Chapter 466 Your Freedom, Unique
The conversation in the study continued.
Charlie had kids, a confidant, noble origins, and a ton of money.
Everyone envied him, but they had no idea he could only share his true feelings with Hubert, who had been with him since they were young.
"Hubert, things are pretty rough right now." Charlie's handsome brows furrowed as he shook his head slightly. "A few years back, when Evelyn was traveling, Landon was handling the consortium's affairs. I could see he was struggling."
"When Evelyn came back, he stepped down right away, knowing his limits.
"Plus, Landon and Simon aren't exactly..."
Charlie's eyes darkened, and he hesitated.
Hubert's pupils contracted sharply, his expression somber and silent.
"So, after a lot of thought, Evelyn is definitely the best choice for heir. Even though I'm not a big fan of Edward, I can't deny that Evelyn really loves him."
"Even though his position at the Wellington Group isn't great, Edward genuinely cares for Evelyn. He's meticulous and decisive, kinda like I was back in the day."
"Even if he can't make it in the Wellington family, joining our KnightSpear Group would be a great asset for Evelyn and us." Charlie, always thinking ahead, had even planned Edward's backup plan."
Hubert chuckled bitterly, "Mr. Taylor, you're overthinking. With Mr. Wellington's skills, it shouldn't come to that."
"Hey, I'm just saying. If he does well, awesome. If not, he can help Evelyn take over the Wellington Group. I'd be thrilled!"
Charlie rolled his eyes arrogantly. "Consider it his wedding gift to Evelyn."
Hubert fell silent.
Evelyn, eavesdropping outside, gritted her teeth.
"But these are future concerns. For now, if I want to support Evelyn and Edward, I need to calm the external chaos. Elbert saved my life, so let's set that aside. But if this marriage falls apart, the Alexander family will become our enemy."
The more Charlie thought, the more his head hurt. "After the last horse race, our conflict with the Clark Group is beyond repair. Patrick and I have never gotten along, and even with Byron's support, he's old. How long can he manage the Wellington Group?"
"When we move into Mugden, we might face opposition from both the Wellington and Clark Groups. If the Alexander family sides with them, KnightSpear Group's situation will be even more difficult."
Hubert's brows furrowed in worry.
Charlie was right. In Hameen, the Taylor family was untouchable.
But in Mugden, if the other three families teamed up against the Taylor family, it would be like hyenas attacking a lion. Evelyn was still young; how would she handle it?
Moreover, the four families weren't just hyenas; they were wolves and leopards when they got serious!
"So, having Jennifer join the Alexander family is the best choice."
In an instant, Evelyn felt like she'd been struck, her ears buzzing!
"Gilbert is a young man with ideas. He's not as fierce as Edward, but he's very capable. After all this time, I believe his abilities surpass even Calvin's."
Charlie smirked. "Who will lead the Alexander family in the future is still uncertain."
"Gilbert is indeed skilled. He was exiled to Aurora Isle for fifteen years by Elbert. After just a year back, Patrick and Elbert have changed their views on him, even considering him for marriage with Ms. Evelyn Taylor, showing their favor."
"So, Jennifer marrying him isn't a loss. It would strengthen the relationship between our families. When Evelyn inherits KnightSpear Group, our bond will be closer."
"But Ms. Jennifer Taylor likes William."
Charlie thought of the Flynn family and felt a surge of anger. "Brian is senile, letting Gordon run wild! Gordon, with his few abilities, betrayed me to curry favor with Patrick, repeatedly challenging Evelyn with the Wellington family!"
"The Flynn family is small, but they betrayed me. I heard Jennifer and William are together, and Brian's wife isn't happy about it. Nonsense! The Taylor family is far more prestigious! They look down on Jennifer? They're a bunch of damned fools!"
"To marry Jennifer to that deceitful Gilbert! Have you no shame?"
With a bang, Evelyn burst through the door in anger!
Her beautiful face flushed with rage, fists clenched tightly!
Charlie and Hubert were startled, their hearts racing.
Charlie immediately spoke sternly, "Evelyn, don't you have any manners? Can't you knock?"
"I've never knocked since I could run around Oasis Villa, and now you're lecturing me on manners? Ha, feeling guilty, are you?"
Evelyn trembled with anger. "Charlie, it's bad enough you have multiple wives, but now you want to use Jennifer for a marriage alliance with the Alexander family! It turns out you're selfish and cold-hearted! I overestimated you!"
Charlie was nearly fainting from Evelyn's rebuke!
But this time, his tone was much harsher than before, "You don't understand; this is a temporary measure."
"Sacrificing Jennifer, breaking up a loving couple, ruining Jennifer's happiness for life, that's your temporary measure?" Evelyn scoffed.
Charlie had done many outrageous things, but none made her as angry as she was now.
"You're young; you don't understand how difficult it is for those in power. The Taylor family is large, and KnightSpear Group has tens of thousands of employees. How can you make everyone happy?"
