Forrest was at his wit’s end, with no idea where to even begin. Amidst the chaos, the doorbell rang. The housekeeper hurried to answer it. A moment later, she returned, her face as white as a sheet. Behind her were four uniformed law enforcement officers.

“We’re looking for Yvonne. Is she here?”

It wasn’t until the next day, while she was at a government office, that Noreen learned what had happened to the Lowell family. Padgett Novak told her that Forrest had been suspended and was currently writing a formal report for his superiors and the disciplinary committee.

That things had escalated to this point was rather sobering. The entire financial circle was buzzing about it. Everyone was wondering how Seth would cut ties with the Lowells this time.

Claire, far away on her film set, was also following the drama, constantly refreshing the Aurelion Group’s official website. But by noon, neither Aurelion Group nor Seth had released any statement. They hadn’t cut ties, nor had they canceled the engagement.

The only thing that had happened was that Aurelion Group’s stock had taken a severe hit, plummeting to an all-time low.

Claire, while deriding the Lowells as a family of criminals, asked Noreen, “Is jerk Seth really that pig-headed? Did Bianca’s family save his life or something? Is he really going to go down with this ship?”

Noreen couldn’t figure it out either.

Just as she was pondering this, Sophia announced a visitor. It was Jude Wilder.

Out of respect for Seymour Wilder, Noreen agreed to see Jude. It had only been half

a month, but Jude had lost a significant amount of weight. His eyes were dull, and when he saw Noreen, he was timid and withdrawn, with none of his former arrogance.

Noreen got straight to the point and asked him why he was here.

Jude stammered as he relayed Seymour’s last wishes. Even on his deathbed, Seymour couldn’t let go of his good-for-nothing son. He had decided to cancel the

fifty-million-dollar trust fund

originally meant for Jude

ove’

and

instead invest it back into the

Seymour Group, paving a path for Jude’s survival. Of course, he had stipulated that Jude would only receive dividends and would have no say in the company’s decisions, nor could he sell his shares.

After hearing him out, Noreen thought for a long time before replying. “I’m sorry, but

I have to refuse this investment.”

Jude’s shoulders slumped. In truth,

he had known Noreen would refuse.

He had only come because his father had insisted. So when he heard her rejection, he wasn’t. surprised, just dejected. He didn’t press the issue and simply said, “If

you can please take good care of the Seymour Group. If there’s ever anything I can do to help, just let me know.”

After all, it was his father’s life’s work. He wanted to see it prosper, even if he was no longer a part of it.

After Jude left, Sophia asked Noreen why she had refused the investment. Fifty million dollars was no small sum, even if Winrich wasn’t short on cash.

“Until the day he died, Seymour never understood that it was because he protected Jude too well, meticulously paving the way for him, that Jude is still a failure today.”

“He’s like a blade of grass that has always lived under the shade of a big tree. He can’t withstand the wind and rain. He needs to experience the harsh realities of life before he can grow.”

Sophia nodded. “I see. So, Bitch Bianca’s downfall is also because Mr. Harcourt protected her too much. Without him, she’s nothing.”

The statement was a bit extreme, but it was a fair assessment. Ever since Bianca returned, Seth had shielded her through one crisis after another And in the end, Bianca had accomplished nothing on her own.

Sophia even felt a sense of gratitude. “It’s a good thing Mr. Harcourt was always so strict with you. It forged you into the invincible and capable person you are today!”

Noreen paused. “Is that so?”