Aren walked over and gently placed his warm hand over Aspen's slightly cold one. "Pen," he said softly, his voice carrying a soothing power that could calm anyone's heart. Aspen looked up at him, and the determination she'd just gathered softened slightly, revealing a barely perceptible hint of vulnerability. She took a deep breath, then shook her head slightly before nodding again.She mumbled, "I was prepared for what's happening at Fuller Group, so it's not a surprise…" She paused, her tone taking on a bitter edge. "It's just..." She didn't finish, but Aren understood. He pulled over a nearby chair and sat beside her, looking at her with a gentle yet firm gaze. He asked, "Is it because of my family?"Aspen's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she didn't deny it. Her voice was soft, carrying obvious worry as she replied, "Aren, I don't want you to have any conflicts with your family because of me. Have they... been bothering you again lately?" His tone was calm, almost
The marketing manager, Arthur, broke into a sweat as he stood up, his voice tight with tension. "Ms. Nicholls, anonymous posts and reports about our tight cash flow, obstacles with the new energy project, and even... even questioning your management abilities have suddenly exploded these past few days."The sources are hard to track down. While most of it's just rumors, it's spreading incredibly fast and has already caused panic among investors and internal staff."Another executive added, "The PR department has been working hard to clarify things, but the results... aren't great. The stock price reaction is the most direct. It dropped another three points at the opening today."What's worse is that several key project partners we're negotiating with are starting to hesitate, and progress has been forced to slow down. "Internally, morale is shaky too. Many employees' work performance has clearly declined as they are worried about the company's future." In the tense atmosphere,
Meanwhile, in a secluded private club somewhere in the city, Colin's face was dark with anger. Across from him, Zac toyed with a sleek metal lighter, the metal clicking open and shut with crisp sounds. Zac broke the silence first, sounding smug as he said, "Gwen has taken care of things on her end. That stupid woman, Yvonne, really is easy to manipulate." "People blinded by hatred are always the easiest to use." Colin raised his wine glass and took a sip of the warm liquid, his Adam's apple bobbing. Then, he asked, "Are you sure she can actually influence the Jefferson family?" He doubted Yvonne's capabilities. After all, the Stevens family wasn't what it used to be, and a family like the Jeffersons couldn't be easily swayed. Zac scoffed. "Colin, you're underestimating a woman's jealousy. Yvonne might not carry much weight with Mr. Jefferson Senior, but there are always a few members of the Jefferson family's distant relatives who either miss the old ties or resent Aspen
"Yes, Ms. Nicholls." Riley nodded. Then, he added in concern, "Also, there have been some negative rumors circulating within the company lately...""About me?" Aspen raised an eyebrow. Riley hesitated for a moment but decided to speak up. "Yes... They're saying you lack experience and that your unorganized management style has caused the company's business to decline. "They're also saying you have ulterior motives and only care about your romance with Mr. Jefferson, ignoring how the company is doing..." Aspen scoffed bitterly, feeling annoyed. "Whoever's spreading these rumors certainly knows how to pick their timing." With internal and external troubles hitting at once, it was clear someone was trying to overwhelm her and make her panic. She had initially suspected Adrian, but the more she thought about it, the less sense it made. With how massive his operations were overseas, especially in new energy development, he wouldn't waste his time on such petty tactics.Aspen
Yvonne looked at Gwyneth and asked, "Team up?" Gwyneth nodded, her eyes becoming sharp. "Exactly. Besides Aren, Aspen's biggest support right now is Fuller Group, which she just got her hands on. If we can destroy Fuller Group and leave her overwhelmed, things with Aren might change too." Gwyneth's words made Yvonne start thinking. "How do we destroy Fuller Group?"Gwyneth smiled, confident in her plan. "That's where I'll need your help, Yvonne." "Me?""Yes. I know the Stevens and Jefferson families had a good relationship before, and even though it might not be as strong now, there are still some old connections and networks there," Gwyneth said persuasively. She added, "The Jefferson family has a significant influence in the business world. If we could somehow make them dissatisfied with Fuller Group's current management—meaning Aspen—or create some obstacles..."And don't forget, Aspen just took over Fuller Group. She hasn't had time to build her foundation. We could sti
Gwyneth said, "Come on, sit down. Let me blow-dry your hair for you." Yvonne felt a bit uncomfortable but sat down as instructed. Warm air blew through her damp strands as Gwyneth's fingers gently combed through her hair, her touch slow and delicate. "Yvonne, you have such beautiful hair. It's so soft and silky," Gwyneth said in admiration. "And your skin is flawless... so fair and smooth." She looked at Yvonne's lovely face in the mirror. Then, she shifted her tone with a hint of regret. "Not like Aspen... Whenever I see her, she always looks exhausted, as if everyone has wronged her. It's just uncomfortable to look at."The mention of Aspen instantly made Yvonne's expression darken. In the mirror, Gwyneth's hand stilled for a moment before she casually asked, "By the way, it's getting late, and Colin's not home yet. Why don't you just stay the night? When he gets back, I'll explain everything to him."Yvonne's head snapped up, staring at Gwyneth's reflection in the mirror.