Chapter 117 A Conservative Estimate of Billions

Raymond found himself captivated by the sight of Paige, her head resting gently on his lap. Her demeanor, reminiscent of a delicate rabbit, felt natural and unforced. Recently, her aggressive demands for a divorce had become a recurring theme, but today's tender moment was a welcome deviation.Observing Paige's vulnerable posture, Margaret discerned a silent plea for support from the Carnegie family. The instigator of the current turmoil, Xena, had managed to sidestep any repercussions. Margaret found herself questioning the motives behind Xena's actions.As Margaret continued her tirade against Xena, she abruptly shifted her attention to Paige. "Paige, Xena was wrong, but she's learned her lesson. You all stood there united, watching as Xena ventured into perilous territory. You're Xena's sister, Paige. You knew about this long before it happened, so why didn't you guide her back to the right path?"Paige remained reclined against Raymond's legs, merely shifting her gaze to meet Margaret's. "Darling," she began, "someone is trying to ruin me, even attempting to send me into another man's bed. They're trying to make a fool out of you. What should we do?"Raymond, who had been adamant about not divorcing, still held significant sway within the Carnegie family. Paige's words left Margaret flustered. This was no longer just about framing Paige; it was about inciting a feud between the Sacklers and the Carnegies.The Sacklers had no desire to antagonize the Carnegies, but given Xena's actions and Paige's interpretation, their reluctance was being severely tested. Paige, however, was not finished. "I've suffered such a great emotional toll, dear..." she continued, her voice tinged with a hint of victimhood.Raymond gently cradled Paige's face, resisting the urge to pull her into his arms. He tenderly brushed a loose strand of hair from her face, reassuring her, "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, anyone who tries to harm you will pay the price." His gaze remained fixed on Margaret as he spoke.Margaret sighed inwardly before finally breaking the silence. "Raymond, can we talk in private?"Paige was quick to respond, rising to her feet. "Better you talk with me alone, Yasmin. After all, I'm the one who's been wronged. Who gets to decide what compensation is satisfactory? It's me, isn't it?"Raymond was left with a whirlwind of questions. Paige was using him to her advantage, but he found himself utterly captivated by her. One moment she was a pitiable figure on her knees, the next, she was a formidable queen, radiating an aura of invincibility. "Are you okay?" he asked gently.Paige offered a slight nod. Was there ever a situation she couldn't handle? If Paige said she could do it, then she definitely could. Raymond didn't press further, instead, he began to push her wheelchair out of the room.Paige's glance towards Louis was met with understanding, and he followed them out. Xena, overcome with emotion, began to sob uncontrollably, but she didn't dare utter a word. As Louis exited, Isadora caught Paige's eye and quickly followed suit."Mr. Carnegie, wait for me, I have something more to say to you." Isadora was no fool. She knew Xena's chances of marrying Louis were dwindling, and she wasn't about to let another woman make a move on him.Once the room was cleared, Paige wasted no time in asserting her presence. She pulled up a chair and sat down, a confident smile playing on her lips. "The Sackler Group has a few projects that I find quite appealing. But such large ventures, if the Sackler family keeps them without the right partners, are just not worth it, are they?"Margaret, trembling with rage, pointed an accusing finger at Paige. "You... You... ungrateful, ambitious schemer. If I had known you were such a wolf in sheep’s clothing, I would never have sent you to the countryside. I should have gotten rid of you!"Paige was unfazed by Margaret's harsh words. They were not related by blood, and the animosity between them was nothing new. Rather than taking offense, Paige merely offered a faint smile. "Indeed, a moment of folly can overshadow a lifetime of wisdom. Now, I want your biggest project. Yasmin, will you hand it over?"

