Chapter 182 One Million dollars
Shae rolled in early Monday morning and made a beeline for logistics instead of the executive secretary's office. In the tiny locker room, she and Taylor were huddled up, whispering.
"So, how'd the villa trip go? Any luck?" Taylor asked, slipping into her cleaning uniform.
Shae sneered. "Don't even ask. I tripped Lillian, but she didn't miscarry."
"She's got some serious luck," Taylor said, pinning up her hair. "What's your next move?"
"Alexander warned me to stay away from Lillian," Shae replied, locking eyes with Taylor. "So, it's up to you for now."
"I can do it, but not for free," Taylor said firmly. "Can you deliver on your promise?"
Shae stood up, meeting her gaze. "Help me get rid of Lillian, and I'll make sure you get paid and I'll introduce you to a rich guy willing to spend on you."
"Don't make it sound so easy. I need a deposit first," Taylor said, not willing to risk it all without some assurance. "Half the agreed amount upfront, and I'll do it."
"Can you guarantee you'll get rid of Lillian?" Shae asked.
"No guarantees, which is why I want half upfront," Taylor said confidently.
After a moment, Shae nodded. "Alright, deal!"
Their convo wrapped up just as work was about to start. Shae quietly left logistics and went back to the executive secretary's office.
When Alexander arrived, he gave Kaitlyn some instructions. "Which departments are short-staffed?"
"The marketing and research departments," Kaitlyn replied.
"Transfer Shae and Lola to marketing first. Can the executive secretary's office manage without them?" Alexander asked.
"With them gone, we'll have three secretaries and one intern, all reliable and hardworking. It should be fine," Kaitlyn said.
"Alright, make the arrangements," Alexander instructed.
Shae and Lola were stunned when they got the news.
"Why am I being transferred?" Lola asked, annoyed. "I just got here!"
"Mr. Sinclair's orders. If you have complaints, keep them to yourselves. Pack up and report to marketing," Kaitlyn said coldly.
Lola sulked, muttering under her breath. Shae stayed calm, packing her desk quietly, realizing Alexander was done with her.
Lola vented her frustration on Shae. "It's all your fault. We fought, and now Alexander doesn't want us here."
Shae scoffed and left without saying goodbye. Lola, confused by her behavior, quickly said her goodbyes and followed.
After breakfast, Lillian was sunbathing in the yard when she remembered the bank card Alexander had given her. Curious about the balance, she changed clothes and headed to the bank with Kelly.
When the numbers popped up on the screen, Lillian counted the zeros with her finger. "One million dollars?" she gasped, quickly covering her mouth. "Did I see that right? That's a lot!"
Kelly grinned. "Mr. Sinclair's very generous with you. He always treats you like gold.""But this is too much," Lillian said, still trying to wrap her head around the amount. It was staggering.
"You'll have expenses. If Oscar needs surgery, the costs and treatments will add up. Mr. Sinclair gave you this to ease your financial burden," Kelly explained.
As they walked back, Lillian linked arms with Kelly and sighed. "Alexander has given me so much money, which is really helpful. But who knows what the future holds?"
"Are you still worried? I've seen how Mr. Sinclair treats you now. What is there to be concerned about? You're having his child. He won't abandon you," Kelly reassured her.
Lillian didn't respond, but she thought to herself, 'Even though Alexander is treating me well now, I still feel insecure about the future. The gap between our statuses and his reluctance to make our relationship public makes me anxious.'
They decided to take a walk in the community instead of heading straight home, enjoying the warm sunshine.
"Lillian, it's normal to feel sensitive when you're pregnant. Alexander has his concerns, too," Kelly said earnestly. "You've been through a lot in Aetherland. Though things seem peaceful now, there's turmoil beneath. Blake's wife is due, and you're pregnant. How can Alexander's dad please everyone? Justin and Linda are back, and their opinions matter more."
Kelly didn't elaborate, but she highlighted the key factors. Lillian needed to fully understand what she meant by how Quinn could satisfy everyone. It sounded like something he had mentioned before. She pondered this and asked Kelly about it.
Kelly explained, "Lillian, you misunderstood. I meant that Alexander and Blake are both his sons, and he can't neglect either of them."
"Oh, I see," Lillian said, realizing that Kelly was referring to the potential comparisons between her child and Rena's.
"But don't worry. Your child will be legitimate, unlike Blake's," Kelly said proudly. "Besides, Linda likes you and denied Blake as part of the Sinclair family. Who knows what the future holds?"
Lillian nodded silently, storing Kelly's words in her heart. Curious, she asked, "Kelly, how do you know so much about what's happening at Sinclair Villa?"
"It's not a secret. It's been like this for years," Kelly said with a faint smile.
Lillian and Kelly continued walking, enjoying the cool shade and the sound of rustling leaves.
"Are you tired? Let's sit and rest for a bit," Kelly suggested, and they sat on a bench.
"Ms. Hill?" Michael rode up on a property management bike, stopping in front of them with a smile.
Lillian was surprised to see him. "Michael, what a coincidence! Do you live in this community too?"
