Angeline picked up her coffee and looked at the drafts on the table. She smiled slightly. When word would get out about her instruction to have Lawson Global call off all projects with Ingrid, she'd probably soon get a call from Simon.Most people in Krontos knew about Ned and Angeline's past. Now that Angeline, the vice president of Lawson Global, had personally given the order to stop all collaborations with Ingrid, the general public would think she was getting revenge and trying to boycott Ingrid.The rumors spread quickly. When Ingrid's agency received the news, all the paparazzi could smell a bloodbath coming. Soon, someone dropped the bomb about Ned and Angeline's past. Ingrid's agency and studio did their best to keep things from going viral.Angeline had just stepped out of the conference room. She hadn't even gotten the chance to speak to Sean when Simon called her. She glanced at Sean and waved her phone. "I need to answer this. Let's have lunch together. I've already i
Angeline had never considered exposing Ingrid's lie to Simon about saving his life. Still, she wouldn't mind bringing it up if she could use it as a bargaining chip to cooperate with Norwalk Corporation.It wasn't that she was making Simon repay the favor. There weren't many favors to repay when it came to doing business. All she was doing was weighing the scales and trying to achieve a mutually beneficial arrangement."It'll be a win-win situation if I keep my mouth shut and Norwalk Corporation collaborates with us. It'll help them gain a deeper foothold in Lonla's market, and we'll be able to show Marvonia what we're capable of doing."Yes, they've sanctioned us, but that doesn't mean we can't expand to other markets in Yurope." Angeline tapped a finger on the table. "They've just extended their contract with Ingrid as their global ambassador. If a scandal about her lying about saving Simon's life breaks out…"She paused, then continued, "It'll still be a big blow to Norwalk
"Hi, Ms. Dalton. I'm Helen Lawson. You might not have heard of me before, but I'm Lawson Global's chairman's niece. I'm considered the cousin of Lawson Global's president, Sean Lawson, and Angeline's… aunt," Helen said.Ingrid tensed at the mention of Angeline. "Why are you calling me?""I was in contact with Mr. Fletcher before this, and we were talking about working together. But I've just received news of Fletcher Corporation's bankruptcy, and I can't reach Mr. Fletcher now."I had no choice but to call you, hoping that I could reach him through you. I just need an answer from Mr. Fletcher regarding our continued collaboration." Helen sounded gentle and friendly. It would easily leave one with a good impression.Still, Ingrid exercised caution. "It isn't convenient for Ned to come to the phone now. I'll pass on your message when I see him later.""Alright. Please do ask him to call me when you see him. Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to work with someone else," Helen s
If Angeline was Ned's world and reason for living, then what about Ingrid?After getting together with Ned by imitating Angeline, Ingrid deliberately changed herself to become more and more like Angeline. Not only had he not stopped her, but he'd even fallen more in love with her.Ingrid had thought she stood a chance against Angeline in Ned's heart. But as soon as Ned regained his memories, Ingrid had become nothing to him.She thought she'd gained a relationship that was the stuff of legends in Oceanford—that her and Ned's relationship would also evoke envy in others. But reality had given her a harsh slap.The compliments people had once paid her on winning herself a rich and handsome fiancé who was head over heels for her were now knives that stabbed her heart.Ned's love was something she'd stolen. Now that its true owner had caught her, she had to return it."Fletcher Corporation might be bankrupt now, but I can still afford to compensate you. It might not mean anything to
It was also precisely because Robert cared about Xavier and Yasmine so much that Helen couldn't allow them to remain by his side. She didn't want them to have him wrapped around their fingers."I only have one request—ensure the children can never return to the Lawson family. Can you do that?" Helen asked."Yes. I'll set the time. I'm too caught up with other things now to deal with that," Ned said."I suppose you need to appease Ms. Dalton." Helen chuckled. "I'll wait for you to call, but please be quick. Don't make me run out of patience—I might change my mind anytime."After hanging up, Ned held his phone tightly. He had to let Angeline know about this as soon as possible.…Angeline didn't expect Simon to come pick her up at Lawson Global that evening. He wasn't surprised to see Lenny behind her. He opened the back seat door for her like a perfect gentleman.When they arrived at the restaurant, Danny was already waiting for them. Danny was talkative. He gave Simon a blow
Once Simon worked everything out, he turned to look at Angeline seriously. "Were you at Ica 11 years ago?""Yeah. I was representing Lonla in a competition." Angeline put her cutlery down and wiped her mouth. "Do you understand now why I had my subordinates terminate the projects with Ingrid? It's a risk avoidance tactic."Simon looked at her with wide eyes. He understood her meaning. Norwalk Corporation had appointed Ingrid as its global ambassador because she'd saved Simon without asking for anything in return. It aligned with Norwalk Corporation's beliefs.Simon couldn't even imagine what the truth would do to Norwalk Corporation's reputation if people were to find out about her faking it.Even if he'd learned about the truth beforehand and had the chance to cut Ingrid off before it was too late, Norwalk Corporation would still be affected by this.Simon was the second son of the Norwalk family and had secretly been embroiled in a battle against his elder brother to becom
Simon chuckled lowly. "I understand."Angeline's use of the fact that she'd saved Simon to get Norwalk Corporation involved in a political matter wasn't enough to cover the havoc Ingrid's lie would wreak on the company.But the revelation of Angeline being Simon's savior and Norwalk Corporation being at risk of harm made Simon pause to consider the issue at the important juncture of Marvonia's diplomatic visit to Ica.Angeline was an incredible academic, but she was an even better businesswoman.Simon put the folder down. "It's no wonder you managed to get Vitality Biotech to where it is in such a short time. Aside from your accomplishments in academia, you're also an amazing entrepreneur. As for this matter… I need to meet with my people."When Angeline saw that he didn't return the folder to her but placed it down beside him instead, she knew she'd succeeded. She smiled and nodded. "Of course!""It's 11 years too late, but I must thank you. Thank you for saving me back th
Sean had had Jason report directly to Angeline on the overseas expansion."It's all because of the political elements. They're allies with Marvonia and don't want to risk offending them." Angeline removed her earrings as she spoke. "Still, it'd be good to get the news of our collaboration with Norwalk Corporation out before the Minister of Commerce's visit."Even if Norwalk Corporation is nothing but a luxury brand, it's nationally recognized in Ica. I'm sure Fontenay will consider that and wonder whether it's something the government approves of."This was what doing business was about. One had to mix genuine and fake news to achieve one's goals."So, have you and Simon already agreed on the collaboration?" Sean asked."Not yet, but there shouldn't be any issue with it. The conflict within the Norwalk family is intense now. Simon's the one who took Ingrid on as Norwalk Corporation's global ambassador, and she's also—from the public's perception—his savior."From a purely bus