Chapter 521 You Agreed to Marry Me?

The chaos at the racetrack had Tiffany single-handedly shaking up the entire Wellington Group!

As the head honcho of the Wellington family, Byron laid down the law to Patrick.

Tiffany needed to be locked up. If Patrick tried to interfere again, Byron would cut him off as his son!

But Patrick had his own plans.

Right now, if he really turned his back on Tiffany, the public would tear him apart. They'd call him heartless, ruthless, a cold-blooded capitalist who treated his wife like a pawn.

From the girl he had a business marriage with, Amanda, who was rumored to have been neglected by him and committed suicide due to depression, to Tiffany, now accused of drug use and facing jail time.

He was sick of the public mocking him. He didn't want to hear people say that the women who got involved with him never had a happy ending!

For the sake of his own image, he couldn't let Tiffany end up as a criminal.

But Patrick never saw this coming.

That day, Edward went behind his back, bypassing him, the chairman, and called a high-level meeting of the group!

And at the meeting, he officially booted Tiffany from her position as executive director!

When Patrick showed up, the meeting was already over. The top execs were just getting up to leave. Seeing the chairman arrive, they all fell silent and nodded respectfully.

"Edward, you'd better have a damn good reason. Who gave you the green light to call a high-level meeting without my say-so?" Patrick demanded, his anger boiling over in front of everyone.

"This was just a routine group meeting."

Edward leaned back, his tall frame relaxed, his fingers slowly twirling a pen, his cold gaze unreadable. "As the CEO, shouldn't I be running the daily meetings? Why are you so worked up?"

"You had no right to overstep and remove Tiffany from her position without telling me! Big decisions like that need to go through me; that's the rule!" Patrick's face was flushed with rage.

"It's too late." Edward's eyes were icy. "The whole country is waiting for the Wellington Group to announce what we're gonna do about Tiffany. And you haven't said a word for three days."

"The racetrack incident is still blowing up, and the Wellington Group's reputation can't take any more hits. As the CEO, I had to make this call for the group. Unless you're still dreaming about protecting Tiffany, you shouldn't have any reason to object."

Patrick glared at him, "Edward!"

"Tiffany, who's repeatedly broken the law, engaged in corruption, and is now suspected of drug use, has no business being the executive director of the Wellington Group. Does she think the Wellington Group is her personal piggy bank?" Edward sneered.

"The cops haven't released the final results of Tiffany's drug case! There are a lot of suspicious points, and it's very likely Tiffany was set up!"

The top execs' expressions were mixed upon hearing this.

"Then tell me, what kind of setup would make Tiffany pick up a syringe and shoot up without anyone forcing her?"

"That's exactly what's weird! Everything is too convenient; Tiffany isn't someone who acts so recklessly!"

Patrick regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth.

So he was implying that Tiffany hadn't been caught before because she was careful and clean? Was that even a reasonable statement?

Sure enough, everyone's expressions grew more complex, with some even showing disdain.

Edward lost his patience, his handsome face sour. "I've already issued an official announcement and formal documents. The entire group knows Tiffany has been dismissed."

With that, he stood up and walked out.

"Edward, don't forget your place! Don't forget who the chairman is and who makes the decisions around here!"

Patrick, consumed by anger, pointed at Edward's face in front of everyone. "Do you think you're untouchable just because you're the CEO? Don't forget, I have more than one son! I can replace you with Caleb!"

"As long as Caleb is willing to come back from Mugden, do you think I can't kick you out of the Wellington Group in a heartbeat?"

Everyone was so scared that they held their breath, wishing they could silence their heartbeats.

The strained relationship between Edward and Patrick was well-known, but it was the first time they had publicly clashed.

Edward, though ruthless and decisive, had undeniably led the Wellington Group to impressive financial results and rapid expansion during his tenure as CEO.

His remarkable achievements were evident to all.

Patrick's words, in the past, would have infuriated Edward beyond measure.

But now, he wasn't as affected.

The Wellington Group was no longer his everything. His Evelyn was a thousand times more important than the Wellington Group.

"Whoever becomes the CEO of the Wellington Group in the future, I don't care. But right now, I'm in charge, and I will fire Tiffany. No one can stop me."

