nicholas are cooking up? They might be plotting right now to screw us over even more."
"David, chill out." I quickly stepped forward, placing my hands on his shoulders, trying to steady him.
I said, "We all know the situation is urgent, but acting rashly could play right into their hands. Think about it; Nicholas is sly. If he's bold enough to back Anne so openly, he's gotta have a plan to handle any fallout."
Lila also stepped forward, saying, "Diana's right, we can't be impulsive. David, I get how you feel, and we're here to help. The priority now is to figure out Anne's next move and find her weak spot. Let's split up and investigate!"
David nodded, trying to suppress his anxiety. "Alright, I'll leave it to you. I'll start by talking to the shareholders. No matter what, we need to keep them calm." With that, he strode out of the office.
For a long time after, I kept a close eye on the business world, looking for a breakthrough, but it was Anne who made the first move.
I discovered that Anne seemed to be targeting Edward's company.
Curious, I had people investigate both Anne's and Edward's companies separately. To my surprise, there was potential competition between their business sectors, and it was clear that Edward posed a significant threat to Anne.
How could this be so coincidental?
Fiona's image suddenly flashed in my mind. Could she be behind this too?
Fiona was shrewd, always observing the various forces from the shadows. She might have already figured out Anne and Edward's business layouts and deliberately created this competitive situation to reap the benefits.
Looking at the information in my hands, I felt increasingly that this was no simple matter. Whether Fiona was causing trouble or not, this might be an opportunity we could exploit.
Sure enough, it wasn't long before I heard that Anne had arranged to meet Edward at a famously luxurious café.
This news made me uneasy. I realized it was a perfect chance to gather information that could benefit us. I had to find a way to eavesdrop on their conversation. I decided to go and see for myself.
I hurried to the café and found a hidden corner to sit in—a spot where I could see Anne and Edward's table but was concealed by two tall plants.
Unlike any other time I'd seen Anne in flashy outfits, this time, she wore a meticulously tailored, slim-fit suit and a pair of stiletto heels. She looked much more mature.
Anne was sitting by the window, idly tapping her fingers on the table. When she saw Edward walk into the café, her eyes lit up instantly. Her relaxed posture straightened instantly as she tucked her hair behind her ear, striving to appear more composed. She greeted Edward with warmth.
Edward responded flatly, sitting across from Anne.
He asked, "What do you want?"Anne gracefully lifted her coffee cup, took a sip, and then, as if lost in thought, she began to speak slowly. "Edward, how long has it been since we had a good chat? I miss the old days. Being with you was so carefree and wonderful."
As she spoke, she casually brushed her fingertips against Edward's hand on the table, lingering for a moment, her eyes radiating a unique warmth.
Anne secretly observed Edward's reaction.
However, Edward's eyes showed detachment, his lips forming a polite, shallow smile. He discreetly withdrew his hand.
Anne wasn't discouraged by Edward's coldness.
She suddenly changed her tone, her expression switching to a pitiful look, and began to complain. "Edward, your business is thriving now, and it's really enviable. You have no idea how tough things have been for me lately. I want to build a mall, but it's been nothing but trouble. Edward, we're family. Can you help me out and give me a break in those business areas?"
I hid in the corner, watching their every move intently.
Edward's face changed slightly, almost imperceptibly, at Anne's words. He looked out the window, seemingly lost in memory.
I guessed he might be recalling the time he spent with Anne in their youth. Back then, Anne played the innocent, carefree girl, full of naive charm, a stark contrast to the calculating woman before him now.
I couldn't help but feel a chilling smile within me.
Anne was really direct, trying to use her past relationship with Edward to make him compromise. Had she forgotten the hurt she caused him?
Anne wasn't giving up. She moved to sit beside Edward on the sofa, her body subtly leaning towards him, placing a hand on his arm, and said coyly, "Edward, can you truly stand to watch me struggle? A little help from you could move my project forward without a hitch. I promise to show my gratitude properly later."
As she spoke, she lightly traced her fingers on Edward's arm, her eyes full of expectation, hoping to soften his stance.
Edward's body instantly tensed, a flash of displeasure crossing his face. He quickly withdrew his arm from Anne's hand, moved aside to create distance, and looked at her seriously.
He remarked, "Anne, I respect that you were once family. However, your actions caused my company great harm. Now, when it comes to business, I have my principles. If I concede this time due to personal feelings, how could I justify it to my company's future and the interests of my employees?"
Anne's expression soured at Edward's unwavering stance, a flicker of resentment gleaming in her eyes.
She said coldly, "Edward, I didn't expect you to be so heartless now. Fine, let's see who comes out on top."
With that, she stood up abruptly, tossed her hair, and stormed out.
I watched from the corner as Anne left angrily, and Edward sighed, looking at her retreating figure.
I stood up, straightened my clothes, and walked out of the corner. I was standing in front of Edward's desk, making my way toward him.
Edward looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
I asked softly, "Mind if I sit here?"
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