Chapter 520 Engagement
Gilbert's lethargic spirit was suddenly invigorated. "I'm all ears."
"Take a look at your phone, there's a gift for you."
He immediately looked at the screen, and sure enough, there was a new email notification.
Sarah stared intently at the man's stiff back, growing increasingly curious about the identity of the person on the other end of the line who could make the proud and unruly Gilbert so visibly shaken.
Gilbert pressed his pale lips together and opened the new email.
Inside was a diagnostic document from a hospital.
His brows furrowed tightly, and after quickly scanning it, his pupils suddenly contracted. The immense shock made his heart spasm violently, and he nearly dropped his phone.
"What's wrong? Scared?" the man teased.
"Is this real? No, this can't be real."
Gilbert scanned the diagnosis repeatedly, trembling uncontrollably as if all the blood had been drained from his body, feeling like he had fallen into an ice cellar. "Evelyn, how could she have been pregnant with Edward's child? How could they have had a child?"
"So what if they had a child? Just because she was pregnant, you don't love her anymore?"
The man sneered coldly, "You should be grateful that the child was stillborn. You don't have to raise Edward's child. After all, being a stepfather is tough."
Gilbert was deeply shaken, his eyes bloodshot as if crying blood, unable to pull himself out of the pain for a long time.
"They had a child, and Edward still doesn't know about it. Evelyn never told him."
The man continued to laugh to himself, "Not only does Edward not know, but even Charlie and Evelyn's doting brothers don't know either."
"Just think, if the men of the Taylor family found out that Evelyn had a miscarriage because of Edward, and not only that, but also lost the ability to be a mother."
"Do you think they would still support Evelyn and Edward getting back together? Not a chance, right?"
Gilbert clutched his phone tightly, the pain spreading through his entire body, his face as pale as if he were dying.
He was right. The greatest pain in Evelyn's life was the loss of her child. But this pain was what completely tore Evelyn and Edward apart!
As long as he could keep them from being together.
He would do anything!
"Thank you for your help. If I can win Evelyn, I will definitely serve you in the future." A fierce look flashed in Gilbert's eyes.
"Over the years, you've managed the business on Aurora Isle very well, which has already helped me a lot. This is just a small favor; you don't need to worry about it."
The man paused for a moment and then suddenly reminded him, "Oh, by the way, you can't spread this news yourself, or it will arouse suspicion and backfire."
"Understood. I've already chosen the 'spokesperson.'"
Gilbert pushed his blood-stained glasses up with his long fingers, an evil smile spreading across his face. "No one is more suitable than her."
A horse race plunged the Wellington Group and the Clark Group into a dual crisis of economy and reputation!
The "Tiffany Horse Race Video" remained highly popular, and despite the Wellington Group's efforts to control public opinion and delete the indecent videos, they couldn't completely eradicate them.
They continued to spread and grow wildly in the dark!
[Who has Tiffany's video? Can you send me a copy?]
[Good things are meant to be shared!]
[I want it too!]
[I've already seen it, it's thrilling. If you want it, come find me!]
The Wellington Group's biggest problem was losing face, while the Clark Group's trouble was more serious.
The incident of sabotaging the KnightSpear Group's horse at the race had spread rapidly across the country.
This not only severely damaged their reputation, but the unfair competition that nearly caused Evelyn serious injury directly led to the Clark Group's stock hitting the limit down the next day, evaporating billions of dollars!
Several domestic partners who were almost finalized also canceled their collaborations, fearing that the Clark Group would use the same tactics against them. The KnightSpear Group, being immensely wealthy, could at least demand an explanation from the Clark Group, but if they were targeted, they would have to endure it.
Neil was overwhelmed dealing with the troubles, but his arrogant and domineering behavior at the horse race had also spread online. Others only pretended to be polite because of his Clark family status, but in reality, his personal credibility had collapsed, and no one believed his lies anymore.
Overnight, the Clark Group's reputation was severely damaged, and the group was in crisis.
Maurice, already an elderly man, fell ill from the shock and was directly hospitalized.
Sophia, Jessica, and Neil all stayed in the hospital room.
Maurice leaned against the headboard, slapping the bed forcefully in anger, his pale face from illness turning red with rage. "None of you can solve the Clark Group's problems. What's the use of just staying by this old man's side?"
"If we can't get through this crisis, I'll immediately split the family! All the inheritance will be donated to society, and you all will have to fend for yourselves!"
Jessica was terrified!
Maurice's inheritance was a huge sum of money. If it were donated, what would she do?