With that, Edward strode out, leaving the high-level executives in shock and Patrick livid and pale.

As he left the group, the city lights began to shine.

Edward sat wearily in the back of his luxury car, his throat trembling slightly, his neck forming a graceful arc as he closed his eyes to rest.

"Mr. Wellington, you were amazing today, standing up to Mr. Patrick Wellington in the meeting!" Bart was still excited, his eyebrows dancing.

"Being amazing comes at a great cost." Edward's thin lips curved into a bitter smile.

"So what? Being amazing is a lifelong thing! Besides, Caleb's health is so poor, even if he returns from Mugden, with your work intensity, I guarantee he won't last a week before surrendering!"

Bart was optimistic, grinning widely. "Plus, now that you've reconciled with Mrs. Wellington, she will definitely support you unconditionally."

"Your wife is the eldest daughter of the Taylor family, and your father-in-law is the chairman of Knight Spear Group. Your background is impressive; Mr. Wellington wouldn't dare touch you. Your position is secure!"

"So you're suggesting I survive under Evelyn's protection?" Edward's eyes narrowed coldly.

Bart gasped, panicking, "No, no... You couldn't possibly be under Evelyn's protection; it's you who gives Evelyn opportunities!"

Edward's lips twitched, "Bart, I'll take you to see Mr. Mays someday. He's a brain specialist; I'll have him check you thoroughly."

Bart smiled apologetically, his heart racing.

However, Edward's personality had improved significantly since being with Evelyn. In the past, he would have sent Bart to HR to settle his salary or told him to leave. Now, he at least showed concern for his health.

After a moment of silence, Edward noticed the tightness in his chest.

He recalled the years he had spent advancing with the Wellington Group, overcoming countless challenges to bring the group to where it was today.

But in the end, he was still just a pawn to Patrick, ready to be discarded at any moment.

"Bart, drive home." Edward closed his eyes again, taking a deep breath, his voice filled with tenderness, "I miss her so much..."

Tonight, Evelyn was home alone, humming a tune, supporting her injured back with one hand while stirring a pot with the other.

May had recently made a good friend in the neighborhood, and Evelyn had given her some time off to relax with her friend.

Despite her injuries, with a sore back and a less-than-functional left arm, Evelyn couldn't stay in bed any longer. Edward had been out working all day, and she wanted him to come home to a hot meal she had made herself.

She suddenly remembered how she used to think that mastering cooking would bind Edward's stomach and slowly bind his heart.

Now, it seemed laughable.

True love didn't care if your soup was delicious or your dishes were well-prepared. Someone who truly loved you found you charming even when you were struggling with constipation on the toilet.

Evelyn was so absorbed in cooking that she didn't notice Edward silently approaching her from behind.

"Ah."

She let out a soft gasp as Edward enveloped her in his arms, his body radiating heat and his hormones surrounding her.

"Evelyn, how long have I been gone, and you're already not resting properly? You're injured; why aren't you taking care of yourself?"

His strong arms locked around her slender waist, his intense desire causing her pain.

But she didn't make a sound. Instead, she raised her right hand to gently pat his hand, which was tense with bulging veins, letting him hold her.

His heavy breathing mingled with the scent of her hair at the nape of her neck, warm and ticklish.

She shivered slightly, catching a faint whiff of tobacco, her eyebrows furrowing, "Hmm? Did you smoke?"

"Evelyn, I'm sorry, I couldn't resist."

Edward's voice was hoarse with guilt, his chin resting on her shoulder, rubbing gently, "Next time, I won't do it again."

"Are you troubled?" Evelyn sensed his low mood, her heart tightening.

"It's nothing."

"Did Patrick give you trouble at the group today?" She was smart; nothing escaped her keen observation.

Edward's lips curved into a bitter smile, "I should check if you've installed a camera on me."

"Hmph, yes, I did."

Evelyn turned in his arms, playfully poking his chest with her finger, "Is it because of Tiffany?"

"I held a group meeting today and officially removed Tiffany from her position. Patrick was very unhappy about it; he seemed determined to protect Tiffany."

Edward's tone was casual as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, "But don't worry, I won't let him have his way. Tiffany must be dealt with."

