Todd cursed under his breath. Angela had a special connection with Ivan, and every time she saw him, she was drawn to him automatically. He hurriedly caught up, grabbing Angela's arm."Angela, don't wander around. Mommy will worry. She's sick now, and if she worries about you, she won't get better."Angela finally stopped running. She stood by the railing in the hospital corridor, looking down until Ivan's figure disappeared, and only then did she avert her gaze. Todd lowered his eyelids, his hands clenched into tight fists.Ivan was very likely their father. But this man impregnated two women at the same time, which clearly showed he wasn't a qualified father. If Angela accepted Ivan as her father, she would likely be hurt again.He didn't want Mommy to get hurt, and he didn't want Angela to get hurt either. He was a man, and he would grow up quickly. He would shoulder the responsibility for this family.Haley felt much better after the IV, but her head still felt fuzzy. As a result,
After changing her outfit at home, she drove to the DeRoss Group. It was her first visit since returning to the country. The DeRoss Group building stood firm as it did five years ago, but now it had been renovated with blue glass walls that reflected the blue sky and clouds, giving it a grand and imposing appearance.Haley walked in calmly. As soon as she appeared in the lobby, she attracted the attention of countless people."Isn't that Haley? Why is she here at the company?""Didn't the news say she became the third largest shareholder of the DeRoss Group? There's a shareholders' meeting today, so of course she has to come.""She hasn't shown up at the company for four or five years. She probably has no idea about the company's operations and direction.""What do you know? She's here to assert her authority. As for running the company, leave it to the professionals. She doesn't need to understand those things.""I feel like there will be a power struggle within the DeRoss Group.""I
"Even if I leave, it won't change the fact that the DeRoss Group was founded by my mother." Haley's light and airy tone sharply contrasted with Mr. DeRoss's fury.The secretaries in the corridor were too scared to make a sound, the air heavy with tension and friction.Haley took a step forward, her cold eyes showing a slight ripple. "Father, can't you tolerate me like this?"Mr. DeRoss gritted his teeth. "Since you set that fire four years ago, I haven't considered you my daughter.""What if I told you that I didn't start that fire?""Even if it wasn't you, it still happened because of you," Mr. DeRoss sneered with his eyes filled with sinister intent. "You shouldn't have come back alive.""Very well, I understand." Haley sneered.At this point, the relationship between father and daughter had reached its limit, and any semblance of parental love had vanished. Then, as for her, there was no need to worry about anything anymore. "Dad, Haley, please stop arguing." Emily hurriedly arriv
Her father could retreat unscathed, but she couldn't. Once the truth is exposed, she and her mother will be in trouble.Emily took a deep breath, "Dad, the shareholder meeting has started, let's go attend the meeting." The majority of shares in the DeRoss Group are held by the DeRoss family. Mr. DeRoss holds 35%, Emily and Haley hold 25% each, and the remaining shareholders hold smaller portions. Originally, Emily was the largest shareholder.After the division of shares, Haley is now tied for second place. With the distribution of Haley's shares and in order to increase her influence, Mr. DeRoss transferred one percent of his shares to her. As a result, Haley became the third largest shareholder, only one percent behind the second.Mr. DeRoss sat in the main seat with Emily and Haley seated on either side. The major shareholders present were naturally aware of the changes in the DeRoss family's shares. Many of them were old employees who had fought alongside Mr. DeRoss, and they we
The shareholders sitting in the conference room were all business people, and it became clear with a little thought what The Winston Group's intentions were. Although The Winston Group had no personal relationship with The DeRoss Group, they extended a helping hand just when The DeRoss Group was facing difficulties. While it seemed that The Winston Group had goodwill towards The DeRoss Group, they only provided an intangible project.Mr. Smith spoke up, "Regardless, this project benefits The DeRoss Group. Since construction won't start for another three years, let's discuss this case again then. Now, Emily, please update us on the major projects currently being progressed by The DeRoss Group so that we have an idea."Emily opened the file and slowly began reporting, "The DeRoss Group has a total of three major projects, two of which are nearing completion, and one is still in progress. Additionally, the company is in talks for new projects...""So, you mean to say that out of the vast
Haley was pretty, assertive, and exuded confidence with every frown and smile. Moreover, she indeed had a firm grasp on these clients, causing the shareholders in the room to follow her lead involuntarily.Mr. Taylor's expression improved slightly, and he spoke up, "So, what else do you know? Speak up.""Actually, compared to the Brown family and the Hill family, I think the DeRoss Group should focus on the Roscente Group," Haley looked up, her eyes twinkling."The Roscente Group is building a heavy machinery city in Cuenca, and I'm sure everyone here knows how many products the DeRoss Group can produce for that."Emily suddenly laughed, "Sister, if you know about the Roscente Group, it means you've been paying attention to the DeRoss Group for these past four years. But how come you don't know that the Roscente Group never partners with domestic companies?"Mr. Taylor scoffed coldly, "I thought you had some good opinions, but it seems you only know how to say useless things."Mr. Smi
