Chapter 113 Rectification
Anna weaved her way through the crowded business district, trying to get her business license. But every department seemed to throw up roadblocks. First, she came to the trade management department.
She handed over her application, and the staff member barely glanced at it before saying, "You need to provide a business license and proof of identity for the legal representative."
Anna pulled out a piece of paper. "This is the proof of identity for the legal representative!"
The staff member took a quick look and then said, "The legal representative's information has changed. You need to provide proof of the change. Also, you need to prove your parent-child relationship with a birth certificate or a recent paternity test."
Anna felt a wave of despair. Emma was dead, so a paternity test was out of the question. And even if Isabella was Emma, given their current relationship and George's attitude, getting Isabella's blood sample was impossible. It seemed like opening her store was a lost cause.
"Please complete the materials as soon as possible; otherwise, we can't process your application," the staff member said, not a hint of sympathy in their voice.
The staff had received explicit instructions: they were to create roadblocks at every opportunity to prevent Anna from opening her business.
The overworked staff member couldn't understand why someone as wealthy as Anna wouldn't just stay home and play on her phone. She shook her head, took a sip of water, and moved on to the next person in line.
Anna left the trade management department and headed to the tax department, hoping for a smoother process.
But as soon as she walked in, the staff member said, "You need to provide detailed financial statements and a taxpayer identification number."
Anna braced herself for another round of paperwork. She tried to stay calm and smiled. "I'll get those materials together as soon as possible."
The staff member shook his head. "You must submit the complete documents within the specified time. Late submissions won't be accepted."
Over the next few days, Anna visited almost every relevant department, only to be turned away each time.
The fire department cited numerous safety hazards that needed immediate attention, while the health department declared her store unqualified. It was clear she was being targeted.
Feeling exhausted, Anna headed home.
George wouldn't help her, and she couldn't solve it on her own. She needed help from Sophia and Henry.
"Dad, I'm being targeted. Can you help me?"
"Anna, it's not that I don't want to help you. Our family is in business and has no connections with government departments," Henry said, struggling to admit he couldn't help.
He had initially reached out to numerous friends within various government departments, confident in their willingness to assist. Yet, the moment they discovered that Anna was his daughter, their enthusiasm evaporated into thin air.
Sophia felt heartbroken but had no way to help. She made soup for Anna and tried to comfort her, showing more care in her daily life. "Anna, didn't I give you two stores? If you can manage those well, that's already great," Sophia said.
"Mom, you don't get it," Anna replied.
"What don't I get?" Sophia asked.
Sophia had no clue about the secret rivalry between Anna and Emma. But Anna kept it to herself; she didn't want Sophia and Emma getting any closer.
"Anna, you should ask George for help. You're engaged; it's only natural for him to help you. No need to be shy."
Sophia had no idea George didn't want to help Anna.
Anna checked George's location on her phone. He was at the 2 Crystal Street Store with Emma again!
'Why does everyone want to help Emma and not me? I need to get George back,' Anna thought.
The next day, Lucas didn't go to school.
Anna called George dozens of times, but he didn't answer. Determined, Anna decided to contact The Russell Mansion directly. Ever since she and George had become engaged, Charles had reluctantly accepted her place in the Russell family.
Though he wasn't very nice to Anna, he adored Lucas.
As soon as Charles heard Lucas was sick, he would be extremely worried.
Anna's gamble paid off. Within five minutes, George called back. By then, Anna had already taken Lucas to the hospital and completed the admission procedures.
George rushed to the hospital, only to find Anna waiting in the hallway.
Seeing him, Anna immediately looked up with tearful eyes and leaned on George. "I'm sorry, George. It's all my fault. I didn't take good care of Lucas. It breaks my heart. But now that you're here, everything will be fine."
She reached out to hug George's waist, longing to smell his scent, wishing to have a chance to make love with him again.
Unfortunately, George hadn't given her a chance all these years. They didn't even live together.
George's eyebrows furrowed deeply.
Lucas was the one who was sick, yet Anna was acting all weak and pitiful.
"Anna, I'm here to see Lucas. How is he?"
"He's fine. Now that you're here, he'll be okay."
George didn't believe Anna's words. He walked into the ward and felt heartbroken seeing Lucas lying in bed, looking listless.
He walked over to touch Lucas's forehead, but Lucas avoided him.
"Lucas, why are you avoiding your dad? Even if he doesn't visit often, you shouldn't treat him like this," Anna said, trying to make George feel guilty. But George seemed to miss her underlying message.
Lucas also ignored Anna's scolding. He didn't want to talk to anyone.
George suddenly remembered the warm scene of Lucas saying goodbye to Isabella at the kindergarten gate. In comparison, Isabella seemed more like Lucas's mother.
"Anna, if you can't take care of Lucas, you can send him back to The Russell Mansion," George said calmly.
Anna panicked. Lucas was her only way to see George. Without Lucas, she would have no chance to see George at all.
"Of course, I can take care of Lucas. He's my own son. I've just been too busy lately and neglected him."
Before Anna could finish, George interrupted. "Take good care of Lucas. I'll come to relieve you tonight."
Then he turned and left.
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