Chapter 238

Everyone turned toward the direction of the voice.

Soren strolled in, looking utterly at ease, his expression nonchalant-but there was an unmistakable intensity radiating from him, a kind of pressure that made it impossible to ignore his presence.

The moment Mr. Wellington saw Soren, cold sweat broke out on his forehead, trickling down his face in an instant.

Hadn’t he heard that Soren and Evangeline were already divorced? So why was Soren back with the Whitmore family now?

Winston pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, dabbing nervously at his brow. His mind felt like it was about to explode. He still hadn’t sorted out the mess with Mr. Wellington and Finn, and now Soren was here too?

At first, Winston had actually been happy to see Evangeline bring Soren back to the Whitmore family. He’d hoped to use a family dinner as an opportunity to negotiate with Soren, maybe win a few advantages for the Whitmores. But after the Whitmore family lost so many business deals to Fawkes Enterprises, and as Evangeline and Soren’s relationship grew more strained by the day, Winston had started to fear Soren.

But fear aside, Winston knew he couldn’t be rude.

He quickly stepped forward. “Mr. Fawkes… What brings you here today p>

Soren’s tone was cool. “Just thought I’d join the festivities. What’s with the look on your face? Am I not welcome p>

Winston forced a nervous smile. “No, not at all p>

Soren ignored him, his gaze drifting past Winston to settle on Evangeline.

At that moment, Finn was holding Evangeline’s hand affectionately, the two of them murmuring to each other in low voices. She made no move to pull her hand away.

Soren’s dark eyes grew colder. His fists clenched at his sides, almost without him realizing it.

He hadn’t known Evangeline had become so popular.

He’d overheard Winston and Evangeline’s conversation just now, and seeing Mr. Wellington here, he could already guess what Winston was up to.

So, the news of his divorce hadn’t even gotten out yet, and not only had

Evangeline started secretly dating Finn, but Winston was already trying to pair her off with someone else?

Soren looked away, only to see Winston still standing before him, posture stiffly respectful.

Soren let out a cold, mocking laugh. “Doesn’t matter if I’m not welcome. I doubt you’ll enjoy what I have to say next either p>

He shot a look at Gregory, who stepped forward.

“Mr. Whitmore,” Gregory said, “the contract is very clear. This partnership includes a performance clause: if the Whitmore family makes a profit, the Fawkes family will invest unconditionally in your next venture. But if you incur another loss, the Whitmore family is required to compensate us for double the damages.” Winston was stunned.

He’d expected Soren to demand compensation for the losses, but double the amount?

It took Winston a moment to process. He hesitated, forcing a bitter smile. “I don’t recall that clause being in the contract when I signed it p>

Without further explanation, Gregory handed over the contract.

When the Whitmore family had signed the partnership agreement, Soren had been furious, so Gregory had handled the details himself—he remembered it perfectly. Originally, he hadn’t planned to add such a harsh condition, but after considering all the years Winston had dragged the Whitmores into losses while trying to strong-arm Soren with the old matriarch, Gregory decided it was necessary for protection.

Looking back now, he was glad he’d had the foresight.

Even earlier, on the way here, when he’d mentioned this clause to Mr. Fawkes, he’d seen Soren’s expression visibly soften.

Winston took the contract, hands trembling as he finally opened it after a long hesitation.

The moment he found the clause, it felt like a bolt of lightning had struck him.

All those previous losses, Soren had never demanded compensation-so this time, when the Fawkes family sent over the new contract, Winston hadn’t bothered to check the terms carefully before signing. He never imagined something like this would happen.

Forget paying double-with the Whitmore family’s current cash flow, they couldn’t even afford the original loss, let alone twice that amount.