Chapter 754 Richard Acknowledged a Father for Betty
It was obvious that Arnold was wary of the Hughes family.
"If you go up against the Hughes family, could you win?" Richard scratched his head, feeling quite presumptuous.
"If it were me, I wouldn't even think about going up against those lunatics. The Hughes family has a complex network of influence in Muskow. Our family is in serious business, with nothing dirty. But the Hughes family? They're living on the edge." Arnold was curious. "Why? Are the Hughes family giving you trouble?"
"So, there's no chance?" Richard felt a bit dejected.
Even Arnold was so wary of the Hughes family?
"It's not that, we don't bother to compete with them." Arnold was proud.
"But what if, " Richard coughed, "Betty's ex-husband suddenly came back to life and wanted to take her from me?"
This was the first time Richard had asked for help, even though he turned to his biological father for help.
But because Arnold hated Sophia, he probably didn't like Richard much either.
Arnold finally got serious. "Are you saying that man from the Hughes family, Steven, isn't dead? I guessed it."
Arnold sneered. "He thinks he can compete with the Sanders family? Ridiculous."
Richard was a bit confused. "Didn't you just say there's no chance?"
"I didn't say that. As long as it doesn't involve crossing the line, we don't clash with the Hughes family. But if they bully Betty, how can we tolerate that?" Arnold's voice was low. "If Steven takes her, how will I estabilish myself in the business world?"
Richard was stunned for a moment, not knowing how to respond.
He was also a bit touched.
"Do you want to go up against Steven?" Arnold asked, seizing the opportunity to help Richard grow.
"Yes." Richard seemed to have made a big decision.
"Good." Arnold took the chance to set conditions. "First, change your last name to Sanders. I'll find an opportunity to publicly announce that you're my heir."
Richard was silent.
"Secondly, start getting involved in the company. I'll have someone train you specifically. You need to grow quickly. Only when you're strong enough can you protect Betty. Do you think you can go up against the Hughes family now?"
Arnold spoke again, this time more forcefully. "Steven is a genius in the business world. Since taking over the Hughes family, he's been transforming the family business, which has caused friction with the old guard, leading to his near-death experience. But the fact that he's back means he's impressive."
Richard rubbed his temples and sighed. "I understand."
Arnold was quite pleased. Steven's return could help Richard grow.
"I'm not bullying you. I asked you to come back before, and you refused. This time, it's not me forcing you." Arnold said lightly. "What should you do if Cordelia asks."
Richard was quick to catch on. "If she asks, I'll say it was my decision, you didn't force me."
Arnold nodded in satisfaction. "Talk to Cordelia more often. She's a strong woman. Praise me in front of her."
Richard's temples throbbed. "Okay."
"Alright, then. When I get back to Muskow, I'll arrange a press conference. I'll let everyone know that you are my son. But you also need to know that Steven isn't targeting you now because you have no background. He doesn't see you as a threat. But if you're my son, you'll be his rival, and he'll come after you."
Arnold wanted Richard to be mentally prepared.
Steven's men were top-notch assassins.
"I've made up my mind." Once Richard made a decision, he wouldn't change it.
Arnold was right. He needed to be strong to protect those he wanted to protect.
He needed to protect Betty and Indigo well.
As for Steven! He would never give up.
Raymond's Studio.
Raymond had just come out of the studio, so tired he could barely keep his eyes open, cursing Ethan as he walked.
"I'm practically your personal detective now. I'm telling you, if you don't give me a million-dollar annual salary, I'l quit." Raymond cursed Ethan over the phone. "You're inhumane. Do you think I can investigate the Hughes family in a day or two?"
"Stop complaining," Ethan chuckled. "Get to work."
Raymond wanted to complain more, but Ethan had already hung up.
As Raymond walked out of the building, he saw a figure crouched next to his car.
Raymond was stunned. "Lisa?"
"What are you doing here?" Raymond's steps faltered, and he took a deep breath.
Lisa was curled up, looking pitiful. It was still cold at night, and she was only wearing a thin shirt.
Raymond frowned, quickly took off his coat, and draped it over her. "What happened?"
Lisa's eyes reddened as she looked up at Raymond. "Raymond."
Raymond's heart tightened. He rarely saw Lisa like this.
Over the years, Lisa had been as proud as a fighting rooster, always putting on a high and mighty front.
Except for the year she first joined the Douglas family and was bullied to tears, this was the first time she had let her guard down in front of him.
"What happened? Did something happen to Casey?" Raymond asked nervously.
"I divorced Jordan. He wants to fight for custody. The Taylor family took Casey away." Lisa cried, speaking in a broken voice. She had no other options and could only turn to Raymond.
She didn't dare to ask Ethan for help.
After what Claire did, Lisa couldn't face Ethan anymore.
She was now alone, practically homeless, with no one to rely on.
She was finally worse off than Jasmine had been back then.
It was very difficult for her to find a job. Without the Douglas family, she was bullied wherever she went.
She was used to being proud and couldn't stand this.
But for Casey, she endured it. No matter how hard or tiring the work was, she had endured.
She thought she could live like this for the rest of her life, but why did Jordan have to fight for Casey?
Jordan said she was unfit to raise Casey, but he was still fighting her for custody.
But Casey was all she had.
"Raymond, can you help me?" Lisa cried, asking Raymond.
Raymond's heart tightened painfully as he looked at Lisa's injured hands.
Her arms and hands were covered in wounds, likely from falling.
"Didn't Jordan not want a divorce? I thought..." Raymond said softly. "Why didn't you come to me earlier? You know I..."
She knew Raymond would help her.
Lisa shook her head, still crying.
If she hadn't been desperate, she really didn't want to trouble Raymond.
"Come with me. I'll figure something out." Raymond reached out to Lisa.
Lisa lowered her head and got up hesitantly.
Raymond's hand fell empty, and he smiled self-deprecatingly. "Get in the car."
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