Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Chris’s hands trembled as he stared at Jasmine. If he’d known who she truly was, he would never have dared to insult her-not even with a gun to his head.
His mother and grandfather would kill him for destroying their generational wealth.
Jasmine Kingston’s voice remained steady as she continued “And for the business partner in our new medical line, we’ve carefully chosen the Emerson Group as the best fit for us. Please welcome Lily Emerson as our new partner p>
11
The hall erupted in applause.
From one table came happiness and uncontained joy, while at the other, murmurs of disappointment filled the air.
There were winners and losers, with every family vying for the same prize.
Especially Sophia. Her face turned ashen, as if all the blood had drained away.
She had paid a hefty $100 million to secure the partnership, and now she had nothing to show for it.
The Lancasters wouldn’t survive after she had drained all their cash and savings. Even the Biohealth deal she’d secured was headed for bankruptcy.
“Chris, what just happened?” Sophia snapped, her voice quivering with frustration. “Alex!” Chris shouted angrily, whirling toward him.
“This is all because of you! You must have fed Miss Kingston false information and convinced her to destroy us p>
Sophia quickly looked at Alex, panic flickering in her eyes. “Is this because of you p>
“Of course!” Chris continued.
“It’s all on him! He’s close to Miss Kingston-he must’ve brainwashed her into ruining everything my father built. He’s the one who canceled the partnership with the Lancasters p>
Alex sighed deeply. “You all live in your own fairy tale. Why don’t you try thinking the opposite for once p>
He paused, then continued, “I had promised Abraham Lancaster that the partnership would go to Lancaster, and Jasmine agreed p>
“But when word got out that Jerry Roland had made a shady deal behind the scenes, Kingston had no choice but to back out. If people found out Jerry was controlling Kingston, it’d be bad for business p>
“So basically, you ruined your own chances by striking a deal with someone the Kingstons despise p>
Sophia’s body trembled. “Why didn’t you tell us p>
“I did,” Alex said coldly.
“But no one listened. You should have checked the information before throwing money at it. Greed blinded you, leading to your’downfall p>
“Liar!” Chris spat, shaking with rage. “This is all a lie! You’re the one who ruined everything p>
“You can steal my invitation cards and the jewelry I gave Sophia,” Alex replied calmly.
“But stealing from others? Some won’t be as forgiving as me p>
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Chapter 52
24
Chris’s hands shook, but his attention was drawn to his phone, which was silently flashing with an incoming call.
He couldn’t ignore the call.
“Mother?” His voice wavered.
“What are you doing at the Kingston banquet? Why are people blowing up my phone, demanding we cancel our contracts with every single one of Roland’s companies? What the hell have you done p>
Panic flooded Chris. He quickly stood up and hurried to a corner of the hall, his heart racing.
Sophia, barely able to stay on her feet, followed closely behind him, her face drained of color.
On the stage, Lily Emerson continued discussing plans with Jasmine, all smiles and excitement.
Left alone at the table, Alex sat in silence, his eyes distant.
Lyra, who had been quiet all evening, suddenly extended her hand toward him.
She was as strikingly beautiful as Sophia, if not more so.
There was something about her-something sharp and calculated behind those eyes.
“Hi, I’m Lyra Thompson,” she said smoothly.
Alex glanced at her hand, remembering how she had previously refused to shake his.
He sighed, weary. “You hated me. What changed p>
“Well,” Lyra began with a sly smile, “the first time we met my best friend asked me to help her cut you out of her life. I was just doing my duty, right? Plus, back then, you were dressed so plainly-you really weren’t my type p>
Her smile widened as she continued, “But now that my mission’s complete, I have no reason to hate you. And I must say, you’ve upgraded your style. You’re much more to my liking now. I thought it’d be a good time for a fresh introduction.” Alex frowned. “Do you not remember how you treated me before p>
“Oh, I remember everything. But I know you’re too much of a gentleman to hold a grudge over something so trivial, especially when it was caused by a ‘weak’ woman like me p>
Lyra’s confident tone made it hard for anyone to resist her charm. “There are no eternal enemies, nor eternal friends, right p>
Alex chuckled, finally extending his hand. “You’d make a great politician.” “Thank you,” Lyra replied brightly, shaking his hand. “And I really like you.” Alex raised an eyebrow. “What do you really want p>
Lyra’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Will you let me handle your money? I’m really good with investments. I could double it for you p>
Alex scoffed. “Why would I? Your father’s a politician who bet on the wrong horse, siding with the old regime. Now that the new leadership is in power, your family’s fallen out of favor, and your mother’s investment company is sinking fast p>
He leaned back, his eyes hard. “You’re just an empty showpiece-beautiful on the outside, but rotten within.” “Investment? Doubling my money? Politicians are all the same. They promise to build a bridge even when there’s
Chapter 52
Lyra’s playful demeanor vanished, her expression turning serious.
She didn’t like her family’s failures being mentioned, especially since so few knew about their situation.
“Who are you, really p>