Numerous eyes were covetously trained on the major project, each hoping to secure a collaboration with the illustrious Sackler family.The Sackler Group had weathered better days. Were it not for several major projects they still held, their elite status might have slipped through their fingers.Furthermore, this project had been a dream Francesca had nurtured for her son. During marriage negotiations, she had even pledged it as part of Xena's dowry, thereby establishing a partnership with Louis.Now, Paige was demanding it outright. Margaret retorted with a fiery fury, "Paige, don't overstep your bounds. Who do you presume you are? Do you believe you can claim anything merely by asking for it? Do you comprehend the magnitude of your request? Do you grasp the significance of your desire?" Paige's smile gradually diminished. "Using the Sackler family's most significant project to salvage the reputation of the Sackler heir, isn't that a worthy cause?" Margaret was momentarily taken aback, then her gaze shifted to Xena.Xena promptly dissolved into even more profound sobs.Paige's voice was icy, "Given your current capabilities, do you genuinely believe you can manage this land reclamation project? Can the Sackler Group's finances withstand the pressure? There's no hope left for Xena and Louis, yet you're still scheming to cuckold Raymond. Yasmin, have you thoroughly considered your options?"Margaret's anger flared, "Paige, you're merely flaunting the power of the Carnegie family, you...""Otherwise, do you truly possess the financial means to complete this project on your own?"Paige's smile was faint, her knowledge of the Sackler Group's financial situation comprehensive, thanks to her thorough investigation.The Sackler family didn't possess that much wealth, but they had been fortunate enough to secure several significant projects in the past.Paige's words rendered Margaret speechless.Indeed, crossing swords with the Carnegie family was not a wise decision.Margaret gritted her teeth, "You can't expect me to just hand it over, can you? If I'm to surrender the Sackler Group's project; how am I supposed to justify this to the board?"Paige was pragmatic, "We’ll purchase it at the original price."Margaret was at a loss for words, "You..."Paige interjected, "What’s the matter, feeling a sense of loss? Still wish to negotiate terms? Actually, I’m not renowned for being particularly accommodating."As they conversed, a knock sounded on the door. Paige walked over to open it.Pearl stood there, clutching a folder. She whispered, "Xanthe, the contract and the check are all prepared."Paige accepted the items and instructed Pearl to wait outside.Hearing Paige and Pearl's exchange, Margaret realized Paige had come fully prepared.She had barely conceded when Paige had already prepared the contract.This was a clear indication that Paige was intent on having her way!Naturally, Paige was resolute, confident that she would secure what she desired.Paige presented the contract to Margaret, “Take a look.”The terms of the contract had been drafted according to Paige’s instructions by Pearl, and all that remained was for Margaret to affix her signature.Margaret scrutinized the contract carefully, glancing up at Paige with an accusatory glare. "This was your crippled husband's idea, wasn't it?""You can think whatever you like," Paige retorted, her brows furrowing in displeasure. "Crippled? Mrs. Margaret, if I hear that term from you again, I wouldn't hesitate to add another 'cripple' to the Sackler family."Paige's gaze was filled with displeasure and a hint of malice as she locked eyes with Margaret.Margaret felt a chill run down her spine, realizing her slip of the tongue. She had thought it was safe to lash out at Paige, but Raymond was a different matter. It seemed that since Paige had married into wealth, she had also grown bolder in her speech.Now, along with her disabled husband, she had snatched Margaret's most significant project.Margaret hastily signed the document and snatched the check from Paige's hand. "Remember this, Paige. I will collect this debt from you sooner or later."Paige took the signed contract, not wanting to waste any more time on this family squabble. She thought the grandmother and granddaughter needed more time to converse. After all the trouble Xena had caused, she deserved a little 'praise,' didn't she?She glanced at Xena huddled on the couch, her makeup smeared from crying, and a slight smile touched her lips.As Paige stepped out of the room, the door not yet closed behind her, a loud 'snap' echoed from within, followed by Margaret's scolding voice.

"Have I not raised you all these years? Have you lost your senses?" The voice echoed with a mixture of disbelief and disappointment. "Even if you had to take such a step, you should have at least managed to execute it flawlessly. Now, instead of gaining anything, you've lost what you already possessed. Do you comprehend the chaos you've created?"With the tirade echoing behind her, Paige gently closed the door to the room. The contract she held in her hands was destined for Universal, and was conservatively estimated to rake in billions. A sense of satisfaction washed over her, putting her in an excellent mood.While Paige reveled in her triumph, Xena was on the brink of despair. The grandmother who had always cherished her had slapped her twice already that day. Each slap was a harsh sting, a burning sensation spreading across her face.Tears streamed down Xena's face as Margaret's reprimands continued relentlessly. "Don't you understand that this project was intended to be your dowry? Francesca has been coveting it for ages, and it was for this project that she agreed to continue pursuing Louis, to provide you with an opportunity to marry him."Exhausted, Margaret collapsed onto the couch after delivering her admonishment. Xena, still struggling to assert control over her company and personal life, reached out to hold Margaret's hand despite the throbbing pain in her face. She sought forgiveness, her voice trembling, "Grandma, I know I've made a mistake. What should I do now? I feel like I can't go on, guide me."Despite her disappointment, Margaret had no other choice. Xena was the sole heiress of the Sackler family. Margaret's son had passed away prematurely, leaving behind only his daughter, Xena. Margaret had devoted her life to raising Xena, paving the way for her to join the esteemed Carnegie family. This alliance would secure the Sackler family's illustrious status for another century.Even so, who would have thought that the one to jeopardize it all would be Xena herself?Even though Margaret was furious about Xena's blunder, her anger paled in comparison to her hatred for Paige. Paige had snatched a significant opportunity from her, and Margaret was acutely aware of the value of the lost project. With the loss of the project and the incident Xena had caused, Margaret knew the Sackler family was headed for turbulent times."If only I hadn't allowed you to attend this anniversary party alone. Better yet, we should have abstained from attending altogether. From now on, abandon your pursuit of Louis and find someone more suitable from Northwind's elite to marry."Tears welled up in Xena's eyes as she whispered, "But Elijah..."Margaret rose to her feet, her voice stern. "Have you not come to your senses yet? Do you truly believe Louis would still want you?"