Coddled Hearts

Chapter 5

Emma Hamilton stood at the threshold, observing the unfolding spectacle and inquired the gentleman at her side, "Mr. Smith, do we dare venture further?"

"Proceed," replied Michael Smith, his countenance stern. After a brief pause, he sidestepped the rampaging Ethan family, only to sense a sharp gaze piercing him.

He looked over, catching sight of the young maiden he had previously encountered at the door. Her eyes, unblinkingly fixed on him, formed into crescent moons of evident amusement.

"Hah! Our paths meet once again," Lily, with the familiarity of a long-time acquaintance, sauntered over to his side and realizing his tall stature, modulated her tone suitably for conversation. "Were you seeking me specifically?"

Michael Smith maintained an inscrutable expression, his eyes reflecting a nuanced degree of interest.

Undetectable to his sentiments, Emma Hamilton interjected with a mirthful grin, "Greetings, we are here to convene with Mr. Bennett."

Seeking her father? Thought Lily Montgomery whose mind sprung into action, "Pleasure to meet you, I am Mr. Bennett's daugh... assistant. Might I inquire about the purpose of your visit?"

Emma Hamilton extracted a business card and extended

Following a well-publicized fallout between the families of Lily and Ethan during their anniversary celebration, Dayu Construction indeed found itself amidst a "shoestring crisis." Several contracts under negotiation fell through, with two impending projects unilaterally terminated. The partners preferred to incur financial penalties over continuing collaboration.

Ethan Foster was quite pleased with the outcome.

He had discreetly spread the word; conducting business with the Lily family equated to antagonizing the Ethan family. In the intricate web of modern societal relationships, where every strand is interlinked, he was adept at navigating these waters—especially in undermining the comparatively vulnerable Lily family.

For all the Montgomery's wealth, they were mere ants in the eyes of the upper echelon. The invisible class stratum cannot be crossed by nouveau riche making a quick fortune. To Ethan Foster, the Ethans resided above, the Montgomerys below. Subduing them was but a matter of a few words.

He believed it wouldn’t take long for this upstart family to flounder in Shencheng. Imagining the Montgomerys' company bankrupt, selling homes and vehicles, Lily Montgomery tearfully begging for his forgiveness, dispelled some of Ethan's resentment.

But what if they truly came begging?

What if Lily Montgomery genuinely repented? What if his father pressured him to reconcile with her? Should he consider it?

Ethan Foster spun numerous scenarios, even picturing Lily Montgomery grovelling at his feet, begging for reconciliation, but he never anticipated learning that Shengtian Group had approached the Montgomerys, possibly subcontracting part of the Fucheng project's civil works to Dayu Construction.

The Shengtian Group?

The Shengtian Group?

“How could this be?” Ethan Foster refused to believe it.

The Shengtian Group, a real estate giant and widely-acknowledged financial behemoth, had ample collaborators to choose from. Selecting the Montgomerys—an inexperienced firm with no landmark projects—was improbable, to say the least.

Panicked, Ethan Foster frantically made calls to friends, relatives, anyone who could provide insight into Shengtian Group's inner workings. Yet, what he heard struck like thunder from a clear sky.

It was true.

But whether the contract was signed, and how far the proceedings had advanced, was shrouded in mystery, even to the corporate executives—because the representative was the chief assistant, Emma Hamilton.

Ethan Foster: "What kind of a joke is this?"

Good news seldom leaves the house, while bad news spreads far and wide. With the intertwining of joyous and woeful circumstances, the Montgomerys, these past few days, have indeed become the hot topic in both familial circles.

In private, most people derided the Montgomerys unabashedly. The nouveau riche façade of the Montgomerys had already garnered resentment; their sudden fortune and advancement left their struggling comrades in the dust, and their strides were missteps in the eyes of all. Moreover, Lily Montgomery's post-graduate idle lifestyle, sustained solely by her parents, coupled with her association with an ideal partner like Ethan Foster, also attracted ire.

