when she left he went crazy (Hope and Christopher)

Chapter 167: Helping You Deal with Christopher Valence

My head buzzed, and as clarity

larity returned, I smiled. "Fall into my beautiful eyes?"

A stand-in? Whoever wanted to play that role could have it. I certainly had no

interest.

Terry still leaned lazily against the door frame. "Not really. Just a fake girlfriend. I can help you deal with Christopher Valence."

I eyed him, knowing there was always more beneath the surface. "And what's in it for you?"

Jerry's eyes sparkled with appreciation. "Smart, Come home with me for New Year's and help me handle my parents. You won't regret it."

He smirked confidently, adding "You can't handle him alone"

The "him" Jerry referred to was, of course, Christopher

"I'll think about it," I said casually and closed the door behind me.

The bankruptcy of the Valence Group was causing quite a stir in Jacquar's social circles. Everyone smelled opportunity. Later, after a meeting, Elissa approached me. "By the way, has anyone tried to buy the shares you have?"

I froze. "What shares?"

"When you got divorced, didn't Christopher Valence forcefully give you ten percent?" Elissa asked, puzzled. "Even though the value is low now, selling them is better than holding onto them.” "No." I shook my head.

I had always intended to return the shares to Christopher but the right moment never seemed to come. And with last night's chaos, it had slipped my mind entirely.

But strangely, the RF Group hadn't inquired about my shares.

Walking into the office, I asked, "Did Christopher Valence sell his shares?"

Elissa pouted. "Yes. He was the first to sell. Otherwise, as long as he was there, the shareholders would have kept their shares. After all, the Valence Group's success was largely due to him, and many people trusted him unconditionally."

That was true.

Initially, I couldn't believe Christopher would abandon the Valence Group so easily. But recent financial news showed the Valence Group spiraling closer to bankruptcy each passing day. Today, RF Group's CEO, Daniel Martinez, officially took control of Valence Group to reorganize its management.

Elissa nudged my arm. "How about I ask Daniel Martinez for you? You might as well sell the shares."

I pursed my lips. "Okay."

Il Christopher had sold his shares, there was little reason for me to hold onto mine.

After Elissa agreed, she suddenly seemed to realize something. "You're not planning to sell them and give the money back to Christopher Valence, are

I nodded. "Yes, I am."

Christopher had not shortchanged me in the divorce; be ensured I was well-off. Those shares originally belonged to the Valence family, and I didn't want to be greedy. I had accepted them just to not stall the divorce proceedings.

Seeing a piece of news online, I was about to speak when Elissa beat me to it. "Oh my God, the Harris family just broke off their engagement with Christopher Valence? They were so persistent before, and now that the Valence Group is bankrupt, they turned their backs so quickly."

"I saw that too." I said with a helpless smile, flinging my phone onto the desk with a hint of indifference.

Kimberly had initially aimed to marry Christopher to forge a powerful alliance. But after observing everything for so long, it made sense to cut her

Chapter 167: Helping You Deal with Christopher Valence

losses and sever ties.

Moreover, when Christopher came to me that night, I had anticipated this turn of events. With each development, I became increasingly convinced that Christopher had a master plan, as if he orchestrated everything under his meticulous control.

After Elissa finished a deep sigh, she dialed Daniel. "Hello, Mr. Martinez, is this a good time?"

Apparently, Daniel's response was affirmative, as Elissa switched to speakerphone, allowing me to overhear the conversation. She grinned and began, "Your RF Group has been acquiring Valence Group shares recently. My friend, Hope-you know her-has ten percent of the shares."

I expected Daniel to jump at the opportunity. But instead, there was a long, telling silence. Eventually, Daniel cleared his throat, sounding somewhat pressured. "Ms. Royston, is she certain she wants to sell rather than hold onto the shares?"

Elissa smiled. "Absolutely. Who needs bad luck from an ex-husband? Better to convert it into cash."

Daniel seemed taken aback, evidenced by a bout of violent coughing accompanied by some sharp sound, as if he'd dropped something or someone was throwing a fit nearby.

Hesitantly, he spoke again, "It's just that-we've paused the acquisition of shares. Trust me, hold onto them, and within three months their value will surpass Valence Group's previous peak!"

Elissa's eyes narrowed. That much in such a short time?"

Daniel's voice was resolute. "Absolutely, even more. Persuade Ms. Royston, don't sell to anyone."

"Okay, I understand." Elissa's eyes sparkled, and she thanked him before ending the call.

After hanging up, Elissa looked skeptical. "Do you think he exaggerated?"

I shook my head. "Doesn't seem like it."

The RF Group wouldn't involve themselves in this affair without at least an eighty percent chance of success. The only real issue for Valence Group was a lack of funds. With financial backing, they could easily rebound.

But why would Daniel be so generous? Not only refusing to buy my shares but also encouraging me to keep them? It felt like he was handing me money

a rare gesture for a businessman.

After wo

wrapping up the spring designs with Keith, we completed Grace and Claire's custom orders. After half a month of relentless work, I could finally take a break

That day, I slept in and hadn't had breakfast when Elissa called.

"Hope, you can't rest today," she said.

"What happened?" I asked while pouring a glass of warm water.

Elissa replied, "The RF Group just notified me that their boss is free and wants to inspect the companies they've invested in domestically. We're the first on the list.

I was stunned. "Inspection? Now?"

with the y

year coming to a close, most operations were winding down. An inspection at this juncture seemed pointless.

Elissa sounded equally frazzled. "Exactly. Hurry over."

I checked the time. "When will they arrive?

Elissa continued, "They were leaving the RF Group when they notified me."

I nodded. 'Got it, I get ready."

This sudden inspection threw me off balance. I skipped breakfast, quickly applied my makeup, changed clothes, and rushed out.

I arrived at Elevatejoy around eleven. The company had a palpable tension, clearly Elissa had prepped the staff in advance.

2/3

OU DEM with Christopher Valence

As I set my bag down, Elissa knocked on my door, Hope, they're in the elevator!"

"Okay," I said, initially composed but now gripped by nervousness.

When Elissa and I reached the elevator, we saw Christopher leading the group. Clad in a tailored black suit, he handed his coat to his assistant, exuding an aura of natural authority, both noble and stem. When he looked up, his piercing blue eyes seemed to cut straight through to my soul!

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