Chapter 125: Spoiled Her Too Much
Wendy glanced briefly at the gathering before heading upstairs, while Chase lingered. Louis collected items from several guests, placing them on the floor. He then approached Chase and whispered, “They’ve all worked with Quinn Group. One has maintained medical equipment for Cloud Hospital for over five years.” He pointed to one man—a surprise.
All visitors were clearly connected to Quinn Group, but the presence of Cloud Hospital's equipment maintenance company was unexpected. Chase looked at the man, who appeared sharp and immediately approached with a smile. “You must be Dr. Goodman,” he said. “I’m Ron Blanco. Our company maintains all medical equipment at Cloud Hospital. I tried to see you at the hospital last time, but you’d already left.”
The man seemed young and adept at handling people. Chase, less experienced in business affairs, simply smiled at Ron’s enthusiasm. “We haven’t signed next year’s contract yet,” Ron continued. “I wanted to visit you personally, Dr. Goodman.”
Chase glanced at Mandy, engaged in pleasant conversation with a woman on the couch, before turning back to Ron. “It’s the holiday season; we’re not discussing business. Let’s talk about next year’s contract after the holidays. This isn’t the right place.”
Ron froze momentarily, then quickly agreed. “Yes, Dr. Goodman, of course. I see you have other guests, so I’ll leave now.” Louis escorted him out and returned. Chase asked, “I was gone a moment, and there are so many people here now? What’s going on? Who are those two women?”
“They used to work for Quinn Group but have retired,” Louis explained. “Your predecessors, you could say. It wouldn't be appropriate for them to visit Ms. Quinn directly, so they chose to speak with Madam Mandy instead. Now that Ms. Quinn’s upstairs, you can rest as well.”
Wendy was on the phone with Stella. Stella was supposed to return, but refused upon hearing Chase would be home for the holidays. Wendy usually indulged Stella’s temper, but this time, she considered Chase’s feelings. She’d told Stella before the holidays to either fly back—her ticket was already purchased and delivered by her assistant—or spend Christmas abroad. Stella hadn’t returned.
Wendy could be tough, but Stella was her younger sister, and she couldn’t ignore her during the holidays. She’d made three calls since morning.
Entering the study, Wendy seemed to have finally reached Stella. She frowned, upset. Seeing Chase, she signaled for him to wait outside. Turning her chair, she spoke to Stella. “I’ve told you, Chase is your brother-in-law. You can’t keep acting this way. There’s no future between Henry and me. Henry’s married with children. Don’t you care about Mom’s feelings?”
Stella argued back. Finally, Wendy ended the call, leaving the study quiet. Mandy’s voice could still be heard downstairs. Chase entered and saw Wendy, hand pressed to her temple, looking weary.
“I spoiled her,” Wendy muttered. “Mom always said I should let Stella learn, even if she didn’t manage the Harrison family business, she shouldn’t just hang around. But I didn’t listen, and I regret it.”
Chase gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “There’s nothing you could have done. She’s your only sister. She’s been spoiled since she was young. And besides, you’ve got Quinn Group under control. Mandy doesn’t want Stella to be this tired.”
Managing Quinn Group was indeed tiring. Wendy almost never had a day off. Even with employee weekends, she worked overtime. After years together, Chase had never seen her take a full break. This concerned him greatly.
“Is she really not coming back?” Chase asked.
Wendy nodded. “She’s in another city, didn’t say exactly where. But it’s fine, as long as she’s not with Henry.” What Wendy feared most was Henry trying something with Stella. She’d noticed Stella’s strange attitude toward Henry before, and even now, after sending her away, the worry remained.