Chapter 3

Jackson was still young, so naturally, he couldn't understand the subtle nuances hidden within the words the adults were saying. All he knew was that Melanie had told him that Eliza was the evil woman responsible for keeping him from being with his daddy.

He had wanted to interrupt several times earlier, but hadn't found the opportunity. Now, he had finally found his chance to get back at her.

"You mustn't be rude, Jackie."

Melanie quickly pulled Jackson into her arms before turning apologetically to Eliza. "I'm sorry. He's only four years old, so he doesn't know better. You don't need to give us a wedding gift."

"It's not easy raising a child by yourself." Eliza raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't you bring your husband with you? Surely the father can't just be responsible for bringing the child into this world without bothering to help raise him. No wonder Jackie turned out like this."

Melanie forced a smile. "He's working abroad, so he can't come back so easily."

"So he makes you raise Jackie all by yourself? Melanie, you really need to be more careful when choosing a man. What's the difference between a man like that and a deadbeat? He isn't here for you all year long. For all you know, he might even be involved with someone else."

Every word Eliza said hit a sore spot for Melanie, while also indirectly insulting Harrison.

Their expressions immediately darkened.

Frowning, Harrison said, "This is Melanie's private matter. We shouldn't pry too much. Liz, you're tired too. Go upstairs and get some rest."

Seeing their contorted faces as they struggled to hold themselves back, Eliza nodded.

"Okay. I'll head back to the bedroom."

Before going upstairs, she deliberately glanced at their expressions and couldn't help smiling. They had to suck it up. After all the depraved things they'd done, what else could they do now but put up with this?

She couldn't wait to see just how much they could tolerate over the next four weeks.

…

Eliza slept until evening. By dinnertime, Fergus Lange, Harrison's father, had returned as well.

The housekeeper brought Jackson downstairs to feed him. While the adults were eating, Fergus brought up Lange Corporation's investment negotiations in Havensea.

"Liz made quite a name for the Lange family during her trip to Havensea this time, and she also brought in quite a few investors. I have high hopes for Havensea's market and future development.

"Therefore, I've decided that our focus going forward will be on the investment conference in Havensea, with the Swanson family and the Albright family being our top priorities."

Fergus glanced at Eliza before saying coolly, "Those two families can't compare to the usual run-of-the-mill companies, Liz, so you won't need to involve yourself in this matter. You're a woman, after all, and you lack Harrison's experience. Let Harrison handle it. Melanie also knows quite a few influential people in Havensea, so she can help out."

A trace of sarcasm and ridicule flashed across Eliza's eyes. She lacked the experience Harrison had, huh? How many projects worth hundreds of millions had she handled over the years?

It was no exaggeration to say that without her, Lange Corporation probably wouldn't have been able to enter the Havensea market at all.

More laughable still, Lange Corporation actually wanted investment from the Swanson and Albright families.

She didn't know whether Julian would invest in them. As for the Swansons, Elijah had told her that she had full authority over the family's business in Grayport.

So Lange Corporation wanted an investment from her company, huh? Had they bothered to ask her about it first?

Before Eliza could say anything, Melanie remarked pointedly, "During my time in Havensea, I heard quite a lot about those two families. They're both among the wealthiest families in the country, but they're not easy to deal with, especially Mr. Albright.

"Eliza, although you've been to Havensea, I'm afraid you might have a hard time getting in touch with him. Even I only met him at a business event…"

"You're acquainted with him, Melanie?" Fergus was immediately delighted. "Come to think of it, you and Harrison grew up together. You two were always the closest. Outsiders can't compare to you. If you can help Harrison, that would be even better."

Eliza naturally understood what Fergus was implying. Her heart only grew colder.

After doing so much for the Lange family, all she had gotten in return was to be labeled an "outsider".

Melanie glanced at Harrison, her face flushing. "It's only right that I help out. But I don't have any experience with investments, so I'll still need Harry to teach me. And then there's Jackie…"

Harrison's expression softened. "Sure. As for Jackie, don't worry. Liz is back now. She and Mom can help take care of him."

Jackson glanced at Eliza and frowned. "I don't want that evil woman to take care of me!"

"Jackie!" Melanie said deliberately. "Your Aunt Eliza may never have had children of her own, but she can still take care of you. Be a good boy. Don't make me worry about you."

Jackson glanced at Eliza. Suddenly, as if he had thought of something, his eyes darted around. Only then did he stop protesting.

Martha chimed in, "That's right, Liz. You can learn how to take care of a child while you're at it. Besides, we're hosting a ladies' luncheon at the house in the next couple of days. You can accompany me and help entertain the wives."

The so-called ladies' luncheon was nothing more than a way for wealthy wives in Grayport to socialize and cultivate connections.

Eliza had never liked this kind of socializing. Now it seemed they wanted to use it to keep her busy so that this "outsider" wouldn't get in the way of their plans.

She raised an eyebrow and said coolly, "Are you sure you don't need me for the investment negotiations?"

Noticing the coldness in her voice, Harrison gently tried to reassure her, "Liz, Dad is only thinking about what's best for Lange Corporation."

"So for Lange Corporation's sake, you don't need the help of the person who's been running back and forth between two cities, but instead, you're counting on an adopted daughter who works in show business and only just returned to the city?"

Her words were mocking and merciless.

Melanie smiled, looking pleased and composed. "Eliza, we're different. Although investments aren't my area of expertise, I have extensive connections in Havensea. You're an orphan, after all. In that respect, you can't compare with me…"

"Melanie is right. From today onward, Melanie will stay here," Fergus said decisively. "Liz, you just focus on taking care of Melanie's child and entertaining those wealthy wives."

Eliza glanced at the two of them. She didn't argue again, nor did she try to stop Melanie from moving into the house. She remained perfectly calm.

"Fine. Then I wish you success."

All the best to them in winning over Julian, but as for her?

As if she'd ever give them money. She'd rather give it to charity instead.

Eliza set down her cutlery and returned to her bedroom.

Harrison could tell that what had happened during dinner had upset her, and before long, he followed her upstairs.

"Are you still angry?" Harrison coaxed gently. "Sweetheart, we just think you've been working too hard. Why don't you take a break for a few days?"

Eliza looked up and met his tender, affectionate eyes. She remembered how people in Grayport often said that he had been born with a pair of soulful eyes—that he looked at everyone as though he were deeply in love with them. That was why, all these years, she had often fallen under the illusion that he loved her deeply.

Now that she knew the truth, she couldn't help finding the whole situation laughable.

"No." Eliza instinctively avoided his touch, her tone curt. "Since Dad trusts you and Melanie, I have no objections."

"Sweetheart, you—"

Harrison was about to say something more when Jackson's cheerful voice came from outside.

"Daddy, I want to play with the toy airplane! Daddy, where are you? I want to play!"

As Jackson opened the door, a flash of panic crossed Harrison's face before disappearing.

Seeing Eliza inside, Melanie, who was holding Jackson's hand, hurriedly explained, "Eliza, I didn't know you were here, too."

"It's fine. I'm the one interrupting your happy little family reunion," Eliza remarked pointedly.