The True Heiress's Return

Chapter 167

When Gideon heard this, his face went pale. "So, I can't work with Mr. Smith anymore? Honestly. I'm already happy. Just talking with you has earned me a few thousand, that's way better than slogging through takeout deliveries for months At that moment. Gideon bowed deeply to Lago, "Mr. Smith, I'm really grateful to you for giving me new hope!" Lago felt like he was floating with joy.

Even when Lago had his own company before, the employees were just mercenaries he couldn't rely on. But this young guy was different-he was honest, innocent, full of gratitude, and felt a need to repay kindness. Most importantly, he could help Lago make money. Lago gently lifted Gideon's arm, raising his bowed head. "Gideon, you've misunderstood me, we're just not going into the casino, but that doesn't mean we can't work together."

Gideon looked completely confused. "Mr. Smith, what do you mean...?"

Lago continued, "I really admire your skills and how you care for your family. Right now, I have several million just sitting around, enough to start a small company. Since you studied finance, why not help me manage

Pausing for a moment, Lago remembered Jessie's calculations from Modis. Gideon had faced a lot of struggles in his youth, but his luck in adulthood was bound to take off like a tidal wave, getting better and better.

Without hesitation, Lago decisively said, "No, you'll be the legal representative of my company. I'll give you more authority and dividends; as long as the company does well, you won't have to worry about your family's medical bills."

Gideon's eyes widened in disbelief, his innocent, student-like gaze filled with shock and growing joy. "Mr. Smith, are you serious? You really want to hire me?"

Lago couldn't help but chuckle at Gideon's clumsy, excited reaction, which almost made him bite his tongue. The more Gideon showed that enthusiasm, the more Lago felt confident about their success. "I believe in your abilities. I'm sure our partnership will lead this company to great wealth!"

Thank you, Mr. Smith! I'll give it my all and won't let you down!

"Splendid!"

Benji was furious about being stuck away from home. Feeling down, he thought about storming over to Walter's office, but

Iter wouldn't even give him a moment, sending him off to the freezing Northeast for inspections instead.

By the time Benji got back, nearly half a month had passed, and he was full of resentment. Their meeting happened during the monthly review session. Benji thought he looked grim, only to see that Walter's dark circles were just as bad. Instantly, Benji felt a wave of amusement. As the technical department went over their findings, he quietly moved his chair closer to Walter. "Walter, things not going well with Shakira lately?"

colder than a hurricane, swept through the room. Benji smiled. "I told you, No sooner had he said that than a cold gust, household can't run without me. If you'd listened to me sooner, you'd already be in a sweet relationship with Shakira!" Walter shot him a sidelong glance, ready to tell him to leave. But then he paused, his lips parting slightly. Taking a breath, Walter lowered his voice. "Speak. Let me see if your method works." Benji's eyes lit up with excitement.

deep

this

As the semester was wrapping up, Crescentville University, wanting to test students' self-discipline and independence, made the last two classes before finals optional; students could study in the library, classrooms, or anywhere else without interruption. 08:28 Fri, Nov 1

I

Chapter 167

Shakira mostly stayed home to study, having tidied up her small room a bit to make space for a desk. Xanthe insisted on studying with her, so Shakira had no choice but to invite Xanthe to Eastlake Valley Estate.

Last time, a whole group had come over; this time, Xanthe came to the small villa alone. The usually bold firecracker turned into a shy young lady, chatting casually with Levi about Shakira's life at home. Watching them talk for two hours left Shakira speechless. She wondered where the promised study session was.

The weather was gloomy that day, and as Xanthe got ready to leave, a thunderstorm hit outside. Shakira checked her phone's weather forecast. "It should lighten up to just rain in about two hours; why not stay for dinner?" Xanthe instinctively asked. "Will I be interrupting your dinner with Mr. Lopez?"

Shakira remembered that Walter had seemed annoyed with her lately, always wearing a sour face. "He's busy with work; he

won't... Before she could finish, a dozen servants rushed outside with umbrellas. "Mr. Lopez has returned with work; he

Shakira fell silent and followed them out. The servants shielded Walter from the rain, but the downpour was so heavy that he still got wet.

Shakira noticed a maid holding a towel, nearly in tears. Shakira stepped forward to grab it, placing it directly on Walter's head with a roughness that messed up his hair.

Feeling the man under the towel breathing heavily, Shakira lifted it slightly and met Walter's icy gaze, which could freeze anyone in their tracks. She blinked sincerely at him. "I see some raindrops got in; if you don't dry off, you might end up with a headache Walter looked at her with cold indifference, as if he could see right through her awkward excuse. "Have you dried off now?"

Shakira assessed the situation; Walter didn't seem angry. So she replied, "Not yet; it'll take another minute or two!" With that. she covered his head again and rubbed vigorously with both hands.

Walter was at a loss for words.

The onlookers were stunned, and Xanthe, her eyes sparkling with excitement, exclaimed, "Oh my! Mr. Lopez is actually letting Shakira mess with his hair! He looks like a lion getting petted! Mr. Lopez is so pampered!"

The nearby servants exchanged knowing glances, silently agreeing. "No doubt about it; he is indeed being treated like a lion!"