Chapter 294 She's Worse than I Imagined
A cold, sardonic smirk played on Jasper's lips as he listened to Andrew's words. "Mr. Carter, you're mistaken."
He turned, eyes sharp. "Adeline insisted on using your company's raw stones for this project. Our team, including me, thought diamonds were better. But Adeline believed gemstones fit her designs more."
"If you want to back out despite the signed deal," he said coldly, "I can convince Adeline to use other materials. But..."
He stared Andrew down. "Are you ready to face the consequences of offending the Foster Group? Trust me, it'll be worse than just breaking a contract."
Andrew, who was red with anger, turned pale. His fists clenched as he glowered at Jasper.
"Mr. Foster," he stammered, "there's no need to escalate this. The Foster Group and the Carter family have always had a good relationship..."
"Good?" Jasper interrupted with a sarcastic smile. "You storm into my company, harass my employee, and threaten to break a contract, and you call that 'good'?"
Andrew, now red with shame, was speechless.
Jasper let out a humorless chuckle and walked towards the Foster Group entrance, leaving the angry couple on the sidewalk.
"Dad, Mom!" Sebastian said, frustrated. "I told you Adeline wasn't like that! You didn't listen, and now look! You've embarrassed yourselves for nothing!"
"Silence!" Andrew roared, turning to his son. His anger, briefly calmed by Jasper, now had a new target. "Of all the women, you chose her! You even announced it on TV! What will people think? Our family's reputation is ruined because of your poor judgment!"
He grabbed Sebastian's arm, gripping hard. "You're coming home with me now!"
Aurora, watching with a sigh, pulled out her phone and typed: [Mrs. Foster,We're at the Foster Group building. I wanted to confront that woman, but Mr. Foster stepped in. It's clear she's got him wrapped around her finger, just like you said.]
[We can't get past security, and Mr. Foster threatened to cut ties with us if we push this. What should we do?]
Blue Bay Hotel.
Stella read Aurora's message, feeling a chill. Jasper had spent the night with Adeline at the hospital, lying about working late! And now, he was ready to sacrifice a big business deal to protect her?
The Carter family, though small, had a near-monopoly on the rare gemstones crucial to the Foster Group's latest project. Many companies would kill for this chance. The PR department had worked hard to secure that contract, and Jasper was ready to throw it all away for Adeline?
Rage, cold and sharp, filled her. Her fingers trembled as she typed a response: [I never thought it would come to this. Don't worry, Mrs. Carter. Adeline is sly and manipulative. Focus on keeping Sebastian away from her for now. We'll figure out our next move.]
As Aurora's car sped away from the Foster Group building, she glanced at her son, his face full of anger and frustration. [Mrs. Foster wonders why Adeline would target Sebastian.]
Stella: [Maybe she's after the Carter family fortune. She seems to like wealthy, powerful men. It can't be love, right?]
Aurora frowned, reading another message from Stella.
Ryan found info on Adeline's new assistants. She picked a team of very attractive people – two men and two women, including that Anne girl.
At the Foster Group headquarters, Adeline was briefing her new assistants, stressing the importance of discretion and confidentiality. As the workday ended, Timothy Lee, one of the male assistants, grinned at her.
"First day on the job, Adeline. How about we celebrate with dinner? Building rapport is important, right?"
Adeline, needing a distraction, agreed. With Bennett and Lauren away at training camp, she had no other plans. Plus, spending time with these enthusiastic youngsters might lift her spirits.
"Are you sure you're up for it?" Anne asked, concerned. "Your shoulder..."
"It's fine," Adeline assured her with a forced smile. "Eating won't strain it."
The five of them piled into Timothy's car and headed to a nearby restaurant. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and chatter. Adeline, using her injury as an excuse, politely declined their offers of alcohol and stepped out to catch her breath in the hallway.
"I thought we were getting a talented designer," a woman's sharp voice reached her ears. "Turns out she's just a shameless hussy! Beautiful women, honestly, are all untrustworthy!"
"Sebastian is too naive, too easily swayed," another woman replied with disdain.
Adeline froze, her heart sinking. The voices were unmistakable – Aurora and her companion. Exhaustion washed over her. The hotel incident had spiraled out of control, and now this. Ending things with Sebastian abruptly would fuel rumors, but continuing this charade was unbearable.
Hearing footsteps, she ducked into the nearest restroom stall, seeking refuge.
Sitting on the toilet, she listened as Aurora moved to the sink, complaining into her phone, "If Mrs. Foster hadn't warned me, I wouldn't have believed it," Aurora was saying, her voice a mix of anger and disgust. "This Adeline, she's not just after Mr. Foster. She's got her claws in his assistants, even the security guards!"
"You're kidding! Those two gorillas who stopped us this morning?"
"Apparently, they're her lovers! She's worse than I imagined!"
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