Although it was difficult to secure the project with The Roscente Group, it wasn't entirely impossible. With some tactics, such as sleeping with a high-ranking executive, there might be a chance of getting their signature on the contract.While this project was important, Emily would rather not collaborate with The Roscente Group and also didn't want Haley to work at The DeRoss Group...Haley was like a poised wild wolf, and if she entered the company, The DeRoss family would never find peace."Haley, The Roscente Group is notoriously tough. I think you shouldn't waste your time," Emily said, "If you really want to do something for The DeRoss Group, you can try contacting Mr. Brown..."Haley raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Ten Brown Family and The Hill Family combined can't compare to The Roscente Group for this project. Within three days, I will have The Roscente Group's people signing on the contract."Her tone carried a hint of arrogance.Few people in the room believed her, but the
Haley remained composed and said, "Go ahead, tell me.""I'll add another billion, making it a total of eleven billion. Once you receive the money, leave Cuenca and never come back," Emily said, her heart bleeding as she spoke.She didn't have that much money in her account. She would need to take a loan from the bank to gather eleven billion.But what other choice did she have?Keith had people watching her, and trying to hire someone to assassinate Haley was impossible.Furthermore, if she had blood on her hands and it was discovered later on, she would never be able to marry into the Winston family.If spending some money could make Haley disappear, Emily would grit her teeth and pay up. Money can be earned again, but if the truth came out, there would be no chance for a turnaround...Haley stared at Emily, watching her change expressions dramatically. She smiled lightly and said, "Emily, you've always been a person who never makes a losing deal. If someone takes advantage of you ev
After a thorough read, she folded the document and spoke up, her voice indifferent, "Kid, who drafted this contract?""Our young master did," replied Russell, “Ms. DeRoss, if everything looks fine to you, the contract will take effect once you sign it."Haley chuckled. She was striking, exuding a bewitching charm.And yet, within the depths of her clear eyes, there was a peculiar blend of innocence and mystery.Keith felt his defenses soften and his detachment give way when he saw her smile. It was as if a hole had been poked through his armor of indifference.Realizing too late that he had been staring at Haley for a while, frustration surged within him.This woman must have used that same smile to ensnare Dad and confuse Owen..."I see a problem," she said, her smile vanishing.She leaned forward, a sense of authority emanating from her.Looking Keith straight in the eye, her lips twisted into a disdainful curve, "You should be in school at your age, not out here trying to show off.
Transmedia Tech, an internet media company.Two years ago, there were rumors of its bankruptcy, and after being acquired, it suddenly came back to life and became a leading player in the internet industry.However, there is not much information about this company on the internet.Haley glanced at Transmedia Tech's profile and said lightly, "What time did they make an appointment?""Half past two, at Pennie Coffee."After finishing her work in the morning, Haley drove straight to Pennie Coffee.She arrived ten minutes early, ordered a cup of coffee, and began to read the information on the internet.She searched for the company again, but she still couldn't find much info, and even the investor info behind it had been removed.It can be seen that this company has a lot of connections.She just didn’t know why this company would take a fancy to her newly opened studio.Haley waited for about five minutes before she heard footsteps outside the private room.She straightened her collar an
Keith thought that Haley had also planned to gain the trust of the entire Winston family through Owen. This woman's quite a schemer. Keith knew he had to be cautious......Haley picked up the kids and went home. When she was cooking dinner, she received a video call from Owen."Haley, why didn't you come to see me?" Owen's voice was still weak, "I'm so bored here in the hospital all alone. Could you come keep me company? I want to hear stories..."Haley shook the ladle in her hand, "It's too late today; I'll come see you tomorrow and bring you some cookies I've baked.""You're the best, Haley!" Owen's enthusiasm was palpable.Haley’s lips curled into a smile, "Get some rest now, and don't stay up too late, okay?""How about a goodnight kiss, then?" Owen puckered his lips towards the phone screen, a bandage still wrapped around his head, looking both pitiful and comically adorable.Laughing, Haley pressed a kiss to her phone screen and then ended the call.Carrying the freshly stewed
