Chapter 176 The Battle for Supremacy Begins
Edward glanced at the fancy dishes on the table, remembering how Evelyn used to cook for him all the time.
He knew those dishes took a lot of effort, and she spent the whole afternoon in the kitchen, her face greasy and coughing.
But he never appreciated her.
Even if her cooking was top-notch, he never admitted he always wanted more.
He recalled how Evelyn's eyes would light up, hoping for his praise, only to be disappointed, and it made his heart ache.
But she'd always bounce back quickly, smiling with her beautiful eyes.
"Next time, I'll do even better!"
'Next time. Would there be a next time?'
Thinking this, Edward found the food tasteless and hard to swallow.
After a while, Jessica spoke up. "Edward, I heard from Debra that you've been busy with Ada's wedding, competing with KS WORLD Hotel for the hosting rights, right?"
Jessica thought Edward would be interested in business, so she propped her chin on her hand and blinked her big eyes, asking, "I heard Ada is coming to Mugden soon. Are you planning a welcome banquet for her? It'd be a great promo for the hotel. Ada is an international superstar!"
Edward's eyes turned cold, but his face stayed the same.
He hated talking business at family dinners.
He hated even more when unrelated people pried into his company's affairs.
"Yes," Edward replied curtly.
"Can I help with anything?" Jessica's big eyes fluttered.
"No need," Edward rejected.
"I can play the piano for Ada and the guests! It's my specialty!"
Jessica was eager to impress Edward.
"No need," Edward frowned, refusing without hesitation. "You're too high-profile for that. We'll hire professionals."
Jessica's face fell. "So you think I'm not professional enough."
Edward suddenly lost his appetite.
He had come to the dinner for Susan and Eric, but now he felt extremely annoyed.
"Edward, Jessica is a top student of a world-class pianist. She's more than qualified for your welcome banquet. Just let her do it," Eric said, chewing on a piece of pork, speaking up for Jessica.
"Yeah, Edward, Jessica sees you as a brother. Just let her help this time," Susan, who doted on Jessica, also persuaded.
"Edward, I promise I'll play well and not embarrass you," Jessica said with a pitiful look.
Edward frowned and had to nod.
After dinner, Edward left.
As soon as he stepped out, Bart received an important message and hurriedly conveyed it to him..
"Edward, there's a problem. Our plan clashes with KS!"
Edward's mind raced, and he asked coldly, "Is Evelyn also preparing a welcome banquet for Ada on the same day?"
"Yes!"
Bart couldn't help but sweat, cautiously asking, "With Mrs. Wellington's personality and sharp tongue, do you think she might actually pull it off with Ada? How about we..."
"What?" Edward asked.
Bart grinned, showing his white teeth, "How about you let Mrs. Wellington have this one? It's just a welcome banquet, not the final showdown."
"No way!" Edward's brows furrowed tightly, and he said decisively, "Since Alexa's side isn't working, we must focus on Ada. If Evelyn has the same idea, it means she's in the same situation as us. Any small progress could change everything. I can't let her have this. No matter what, we must get Ada to attend our welcome banquet!"
Edward got into his luxury car, looking serious.
Bart stood there, stunned, his expression turning mournful.
In the car, Edward leaned back and took a deep breath.
'Should I let Evelyn have this one, like Bart suggested?'
Since the divorce, he had never won against her. She was always been ahead, crushing him. Evelyn wasn't the quiet, gentle woman she used to be. Now she was smart, noble, excellent, and sharp, increasingly out of reach. He really wanted to win against her once, as if that would bring them closer.
Late at night, Eric went out for a social event at the Alahle Club, while Susan and Jessica stayed home. Jessica went to Susan's room and climbed into bed, cuddling up to her.
Thinking about dinner, Susan couldn't help but say, "Jessica, why were you so attentive to Edward tonight? You made him uncomfortable."
Susan sighed with a hint of reproach, "You're not a child anymore, and Edward isn't the big brother who used to humor you. He's now the president of the Wellington Group, with a very important status, and every move he makes is watched by countless eyes. It's not appropriate for you to act so coquettishly towards him anymore. I think you should..."
"Susan," Jessica suddenly sat up, looking seriously at Susan and interrupting her, "I'm not being coquettish, and I've never seen Edward as a brother."
"What did you say?" Susan looked puzzled.
"Do you know why I turned down the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and gave up a great future to come back to Mudgen? It's all for Edward. I want to marry him!"
"What?!" Susan sat up abruptly, her eyes wide with shock. "Are you crazy? He's your brother!"
"He's not my biological brother!" Jessica retorted, her eyes lighting up at the thought of Edward, "I've waited for Edward to break up with that Nicole for so long. Now, no one can stop me."
Seeing Jessica immersed in her sweet fantasies, Susan's expression became particularly complex.
"Susan, what's wrong? Why do you look like that? Don't you want me to be with Edward?" Jessica frowned and shook Susan's hand.
"No, I just..." Susan hesitated, worriedly saying, "Edward is indeed an outstanding person, but he's not a good match. Eric said, besides Nicole, he was married before. Jessica, you're too kind and naive. The Wellington family's situation is very complicated. I'm afraid you'll be wronged and bullied if you marry Edward!"
Jessica laughed mockingly in her heart.
'Naive? I think it's the Wellington family's Debra who's naive!'
"Susan! I'm the daughter of the Clark Group. Our family is no less than the Wellington family, and with you and Eric doting on me, if anyone in the Wellington family dares to bully me, Eric won't let them off!"
"But love is a matter of mutual consent. Even if you want to marry him, Edward is probably unwilling to marry you!" Susan felt helpless towards Jessica, who was self-willed.
Jessica's lips curled into a confident smile. "With you and Eric, I already have an advantage over others. As long as I can prove to Edward that I'm no longer a child, that I'm useful to him, and that I can stand by his side, he will love me!"
"But..." Susan hesitated to say.
"No buts, Susan. Anyway, I won't marry anyone but Edward in this lifetime!" Jessica firmly said.