Maurice angrily lamented, "God does not favor the Clark family! Clifford, such a promising son, died so early."
"Clifford! Look at what the Clark family has become. If you were here, it wouldn't have come to this!"
Sophia thought of her late husband and burst into tears.
Neil gritted his teeth until his gums hurt and said reluctantly, "Dad, please don't be so angry. I'm already working hard to calm this storm. I'll slowly persuade the heads of those groups that canceled their collaborations."
"Hmph! Do you think I don't know your capabilities? If you had been more polite to Evelyn and the Taylor family back then, would we be in this situation now?"
Maurice was utterly disappointed in Neil and scolded him harshly, "From the incident until now, have you succeeded in handling public opinion, stock prices, or collaborations? Your own reputation is in question now; how can you save the Clark Group?"
Neil was furious, his chest tight with anger.
At his age, being scolded by Maurice in front of the family was utterly humiliating.
"For now, you should stay out of the public eye to avoid making things worse. Hand over the projects you're responsible for to Eric, and let him handle the group's troubles."
"The public doesn't want to see your face. You should stay far away to avoid making the Clark Group look even worse!"
With just a few words, Maurice promoted Eric to the family representative. Even if it was temporary, Eric almost gained the highest decision-making power, second only to Maurice!
Neil was a mix of shock and resentment, his old face turning as pale as plaster!
He had sacrificed so much for the Clark Group, and now, just because of a stupid horse race, his authority was stripped away? Everything he had worked so hard for was handed back to Eric? Why?"Dad! Give me a little more time, and I can definitely fix this! I've solved so many problems for the Clark Group over the years. Don't you trust my abilities?" Neil pleaded, sweating profusely.
"Enough! It's decided!"
Maurice frowned impatiently, "Over the years, I haven't paid enough attention to Eric. Consider this a trial for him. You are Eric's elder; shouldn't you support the younger generation?"
These words completely shut Neil down.
Seeing the scales tip in their favor, Jessica seized the opportunity and leaned in coquettishly, "Maurice, there's actually another way to help us resolve this crisis. Have you forgotten?"
"What way?"
"Didn't you say you would propose an engagement to the Wellington family on the day of the horse race?" Jessica batted her eyes innocently.
Sophia was startled, "Jessica! Why bring this up now?"
"An engagement? Jessica, are you looking for trouble?"
Neil couldn't help but sneer, "Your scandal at the horse race is still all over the internet. Have you forgotten? Right now, not just the Wellington family, but which family would dare to marry you? Marrying you would be like declaring war on the Taylor family."
Jessica was so angry that her chest felt like it was on fire, glaring at Neil with malice.
Just as she was about to argue, Maurice's white eyebrows furrowed tightly, and he spoke in a deep voice, "An engagement is possible!"
At this moment, with the Clark Group under public scrutiny, why would Maurice suggest this?
"If the Clark Group can form an alliance with the Wellington Group at this time, it would be a huge positive. The stock price would quickly recover, and those restless elements within the group wouldn't dare to cause trouble."
"Moreover, the Wellington Group is also in a public relations crisis because of Tiffany and urgently needs help. An alliance would benefit them as well."
"The Wellington Group recently entered into a partnership with the Journey Group. If the engagement is successful, the Clark Group could also collaborate with the Journey Group, making the horse race incident insignificant!" Maurice's eyes lit up with hope as he thought more about it.
Jessica's face was shy, but inside she was overjoyed beyond measure!
"Dad, I've thought about this, too, but an engagement requires both parties to agree. You've seen how deeply Edward loves Evelyn; he won't marry anyone else!"
"And with Caleb out of the picture, Patrick will rely on Edward in the future. Without Edward's approval, how can Jessica become the CEO's wife?"
Neil's analysis was indeed reasonable.
Maurice's expression grew serious, "Yes, this is indeed difficult."
"Edward only has eyes for Evelyn. Unless Evelyn dies suddenly, I don't see him accepting any other woman." Neil shook his head, understanding all too well as a man.
The same deep affection could be seen in Eric's eyes when he looked at Molly.
As they were frowning in worry, Jessica's phone rang.
She quietly took it out, and her heart skipped a beat. She quickly left the room to take the call in private.
A few minutes later, Jessica returned to the hospital room.
She walked briskly to Maurice's bedside, holding his hand, her eyes gleaming with excitement and a sinister light.
"Maurice, don't worry. I have a way to completely break up Edward and Evelyn, leaving the Wellington family no choice but to accept me!"
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