Chapter 414 Fiona's Challenge
When we got home, Skylar crashed almost immediately, worn out from all the playing. I sat by her bed, watching her sleep peacefully, but my mind was a mess.
Fiona's words were like a dark cloud hanging over me. I had no clue what her next move might be.
Just then, my phone buzzed with a text from Edward: [Diana, I'm sorry about today. There are some tough issues at the company that will keep me busy for a while. Please stay safe at home with Skylar. If Fiona causes any trouble, contact me immediately.]
I stared at Edward's message on the screen, my fingers lightly touching the display.
After a moment, I replied: [Okay, focus on your work and make sure to rest.]
After sending the message, I set my phone aside and looked back at Skylar. She was sleeping soundly, a slight smile on her lips, probably dreaming sweet dreams.
But I knew our peaceful life had been disrupted, and I had no idea what chaos awaited us.
In the following days, Edward seemed to vanish.
From David, I learned that Fiona had launched a nearly insane revenge campaign against Edward.
She not only withdrew all her investments, pulling the crucial funding from Edward's company, but also used her extensive business connections to persuade several of Edward's long-term clients to terminate their contracts.
Edward's company was in turmoil. The massive funding gap caused projects to halt due to the broken financial chain and lost clients.
Edward spent his days running between banks and potential investors, trying to save his company, but he was met with rejection at every turn.
Banks refused to provide new loans due to the company's financial holes and unstable outlook. Potential investors, upon hearing Fiona's stance, also backed away.
Even David wasn't spared, as his company, the Wilson Group, had close business ties with Edward's.
Fiona targeted him as well, but fortunately, the Wilson Group was large enough to barely keep running despite her interference.
Luckily, Fiona hadn't made any moves against my company yet, but her menacing words still echoed in my ears, keeping me on edge.
To prepare for any potential crisis from Fiona, I began to take action quietly.
I gathered my core team to reassess our business processes, especially focusing on maintaining strong relationships with key clients to ensure stability.
I also worked on enhancing our risk management capabilities, actively exploring new business channels, and establishing initial communications with previously less-contacted but promising companies to find new growth opportunities.
I instructed Lila's legal team to meticulously review all our contracts and agreements, identifying any legal loopholes to prevent Fiona from exploiting them.
Unfortunately, Melissa had to return to her hometown for urgent family matters, leaving me to manage the company and take care of Skylar alone.
Every day, I was extra cautious when picking up and dropping off Skylar at school, constantly scanning the surroundings, fearing Fiona might show up and harm Skylar.
One day, as usual, I waited outside the kindergarten for Skylar. Parents stood in small groups chatting, while I stood alone, eyes fixed on the school gate.
Finally, the kids came out in a line. Skylar spotted me and ran over joyfully, waving a drawing. "Mommy, look! This is the picture I drew today. My teacher even praised me!"
I took the drawing and saw a picture of a family of three holding hands, laughing amidst colorful flowers.
It was clear the little girl with the ponytail in the middle was Skylar, the woman with the smiling eyes on the right was me, and the tall, handsome man on the left, though not detailed, was undoubtedly Edward.
"Skylar, this is amazing!"
I praised her, though my heart felt heavy.
"Mommy, I miss Mr. Howard. When will he come play with me again?"
Skylar looked up at me, eyes full of hope.
I knelt down, hugging her gently, and whispered, "Mr. Howard is busy with work. Once he's done, he'll definitely come see you."
Back home, I carefully placed Skylar's drawing on the fridge. The bright colors couldn't dispel the gloom in my heart.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. My heart tightened, and I instinctively looked at Skylar hiding behind me.
I whispered, "Skylar, go to your room and close the door. No matter what you hear, don't come out."
Skylar, though puzzled, obediently did as told.
Taking a deep breath, I walked to the door and peered through the peephole.
It was Fiona, whom I hadn't seen in a while.
She was impeccably dressed in a black suit, looking particularly sharp.
I hesitated but opened the door, asking coldly, "What do you want?"
Fiona's lips curled into a meaningful smile. "What, not going to invite me in?"
"We have nothing to talk about. Leave," I responded bluntly.
Fiona ignored me, pushing past and walking into the living room. Her eyes scanned the room, finally landing on Skylar's drawing on the fridge.
Her gaze turned icy as she sneered, "How cozy, a family of three? Don't kid yourself."
Suppressing my anger, I stood in front of her. "Fiona, what do you want? If you have a problem, take it out on me, not my child."
Fiona's eyes flashed with mockery. "What do I want? Since Edward chose you two over our partnership, I won't let you have it easy. I'm here to tell you to stay away from Edward, no business dealings either. Or else..."
She paused, pulling a recorder from her bag and tossing it on the table. "What's on here is enough to ruin you."
I eyed the recorder warily, not touching it. "What do you want?"
Fiona didn't answer, instead heading towards Skylar's room.
Panicking, I rushed to block her. "You can't go in there!"
But Fiona was strong, shoving me aside.
Just as she reached for the door, it opened from the inside. Skylar stood there with a toy water gun, spraying Fiona while shouting, "Bad lady, don't bully my mommy!"
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