Chapter 127 Out of Money
At the Williams Villa, Mia knocked on Clara's door, her voice filled with worry. "Clara, open up. We need to talk."
Ever since Clara went viral online, she couldn't handle the gossip and stopped going to work.
At first, Nathan and Mia didn't mind. They had enough savings to support Clara even if she didn't work.
They figured they could just wait it out until everyone forgot about the whole thing.
But lately, Nathan had been pushing Clara to go back to the company, and even Mia was on board with it.
This made Clara so mad that she locked herself in her room, ignoring their constant knocking.
Nathan glanced at Mia, opened his mouth to say something, but then sighed. "Let me talk to her."
Mia stepped aside, knowing they couldn't keep this from Clara any longer.
"Clara, we're not trying to force you, but we're really out of options here," Nathan said, raising his voice just enough for Clara to hear.
When there was no response, Nathan continued, "Our savings are down to just a few hundred thousand dollars. If you don't go back to the company..."
Before he could finish, the door swung open.
Clara, looking disheveled and shocked, said, "What?"
Seeing Clara come out, Mia quickly grabbed her arm and spoke softly, "Clara, I know you don't want to go back to the company. But we're in a tough spot. We have no money."
"What do you mean, no money? Dad, you made so much before. Where did it all go?" Clara's tone was sharp. She was used to a good life and couldn't handle the thought of living any other way.
She had never known exactly how much money the family had. But now, just a few hundred thousand? That wouldn't come close to being enough for the three of them.
Nathan looked at Clara with a complicated expression. "I spent one and a half million dollars dealing with those three old employees by hiring someone from the Dark Web."
"What? One and a half million? For just three people? Why so much?" Clara screamed, shocked at the amount Nathan had spent.
"Dad, why didn't you tell me before? Now you want me to go back and face everyone talking about me?"
"I only paid a deposit. I thought if I didn't log in, I wouldn't have to pay the rest. But I didn't expect that person could take money directly from my account," Nathan said, lowering his head in guilt.
Nathan was shocked when he got the bank notification. Along with it was a taunting message.
B: [Skipping out on a bill is not a good habit, Mr. Williams.]
From the moment Nathan paid the deposit on the Dark Web, his account was an open book to Dean. Even if he didn't log in, Dean could still hack in and take the money.
Dean, with his last bit of professional ethics, didn't transfer any extra money. Otherwise, Nathan would have been even more devastated.
But leaving them a bit of hope made the blow even more precise and devastating.
Mia patted Nathan's back to comfort him. "Honey, it's not your fault. You did it for us. We can always make more money."
Clara watched her parents comforting each other, feeling particularly annoyed. "Who's supposed to make the money? Isn't it still me? Dad, why didn't you deal with those people earlier? Now we're stuck with this mess!"
Nathan had no business skills or any particular talents. Not starting a business was the best way to protect their savings.
Mia was even less capable. She got involved with Nathan right after graduation.
After Bianca died, Mia moved in, and for years she had been a homemaker, so it was impossible for her to make money.
So the task of making money still fell on Clara.
As long as the Percy Group didn't pull out its investment, the Spencer Group would have money to make.
Clara was the general manager. Even if people resented her for what happened before, no one would dare say it to her face.
Mia added, "I know I'm useless, but Clara, you can't keep avoiding reality. You have to go to the company sooner or later."
Nathan tried to persuade her again, "Besides, you are in control of the company now. I heard that Diana hadn't been to the company since that day. The remaining people are your subordinates. If anyone dares to talk about you, just fire them."
"Yes, Clara, listen to your dad. He won't harm you." Mia, with a worried look, also supported Nathan.
Mia had lost face in the socialite circle—her husband was incompetent, her daughter was caught being a mistress, and now their family had no money to support their life.
Clara looked at Mia and Nathan's pleading faces, feeling both angry and upset.
She couldn't help but think, 'It's all Diana's fault. If it weren't for her, I would have married Charles by now and wouldn't have to hide like this!'
"I'll go to the company. Stop arguing!" Clara frowned, clearly impatient but ultimately compromising.
Hearing her words, Nathan and Mia finally relaxed.
"Clara, we're all counting on you." Mia, with tears in her eyes, was about to hug Clara.
But the next second, Clara said coldly, "I need to change and go to the company. Don't bother me. Now that we have no money, fire the servants we can."
Clara's attitude was so cold that it made Mia, who usually doted on her, feel uncomfortable.
After all they had done for Clara, now that it was time for her to give back, she was so reluctant. It was really disheartening.
Nathan noticed Mia's discomfort and just pulled her close, waving at Clara. "Alright, Clara, you go ahead. We'll go downstairs and not disturb you."
By the time Clara finished changing and went to the company, it was already afternoon.
Her face had healed with the medication, so she didn't need to cover up anymore.
But the online buzz about her hadn't died down.
So Clara, usually flamboyant, dressed very plainly today. Even familiar people might not recognize her.
Clara's sudden arrival startled everyone in the office.
The company was in a growth phase and had hired many new employees. While they appeared calm and professional, their private group chats were buzzing.
Calliope: [She has the nerve to come back? No wonder she's the boss, more shameless than anyone else.]
Lily: [I'm really envious of her strong mental fortitude.]
Jessa: [I wonder when Ms. Spencer will come back. I kind of miss her.]
Calliope: [I miss her too.]
Compared to Diana's group, who were just watching the drama, Clara's group felt more awkward.
They had witnessed Clara's romantic entanglements firsthand and didn't know how to interact with her anymore.
So when Clara arrived at the company, everyone exchanged knowing glances and then silently went back to their work.
Clara had lost her authority among the employees.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
