Chapter 13: Isabella Fairfax's Plea for Help
1083 Words
"I indeed don't have Mayor Sanders' contact details," Christopher White conceded, facing Darius Blackwood's relentless pressure with a flicker of evasion in his eyes.
"After Evelyn called me, I specifically reached out to Isabella Fairfax of BlueOcean Enterprises, asking her to intervene. It was her involvement that persuaded Mayor Sanders' daughter to help us."
"For this, our White family owes CEO Fairfax a significant favor!"
Christopher admitted, as the Hartwells' lingering doubts evaporated upon hearing Isabella's name.
After all, they were well aware that Isabella sought financial assistance from Christopher's father for a multi-million-dollar loan, making her help in this matter perfectly reasonable.
"Alas, I shouldn't have claimed all the credit for myself just to save face. Darius, I was wrong in handling this matter," Christopher sighed, feigning remorse.
"What are you talking about, Christopher? Managing to involve CEO Fairfax showcases your capability and resourcefulness. How can it not be your achievement?"
Emma Hartwell quickly comforted her proud son-in-law.
"Some people are ungrateful, though. Christopher went out of his way to clean up their mess, not even a word of thanks!"
Evelyn Hartwell glared at Darius, her words sharp with rebuke.
"Darius, stop being unreasonable! Christopher went through great lengths for our family, even indebting himself to Isabella Fairfax, and yet you stand here making snide remarks, truly ungrateful," she scolded.
"It's alright, truly. After all, Darius is family, and this is what I should do," Christopher said modestly, though Darius was far from appreciative.
"But as far as I know, your father was dismissed for embezzlement long ago, and your family has been on the decline. There's no reason for Isabella Fairfax to lend a hand," Darius pointed out, to everyone's amusement.
"Ah, yes, yes! The White family, one of Silverpine City's grand households, is indeed in dire straits, so impoverished that we can hardly keep the pot boiling!"
Christopher couldn't help but laugh, " Darius, you're quite well-informed. Where did you hear such a thing?"
"Brielle Sanders told me," Darius responded coolly.
"Brielle Sanders?" Christopher feigned surprise, "I had no idea Brother Darius was acquainted with such an illustrious figure. Why not call her to confirm?"
Darius was taken aback; he hadn't considered asking Brielle for her contact details.
"It was during a face-to-face conversation; I can't find her now."
Laughter erupted once more, almost shaking the roof with its intensity.
"Just spouting nonsense! Earlier you claimed to know the Director of Echo Ridge General Hospital, and now the Mayor's daughter too. Why not claim a close relationship with Mayor Sanders himself?"
Emma mocked, her laughter tinged with scorn.
Darius, surprised, retorted, "You knew about this? Indeed, I am the Mayor's lifesaver."
"Enough from you!"
Gregory Hartwell couldn't bear it any longer and scolded, "Our family cannot bear such shame! Another word, and you're out of here!"
Darius felt helpless. Nowadays, speaking the truth seemed to win no belief at all.
After enjoying a good laugh, Christopher straightened up and queried, "Brother Darius, if things are as you say, why is there no news coverage of this?"
"Christopher, don't bother with him. We all believe in you! How could the White family, such a prominent household, fall so easily?"
Gregory reassured, his words reflecting the sentiments of the entire Hartwell family.
Christopher glanced smugly at Darius, then turned to his uncle, "Speaking of good news, Uncle, our family has struck a deal with Mr. Christopher, who, in passing, also waived the medical fees for the Hartwell Patriarch."
"Really?"
Gregory's face lit up with joy.
That was a whopping 500,000 dollars in medical fees!
"Mr. Christopher must have been generous for your sake, Christopher. We truly owe you one this time," said Gregory Hartwell.
"We're all family here; there's no need for thanks." Amidst laughter, Christopher White subtly signaled Evelyn Hartwell with a glance.
Evelyn quickly caught on, urging, "Dad, Mom, look, Christopher has already secured a partnership with Mr. Christopher. If we could hand over Hartwell Global Enterprises to him now, we're bound to reap considerable benefits. Why hesitate?"
Her words stirred not only Gregory and his wife but also Alexander Hartwell and Oliver Hartwell.
They all understood the lucrative potential of such international collaborations.
Alexander was the first to echo her sentiment, "Evelyn's right! Our company is facing financial difficulties, causing widespread panic. We need this boost!"
"And with Christopher's father willing to loan us some funds, with these two supports, Hartwell Global Enterprises is sure to soar!" Oliver added excitedly.
Encouraged by the couple, the Hartwell relatives began to warm up to the idea, their discussion buzzing with anticipation of hefty year-end bonuses.
Finally, Gregory made the decision, "Since everyone agrees, let's settle on this."
"Once the Patriarch wakes up, we'll marry Evelyn off to the White family in grand style and also transfer Hartwell Global Enterprises to Christopher."
The agreement was unanimous, with some already flattering Christopher, creating a harmonious scene.
However, Darius Blackwood's dissenting voice cut through the harmony.
"You can't trust him! There's no international project; Christopher White merely intends to use Hartwell Global Enterprises to cover his company's losses!"
Sadly, the Hartwells, already dreaming of wealth, dismissed Darius's warning, responding with mockery and scorn.
Realizing he couldn't persuade them on the spot, Darius left the room with Aurora Hartwell.
No sooner had they left than Mr. Christopher arrived with a medical team.
"With the help of the special medication, the Patriarch's recovery is going well. He should wake up within seven days."
"Really?" Gregory was overjoyed.
"Christopher, you're truly a blessing to our family!" He immediately instructed those around him to prepare invitations for guests.
"In seven days, the Hartwell family will hold a grand ceremony!"
...
In the hallway, Aurora Hartwell looked distressed.
"It seems almost certain that Christopher White will take over Hartwell Global Enterprises. Unless Grandfather wakes up to stop this, Christopher's scheme will succeed."
Darius nodded, contemplative.
"Don't worry, I'll handle this. Once Grandfather wakes up, the truth will come out."
He calculated that with one more treatment tonight, the Patriarch could awaken.
Darius planned to reveal his identity and expose Christopher White's machinations, trusting the Patriarch to discern the truth.
Just then, Darius received a call from Isabella Fairfax.
"Midnight Mirage..."
Her voice was weak, barely managing to mention the place before hastily ending the call.
Darius's heart tightened, immediately sensing a distress signal.
"Something's wrong! Isabella Fairfax is in danger!"
Making an excuse, he left Echo Ridge General Hospital and headed straight for Midnight Mirage nightclub, determined to help.
- Writer
