SWNOVELS Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Ashley’s face twisted, full of resistance. “Never mind, I’ll brainstorm to come up with another plan.
“We’re not divorced yet. Sneaking around behind my husband’s back to meet him isn’t right. Please thank him for his kindness on my behalf.”
Incredulous, Caroline asked, “You silly girl, have you actually fallen for that useless Carlos?
“If we can’t seal the deal with the Maredar Group, the Jones family will surely swallow you whole!
“With so much on the line, you’re still thinking about Carlos’s feelings?” Ashley hesitated, then said, “Carlos mentioned he has a way to handle the Maredar Group…”
Caroline acted as if she’d heard the world’s greatest joke. “Carlos? You really believe that piece of garbage’s words?
“Joan’s parents are high–ranking officials in the Governor’s Office. Even he might not be able to handle the Maredar Group. What does Carlos have, apart from that mental hospital?
“Carlos is just trying to stall and avoid a divorce, Ashley. Don’t fall for it!” Without giving Ashley a chance to decline, Caroline concluded, “Besides, I’m not asking you to do anything. We and Joan are just having dinner as friends.
“Could it be that Carlos is so petty that he’d get jealous over this?
“Enough, trust me on this!”
Carlos parked his car beneath the Maredar Group building.
The company was in financial trouble, and employees relied on scooters for transportation. Even before he could step out of his car, a security guard told him, “Delivery drivers must use the back entrance!”
Carlos didn’t bother to argue and stated his purpose directly, “I’m here to see Jason Moore.”
His firm tone caught the security guard off guard, who gave him a quick once–over before asking, “Do you even know who he is?”
Carlos nodded, replying, “The chairman of the Maredar Group.”
The guard reached for his baton, and said with an unfriendly tone, “You dare to come here causing trouble without reason?”
Carlos remained composed. “Tell him I’m Diane Carter’s apprentice, and he’ll understand.”
Seeing that Carlos didn’t seem to be lying, the guard refrained from acting recklessly. “If you’re lying to me, you’re gonna be in big trouble.”
Once the guard left, Carlos let out a sigh of relief.
He had agreed to this task in front of Ashley, but the Maredar Group was a local business giant in Nantes. Jason himself was the richest man in Nantes.
How could he dare to visit without an invitation?
Diane was indeed a person, but not some extraordinary figure; she was a patient in the hospital.
Carlos’s grandfather had run Greenell Psychiatric Hospital for many years and had taken in many patients.
These patients were often delusional, speaking incoherently, and sometimes their claims couldn’t be verified.
Carlos had worked at the hospital for years, assisting his grandfather. He had even apprenticed under Diane, among nine others.
According to her, before being admitted to Greenell, she had been a business tycoon, and Jason from the Maredar Group had been indebted to her.
Carlos had never taken her words seriously in the past, but now, Elena’s sudden arrival in Nantes had disrupted his original plans and
arrangements.
So, he decided to take advantage of this opportunity and check the authenticity of her claims.
As Carlos waited, a security guard who had been running approached
him and ran into Jason’s daughter, Esme Moore, the vice president of the Maredar Group.
Upon hearing what the guard said, Esme frowned. “You believe such nonsense?
“What is the Maredar Group? Do you think just anyone has the right to see my father?
“In the future, if there are any more frauds like this, kick them out without hesitation!”
The guard, after being reprimanded, took his frustration out on Carlos as he left.
He kicked over Carlos’s scooter and threatened him. “Get lost! Our chairman doesn’t know some guy with the last name Carter!
“If I ever see you here again, I’ll break your legs!”
Carlos furrowed his brows. Could it be that everything he had heard from the patients at the hospital was just nonsense?
At the café downstairs from the Maredar Group building, a group of middle–aged women, including Ashley’s mother, Eva Jones, had gathered. Originally, she had planned to meet some friends who worked at the Maredar Group and see if she could make any connections. However, they had witnessed the scene just now.
One of them sighed, saying, “These young people nowadays, instead of focusing on their careers, want to get something for nothing.
“Being kicked out like that is truly embarrassing. I wonder whose daughter will end up marrying such a man in the future!”
Eva couldn’t find the words to reply.
If word got out that the person who had just been kicked out of the door was her son–in–law, she’d be the laughingstock of her social circle.
Eva hurriedly settled the bill, not bothering to discuss the matter any further.
Since she left early, she missed what unfolded next. Shortly after Carlos exited the building, a group of people hurriedly emerged from within.
Jason, typically the composed chairman, wore an eager expression, while Esme appeared even more anxious, her voice urgent. “Where’s the person who was just here?”
The security guard boasted, “Miss Esme, I’ve already chased him away!”
Jason erupted in anger, launching into a heated rant. “Useless! You are causing more problems than you’re worth!”
Esme stepped forward, apologizing, “Dad, I’m sorry. This is my fault.”
Jason sighed and went on, “It’s not your fault. Back then, I made a promise to a benefactor, and I’ve never revealed her name to anyone. “In any case, remember this: if anyone mentions that name again in the future, no matter who it is, ensure they’re brought to me!
“Even if it means going to great lengths, our family will repay this debt!” Esme gazed in the direction Carlos had departed.
Over the years, her father had built a vast business empire from the ground up, and he had always been her life’s inspiration.
This was the first time she had seen such a profound look of admiration in his eyes!
To be treated with such solemnity by her father, who was the benefactor And who was her apprentice?