"The timing is too perfect, isn't it?" Keith said slowly, "Owen got in a car accident, and Haley just happened to be there and then saved him by donating her blood to him. What a coincidence!"His voice was deep and raspy, unlike a four-year-old boy.Ivan's eyes narrowed, "You think Haley staged the accident?""She had a motive," Keith pressed his lips together firmly and continued, "Surely you're aware of the bad blood between Mom and Haley...""It wasn't her," Ivan stated flatly.He had already been briefed on the accident. It was indeed premeditated. Someone had the audacity to target his son. But that someone couldn't possibly be Haley."Dad, are you so certain it isn't this woman when the investigation is still ongoing?" Keith's voice chilled, "What if it turns out to actually be Haley?""She wouldn't hurt Owen," Ivan looked at him with conviction. "She saved your brother; you shouldn't suspect her."Darkness crept into Keith's eyes.His moth
Taking a deep breath, he said, "Don't worry, Mom, I'll have someone look into it. I won't let anyone hurt Owen."After she voluntarily donated blood to save Owen, it's unlikely she'd attempt anything against him again anytime soon..." Emily's voice was husky and choked with emotion. "Now that she's gained your dad's trust, I’m sure she'll make her move... Keith, I’m really scared she’ll hurt you or Owen. I’d rather she came after me...""It won't happen."Keith ended the phone call.He turned to his assistant, Russell, and said coolly, “Check out that car accident near the DeRoss Group building. See what that was all about.”Russell nodded, “Will do, Mr. Winston.”He pulled out his phone and started making calls...Keith instructed his driver, "To the hospital."As the car glided smoothly down the road, they hadn't even reached the hospital when Russell received a call from the traffic police.The majority of the time, Maple Street is congested, w
Keith had been involved in the family business since the age of three.The company under his operation, Transmedia Tech, was a subsidiary that the Winston Group had planned to divest from two years ago.He took over the day before its planned bankruptcy.Now, after a year of shrewd management, Transmedia had become one of the top three most profitable subsidiaries of Winston Group.Keith, having just finished a meeting, felt a nagging unrest.He was usually a calm person, but his current anxiety exposed a vulnerability reflective of a four-year-old child."Young Master, you've pretty much wrapped up all your work for today. Perhaps you should head back and rest?" suggested his young assistant, Russell, with due respect.Keith shook his head.He sensed discomfort.Had something happened to Owen?He was about to reach for his phone to call Alfred when his phone began to vibrate.He glanced at it. The incoming call was from his mother.Ti
It seemed he didn't really mind the idea of marrying this woman...Haley, with her acute senses, caught Ivan's stare and quickly changed the subject.Her eyes shifted to Owen and she spoke with authoritative firmness, “It might not hurt now, but once the anesthesia wears off, you’re going to be in tears from the pain. You’ll understand then just how terrifying a car accident can be! Owen, if you ever want to see me again, just give me a call. I'll come pick you up myself. If you dare sneak out like you did today, I won't come to see you ever again!”Her face stern, she emphasized each word, her tone leaving no room for protest.Tears pooled in Owen's eyes as he looked at Haley with a plaintive expression, “I won’t ever do it again, Haley... I just missed you too much, I couldn't help myself. I just wanted you to hug and kiss me...”His big eyes were brimming with sorrow, making him look like a forlorn puppy.Haley's heart softened, and she bent down to plant
Chapter 181Ivan took a seat on the other side of the bed.He stated calmly, "Alfred, get some sports drinks, please."Alfred promptly went to carry out the request.In the hospital room, aside from the slumbering Owen, only the two of them remained, surrounded by the sterile scent of disinfectant.With a muted voice, Ivan said, "Thank you for this. Whatever you need, just tell me.""I have a soft spot for Owen. I was more than willing to save him, and…" Haley's voice faltered, a slight bitterness on her tongue, "he must have snuck out to find me. That's how he got into an accident..."Her voice trailed off, her gaze lowered, shielding all emotions.Ivan paused before saying, "He's really fond of you."A gentle smile curled on Haley's lips.Looking at Owen resting in the hospital bed, she couldn't help but reach out and gently touch his face. She felt an immediate warmth towards him when she first saw him at the airport. Owen kept coming back
His opened his mouth, about to speak, but his phone began to vibrate in his palm, displaying Alfred's name.The sight of Alfred's name sent a sharp pain through Ivan's heart.Whenever Alfred reached out, it was always a matter of urgency.With Owen in surgery and Alfred calling, could it mean…The typically composed man's fingers trembled, requiring two attempts to tap the answer button."Sir, Owen's going to be alright!" Alfred exclaimed, choked with joy, "The surgery's nearly finished and doctors say he should wake up by tonight if all goes well!"Ivan felt a great relief.He walked briskly towards the hospital, concurrently asking, "How was the blood resolved?"He'd made calls, but a resolution couldn't have come this fast."Sir, you might not know yet, but Miss DeRoss, Owen's aunt Haley — she's got the negative blood type!" Alfred rushed out his words, "When Owen had his accident, Haley was there, she brought him to the hospital, and she volun