With Trevor's case being a precedent and what Vicky told Helen before they came inside the banquet hall, Helen was convinced that she had no chance of getting the West City project.That was when Sean said with a scowl, "Don't worry. That good-for-nothing is just Vicky's gigolo, but my father actually is her grandfather's associate. I'm sure the man would understand with just a phone call."Gina finally remembered that he was there too. "Oh, Mr. Wesley! You really come through for us when it matters!"Helen leveled a miserable look at Frank in turn. "Sorry, but we really have to trouble you this time."She certainly did not dare pin her hopes of Frank—the West City project was the key to Lane Holdings' future!Sean whipped out his phone, and went to a quiet corner to call his father, James Wesley, who was the head of his household."What is it? Why are you calling this late?" James growled.Sean promptly pleaded, "Dad, could you ask George Turnbull to give my friend a project?"
After some thought, Frank took a deep breath and said, "Denying a person income is no different from murder—if you've already considered giving them the project, Ms. Turnbull, I have no cause to tell you to do otherwise."Vicky smiled at Frank as she studied him. "It seems to me that you're just not keen on pushing them too far. Linger attachment to Ms. Lane, perhaps?""If that's what you think of me…" Frank shot her a look. "Can't say anything to that.""Have you not considered taking in a new lover now that you're single, Mr. Lawrence?"Frank shook his head. "Not interested."Vicky pursed her lips—his response was somewhat a killjoy.Still, she did not press the issue.She certainly could not hurry things since Frank had just divorced Helen a couple of days ago."Well, I'm sure you're more interested in herbal treasures," she said, nonchalantly opening the box. "You can have this panacea cap…" A faint sweet aroma swirled into the air immediately, and Frank was promptly focu
It was only then that Helen noticed the camera above her, with a red bulb flickering repeatedly.Meanwhile, Vicky continued, "To be honest, I really don't want to give you the Western Project. It's therefore a shame that someone doesn't want Lane Holdings to fall apart, and I can't do anything about that—so come by Turnbull Tower in a couple of days to sign it."Helen, however, could not bring herself to celebrate despite being told she had the contract.Instead, she was snappy as she demanded, "Spying is a bad habit, Ms. Turnbull."In the security room, Vicky merely giggled. "I can find out how many times you used the ladies' room in a day if I want. I'll let it go this one time, so watch out if you badmouth me again."Beep, beep, beep—As Helen quietly hung up, Gina asked in confusion, "Who was that?""Vicky Turnbull."Gina's eyes promptly lit up. "Really? What did she say?""She told me to sign the contract at Turnbull Tower in two days," Helen replied exasperatedly. "She s
Sean said just then, "Don't bother with that bonehead, Helen—it's been a long day, and you must be tired. I've booked us a VIP room at the hotel, so why don't you and your mom get some rest?""Yeah, of course—I'm so tired." Gina promptly agreed to it and started to pull Helen along. "Let's go, dear."Helen stood still, however. "Mom, no." She knew very well what Sean wanted, but she was not ready to start a new relationship now.Gina shot Frank a look. "What do you mean, no? There's no husband waiting for you at home. Why bother?"Seeing his chance, Sean promptly pressed his advantage. "That's right, Helen. We could also chat about the agreement tonight."Though Frank appeared neutral as he stood nearby, his words were filled with anger. "Word of advice, Helen—go home."She had just divorced him a couple days ago, and he had to watch her get a room with another man already?!"Don't you mess with me, you brat!" Sean growled through his teeth as he glared at Frank.Gina was sho
There was a single table in the hall, with many men already seated around it.Vicky smiled. "Let me introduce you, Frank. This is Gerald Simmons, Riverton's Chief of General Affairs."The middle-aged man with a square jaw nodded at Frank, and he nodded in turn. "Mr. Simmons."At the same time, Vicky worked her way around the table, introducing the guests one after another, each of whom were rich and important Riverton individuals."Chief of Riverton's commerce guild.""Head of Riverton's Skyblade Dojo.""Owner of Flora Hall."After Frank greeted each of them, Vicky finally introduced him. "This is Frank Lawrence, whom I mentioned earlier."The Head of Riverton's Skyblade Dojo said, "I see that you're a seasoned martial artist.""You flatter me," Frank replied humbly. "I just know a thing or two."Vicky had naturally left Frank's improved version of the Boltsmacker unmentioned while telling Yara to keep it a secret.After all, it would be a slap in the face to Yara's father i
There was unwavering confidence all over Frank's face. "That's not all, Mr. Simmons. You would wake up every morning with sore muscles and enfeebled limbs."Gerald inhaled deeply and looked solemnly at Frank. "How'd you know?"The brat had yet to examine him in any way—did Vicky tell him about his symptoms earlier?"It's all written on your face, Mr. Simmons," Frank said flatly.Geral snorted. "My face? Then tell me, what is my affliction?""A coronary artery disease," Frank said bluntly. "If it's a serious case, I estimate that your condition will worsen in three days, so you should seek treatment as soon as possible."The hall was left quiet for a moment by those words before everyone started laughing out loud.Vicky narrowed her eyes in turn—did Frank make a mistake? That should not be!Just then, the head of Riverton's Skyblade Dojo beckoned at Frank and chuckled. "Vicky told you about Mr. Simmons' condition earlier, didn't she? You have the symptoms right, but you never me
At the same time, Peter was groaning and moaning on a bed at Riverton General. He was unable to move with his entire arm plastered, while Gina was sobbing, her heart broken. "What happened, Peter? Who hurt you?"Sean added indignantly, "Tell me who it is. I will settle the score for you.""Who else?!" Peter cried. "It's that b*st*rd Frank Lawrence!"Helen was taken aback. "But Frank's been at Verdant Hotel the whole time…""He sent his goons after me!" Peter growled through his teeth.In reality, Barney gave him a thorough beating just as he was ready to join them at Verdant Hotel. While Barney himself did tell Peter that Frank sent him, Peter did not mention the fact that he sent Barney to hurt Frank in the first place.Even so, only Helen found his story suspicious. "Why would Frank send people after you?"She knows that Frank was not that petty and would not have Peter beaten up just because he did not like him.Peter started to stammer right then, "H-He's jealous of me… W
Frank shook his head. "Nope."Helen breathed a sigh of relief, and her knuckles eased. Looking apologetic just then, she said, "Frank, I'm apologizing on behalf of my brother. Peter was being unreasonable—don't stoop to his level."For them, everything was bygones after their divorce. That was why she did not want her family to start harassing Frank."I won't. He should stay away if he knows what's good for him," Frank said with a snort."I will warn him," Helen agreed.As she picked up Peter's medicine and left, Frank did not stop her as she slowly ventured into the distance.Suddenly, a blond youth intercepted her, grinning. "A moment please, Ms. Lane."Helen stared at the impudent youth warily. "Who are you?""Who I am doesn't matter," Blondie said with a smile. "My boss has admired you for a while and would like to have a chat with you."Helen studied Blondie just then.The hair dyed platinum blond, ear piercing, elaborate tattoos, and leather jacket all indicated that