Chapter 7

Diana's lips trembled slightly.

She had never had much hope for the newly released Andrew, and hearing him spout such unrealistic nonsense now only deepened her disappointment.

This guy really was a spoiled playboy who loved talking big, completely clueless about the cutthroat reality of the business world.

Sebastian seemed to sense Diana's thoughts. He didn't want to dampen Andrew's spirit, so he said gently, "Twenty million isn't a small sum."

Andrew smiled faintly. "Of course, I don't have that much. But the Schneiders do. They are one of Crestbrooke's top eight families. That amount of money is nothing to them."

Actually, Andrew's third mentor was a a well-known financial mogul before she went to prison. She had already transferred most of her assets into Andrew's name.

Andrew just hadn't had a chance to claim them yet.

But he thought it would be faster to borrow from the Schneiders directly than to wait for the complicated asset transfer.

After all, Hillary was the Schneiders' daughter and his fiancée. They had grown up together.

Besides, he had served five years in prison, taking the fall for Hillary's younger brother, William. By all accounts, the Schneiders should lend him the money.

Diana's face showed a hint of helplessness when he mentioned the Schneiders. She thought the idea was absurd.

"Since you went to prison, the Schneiders have ignored the Pierces completely. How could they lend us money?"

Her words made sense.

When the Pierces' three brothers died, the Schneiders didn't even show up at the funeral.

And Hillary, after Andrew went to prison, had acted with complete disregard.

The Schneiders' heiress had turned into Crestbrooke's most infamous socialite, wrapped up in scandal after scandal, and Andrew was a distant memory.

Yet, Andrew had no idea. He was still lost in memories of his childhood with Hillary.

"You might not know this, but Hillary and I grew up together. She's not the kind to go with the wind," Andrew said confidently.

Diana didn't bother arguing. She only said meaningfully, "Times have changed. You used to be the Pierces' heir. But now?"

Andrew didn't seem to notice the sarcasm. He answered casually, "You won't know until you try."

He turned to Sebastian. "Do you still have the marriage contract between Hillary and me? I need it when I see the Schneiders."

Sebastian sighed and retrieved a box from the study, handing it to Andrew.

"It's all here. Kept in perfect condition."

Andrew carefully opened the box. Inside lay the marriage contract tied with a red ribbon.

He nodded with satisfaction and put it safely away, ready to leave.

"Don't worry. I'm heading to the Schneiders now. I'll make sure to bring back the money!"

With that, he strode out of the mansion, leaving a worried Sebastian and a clearly unimpressed Diana behind.

Diana watched Andrew's retreating figure, her disappointment deepening.

He was even more hopeless than she had imagined. He was strong but simple-minded, completely lacking basic social awareness.

Sebastian seemed to read her thoughts and let out a soft sigh. "I know you don't think much of Andrew. He still has a long road ahead. If he really can't handle much, leave him a share of the company that's enough for him to live comfortably. You can do with the rest as you wish."

Diana looked up in surprise, staring at Sebastian.

"You misunderstood me! I'm not staying with the Pierces for the money," she said quickly, afraid he would think otherwise.

In truth, Diana's marriage to George Pierce was just a family arrangement. They had hardly seen each other.

She had stayed with the Pierces after the three brothers died because one moment at the funeral had deeply moved her.

The ceremony had been solemn and grand, with dignitaries and officials from across the nation paying their respects to the three young men.

Before so many guests, Sebastian stood by the brothers' photos without shedding a single tear.

His face was proud, his words simple. "The Pierces don't fear death."

But after the guests had left, the strong old man finally broke down and cried uncontrollably before the coffins.

That moment touched Diana deeply.

Sebastian smiled faintly as he watched Diana hastily explain herself.

"I know the kind of person you are," he said gently to Diana, shaking his head. "This is just a small way of compensating you. The Pierces owe you too much. You married into this family, but I couldn't give you a complete home."

Diana bit her lip tightly, a surge of emotion rising in her chest.

She took a deep breath and straightened her back.

"Don't worry. I won't let the Pierces fall."

-

At the Schneiders' mansion, the grand hall glittered with lights.

An elderly woman with silver hair sat at the head, her regal face sharp and commanding.

She was the head of the Schneiders, Alice Schneider.

"Mrs. Schneider, a young man named Andrew is outside. He wants to see Ms. Hillary," the butler, Charles Yarbough, reported respectfully.

At this, everyone in the hall turned their eyes toward a young woman sitting to the right.

Hillary wore a pale pink dress, her curves elegantly outlined.

When she heard Andrew's name, her delicate face showed no joy, only clear annoyance.

"Grandma, just tell him to leave," she said, frowning, clearly unhappy with the unexpected visitor. "The family has been aiming for the Jasenburg Cultural Plaza project. My relationship with Oliver is going well—I don't want Andrew involved."

She brushed her long hair lightly, her tone growing colder.

"With Oliver's help, the Jasenburg project is practically guaranteed. If Andrew gets involved now, it'll just complicate things."

Alice listened, thinking briefly. After a moment, she raised her hand.

"He's a guest. Let him in."

Hillary's eyes flickered with displeasure, but she quickly controlled herself and said nothing further.

Soon, Charles led Andrew into the hall.

As he entered, he felt the Schneiders' piercing gaze. Everyone sized him up, silently judging the once-rich heir's current state.

Andrew ignored them and walked straight to Hillary.

Five years had passed, and he noticed she had lost her youthful innocence, now radiating maturity and poise.