Chapter 369
As the saying goes, don't air your dirty laundry in public. Flora and Mr. DeRoss ceased their quarrel immediately upon Ivan's arrival, no matter how fierce their argument had been.
Mr. DeRoss straightened his tie and cleared his throat. "Ivan, coming by so late, is there something important you need?"
Ivan's mouth curled into a cold smirk. "I have a question for you both."
"Whatever it is, just ask, Ivan," Flora said with a forced smile. "If I know anything, I will tell all without holding back."
Ivan's smile slowly broadened. "I'm just curious,: where were Keith and Owen born? I tried asking Emily, but she said she forgot."
Flora's smile froze. Her eyes darted around as she flustered, "Oh, that... It was four years ago. Who can remember that clearly? Anyway, Ivan, why do you ask?"
Ivan's gaze shifted to Mr. DeRoss, his voice cold. "Has Haley forgotten, too?"
The intensity of Ivan's stare sent a shiver down Mr. DeRoss's spine. He didn't understand why Ivan was digging up the past, but he knew he couldn't leave any loose ends. After a moment's pause, he said, "The situation with Emily was so urgent that day, she didn't even make it to the hospital and had both children at home, with the help of our house staff..."
Ivan's smile grew wider. "But hasn't Emily often recalled how she nearly bled out during childbirth? If she gave birth at home, how was that managed?"
His probing left Mr. DeRoss speechless. Emily often mentioned that detail to keep Keith in line. Who would have thought that four years later, Ivan would be asking about those events?
"The DeRoss family has a family doctor. That night, the bleeding was stopped..." Flora replied with a dry laugh, trying to deflect. "Ivan, has someone been filling your head with doubts? Here, take a glass of water and cool down a bit."
She handed him the water the secretary had brought over. Ivan took the glass, then abruptly let go. The glass shattered on the floor, shards flying in all directions.
Flora and Mr. DeRoss had a sinking feeling about their visitor Ivan's intentions. When a cup hit the floor, they were certain Something was off...
Mr. DeRoss furrowed his brow. "Ivan, what exactly do you want to ask? Just spit it out. Don't cause a scene in my office! Even though we, the DeRoss family, aren't as influential as the Winstons, I am still Keith and Owen's grandfather and your elderdad. You should show some respect in your actions."
"You are indeed the boys' grandfather," Ivan said, glancing at Flora, "but whether you are truly their grandmother, well, that's another question."
His gaze was like that of looking at a corpse.
Flora felt as if all her misdeeds were laid bare and involuntarily took a step back.
At that moment, the assistant knocked on the door. Though the atmosphere was tense, and Mr. DeRoss shouldn't have allowed the interruption, they heard Ivan chuckle, "Come in."
As his voice settled, the assistant entered with an anxious look. "Haley, it's bad news. There are market makers manipulating the marketThe Hill family has made a move, and the DeRoss Group's stock has fallen by three percent. In just half an hour, the company has lost at least fifty million, and the number is still rising."
"What did you say?!" Mr. DeRoss's face turned pale. "Find out who is targeting the DeRoss Group right now!"
"No need to look into it."
Ivan said with a sneer.
He glanced at his watch. "In thirty minutes, the DeRoss Group's stock will hit rock bottom."
Flora was horrified. "Ivan, have you lost your mind? Why would you target the DeRoss Group? What good does it do you let the Hills manipulate our stocks?"
"Do you really not know why?" Ivan pulled up a chair and sat down. "You've got thirty minutes until the stocks crash. Take the time to think about who you've offended. Confess voluntarily, and I might give the DeRoss Group a way out. But if you're stubborn..."
He left his threat hanging, revealing a malicious grin.
Flora and Mr. DeRoss shuddered together.
They had a vague idea why, but neither dared to be certain.
---
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
