Chapter 618

619
619
At Phosphor Group. “Cole Group… Phosphor Group isn’t pulling out the investment?” Fred’s voice brimmed with surprise over the phone.
Orlando’s secretary responded with a smile, “Of course, we wouldn’t withdraw from such a significant research project.”
“Thank you so much,” Fred said gratefully.
Liam was still employed at Heffner Hospital, and withdrawing the investment would damage his relationship with the hospital. Moreover, he figured the project had profit potential, so after some thought, he decided against pulling out.
Yet, when Elena caused a scene at the company, Orlando simply replaced the project lead and even increased the funding.
Liam was livid when he heard the news. “Orlando, what gives you the right to replace the project lead?”
“If you’d kept your mother in line, none of this would have happened,” Orlando said impassively. “And rein in your sister, too. She even asked me for money, like some beggar.”
“You!” Liam fumed.
“If you don’t leave now, you won’t even have those meager shares left,” Orlando threatened.
Liam stormed out in a fit of rage. When he got home, he caught Ophelia sneaking out with an antique vase in her arms.
“Where are you going?” Liam asked.
Ophelia’s eyes darted away. “Just going out to have some fun.”
Liam’s face darkened. “Having fun with a vase? Are you trying to sell it? Ophelia, we hardly have anything valuable left. You need to stop being so extravagant!”
Ophelia said, “Liam, you only give me $16,000 a month. I can’t even afford a decent dress. When Aria was here, she gave me $150,000-just as spending money.”
Liam said, “Cole Group belongs to Orlando now. I’m the only one holding this family together, and you still think $16,000 isn’t enough?”
With the Cole family in such a mess-his grandfather pressuring him, his mother and sister never understanding-Liam felt exhausted. Sometimes, he just wanted to give up on everything.
Ophelia put on a show, dabbing at her eyes. “Liam, I really have no choice. All my friends are laughing at me. I just want to buy a nice dress.”
She couldn’t understand how their family had fallen so far. Ever since Aria left, their standard of living had plummeted.
It’s hard coming down in the world. Ophelia had gotten used to being spoiled by Aria and couldn’t stand how things were
now.
She said, “Liam, why don’t you go get Aria back? I promise I’ll respect her from now on and never say a bad word about her.”
Liam’s expression grew even darker. “Now you realize how good she was? What about before? “I never had feelings for Aria, so misunderstanding her was understandable.
“But you and Mom were always taken care of by her. Not only did you not stop our divorce, but you even spoke harshly to her. How could I possibly ask her to get back together with me?”
1/2
1:17 pm
619
Ophelia thought, ‘He says that as if he hasn’t already tried. Does he really think I don’t know?’
But she didn’t dare say that, for fear that she might even lose that $16,000. She said, “Liam, we just wanted to stand by your side. It’s all Hannah that bitch’s fault for seducing you. She deserves to rot in jail forever.”
Liam rubbed his temples. “Is Grandpa home?”
“Yes,” Ophelia replied.
Liam said, “Put the vase back, and I’ll transfer you another $16,000.”
Ophelia thought, ‘Only $16,000? So stingy.’
She forced a smile. “Thanks, Liam.” Once she had the money, she immediately transferred $24,000 to Griffin.
Griffin: [Ophelia, only $24,000?]
Ophelia: [You know my family’s condition. My brother only gives me $16,000 a month. Griffin, when are you gonna propose to me?]
Griffin: [Soon.]
At the bar, Griffin had a beauty in his arms, tossing his phone aside.
A friend teased, “Griffin, chatting with Ophelia again? Don’t tell me you actually like her?”
Griffin’s eyes turned cold. “The Cole family turned their backs on Hannah. How could I possibly be interested in her?”
His friend said, “That cousin of yours is ruthless too-she teamed up with Owen and got Hannah sentenced to eight years. straight.”
Thinking of Aria, Griffin seethed with hatred. “Once I’m done with the Cole family, I’ll settle the score with her.”
1:17 pm