Chapter 163 Jealous Edward and Eric
The Wellington Group, President's Office.
Edward leaned back in his leather chair, looking worn out after his meeting with high-level executives.
Everyone knew about him and Nicole, but no one dared to gossip. They valued their lives too much.
'As Vice Chairman, I have power and influence, but why do I feel so empty?'
"No one expected Tiffany to cover the Adams family's debts. She's been hoarding money," Bart said, clearly enjoying Tiffany's misfortune.
"Rodolfo helped her before, but now he's in prison, and she still has money. She must have other ways to get it," Edward said, eyes half-closed with a cold glint. "Could it be that boutique, EV?"
Bart asked, surprised. "Edward, can a small shop selling bags and clothes really make that much?"
"How long have you been with me, and you still think so simply?" Edward frowned, tossing a paper airplane at Bart's chest. "That boutique is a front for a huge underground network in Mugden. Tiffany sells luxury goods on the surface, but behind the scenes, it's fame, fortune, and darker deals."
Bart shivered. "We really underestimated her!"
"I never did. She's an enemy, and I take her seriously," Edward said, rubbing his nose with a cold smile. "But we can't move against her without enough evidence. She's protected by Patrick and has deep roots in Mugden."
Bart nodded. "We'll get her eventually!"
"How's Ada's project going?" Edward asked, changing the subject.
"Our wedding planning proposal is ready to present to Ada's team," Bart said, then cautiously added, "Edward, didn't you want to make it up to Mrs. Wellington? Why not give the hosting rights of Ada's wedding to KS WORLD? Mrs. Wellington would..."
"Why should I give it to KS WORLD?" Edward interrupted, his face cold. "I owe Evelyn, not KS. Why should I help the Taylor family?"
Bart fell silent.
"She said to compete with her fully in business. If I go easy now, I'd be underestimating her," Edward said coolly. "Prepare as usual. I can't compromise my principles for anyone. I'm not Gilbert."
Bart blinked, confused. 'Was that jealousy in Edward's voice?'
Just then, the phone on the desk vibrated. It was Eric.
"What is it?" Edward asked flatly.
"Edward, I got VIP tickets to Christian's concert. Let's go!" Eric said enthusiastically.
"You? At a concert? Can animals understand human music?" Edward mocked.
"I understand you, don't I? So why not a concert?" Eric replied, used to Edward's jabs. "I'll pick you up soon."
"Not going," Edward said.
"Why? Is Nicole enough to knock you down?" Eric teased.
Edward frowned, annoyed. "Don't lump me with Nicole. Don't disgust me. Hanging up."
"Wait!" Eric said, desperate. "Jessica just got back from studying abroad. She's Christian's top student and performing tonight. I wanted to surprise you, but you didn't give me a chance. I'm a romantic, and you don't get it!"
Jessica Clark was Eric's younger sister, someone Edward had seen grow up. Eric doted on her as much as Landon doted on Evelyn.
Edward thought for a moment and relented. "Fine, come pick me up."
Night fell at the National Concert Hall in Mugden.
Eric had secured a private box on the second-floor balcony, the best spot to see Jessica's performance. He even set up a camera to record it.
Edward sat nearby, legs crossed, looking at Eric with disdain. "The organizers will record the whole thing. Your filming is just embarrassing."
"You don't get it! I'm filming with love for Jessica. It's different from the official recording," Eric said, adjusting the camera.
Suddenly, his eyes widened. "Evelyn is here too? Who's that guy with her?"
Edward's heart pounded as he rushed to the railing.
In the VIP box opposite, Evelyn and Gilbert were seated together, chatting and laughing.
Evelyn hadn't noticed Edward and Eric. The second floor was less crowded, and the air conditioning was strong. Evelyn, in a thin dark green dress, had goosebumps on her arms.
Gilbert noticed and took off his suit jacket, kneeling in front of her. "Gilbert, what are you doing?" Evelyn asked, surprised.
Without a word, he draped his jacket over her legs. "If your legs are cold, your body will be too."
He looked up at her, smiling. "Your dress is beautiful, like a Siren from Greek mythology. I don't want to cover your beauty."
Evelyn's breath hitched, her toes curling in her high heels.
Edward watched, his eyes burning with jealousy. Gilbert kneeling in front of Evelyn, their intimate interaction, strained his nerves. He gripped the railing tightly, his knuckles white.
'Evelyn, are you really with him? Do you like him?' Edward felt a sharp pain in his chest, holding his breath to ease the ache.
"Who is that guy?!" Eric, though rejected by Evelyn, was annoyed seeing another man with her.
"He's Gilbert, the youngest son of the Alexander family," Edward said, eyes fixed on Evelyn, his voice icy.
"The Alexander family?" Eric was stunned. "Why don't I remember him?"
"He's been on Aurora Isle for over a decade, just returned to Mugden," Edward said.
"The Alexander family is tough. That guy is strong," Eric said, glancing at Edward's stiff profile meaningfully.
Edward took a deep breath, his molars clenched.
