Chapter 86 Who Gave Blood to the Sacklers?
<Chapter>Chapter 86 Who Gave Blood to the Sacklers? </Chapter>
The woman's identity was no secret, nor was her standing in society. As she nervously toyed with her fingers, Paige revealed, "I've taken on a new role... merely overseeing a small company. Speaking of which, are you currently without employment?"The insinuation was enough to nearly propel Raymond from his wheelchair. Was she implying he was jobless? He took umbrage at the suggestion, his brow furrowing in displeasure. "Well... while it's true I've passed the reins of Hawke Corporation to Louis, I'm still involved in numerous aspects of the business."Paige offered a nod of understanding, her expression clear. "I see. So, in essence, you're unemployed?""No, I'm responsible for organizing Hawke Corporation's anniversary celebration."The reminder of the upcoming event caught Paige off guard; she had even received an invitation. "Considering our marriage is a secret, it might be best if we attend the event separately, don't you agree, Mr. Hawke?"Raymond's face clouded over. While he had initially entertained the same thought, he had since reconsidered. Attending the celebration separately would necessitate maintaining a distance from her throughout the event."Are you encountering difficulties at work?" Raymond inquired directly.Paige nodded. "To some extent."Their marital status had to remain under wraps for the time being. The revelation of a union between Raymond of Hawke Corporation and the CEO of Universe Group could potentially send shockwaves throughout the entire Northwind business community.Paige had no wish to grapple with another challenge so soon after assuming her new role. Her schedule was already brimming with tasks demanding her attention, without the added complications of a marriage. Furthermore, there were still unresolved internal conflicts within the marriage itself.Despite his reservations, Raymond ultimately conceded, taking into account Paige's position. "Alright, we'll attend separately."Since Paige had suggested they attend separately, it was clear she intended to be present. As for Raymond's skepticism towards her self-proclaimed status as 'an ordinary CEO,' he remained doubtful."Do you require a separate invitation?" Raymond queried."There's no need, Mr. Hawke. I've already received one."Regardless, her identity was hardly a secret, and she had long intended to use the Hawk Corporation's anniversary celebration as her 'first' public appearance in Northwind.Upon hearing Paige's explanation, Raymond realized she was far from an ordinary CEO. Could a mere CEO even make his guest list? He mentally reviewed the list of invitees, quickly narrowing down the possibilities to a select few.
In the quietude of the evening, following a shared dinner, Paige found herself immersed in her work, her focus unwavering despite the late hour. Meanwhile, Raymond, armed with his laptop, was engaged in a quest of his own, sifting through a myriad of options. Eventually, his search narrowed down to a single entity - the 'Universe Group'.Suddenly, his gaze shifted from the screen to Paige, a question hanging in the air between them.The Universe Group?He inhaled deeply, his mind churning as he attempted to grasp the magnitude of the revelation.Paige was the CEO of Universe Group.The CEO of Universe Group?As he observed Paige in the confines of the villa, the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place for Raymond. The extravagant $50 million poison snake, it all started to make sense.However...The Universe Group was known to have connections with the top five families. With this knowledge, it was clear why Paige would have access to such a clandestine fund.In the midst of her work, Paige felt the weight of Raymond's gaze upon her. She lifted her eyes to meet his, her voice breaking the silence. "Mr. Carnegie, is there something on your mind?"Raymond shook his head in response, "I was merely admiring your diligence, madam."Paige offered him a soft smile, resigning herself to his observation. She was indeed preoccupied with her work.Days passed in a similar fashion, with Raymond lingering in Paige's presence, lost in his thoughts. It wasn't until the impending Hawke Corporation's anniversary celebration that he was jolted back to reality, prompting him to return home to prepare. He called upon Charles to fetch him, marking the end of his stay.The moment Raymond departed, Paige exhaled a sigh of relief.Over the course of those days, their minds had been filled with unspoken thoughts and revelations. Raymond seemed to have deduced her secret identity, yet he had chosen not to confront Paige about it.For Paige, the prospect of revealing her position as the CEO of Universe Group to Raymond was daunting. The intricate nature of her relationship with the company was a complex matter, one that was bound to stir trouble.Raymond temporarily retreated to the Carnegie family's villa for a few days. Upon his arrival, Bradley was quick to notice his solitary return. His immediate thought was, "Did you two have a disagreement?"Raymond shot Bradley a sidelong glance, his tone laced with annoyance. "Can't you wish us well for once?"Bradley shook his head in response, "It's not that I don't wish you well, but why have you returned alone?"Raymond retorted, "She has her work here, and now you expect her to live here as well? She's not accustomed to it."Bradley was left dumbfounded. Was it his fault? Hadn't he wanted his daughter-in-law to live with them?Who was it that insisted on moving Paige to a small two-bedroom place?Was it him?Bradley followed Raymond, his curiosity piqued. "How's your relationship progressing? Have you two discussed starting a family?"The mention of children caught Raymond off guard. His wife, Paige Carnegie, was busier than he was. She barely had time for meals and sleep, let alone children.Raymond was certain that if he dared to broach the subject of having children, Paige would likely show him the door."The matter of children can wait."Bradley had been the one to urge Raymond to marry. Wasn't he eager to hold a grandchild?What did Raymond mean by "can wait"?"What do you mean by 'wait'? Does Paige not want children? Should I discuss it with her?"Raymond met Bradley's gaze with a sarcastic smile. "How about you wait? Wait until the anniversary celebration. We have a surprise for you."Raymond was certain that once Bradley discovered Paige's current status, he would abandon such unfounded notions."There's a surprise for me? Hahaha, no need, no need. Your happiness together is more important than anything else. I'm... I'm not important."Despite Bradley's attempt to downplay his excitement, his smile betrayed his anticipation.Raymond abruptly changed the subject, "By the way, I've already sent an invitation to the Sackler family. Do you have any suggestions on how we can retract that invitation?"Raymond was wary of the Sacklers causing a scene at the anniversary event, potentially causing distress to Paige. The mere thought of Paige being upset was intolerable to him.Bradley furrowed his brow in thought. "Well... it's quite tricky to retract an invitation once it's been sent out. Besides, we owe the Sacklers a favor from the past. This is a delicate situation."Raymond halted his wheelchair abruptly, his gaze fixated on Bradley. "Who from the Sackler family was it that gave me the blood transfusion, exactly?"
