Chapter 184 (+15 BONUS)
Michael took a step forward, clearly about to say something to Chris, but Albert reminded him from behind that Linda wanted Chris back. Only then did Michael stop, merely glancing at Chris. All his next moves were cut off.
Chris turned and responded with a nod, then said to Michael, “Mr. Hall, my mother-in-law is calling me. You should follow what Albert said–wait a few days for any arrangements. By then, other business partners can come along as well.”
This time Michael started to retreat, but Chris pressed forward step by step. “As long as you and Jessica aren’t together, Linda won’t give you any special treatment. Right now, you’re an outsider to us. Adjust your mindset and stop doing useless things.”
He had wanted to warn Michael like this many times before, hoping Michael would stop pursuing Jessica, but he always feared his actions might trouble Jessica. For the bigger picture, he had to endure what was happening.
Clearly, he and Jessica were a couple–a fact everyone knew. They had even been married, but to keep up appearances, whenever Michael came, Chris hid like a mistress in a room. The feeling was awful. Chris really didn’t want to keep doing that. Today was a good chance to vent his anger, even if only briefly.
Michael left very unwillingly, glancing back at Chris once before getting in the car. Speaking of which, Jordan looked very similar to Michael. Even their eyes were the same.
“That took you long enough,” Jessica said after Chris closed the door. She was listening in. “Was it that hard to deal with him?”
Chris shook his head, “No, I just warned Michael not to do anything without a place here.”
Jessica immediately understood Chris’s intention and laughed, pulling him back inside. “That doesn’t matter. It stops Michael from coming to find me later.”
Michael came once, but he didn’t see either Linda or Jessica. If Michael was smart, he would realize that he had no chance with the Wilder family anymore.
Until the New Year’s Eve dinner, Linda kept playing cards with the couple. Chris was exhausted and helped the chef while the women talked about company matters.
“You did very well–balanced and relaxed,” Linda praised without holding back. “I also heard some rumors in the boardroom that Michael winning the Wilder Jewelry endorsement was because of you. Don’t let those words spread too far.”
Jessica peeled an orange and handed it to her mother. “I know what I’m doing. Right now, the Hall Group still needs exposure. I gave Michael the chance. As long as I hold Jaden’s fate in my hands, the Hall Group will have to change leaders sooner or later.”
Linda thought further than Jessica. She glanced at her daughter. “Are you sure Jaden is trustworthy?”
Jessica had never trusted Jaden from the start. The person she trusted was Collin. “I’ve known Collin for years. Without me, Collin couldn’t have kept his position in the Phillips family. I don’t easily trust anyone, but I believe in interests.”
Linda looked at her daughter quietly for a while, then nodded. “Good. Seems like you’ve learned everything I taught you. This is great. I won’t interfere with the Wilder Group anymore, I leave it to you.”
The dinner was prepared by the chef and Chris together. Before that, Shannon had received two calls, saying Jason wanted to reschedule the post-New Year shoot. It seemed that Michael had just been firmly rejected at the Wilder Group and was clearly displeased. People like Michael, once things go wrong, would definitely cause trouble at work.