Chapter 451

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At Horizonlead Group , Jonathan met with Chase . Chase pulled out the contract from last night and handed it over . “ Mr. Lynn , looks like you lost this round . ”
Jonathan just glanced at it . For the project with Chase Group , he’d only given up 180 million dollars . As for the “ 18 billion ” he’d mentioned to frene – that was just something he made up .
“ You really play dirty , Mr. Shelton . Got me to sign while I was drunk . That’s low . ”
Chase just smiled , “ Mr. Lynn , we’re both businessmen . It’s all about profit . I’m just looking out for my company . Hope you understand .
As he spoke , Chase reached out for a handshake , hoping for a smooth partnership . Jonathan took a slow sip of coffee , a faint smirk on his lips . “ I’ll give you three seconds . Tear up the contract . ”
Chase froze for a second , then said , “ Mr. Lynn , you already signed it . Now you want to back out ? If anyone’s being shady , it’s you . ”
“ I’m telling you to tear it up because I’m giving you a way out . If you want to call me ruthless , don’t blame me for going all the way . ”
Just as Jonathan finished speaking , there was a knock at the door . “ Mr. Lynn , here’s the file you asked for .” The assistant handed it over respectfully.
“ Thanks . You can go now . ”
Jonathan waved his hand . After the assistant left , he flipped through the file for a few seconds , then slid it over to Chase.
Chase looked confused , but as soon as he saw the document , his face went pale . Seeing the panic in Chase’s eyes , Jonathan finally fixed him with a cold
stare .
“ Chase Group , huh ? Interesting name . You’re supposed to be Dominic Shelton’s grandson , but you’re not even the eldest . Turns out , you’re not his grandson at all – you’re his son . ”
Chase’s lips trembled . This was the family’s dirty secret . He was Dominic’s illegitimate child , handed over to be raised by his so – called uncle Declan to
cover up the scandal .
Chase had grown up with his “ uncle ” as his legal guardian , but hardly anyone knew the truth . Now that Jonathan had exposed it , Chase was completely
thrown off .
“ Mr. Lynn , I have no idea what you’re talking about . Dominic is my grandfather . How could he be my father ? If you spread rumors like this , I’ll sue you for
slander . ”
Jonathan tapped the table , clearly losing patience . He hated it when people tried to argue with him . “ Fine . I’ll leak this file to the press right now . Go ahead , sue me . I’ll be waiting . ”
Chase panicked , forcing a smile . “ Mr. Lynn , let’s talk this out . If you don’t want to work together , then we won’t . ”
Right in front of Jonathan , Chase tore up the contract he’d tricked Jonathan into signing while drunk , and promised there were no copies .
“ Mr. Shelton , glad you understand . And tell your sister – she’d better stay away from me and my family from now on . ”
Chase nodded , taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly . Now that Jonathan had him by the throat , he had no choice scandal ever got out , he’d lose way more than just 180 million dollars .
to give in . If this family
“ I’ll do as you say , Mr. Lynn . We’ve got no beef , so I hope you won’t push me too far . About Sanford at dinner – he was out of line , and I sincerely apologize on his behalf .
I’ll make sure to keep Winnie in check , too . Sorry for bothering you today . I’ll take my leave now . ” Though he was clearly unwilling , Chase could only turn and walk away .
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450
It wasn’t long before Irene showed up at Horizonlead Group , rushing in to find Jonathan ,
Her face was pale as a ghost , and she was practically out of breath . “ What’s going on ? What’s happening with the company ? I tried calling Winnie , but that awful woman won’t even pick up ! ”
Jonathan hesitated for a few seconds , then just shook his head helplessly . That only made Irene more anxious . She grabbed his hand tightly
“ Jonathan , don’t scare me . I’m getting old , my heart can’t take this … If you go bankrupt , how am I supposed to face our relatives ? How do i face your late father ? What am I supposed to do ? ”
Jonathan looked at her and asked , “ You always said you could judge people . You said she was sincere , so I let my guard down . ”
Irene wiped her tears , crying as she complained , “ It’s all because of Teresa . ”
Jonathan’s eyes narrowed . “ What about her ? ”
Irene crossed her arms with a huff . “ This is all your fault – making me swallow my pride and apologize to Teresa ! And you expected me to grovel ? My dignity’s worth more than that . ”
I told Teresa I’d find you a gentle , caring wife , someone better than her . I really thought Winnie was good , but who knew she’d turn out to be so scheming ? ”
Jonathan was at a loss for words . He shot back . “ Do you really think , with my status , anyone would be with me for pure reasons ? If it’s not for my money , what else is there ? My divorce ? My age ? ”
“ I- ” Irene was speechless .
“ Don’t think like that . There are plenty of divorced men these days . You’re only thirty , that’s not old at all . You’re good – looking , too . I thought anyone would be better than Teresa . ”
Irene was desperate to prove that anyone would be better than Teresa , as if every woman in the world could outshine her . She’d even promised Teresa she’d find someone better , but now , after everything that happened .
Irene pressed a handkerchief to her red eyes . “ I know , I misjudged her this time . There’s no point talking about it now . You worked so hard to get where you are , and it’s all my fault . You’ve lost everything because of me . ”
Jonathan was silent for a long moment . Finally , he said , “ It’s not that bad . It’s been handled . ”
Irene froze , then quickly pressed him , “ Really ? You’re not lying to the , are you ? Is it really over ? ”
“ We didn’t lose 18 billion dollars . Just millions , ” he said , completely unfazed .
Irene got even angrier . “ You’re just going to let them take millions ? Sue them ! Don’t let the Sheltons get away with this ! ”
“ How am I supposed to sue ? The contract’s signed , clear as day . If you hadn’t pushed me to be with Winnie . Fine , lesson learned . Just stop setting me up , okay ? ”
But Irene just couldn’t let it go . The thought of losing out to outsiders , especially a woman who schemed against Jonathan .
Jonathan said , “ This time it was just a small loss . What about next time ? Are you going to push me to ruin , leave me out on the street ? Would that make you happy ? ”
Irene nodded , defeated . “ Alright , I get it . I won’t meddle anymore .”