"Before I took over, I faced countless criticisms and endured many hardships. I sacrificed a lot to build what we have today!" Charlie's brows furrowed deeply.
"So, you're saying I should accept that you're willing to sacrifice Jennifer's happiness?"
Evelyn's eyes began to redden. "If you sacrifice Jennifer now, who will you sell out next?"
"Evelyn! You!"
Charlie stood up abruptly, glaring at his most cherished daughter.
Father and daughter were once again locked in a heated standoff.
Hubert, sweating profusely, couldn't bear to see Charlie and Evelyn argue.
"So what? Do you want to go against the other three families? Can you handle their combined assault?"
"I haven't even tried, and you already think I can't? Who do you think you're underestimating?"
Evelyn's anger escalated, her eyes blazing. "Gilbert is a ruthless, deceitful scoundrel! He repeatedly clashed with Nancy on Aurora Isle and secretly targeted Edward and Simon! Are you out of your mind?"
Charlie's pupils dilated in shock, and Hubert was equally stunned.
But soon, Charlie scoffed, eyeing her suspiciously. "Evelyn, your ability to lie has improved, hasn't it?"
"Damn it! After all I've said, you think I'm lying?"
Evelyn felt like she was about to have a heart attack. "Charlie! Are you under Gilbert's spell?"
"Ms. Evelyn Taylor, this is a serious accusation. Do you have any evidence?"
Hubert could hardly believe it. "Gilbert has known you since childhood. Both Mr. Taylor and I have seen his affection for you; it doesn't seem fake. Why would he do such a thing?"
"Harming Mr. Wellington is possible, given they're rivals. But to implicate Mr. Simon Taylor as well... why? Gilbert has no reason to do that."
"Hubert is right. Do you have any evidence?" Charlie knew Evelyn was cunning and would go to great lengths to prevent Jennifer from marrying into the Alexander family.
"I will get the evidence, but I need time!" Evelyn gritted her teeth.
She had to gather evidence to completely bring down Gilbert!
The only breakthrough was to catch Lloyd's superior—Sebastian.
With Sebastian's testimony, Gilbert's true nature would be exposed!
But she couldn't reveal this to Charlie. The more she said, the greater the risk of alerting the enemy and disrupting her and Edward's plans. She had to keep it brief.
"Then bring me the evidence, and I'll reconsider my decision."
Charlie, sweating slightly, had no energy left to argue. He walked out of the room with a cold expression.
Hubert, noticing Charlie's discomfort, quickly followed.
"Charlie! You heartless, selfish, money-grubbing capitalist!"
Evelyn shouted at her father's retreating back, her eyes red with anger. "I hate you! I hate you so much!"
Charlie's heart felt like it had been pierced by a sharp sword, leaving a bleeding wound that made him stagger.
The last time Evelyn had screamed at him like this, saying she hated him, was when her mother, the woman he loved most, had passed away.
He truly didn't understand.
From childhood to adulthood, he had given her everything.
He was even willing to sacrifice every member of the family, every his kids, to pave the way for her, to build an unshakable, secure future for her.
But why did it only result in her hatred for him?
"You want to be with Edward, don't you?"
Charlie, still facing away from her, spoke coldly. "The true love you pursue isn't blessed by everyone, and those who disapprove will inevitably cause trouble."
"What I'm doing is to fulfill your wish, stabilize KnightSpear Group, and let Jennifer marry a better man. Why not?"
Evelyn's shoulders slumped, her overwhelming disappointment choking her.
"I'm not just your father; I'm also the leader of the consortium. I can't ignore the consortium's risks and crises for the sake of your romantic pursuits."
"Moreover, the freedom I've given you is unique. I can't be fair to everyone. You should learn to be content, Evelyn."
Evelyn took a half step back in shock.
For the first time, she found Charlie truly terrifying.
...
On her way back to her bedroom, Evelyn's clothes were soaked with sweat, and she felt utterly drained.
Her chest was filled with a bitter, suffocating pain.
No, she couldn't let Jennifer marry into the Alexander family. Whether it was Randy or Gilbert, it would be degrading her sister Jennifer!
Charlie didn't know Gilbert's true nature, but she did. No matter the cost, she had to stop the marriage!
Just as Evelyn was about to find Jennifer to comfort her, her phone rang.
Edward's call was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, bringing a sweet smile to her worried face.
But then she remembered her argument with Charlie and the fact that her relationship with Edward was indirectly causing Charlie to force Jennifer into a marriage alliance with the Alexander family. The guilt was like a spiked wheel grinding through her chest.
After a moment, Evelyn slowly answered, "Edward..."
"What's wrong? You sound upset. Miss me?" Edward's deep, magnetic voice gently filled her ear, warm and indulgent.
Evelyn rubbed her eyes, feeling even more sorrowful. "Yeah... you know I do."
He chuckled softly, his voice still burning through the phone. "Then stop thinking about it. Come out and see me."
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