Chapter 172 She Was Surprisingly Smart
Amelia was a bit on edge. "This villa isn't just any place. Even the richest families can't buy it with money. I heard some wealthy person got it, but how Paige ended up with it is beyond me."
Frederick, driving and listening to Amelia go on about Willow Crest Estate, couldn't help but sigh. "Louis has no taste. Xena's useless, but he's all about her. You're gorgeous and amazing, but he didn't pick you. What an idiot!"
Amelia chuckled. "Frederick, only you would think that. Louis is the heir to the top family in Northwind. It's no surprise he's not into me, right? And Xena? Do you really think Louis likes her? Unless he has a screw loose."
Frederick asked, "He doesn't like Xena? Then who does he like? He seems to have someone in mind. Isn't it Xena?"
Amelia replied, "They were already engaged. If they were really in love, would Xena need to pull the same stunts as the Smiths? Do they really need to do that? Can't there be genuine feelings?"
Frederick said, "I always thought Xena was the one Louis cared about. The Sackler family has some wealth too."
Amelia shook her head. "Too bad they have the money but not the brains. Even old wealthy families can fall apart."
At Willow Crest Estate, Pearl reported, "Xanthe, someone is here to see you."
Paige was a bit annoyed. "Who are they?"
Pearl answered, "They're from the Smith family. Frederick and Amelia, you've met them before."
Paige responded, "Go ahead and bring them in."
Pearl led them to the big living room, where Paige was trimming a vase of flowers.
Paige glanced over, seeing Frederick and Amelia looking around.
Amelia nudged Frederick with her elbow and said to Paige, "Miss Sackler, we meet again. But I guess I should call you Miss Ellison, right?"
Amelia hadn't attended the Hawke Corporation event for nothing.
Paige looked at Amelia a bit longer. The first time she saw her, Amelia was with Frederick and Jim, who were apologizing to Louis. But Paige didn't pay much attention.
The second time was at the Hawke Corporation event, where she was much more impressive. Her stunning looks and sharp mind, combined with Paige's cooperation, ultimately led to Xena's complete downfall.
Paige smiled slightly. "It's just a title. You can call me whatever you like. I don't really care."
Amelia replied, "Then I'll call you Paige. Frederick and I just came from the club. It was really lively there today. Too bad you missed it."
When Amelia mentioned the club, Paige got the hint.
Paige smiled slightly. "Even though I didn't see it, I'm sure you can make it sound interesting."
Amelia's eyes lit up. Paige was willing to listen to her. So, she recounted everything that happened at the club.
Paige's expression didn't change much.
After Amelia finished, she asked Paige, "What do you think about Hawke Corporation and the Morgan Group teaming up?"
Paige glanced at Amelia. "Hawke Corporation's partnerships are the Carnegie family's business. We have no right to interfere."
Seeing Paige dodge the question, Amelia didn't hold back. "You have shares in Hawke Corporation, so you do have a say. If you don't mind, we can help. Just give the word, and we'll do our best."
Paige stayed silent, sizing them up.
Frederick kept glancing around the room. But Amelia's gaze was steady.
Paige smiled. "I don't get why you'd say that. In Northwind, there are tons of powerful families. The Smith family might not be huge, but it's not like you guys are desperate enough to be used by me, right?"
Amelia didn't back down. "I know, in Northwind, the Smith family is a newcomer without much foundation. But the Smith family has its strengths. You might find our abilities useful. Have you thought about that?"
Amelia had picked her target and planned to stick with Paige.
Paige looked at Amelia. "Why me? Is it just because I'm Raymond's secret wife?"
Amelia shook her head. "You're special. Your relationship with the Universe Group is also extraordinary. The Smith family has no deep roots, so we need to rely on a strong entity."
Paige spread her hands. "You have foresight. Haven't you already chosen the Carnegie family? As far as I know, Frederick and Louis have a good relationship, too."
Amelia smiled awkwardly. "Unfortunately, Frederick advised me to drug Louis. Although Louis didn't hold a grudge afterward, we have no way out. They won't ally with us."
Paige answered, "I may not be your ideal support. I might fail at any time."
Amelia stated, "That's what an alliance is. If you ever face such a time, it would be the Smith family's honor to help you and achieve greater success."
Paige was taken aback, looking at Amelia with a bit of surprise. She didn't expect Amelia to be so sharp.
The Smith family's honor and achieving greater success meant not abandoning allies and, if given the chance to help, everyone would be better.
Paige smiled faintly, looking at them. "I'm curious: who will inherit the Smith family in this generation?"
Frederick stepped forward. "The Smith family is my responsibility. I will bear all the hardships and difficulties."
Amelia smiled. "I'm really lucky. I have a father and a brother. I don't have to do everything myself. But the Smith family is still my responsibility, and I need to pull my weight."
Frederick and Amelia left a deep impression on Paige.
Paige looked at them for a long time without speaking, her thoughts drifting. She had enjoyed very little family affection.
Paige fell into deep thought. Amelia and Frederick exchanged a glance, knowing that Paige was thinking and would soon make a decision. So they didn't speak to disturb her.
Just then, someone came running in, shouting, "Xanthe, something's wrong."
