Chapter 019 Gratitude

David had beaten Jacob half to death. He glanced at Ethan's left eye, which had been closed, and finally relaxed.

He kicked Jacob aside with one foot, then smiled at Bernice and said, "Miss Smith, I apologize that the company was so big that we have all kinds of people. This guy has made you unhappy, and I sincerely apologize!"

Everyone was stunned by David's words.

When did the President, who had always been domineering and arrogant, become so "righteous"?

Bernice was stunned for a moment before she spoke, "It's all right, President, you're too polite."

David coughed and dared not look at Ethan's face. He pretended not to know him and said, "Well, then, I'll make sure the company covers the $20 million owed by the Smith family! Moreover, we've delayed for so long, which must mean we've breached the agreement, so we'll double the penalty payment! This is a token of my goodwill, and I hope Miss Smith won't refuse."

Bernice with her eyes wide open said, "Okay, thank you, President!"

David nodded, scolded, "Tie this guy up, I'll take care of him myself later!"

"Miss Smith, I have some urgent matters to attend to, so I'll leave first!" David quickly got into his Rolls-Royce and urged the driver to leave.

He was afraid that if he delayed for even a second, he would be stopped by the demon behind Bernice.

If Ethan opened his mouth, should he pretend to know him or pretend not to know him?

After the Rolls-Royce had driven so far down the street, David finally let out a sigh of relief, cursing his bad luck. He thought he would never see Ethan again in his life...

Who would have expected him to come to Boston and even marry Bernice from the Smith Group? It took Bernice a while to snap back to reality after David left. Just then, Norton rushed over panting.

"Bernice, is everything okay? I heard something happened here and came running immediately!" Norton asked loudly.

"I'm fine..." Bernice breathed a sigh of relief and nodded at Norton.

Norton's face turned cold, he huffed and said, "If they dare to continue to avoid paying or make things difficult for you, I won't let them off the hook!"

Bernice's eyes lit up and she asked, "Did you call the President?"

Norton hesitated, not quite sure what was going on, but since Bernice asked, he silently nodded.

"Just as I thought! I knew the President’s attitude had suddenly changed. It was because you called him, Norton!" Bernice said happily.

David's sudden change in attitude seemed extremely strange and exaggerated to Bernice. She could never figure out what was going on until Norton appeared, and it suddenly made sense.

Norton chuckled, nodded, and said, "Calling the President was just a small favor. I just casually mentioned a few words to him."

Bernice frowned, thinking that the Jones Group seemed unable to contain David’s power.

However, she suddenly realized what Norton had told her about the Jones Group preparing for an IPO.

"It must have taken a great deal to persuade David... Did you tell him about the IPO and promise to sell him shares?" Bernice asked anxiously.

Norton’s mind became a little confused, unsure of what was going on.

Bernice sighed and said, "You've done me such a big favor, sacrificing the interests of your own company. I don't know how to repay you!"

Norton coughed and smiled, "Bernice, you know how I feel about you. Don't say such kind words! What you see as a big favor is just a small effort for me. If I can help you, I would face any danger without a frown."

Ethan couldn't help but laugh, feeling speechless towards his so-called wife Bernice and Norton.

One was truly good at imagining things, and the other had a thick-skinned attitude…

Norton raised an eyebrow, turned to Ethan, and scolded, "Why are you laughing? You are a useless person! You couldn't help Bernice and almost caused her harm!"

Bernice's face also darkened as she said to Ethan, "Do you have the audacity to laugh? If it weren't for the mess you caused, would I have to lower myself like this and beg for help?

"Norton helped you solve such a big problem, and instead of being thankful, you're here being sarcastic. Can't stand seeing others succeed? You really make me feel ashamed, you ingrate!"

Ethan smirked, waving his hand and saying, "It's fine now, I'll take my leave." He couldn't be bothered to explain or justify himself, adopting a nonchalant attitude.

Initially, Bernice had a slightly positive opinion of Ethan for appearing in time and saving her from Jacob. But after witnessing his attitude towards their benefactor Norton, she immediately felt disgusted.

"Norton, don't mind him. He's just a person from the countryside, lacking knowledge and manners!" Bernice said irritably.

"I certainly wouldn't stoop to his level!" Norton generously smiled. "Come, Bernice, let me treat you to a meal!"

"You've done me such a great favor." Bernice said.

Bernice was genuinely grateful to Norton now. After all, the Jones Group was about to go public, and sharing confidential information about benefits for employees through increased capitalization was something he was willing to do.

Moreover, she had managed to resolve the issue with David and recover the owed 20 million dollars, sacrificing the interests of the group.

With all this, she could secure the position of CEO of the Smith Group. How could she not be grateful?

Meanwhile, Dorothy also put down her coffee cup, paid the bill, and walked out of the cafe.

Ethan was about to hail a cab when he received a call from Dorothy. She said, "I want to treat you to a meal today and express my gratitude properly."

"Why randomly treat me to a meal? I'm not going!" Ethan refused without a second thought.

He also planned to visit Joseph's residence today since he had already promised to help cure his daughter. He needed to fulfill his promise.

Dorothy smiled and said, "Hey, do you still want to receive updates about Bernice from me in the future? If you don't, then forget I said anything!"

Ethan furrowed his brow. Recently, Bernice seemed to be troubled with many things, and with Dorothy as an "inside source," he could always receive timely updates and help her out. Ethan reluctantly agreed to have dinner with Dorothy.

The first thing Dorothy said when she saw him was to express her gratitude, "I have to thank you for mentioning the Jones Group's situation yesterday. I investigated it and found out that there were indeed problems within their company!"