Chapter 6: He Dares to Return!
991 Words
The idea of Isabella Fairfax of BlueOcean Enterprises inviting a recently released convict to dine seemed ludicrous to Christopher White.
He shook his head mockingly as if watching a clown perform.
"I never expected Darius to know such a VIP. How about you bring her over later so I can meet her too?"
Evelyn Hartwell, full of disdain, said, "Christopher, why bother with this clown? It's embarrassing enough for me!"
Then, she suddenly looped her arm through Christopher's, turning to Gregory Hartwell and Emma Hartwell with a decision.
"Dad, Mom, we called you here today because Christopher and I have something important to discuss. We've decided to get married next week!"
This news brought a delighted smile to Gregory Hartwell's face.
Although the Hartwell family was significant in Silverpine City, they were considered a second-tier family.
Tying the knot with one of Silverpine City's top three families, the Whites, would surely elevate the Hartwells to the top echelon within three years.
"Really?" Emma Hartwell exclaimed, her eyes filled with satisfaction.
"Finally, our family has a dependable son-in-law, unlike someone who only causes trouble!"
"But!"
Evelyn quickly added, "You all saw Christopher's effort today, even inviting Mr. Chris for Grandpa's cancer. We can't let the White family look down on us! As for the dowry, I think a million dollars should suffice.”
"And once Christopher and I are married, Hartwell Global Enterprises should also be handed over to him."
Evelyn's statement immediately cooled the previously joyful atmosphere.
"I disagree!" Aurora was the first to voice her opposition.
"This is nothing short of inviting a wolf into the house!"
"Moreover, Grandpa's illness wasn't cured by Chris; he's a complete fraud!"
Evelyn scoffed at Aurora's refusal to relinquish the CEO position of Hartwell Global Enterprises.
"Oh, please! If not Mr. Chris, then was it your worthless savior who cured him?"
"The acupuncture I performed on Grandpa is what healed him, and there's no doubt about it!" Darius stated firmly.
"However, to completely cure him, another month of treatment is needed."
Evelyn burst into mocking laughter at Darius's claim.
"You're actually taking credit for Mr. Chris's work? I've never seen someone so shameless!"
" Evelyn, listen to me..." Aurora tried to defend Darius.
But Christopher interrupted, "Evelyn, let's not make it difficult for Mom and Dad! After all, Hartwell Global Enterprises is your family's company. It wouldn't be right for an outsider like me to intervene."
"Besides, with Darius knowing Isabella Fairfax, Hartwell Global Enterprises' success is just around the corner!"
"Chris, how can you consider yourself an outsider when we're getting married?" Evelyn said with a tone of dissatisfaction.
As she watched Christopher's seemingly regretful expression, her anxiety intensified.
"Dad, our company's loan has been stalled for months, and we're in desperate need of funds for turnover. With Christopher's father being the head of Silverpine City Bank, leveraging that relationship should solve our problems!"
"Besides, you're well aware that Uncle has been coveting the CEO position. Christopher's capabilities and tactics will ensure they give up on that ambition once and for all!"
Hearing Evelyn's words, Gregory appeared tempted.
Just then, a commotion at the hotel entrance interrupted their discussion.
A convoy of luxury cars arrived, followed by a dozen bodyguards clearing the way.
The sight was astonishing.
From the lead Rolls-Royce Phantom, a woman in a red dress emerged, her beauty and elegance undeniable, yet her presence exuded an icy aura.
She was Isabella Fairfax, the renowned businesswoman of BlueOcean Enterprises.
Darius stood up calmly, "Excuse me for a moment. Since Isabella Fairfax has arrived, I should meet her at Velvet Twilight."
After giving Aurora a reassuring smile, Darius left the room without hesitation.
Watching Darius's departure, Gregory was taken aback.
Could it be... that this man actually knows Isabella Fairfax?
Had he misjudged him?
Just as Gregory Hartwell began to doubt himself, a familiar car plate number pulled up in front of The Golden Galleon, and a middle-aged man who bore a resemblance to Christopher White stepped out of the car.
Christopher suddenly smacked his forehead in realization.
"OMG! Today, Miss Fairfax had arranged to meet my dad here at The Golden Galleon to discuss a one-billion loan, and I completely forgot about it!"
"Evelyn, I'm so sorry, but I can't join your family for dinner today. Miss Fairfax specifically asked to see me!"
While speaking, Christopher slowly stood up, continuously bowing in apology to Gregory and Emma Hartwell.
"It's alright, Christopher, go ahead!" Gregory urged him on promptly.
Once Christopher's figure had vanished from the private dining room, Emma immediately began to rant.
"What a braggart! Look at him, claiming Miss Fairfax wants to dine with him, as if!"
"Only successful young men like Christopher would probably catch Miss Fairfax’s eye!"
Evelyn took the opportunity to press her point. "Dad, Mom, why are you hesitating?"
"Didn't you see Miss Fairfax is even willing to lower herself to ask for Christopher's dad's help?" "Handing over Hartwell Global to Christopher is a surefire investment!"
...
Darius made his way to the Velvet Twilight private dining room, where Isabella Fairfax was already waiting.
Without any hesitation, he handed over Ethan Fairfax's urn to her.
"This is your brother's remains. Please accept my condolences."
Upon seeing the small box, Isabella Fairfax's seductive peach blossom eyes instantly reddened.
She raised her arm, about to smash the box to the ground.
"He dares to return!"
Fortunately, Darius reacted quickly, grabbing Isabella Fairfax's arm in time.
"No one is without faults; your brother has repented. At least, keep this."
Isabella Fairfax stood frozen, then let out a somewhat hysterical chuckle after a long pause.
"He sure did well for himself, gambling away our entire family fortune overnight and walking away as if nothing happened. The two hundred million dollars in debt was left for me to face alone!"
"What's more ridiculous is that even I, his own sister, was nothing but a bargaining chip on his gambling table!"
- Writer