"Patrick isn't protecting Tiffany; he's protecting his own image. Otherwise, the conspiracy theories about how none of the women who followed him had a good ending would be rampant." Evelyn spoke candidly, not holding back with him.

"I know. His biggest trait is his selfishness."

Edward felt uncomfortable, sighing deeply, feeling he had wronged her, "But don't worry, once we get married, we won't live in Riverside Villa. We'll move out."

Married? Evelyn's heart raced, her cheeks flushing.

"If you want to spend more time with your family, I'll stay with you in Hameen. If you're worried about your grandfather, we can buy a house in Half Moon Bay. That way, we can see him often." Edward's eyes sparkled with dreams of their future together.

"Grandpa called me the other day, asking about my injuries. He said he's had enough of Mugden, that the people there are too cunning compared to the straightforward folks in Hameen. He wants to live in Hameen with me." Evelyn's long lashes fluttered, her voice carrying a hint of coquettishness.

"Whatever you want."

Edward couldn't resist her tone, his eyes deepening as he kissed her flushed lips.

Their breaths mingled, their lips and tongues entwined.

After a while, Evelyn pulled away, her face red and alluring, "But living in Hameen means you'll have a tough commute, about four hours a day."

"I'll take a helicopter if I have to. If Bart can't fly it, I'll do it myself. But none of that matters; what matters is that you're happy every day."

As long as his woman was happy, he didn't care how tired he was.

Evelyn's eyes glistened with tears, deeply moved.

But she still felt he had unresolved issues.

"Edward, you're already planning our future together. Does this mean... you've agreed to marry me?" Edward teased, gently pinching her cheek.

Evelyn stubbornly replied, "No way, who said I'd marry you? Besides..."

Who proposes like this? So careless!

Meanwhile, at the police station, Peter was facing a tough situation.

Tiffany's detention period had expired, and the Wellington Group and higher-ups were pressuring him to agree to Tiffany's bail within two hours!

Time was ticking away.

Gordon had just come out of the interrogation room after seeing Tiffany and leisurely walked over to Peter's desk, arrogantly propping his legs up and smirking.

"Peter, I know you want to avenge your family. But the law treats everyone equally and won't fail any innocent citizen."

"Trying to use your position for personal revenge won't work; it only exposes your lack of legal awareness as a police officer. You're still too young, lacking the vision and depth compared to experienced veterans."

"You call the person sitting in there an innocent citizen?"

Peter's sharp eyebrows raised, his piercing gaze coldly targeting Gordon's smug face, "Gordon, either your eyes or your brain is full of crap, or you wouldn't say something so stupid."

"You...!"

Gordon's face turned red with anger, wanting to slam the desk but restrained by his status as a renowned lawyer, gritting his teeth and lowering his voice, "Peter, don't think I can't deal with you just because you're Mr. Taylor's son. This is a personal attack, and I can still file a complaint against you!"

"Go ahead. If you dare." Peter sneered, seeing through Gordon's cowardly nature.

It was unbelievable that the same father could produce such different children. William was such a good person, while Gordon turned out to be such a disgusting jerk.

"Peter, stop resisting pointlessly."

Gordon leaned back in his chair, arrogantly checking his watch, "Only two hours left. What's the point of dragging this out? The result will be the same. You're just a cop; what can you change?"

"You might as well resign and go back to being the heir to the Taylor family. That might be more useful than what you're doing now."

"You think you can just let her go? What gives you the right?"

Peter stared at Gordon's arrogant face, enunciating each word, "Even if there are only two hours left, Tiffany will stay here until the last second!"

Gordon shrugged, "Fine, it won't stop me from watching tonight's TV show."

Peter's expression remained unchanged, but he clenched his fists tightly!

Could there be no miracles?

Just then, a female officer hurried over.

"Someone has turned themselves in!"

"Turned themselves in? For what case?"

"Tiffany's case. He says the drugs Tiffany injected were from him, and he has solid evidence to prove Tiffany's drug use!"

Peter's heart pounded, his eyes lighting up.

Gordon's breath hitched, his body tensing in shock!

"What's his name?"

Percy walked in, his face calm and smiling.

The Return of the Heiress
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