Chapter278
"There's nothing to discuss," Haley retorted coldly, her voice icy.
"Haley, if the children truly belong to the Chase family, it's a matter worth discussing." Mrs. DeRoss sighed. "You can't raise them all by yourself."
"I told you, they're mine. I'm not raising anyone else's kids!" Haley's tone was adamant, growing impatient even with Mrs. DeRoss.
"Haley," Flora insisted, like a doting mother. "Mr. Jeremy said he'll divorce his current wife and bring you and the kids into his family. Imagine the glory of being wife of Chase Group's chairman. What's wrong with that offer? With Mr. Jeremy's influence and affection, who would dare look down on you once you're part of that circle?"
Frank interjected with a snort, "By marrying into the Chase family, you could also expand DeRoss Group's market presence there, killing two birds with one stone. You should comply."
Haley almost burst into laughter.
So, this dinner was a trap, a modern-day coercion into marrying Jeremy.
She pushed her chair back and stood up, pronouncing each word clearly, "If the DeRoss family is so eager to break into that social circle, go ahead and send Emily. I'm sure Jeremy wouldn't mind another mistress. It doesn't matter who it is."
As soon as she finished, Flora scowled.
However, Haley had no interest in their reactions. She clicked her heels and turned to leave.
"Ungrateful girl!" Frank slammed the table, brimming with anger.
"Oh, Haley is really taking our good intentions for granted." Flora sighed, turning to Mrs. DeRoss. "You should talk to her, Mom. She's got such a great opportunity slipping through her fingers... Does she really plan to struggle alone with two kids for the rest of her life?"
"Enough chit-chat!" Mrs. DeRoss frowned as she spoke, "I just didn't want Haley to struggle alone with the kids. Why do you both drag this on? Jeremy is married with children, and Haley, come on, she'll never become Mrs. Chase. This is none of your business, so drop it!"
She got up, leaning on her cane, and headed back to her room.
Flora lamented to Frank, "I was only thinking of Haley's best interest, and yet why does it seem like no one appreciates my concern."
Frank tapped the table, musing, "Chase Group is thriving. With their investment here in Cuenca, every major company is trying to latch on. The DeRoss family can't afford to miss this opportunity."
"With Haley's attitude, she'll do well not to offend anyone, let alone pave the way for us to be on good terms with Jeremy," Flora commented coldly. "Unless we take the kids to Jeremy ourselves, maybe then we can strike a deal..."
Frank nodded in agreement. "That's what I was thinking, but the girl is too protective of those kids. We might not even get a chance to see them alone..."
Flora's gaze darkened as she mulled over their predicament again and again.
She had just returned to her room when her phone vibrated. She glanced at the caller ID, and her sullen expression instantly vanished as she answered cheerfully, "Emily, you must be so busy over there. How do you find time to call me?"
"Mom, Haley was supposed to come over for dinner tonight, right? How did it go?"
"Oh, that wretched girl won't even listen to her grandmother, and she refuses to bring the kids back to the DeRoss residence. We don't have any leverage," Flora sighed. "We'll have to wait and see what Jeremy decides to do."
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