Yvette nodded, sitting casually on the sofa, her long, straight legs slightly bent. Resting her chin on her palm, she said lightly, “Have a seat, Howard. How do you feel now?”
Howard, who had battled serious heart disease for over twenty years, enduring more than a dozen hospitalizations, had nearly lost all hope. Then, surprisingly, after taking the medicine Yvette provided, he gradually improved. A few days ago, a doctor declared his heart disease cured, advising only continued care. Even the doctors called his recovery miraculous. His physician, the renowned Yosef Kenton, had subtly questioned Howard about his treatment.
Speaking of his illness, Howard became emotional. Who wouldn't want a few more years? He said gratefully, “Boss, my disease is almost cured. I’ve been taking the medicine you gave me regularly. It’s amazing.”
Yvette nodded nonchalantly, saying lazily, “The bio lab, one of the top three in Betricg, needs investment for a project, right?”
Howard was puzzled. How did his boss know? The bio lab was seeking investors for a new project, necessitated by a funding shortfall, but this was not public knowledge. Only the powerful in Betricg were aware.
Howard explained, “Yes, boss. The bio lab, a key national lab, was supposed to be sufficiently funded. However, unexpected cost overruns led to a financial crisis, and the government refuses further investment. Director Rashad is desperately seeking investors.”
Yvette grinned, wild, untamed, and strikingly beautiful. She said lightly, “Invest in this project. Tell him there’s one condition: I want someone to study in his lab.”
Howard was taken aback. “Who?” he blurted.
Yvette slightly raised her head. “Me.”
Within hours, news spread that the Chambers Group would hold a conference, anticipation high regarding their anticipated bankruptcy and withdrawal from Seacrity's market. With one of the four major families in decline, others eagerly sought to fill the power vacuum.
At the Smith residence, Dennis sat on the sofa with Nellie beside him, Zeke and Winona jittery on either side, a tense silence hanging in the air. Nellie’s face glowed with a healthy rosiness. She was enjoying life immensely, changing partners daily; a parade of handsome young men. She finally realized she’d gained nothing from her years with Zachary. Unwilling to admit it, she was powerless to change the situation. Zachary's bankruptcy would leave her free. Thrilled at the prospect of Zachary's ruin, she asked, “Dad, is the Chambers family really announcing bankruptcy?”
Dennis’s eyes were fierce, his smile cold and cruel. “Yes. Even if they try, they won't survive. He’s left everything to Yvette. Despite our pressure, he hasn't used the money. He's made his decision. Announcing bankruptcy now is wise; he won't lose everything.”
Nellie gritted her teeth, furious at Dennis’s mention of Zachary protecting Yvette. Zeke and Winona exchanged a glance, voiceless in this moment.
Recently, Winona felt despised at every party she attended with Victor. Without her impending marriage to the Carter family, she’d likely face humiliation. Though Victor had forgiven her, he was no longer consistently kind. He was sometimes gentle, sometimes cold, his treatment varying with his mood, showing her little respect in public.
Winona dared not speak, swallowing her pride, looking visibly worn. Zeke, now reliant on the Smith family’s dwindling funds, could no longer live extravagantly. Former acquaintances distanced themselves, noticing his decline. His life was miserable.
Dennis scanned Winona with a cold gaze. “Winona, how are things with Victor?”
Winona’s fingers tensed. An awkward silence followed. “Grandpa, I’m doing well. Don’t worry. Yesterday, I had dinner with Mrs. Carter.” She omitted mentioning Yulia’s sneering laughter.
Dennis nodded, satisfied. “Good. Keep Victor's affections, but don't forget yourself, unlike your mother.”
Nellie’s cheeks flushed; she lowered her head. Zeke watched them, cold hatred growing within him. His mother's disgrace had made him Seacrity's laughingstock, forever branded a “bastard,” his father unknown.
At 3:15 precisely, Zachary, in a black suit, arrived at the conference, brimming with energy, even bouncing as he walked. The reporters, expecting a different demeanor, were puzzled. He didn’t look like a man about to declare bankruptcy. Twenty-something news outlets had already prepared headlines like "[The Chambers Family Is Going Bankrupt: What's Next?]".
Zachary calmly took his seat as Lucas followed, carrying a briefcase. Cameras flashed. Before he could speak, questions bombarded him:
“Are you announcing bankruptcy?” “Did the Smiths and Carters cause the Chambers family's setbacks due to your divorce from Nellie?” “Is the rumor true that Zeke and Winona, Nellie's children, aren't yours, and you've left everything to your recently reunited daughter?” “Did you single-handedly bankrupt the Chambers family?” “Explain everything!” “What’s your announcement, Mr. Chambers?”
Faced with these tough questions, Zachary calmly waved for silence. His dark eyes glittered. “The Chambers Group holds this press conference to address the past two weeks, preventing the twisting of facts by those with malicious intent. I will explain everything.”