Now, with Ethan Foster finally parting ways with Lily Montgomery, the circle rejoiced.

"It was my sister who left him, right? Don’t these people know the right way to be a spectator in someone else’s affairs?”

Max Montgomery leapt to his sister's defense. Lily Montgomery was nonchalant. "That's not the point. The point is, I'm single!”

“That’s my sister!” Max exclaimed, giving a thumbs up, “Snagging men of all ages, not even sparing the elders.”

Grace Bennett, while serving a fruit platter to the trio, huffed, “That Ethan family, aside from William, doesn’t have a single good egg. Good thing it’s over. I would age prematurely if we became in-laws with Sophia Reed.”Max clenched his fist, “If I hadn’t gone to school that day, I would have pounded Ethan Foster for my sister— "

Lily Montgomery interrupted, "Be rational, don't make excuses to skip school. When I used to get into fights as a kid, all you did was whine behind me, yelling 'Go, sis!' Be sensible, little brother!”

Having lived in the countryside for many years, the siblings often fended for themselves, with Oliver Bennett away hustling and Grace Bennett regularly spending half the year with her husband. Being semi-left-behind children, they were prone to mischief and subject to bullying, leading to numerous fights.

However, when Lily Montgomery turned fifteen, Oliver Bennett purchased a home in Shencheng and Once he had firmly established himself, he relocated his entire family. In the city, where the siblings pursued their studies, they found themselves in different circles and ceased their brawling.

Reflecting on the bittersweet past, Lily Montgomery harbored a certain fondness for the years she played the role of the elder brother.

“Pardon the interruption, young heroes, but isn't the focus of today's family meeting whether we should collaborate with the Shengtian Group?”

Oliver Bennett finally seized the opportunity to speak, chuckling at the dubious glances from his wife and daughter, “Am I mistaken? ...Why is everyone looking at me like that?”

Grace Bennett replied, “Aren’t you the head of our household? Make the decision.”

Oliver Bennett retorted, “How dare I decide without my wife’s word? This is a significant matter; it concerns our family’s transition from nouveau riche to the international stage.”

Lily Montgomery remained silent.

Grace Bennett conceded, “Then let’s collaborate.”

Max Montgomery chimed in, “Shengtian Group, of course, we should collaborate. I'll have something to brag about at school for a whole year!”

Oliver Bennett, rubbing his hands nervously, said with a look of conflict, “What kind of company is Shengtian? What are we? Do we possess qualities that would attract them?”

Grace Bennett’s gaze shifted to Lily Montgomery’s fair complexion, “Lily is rather fetching, she could scrape an eight out of ten. Is it possible that Emma Hamilton has taken a fancy to her?”

Lily Montgomery remained speechless.

“No! They couldn’t possibly be interested in her. I suspect they’re interested in our property.”

Shengtian Group had a stipulation requiring the acquisition of Dayu’s office building.

Oliver Bennett speculated, “Fucheng could just be bait. What they want is the building. Consider, why would they offer such a high price for that decrepit tower?”

Lily Montgomery inquired, “Dad, what are your thoughts?”

Oliver Bennett chuckled twice. "Have you forgotten why Aunt Sophia was almost infuriated to death by you? ...I'm contemplating whether the land where our office building stands is due for demolition? The head of Shengtian Group has influential connections; surely he must have received some news."

Ah, could there be some truth to this?

Lily Montgomery and her brother began to shamelessly flatter.

"Father is truly remarkable, piercing through the heavens' secrets with a single remark! No wonder he can lead our family to a life of luxury, prosperity, and towards a broader world."

"If father perseveres, my sister and I shall strive to be the most outstanding of the 'supported generation.'"

Oliver Bennett laughed heartily.

Pies don't just fall from the sky. Short-term gains lead to major losses. Shengtian Group has no reason to hand over such a considerable piece of the cake to them—if they did, there must be a catch.

"It seems in this lifetime, I, Oliver Bennett, can only grow rich through demolition. I'll respond to them right away. No collaboration! Absolutely refuse to collaborate!"