Chapter 97

Stanley had struggled to wrest the general manager position from Diane several years earlier, even then relying heavily on an incident involving her.

Business faltered during his first few years at the helm of the Shanahan family company, but profits remained due to Diane's efficient systems. However, his incompetence and poor hiring practices had resulted in losses over the past two years.

Diane's return, and Catherine's potential request for her help, would expose the company's problems. Secrecy would become impossible, threatening Stanley's position. Therefore, Diane's arrogance was precisely what he desired.

William's face soured when Stanley mentioned his daughter. "My daughter's doing quite well, Stanley," he said. "Her villa is far more upscale than ours. Our townhouses cost seven to eight hundred thousand; hers is a huge detached villa!"

"How's that possible? You're bragging, Uncle William," Stanley smirked.

Hearing this, Catherine frowned. "William, is this true? Does Severin have the money to buy a villa?"

"Severin didn't buy it," William replied. "Mr. Henry gave it to him. It's in the Dragon Lake Vista!"

Catherine gasped. "Dragon Lake Vista? Those villas are expensive! Mr. Henry gave one to Severin? Their relationship is closer than it seems!"

Stanley was equally shocked. "One unit costs over ten million! What kind of relationship does Severin have with Mr. Henry?"

The Shanahans had considered marrying Diane to Edward to leverage their relationship with the Horsfields, a beneficial partnership. However, securing Severin's influence with the Longhorns—a first-tier family, unlike the second-tier Horsfields—would be even better. Felicia smiled. "Severin's not incompetent. He saved Mr. Henry's life during a medical emergency. Mr. Henry considers it life-saving. He gave Severin a meal and the villa as a thank-you gift."

Catherine nodded thoughtfully. "While Mr. Henry's fulfilled his obligation, Severin could still help us secure that project."

The Shanahans had long coveted this project, but their recent struggles and lack of connections with the Longhorns had hindered their progress, causing the old lady considerable worry. Securing a project quota would offer significant long-term benefits, especially considering its potential to meet international standards.

Seeing his grandmother's hesitation, Stanley panicked. "Grandma, why apologize to her? She's younger, and she made the mistake. Why lower yourself?"

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