Chapter 87 Mrs. Jones Keeps Talking About Divorce
Raymond Carnegie was a man of rare blood, a unique type that necessitated transfusions after each surgical procedure. His saviors in these moments were always the Sacklers, a family that had maintained a cordial relationship with the Carnegies for years. Yet, the identity of the actual donor remained a mystery, even to the Carnegies.Raymond found himself questioning Bradley about this enigma once more, a query that seemed to catch the latter off guard. Bradley, his hand absently stroking a clean-shaven chin, responded, "The Sacklers have always been tight-lipped about that. Would you like me to investigate?" It wouldn't be a difficult task unless the Sacklers were adamant about keeping the secret.Raymond's brow furrowed in contemplation. The Sacklers were known for their opportunistic nature, so why hadn't they capitalized on this situation? Why had they remained silent about the donor for all these years? "No need, I'll have someone else look into it," Raymond decided.Bradley nodded in agreement. "Our families share a deep connection. Their assistance in saving your life is something we Carnegies should reciprocate in their time of need. But it's unfortunate how tense things have become between the Sacklers and Paige. With the Sacklers teetering on the brink and Mrs. Sackler absent, Xena alone won't be able to keep the family afloat."Bradley had a clear view of the situation. He knew Xena was ill-equipped to handle such weighty responsibilities. Raymond, a touch of annoyance creeping into his voice, asked, "Why are you so concerned about the Sacklers' downfall? What does it have to do with you?"Bradley's brow furrowed, his voice taking on a serious tone. "My daughter-in-law is a Sackler. That's enough of a connection for me." He thought of 'Xanthe Ellison' and chuckled wryly. "She's no longer a Sackler, having changed her name. From now on, she'll have nothing to do with them."Bradley paused, puzzled. "Changing her name?" A few seconds ticked by before he added, "Actually, that might be for the best. The Sacklers never treated her well. Cutting ties completely could be a good thing for her."Bradley was a staunch supporter of Paige severing ties with the Sacklers. He had witnessed firsthand the disdainful treatment Paige received from the Sackler matriarch and patriarch during his visit. Their defamatory schemes, their attempts to make Paige unwelcome, almost as if they wished for the Carnegies to cast her out immediately, turning her into an outcast. Now that Paige was changing her name and finally breaking away from the Sacklers, it seemed to make sense.Raymond grimaced. "I can barely endure this leg anymore. She's already invited top-notch doctors for a consultation." His legs had long been ready to support him again. But standing up on his own was a decision he had planned for himself. Having deceived Paige about it and now facing multiple medical consults, he knew he couldn't keep the truth hidden anymore.But Bradley had mentally prepared himself. "Once you're on your feet, Louis won't stand much of a chance. From what I see, he's neither mature enough in his mindset nor his grip on the company." Bradley shook his head involuntarily at the thought.Raymond's frown deepened. "After five years at Hawke Corporation, he ought to have established his authority. If he can't take control of the group soon, we'll have to put more pressure on him."Bradley nodded. "That's fair; you shouldn't have to pave his way forever just because he's in a bind."Raymond looked at Bradley earnestly. "I'll find the right time to do it, and when that moment comes, I hope he can handle the pressure."Bradley let out a sigh. "I want him to step up, but if he doesn't, there's not much I can do." Some things just can't be forced. Louis didn't have the same gifts as Raymond, and Bradley had to admit that much. "If he can't handle it, your path is going to be even harder.""It's only been five years. He couldn't learn much before that; it's not his fault." Raymond said this, but these past few days, he had seen Paige at work up close. Louis had entered the business world five years ago, around the same time as Paige. Raymond didn't know who had been mentoring Paige, but Francesca had brought industry leaders to guide Louis. With the opportunity to learn while managing a company like Hawke Corporation, Louis had all the resources, and yet, he might still need to catch up to Paige. No wonder he never became Paige's first choice.Raymond managed a faint smile as if Louis's lack of excellence was the only consolation. Bradley noticed Raymond's wry smile. "You seem pleased? Once you're back on your feet, many will flock to support you for the helm of Hawke Corporation. Louis won't be able to hold his ground. Do you realize how busy you'll be?""Of course I do. But that's why you're here, right, Bradley?"Bradley frowned and threw up his hands in frustration. "At my age, you expect me to keep hustling? I've spent half my life worrying and scheming for you. Show some appreciation." With that, Bradley turned and walked away, clearly annoyed.Raymond's smile faded slowly. Charles reminded him, "Raymond, once you make your move, the lady of the house and her son will think you're out to snatch Hawke Corporation from them. They've toiled over this for years; it could all shatter overnight, and they may turn against you."Raymond was all too aware of this. Frances had been digging for evidence to connect him to his brother's fatal car accident, fearing that if he usurped her son's position, it could trigger her crazy need for vengeance. "True, using the wheelchair is the best way to hide, but I can't spend my life confined to it."Jake had many things waiting to be done; he'd given Louis ample time. Without pushing things forward, he'd be wasting precious time. Charles wheeled Jake into the room, double-locking the door, as Jake stood up from his wheelchair."Wait here for me. I'm going to grab some documents from downstairs."Charles nodded. "Jake, you're not seriously considering putting all your assets on the line to partner with Madam, are you? She thinks about divorcing you every day, and if she decides to take off, you'll be at a huge loss."Jake shot Charles a glance. "What do you know? You can't catch a wolf if you're afraid to lose the bait. Without tying her to the same boat, where would I find her if she actually ran away?"During these past few days spent around Paige, Jake hadn't just been idling; he had picked up some tricks and had come to understand her current status. Knowing Paige's status also meant understanding her needs, and resources were something Jake had in abundance. To catch a fish as big as Mrs. Carnegie, one needed to be strategic.As Jake headed to the hidden room, Charles shook his head and sighed. "If Jake had been born in ancient times, he would've been the very definition of a tyrant."
