Chapter 3

The words “rebuild Rivergate’s business world” echoed through Alice’s mind like a thunderclap, leaving her rooted to the spot.

Charles walked out of Hope Haven Orphanage.

Two excavators happened to be parked outside the entrance.

“Fatso Jim, what are you doing?”

Jim Lane was the owner of Goldencrest Realty, Rivergate’s leading real estate company.

He coveted Long Chime Street for years but never dared touch it because of Charles’ position.

The moment Frank told him that Charles had been thrown out by Kingston Industries’ security guards, Jim came over.

Without Kingston Industries’ help, Charles had no chance of making a comeback. Jim no longer had any reason to hold back.

“Charles, are you blind? Can’t you see that these are excavators? What else would excavators do? Tear down your old home, of course! Hahahahaha.”

Jim laughed shamelessly. He always acted submissively in front of Charles, and now he finally had a chance to vent his anger.

“Charles, I’ve never thought you were better than me. Why should an orphan like you rank above me? How could I stand being oppressed by something no one wanted?

“To tell you the truth, the redevelopment permits will be approved by tonight. I’ll start tearing this place down overnight. Not even God could stop me!”

Charles’ expression turned cold. Was this what it meant to have everyone turn against him?

Jim continued, “There’s another piece of news you probably haven’t heard. Word just came from Kingston Industries that its owner will arrive in Rivergate next month.”

How could Charles not know? He had instructed Fancy to release that news.

The moment the news came out, Rivergate exploded. The entire business world was buzzing, and everyone was thinking of ways to get closer to Kingston Industries’ owner.

Charles walked up to Jim.

Jim spat, “Don’t come so close. I have nothing to say to you. Even if you kneel and beg me, construction will begin today.”

Charles said coldly, “Fatso Jim, do you think you’re worthy of making me kneel and beg you?”

Jim shouted, “Charles, do you still think you’re the chairman of Horizon Group? You’re just an incompetent loser on the verge of bankruptcy. The future of Rivergate belongs to Kingston Industries!”

Charles smiled. “Do you know who owns Kingston Industries?”

Jim scoffed. “Of course I don’t. But don’t put on airs in front of me. You’re not about to claim that he’s your friend, are you? Don’t say something like that. You’ll only make me laugh.”

Charles said solemnly, “The owner of Kingston Industries is me.”

Jim’s expression stiffened before he burst into loud laughter.

Charles continued, “Do you really think I’d let a woman bring about my downfall? I built Horizon Group from nothing and became the leading figure in Rivergate’s business world. Do you really think a woman could destroy me?”

The words caught in Jim’s throat, and he could not force out a single retort.

“Fatso Jim, you’ve underestimated me.”

Those words made Jim feel as though his head were about to explode. His legs trembled and nearly gave out.

Horizon Group’s downfall had indeed been strange. No one had expected Charles to fall from grace in such a manner.

The entire affair had been deeply suspicious, but most people gradually ignored that fact because they looked down on Charles for being an orphan.

They no longer cared to think about why Charles fell from his position. They only wanted to enjoy the thrill of trampling on an orphan’s dignity as soon as possible.

That was when Jim suddenly came to his senses.

How could a formidable man who had built Horizon Group from nothing, without relying on anyone, possibly be destroyed by a woman?

Jim’s legs gave out, and he dropped to his knees with a thud.

Every word Charles spoke felt like an iron hammer striking his chest, leaving him unable to breathe.

Regret swept over Jim, and he felt as though he had plunged into an abyss of despair.

Charles patted him on the shoulder. “This stays between the two of us. If a single word gets out, I’ll make sure you regret ever being born.”

Jim watched Charles walk away before suddenly breaking down and sobbing.

Alice happened to witness the scene as she left Hope Haven Orphanage.

She knew why Jim came, but she had no idea why the fat man had dropped to his knees and started sobbing.

A worker approached Jim and asked, “Mr. Lane, when should we begin?”

“Begin your ass! Without my orders, no one touches a single brick or tile here!”

After saying that, Jim frantically bowed toward the direction Charles had left.

He knew very well that if even one tile was missing from the orphanage, he would not survive the night.

Charles had never changed.

He remained the supreme figure in Rivergate’s business world.

Charles returned to Cedarcrest Estates.

To him, it was not home. It was merely a place to spend the night.

Just then, his phone rang. Fancy had sent him a message.

“Watch the security footage.”

Charles opened the surveillance feed on his phone.

Sophia was sitting across from Fancy on the screen.

“Miss Lowe, you’re still so young, yet you’ve already risen to such a position. I’m truly envious.”

Fancy smiled. “Just say what you came here to discuss.”

Sophia said, “Since you’re being so straightforward, I won’t beat around the bush.

“I hope you’ll help me, Miss Lowe. We’re cut from the same cloth, so surely you have no reason to refuse me.”

Fancy paused before saying, “We are indeed alike. Both of us hold our positions because someone else granted them to us.”

Sophia’s expression immediately darkened.

She considered herself a strong, capable woman and believed everything she gained came from her own abilities. None of it had been handed to her.

However, Sophia needed Fancy’s help and did not dare argue with her.

“Miss Lowe, you shouldn’t sell yourself short. We’re both strong, capable women. Our positions were not simply handed to us. You earned your position through your own abilities.”

Fancy shook her head. “I have no special abilities. The owner simply thinks highly of me. Plenty of people are more capable than I am. Without good luck, why would I be sitting here?”

Sophia smiled and changed the subject. “Miss Lowe, let’s talk about Horizon Group.

“Horizon Group ended up in this state because it had too many problems left over from the past. It was all because Charles lacked the ability to manage it.

“Trust me. If you’re willing to invest some money in Horizon Group, I promise I won’t disappoint you.”

Fancy said, “Even if I help you, you and Mr. Clarke are still married. He will always own half of Horizon Group. It’s marital property.”

Her words gave Sophia a sudden revelation.

She continued, “A divorce would solve that problem. But divorce is a major life decision. You should think it through carefully, Miss Shaw.”

Sophia said excitedly, “Miss Lowe, you’ve finally made me see the light. However… you still haven’t agreed to help me. What if…”

Fancy interrupted her. “I don’t like working with indecisive people. Since you still have reservations, we can discuss this another time.”

Sophia did have reservations.

If Horizon Group went bankrupt, it would be saddled with enormous debts.

Any debts incurred during the marriage would be shared by both spouses. That was why she never considered getting a divorce.

However, Sophia had made up her mind now.

“Miss Lowe, I’m going to discuss a divorce with that orphan right now.”