Chapter 129
To Jessica, Michael was not a natural-born businessman. He lacked all the sharp instincts a businessman should have. It seemed as though Michael had only come this far because of his family background. If Michael had taken over the Hall family’s business earlier and gone head-to-head with Jessica back then, the Hall family might not even exist today.
“You really can be that ruthless?” asked Chris. Jessica looked up at him. “There is no mercy in the business world, let alone for someone like Michael, who ended things with me years ago. I have no feelings left for him at all. Even if we were friends, once in the business arena, a ranking still has to be settled.”
“I don’t really understand business, but Michael always gave me the impression… that he isn’t actually the mastermind behind everything. Honestly, with his level of intelligence, I doubt he could pull something like this off.”
That was right—Chris simply thought Michael was too stupid. Take the time when Michael wanted to see Joseph, for example. He even used Jessica as an excuse. Maybe Michael was trying to provoke him, but did he never consider that he might call Jessica to confirm? In the end, Michael didn’t get to see the person, and in his game with Chris, he also came out on the losing end.
“I saw a kind of obsession in Michael’s eyes last time. I don’t think he truly still loves you. Maybe he regrets not being with you back then, or maybe your current status has caught his attention. Either way… it’s more about using you than liking you.”
“I know.” Jessica knew as well—feelings always faded with time. Over the past five years, because of Chris’s presence, her love for Michael had been worn down by time and transferred to Chris instead. And Michael was no different. It was possible that Michael never really loved her that much to begin with. He wasn’t a born businessman, but he also wasn’t a completely upright gentleman.
“I got this feeling after seeing Mom.” Chris put down his cutlery. “I always feel like whenever Michael hears about her, his expression changes in a strange way—just like when he framed me at the mansion. That same vicious and sinister look in his eyes, I’m worried something might happen to Mom.”
Jessica said, “Don’t worry. He can’t get close to her. Do you think the maids in her house are ordinary people? Even Albert, the butler, is not someone Michael can handle.” The Wilder family’s residence had deep roots. Forget the Hall family—even Roy likely couldn’t get near Mrs. Wilder. Since Jessica said so, Chris had no more reason to worry. Since Joseph was discharged from the hospital, his condition had remained stable. And based on the names Joseph provided, Roy had caught the person who pushed him off the stage. With a slap, Roy threw the file onto Jessica’s desk.
Chapter 129 It was in the Wilder Group CEO’s office, with everyone present. Nina opened the file and looked through it. According to this person’s confession, pushing Joseph was entirely his own decision—out of jealousy. What a hollow excuse. If it was just jealousy, then why did Janet appear in the mix?
“According to our investigation, Janet’s father, Westley, owed a sum of money. Coincidentally, the day before Janet took action, most of the debt was paid off. This matched Janet’s own statement, which said that the remaining small amount would be transferred once the task was completed. We tracked Janet’s bank account but didn’t find the payment.”
Standing beside Jessica, Chris thought for a moment, recalling Janet’s behavior in the hospital. “Janet might not be lying. She’s been looking troubled these past few days—probably because of her father.”
Chapter 130