Chapter 97
Over the next three days, Rebecca stayed home, occasionally visiting the family store. Her identity remained public knowledge, so employees knew her only as the brand ambassador. Even so, they were thrilled to see her. Rebecca was incredibly attractive, especially in the store's jewelry, which enhanced her beauty. She was a delight to behold.
Most importantly, she had gained a following. Though small, whenever Rebecca appeared, fans would gather. Some purchased jewelry to emulate her style, and many customers bought similar pieces after seeing how well they looked on her. In short, Rebecca's presence significantly boosted sales.
Who wouldn't appreciate someone who effortlessly increased their income? They considered Rebecca not just an ambassador, but a lucky charm, a talisman of good fortune.
On the fourth day, Rebecca woke early, donned her workout clothes, and went for a morning run with Debra. To their surprise, they encountered Jenny leaving Edwards Villa.
Debra, too, saw Jenny, and her expression darkened. Jenny, however, seemed unaware of Rebecca and Theodore's relationship. Seeing them staring, she paused, smiled, and greeted them warmly, "Hello, good morning!" She assumed they were simply neighbors.
Shortly after, Theodore emerged. He tensed slightly upon seeing Rebecca. Rebecca glanced briefly at Jenny before turning to Debra, saying, "Let's go." She began jogging toward the community garden; Debra followed quickly.
Mother and daughter ran silently for two laps before returning home. Immediately, Debra began to rant, "Damn it! Theodore is one hell of a bastard! Becky hasn't even divorced him yet, and he's already bringing another woman home! Patrick! What happened to the plans for Becky's divorce? Why is it taking so long?"
Patrick cautiously handed his wife water, replying, "It's almost done, honey. Don't worry." He turned to Rebecca, hesitated, and asked cautiously, "Becky, you really don't like Theodore anymore, right? You won't be upset if you divorce him, right?"
Rebecca took a deep breath, smiled, and nodded. "Yes. Dad, I want to get divorced."
Patrick breathed a sigh of relief. "Actually," he said seriously, "over the past few months, your brothers and I have been worried. We feared you weren't ready. We simply waited until you were truly ready before pushing for the divorce."
Rebecca looked at her father and explained seriously, "Thank you all for your concern. But I've thought it through. Theodore and I aren't suitable. I don't want to be with him anymore." Patrick embraced his daughter. Debra, emotional, embraced her husband and daughter.
After a moment, Patrick said, "Becky, this situation involves us as well."
Rebecca looked at him. Patrick explained seriously, "Four months ago, Theodore forged your signature to change Lily and Kev's last name to Edwards at the Civil Registry Office, but Bryce stopped him. After that, your mother was furious, and we were all upset. So…"
He took a deep breath. "We only discovered the Edwards family's secrets after coming to Maeloria, establishing connections, and quietly investigating. We initially planned to subtly sow discord and let Michael's illegitimate children take over the company. However, Adrian and I discussed it and realized Michael wasn't a good person; he used to bully you. Besides, even if the illegitimate children rose to power, the Edwards Group would still remain in the Edwards family's hands. We thought it over and decided to expose the news directly, letting the Edwards family members fight amongst themselves."
Patrick added, "Gifford is Michael's eldest illegitimate son. Over the years, with Michael's secret support, he's established himself in the Edwards Group and secretly won over many board members. With their relationship now public, it's almost impossible for Theodore to oust Gifford. Moreover, Gifford can even compete with Theodore for the company's inheritance."
Patrick continued, "Michael always wanted the Edwards Group to expand abroad. To achieve this, he and Helen want Theodore to marry Jenny, the Smith heiress. Before this incident, Theodore, pressured by his parents, only agreed to be seen with Jenny, attending events as a couple. But they weren't actually a couple. After the illegitimate children's story broke, it became nearly impossible for Theodore to overpower his siblings. He needed support, like that of the Smith family."
Patrick continued, "Michael pressured Theodore to divorce you and marry Jenny to form an alliance with the Smith family. Theodore is backed into a corner. He has to marry Jenny for Michael's support; otherwise, Michael will support Gifford. Michael will then introduce Jenny to Gifford and have him marry Jenny. The Edwards and Smith families would still form an alliance, but Michael would give the Edwards Group to Gifford to satisfy the Smiths."
Patrick sighed. To Michael, Theodore or Gifford, both were his sons. As long as they followed orders and secured the marriage alliance for international expansion, they were good sons and recognized heirs. "Michael owns the most shares. If he chooses Theodore, the Edwards Group belongs to Theodore. If he chooses Gifford, it belongs to Gifford. Under this pressure, Theodore and Jenny have grown closer. I think he's probably made his decision."
Debra's expression grew grim. Patrick looked at Rebecca and said cautiously, "Becky, all we did was speed up the Edwards family's problems…"
"I get it," she interjected.
Rebecca looked at her father. "Dad, you don't need to worry about me. I know Theodore is not a good match." If Theodore had been worth staying with, he wouldn't have deemed Rebecca unworthy based on Janet's few comments.