Chapter 1213 Approaching Declan
"I know, the Hernandez Group is under investigation." Everett sipped his tea and went quiet again.
Cassie looked at him. Though he was younger, she always saw him as a kid. Now, she realized everyone had their smarts.
"Everett," Cassie gripped her teacup, feeling awkward but speaking up, "I know you have connections. Can you help the Hernandez Group? It's growing fast, and Joseph is capable. In two years, he could make it into the top thirty global companies. We could benefit a lot from cooperating."
Her face turned red with embarrassment.
Everett raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, my family is influential, but Madison's department is handling the investigation. We mostly do business abroad and don't know Madison well."
Cassie knew she was turned down, but he had a point. Why would he help, especially since he just returned to the country?
She felt desperate because the person pressuring her was the most powerful in Madison, and she couldn't handle it.
"You're right. I was being presumptuous." Cassie forced a smile.
Everett looked at her. She seemed stressed and sleep-deprived, with dark circles under her makeup. Feeling a bit sympathetic, he said, "You're already divorced from Joseph. If the Hernandez Group falls, let it. Why risk yourself? Who knows who Joseph has crossed? You could be next."
"I brought in the person he offended. He wouldn't be involved if not for me. It would've been better if we never met," Cassie said bitterly.
Everett's eyes flickered. "What exactly happened?"
"Just old grudges, nothing worth mentioning," Cassie replied flatly.
Everett frowned. Was she too embarrassed or just unwilling to explain?
"If you wronged someone, apologize and seek forgiveness," Everett hinted, remembering how she helped him in Silverwood.
"I won't apologize or seek forgiveness because I did nothing wrong," Cassie said firmly.
"If that person is your enemy, maybe you should escape while she's targeting the Hernandez Group. If you flee abroad, I can help," Everett suggested, expecting her to hesitate.
But she frowned and said, "I won't leave. I'll stand by Joseph, no matter what."
"Is he that important, more than everything else?" Everett was shocked. He thought Cassie, being cunning, wouldn't sacrifice for a man. It seemed impossible.
"Everett, you've never been in love, so you don't get it. It's been tough for me and him to get here. I don't want to give up easily. Forget it. Let's just eat." Cassie gave up on asking for his help. She was just trying her luck anyway.
The food was good, but Everett ate with a heavy heart.
Cassie's reaction surprised him. The more he tested her, the more he saw her as deeply emotional and loyal.
Could she really have wronged Robert and Helen and caused Natalie's death?
He was confused.
After lunch, Cassie went to the restroom and paid the bill. When she came back, she said, "Everett, thanks. If there's a next time, I'll treat you again."
"Are you sure you don't need help leaving the country? You have a child, right?" Everett asked.
Cassie looked sad. "I'll find a way to send the child away. The person I offended is malicious and might not spare my child. But I can handle this."
Everett was stunned.
She called Olivia malicious. How could that be? Wasn't Cassie the malicious one?
"Aren't you going to leave with the child?" Everett asked.
Cassie shook her head. "I have to go now."
Everett watched her leave, feeling conflicted and sympathetic. He couldn't understand Cassie. "Wait."
Cassie turned back, confused.
"There might be a way," Everett said. "I can't help you, but if you impress my dad, maybe he can save the Hernandez Group."
Cassie was stunned.
Everett coughed awkwardly. "I can't introduce you to him, or he'd kill me. Come to this place tomorrow afternoon."
He handed her a business card with a foreign bank's address. "My dad will be inspecting this place tomorrow. When you see him, you'll know he's my dad."
Cassie was bewildered. She was trying her luck. "Everett."
"I'm just telling you my dad's schedule. But he's usually very cold and won't help anyone. To him, I might be a gift from my mom, so I can't help you. It's up to you." Everett shrugged. "Don't tell Joseph. Being too eager might backfire."
Cassie gripped the business card. "Thanks for the chance. If I can't seize it, that's on me. You've already helped."
"Do what you think is best." Everett still felt conflicted.
Declan was stirring things up. If he changed his mind, the Hernandez Group could be saved.
But he couldn't understand. Olivia was his sister, so he should hate Cassie. Yet, he didn't feel disgusted around her. He enjoyed her company.
As for Olivia, he wondered if it was because they didn't share the same father or grew up differently. He felt no familial affection for her.
He couldn't understand why he felt repulsed seeing Olivia please Isabella.
After lunch, Cassie checked the news and saw: [Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation of the Hernandez Group and have found its products substandard. The Hernandez Group must cease all operations for rectification.]
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