Chapter 365
Ronald recalled the recent online scandal involving Trevor and that girl. His brow furrowed, and the look he cast toward Quantavius turned noticeably colder.
He had heard about Birgitte’s situation. If it hadn’t been her, those same tactics would likely have been used on Aubree.
Even if Trevor had a hand in it, Ronald still saw the Yurchenko family as bringing disaster upon themselves. Quarrels among siblings could be handled with a parent’s warning, but when outsiders got involved, it was an affront to the Wilson family’s dignity.
That was Ronald’s stance.
“What business do you have?” he asked coldly.
Before coming, Ernesto had already mentioned some of the Wilson family’s current situation to Quantavius, hinting subtly that Ronald had complicated feelings about his daughter. Quantavius had expected this chilly reception.
“I’m here today to apologize, Mr. Wilson,” Quantavius said, bowing his head humbly.
Trevor’s influence was immense. The Yurchenko family had already suffered a major blow from the combined force of Turner Group and Bree Technology. Now, with Trevor’s fans boycotting them, the Yurchenko family was on the brink of collapse.
Quantavius said, “My sister did something that upset your daughter. But in the end, she didn’t suffer any real loss. I hope you can offer us a helping hand.”
Ernesto stepped in. “Ronald, just consider it a favor for me. Help the Yurchenko family out.”
Quantavius quickly said, “I know you’re concerned about your daughter being influenced by Bowen and refusing to come home. Right now, the easiest target is her ‘GrabCheap’ project. I won’t lie, the Yurchenko family may be down, but in Südlichen Strand, we can still handle a few dirty tricks.”
He added, “If there are things that would be inconvenient for you to do, let us take care of them.”
Alice tried to suppress her racing heart after seeing Kyler. She understood now wasn’t the time to get distracted. She said, “Weren’t you worried earlier about where to strike? Bree Technology has Turner Group’s support in Rithol City. Their core businesses are well protected.”
She continued, “In Südlichen Strand, Wilson Group’s influence doesn’t reach as far. We need to seize this chance. Only when Aubree is put in a difficult position, when she sees through Bowen, will she realize who truly has her best interests at heart.”
Ronald wasn’t just moved. He was ready to act. “You expect me to invest just based on words? That might be a little unrealistic.”
He needed to confirm what value the Yurchenko family could bring. There was a big difference between an ally and a liability.
Quantavius noticed the opening and exchanged a glance with Ernesto. “It’s too public here. Mr. Wilson, may I invite you to dinner tonight?”
Ronald nodded.
Watching all this unfold, Bryan was torn. He worried this would just make Aubree hate them even more.
This whole exchange was clearly seen by Aubree from upstairs. “The Wilson and Yurchenko families? They’re getting involved together?”
No doubt their target was her “GrabCheap” project. Aubree decided it was time to speed things up with Sophia.
Because of this distraction, Ronald forgot about Alice’s strange reaction when she saw Kyler earlier.
Aubree and Ronald both looked into Carmen, but the Wilsons found nothing because Alice had the Diamonde family intervene. Ernesto had blocked the investigation from behind the scenes. Also, the Wilson family had been overwhelmed with other troubles lately and had little energy to spare on Carmen.
Meanwhile, Aubree had local help. Kurtis was her key, and it was thanks to him that she managed to trace things back to Xander.
Ronald might have forgotten about Alice’s reaction, but Ernesto had not. From the moment he saw Kyler, his heart was in turmoil.
‘He’s alive? No, he’s dead. It’s just that Xander looks so much like him,’ Ernesto tried to convince himself.
Finding an excuse, he pulled Alice aside.
Alice was visibly uneasy under her brother’s intense gaze. “I…”
“Alice, you need to remember. Xander is already dead. That man isn’t him,” Ernesto said firmly. Alice felt her chest tighten.
Of course she knew. They just looked too similar.
“Right now, our family depends on the Wilson family’s investment. You need to know where you stand,” Ernesto continued pressuring her. He loved his sister, but he couldn’t give up their wealth either.
Ernesto said, “You’ve had five children with your husband. He’s never messed around outside. Regardless of where your heart was in the past, now it’s time to let it go.”
“I assume you wouldn’t want your husband finding out about Carmen, would you?” Ernesto added. He was a master at mixing threats with sweet talk.
Alice’s eyes were filled with pain. ‘Carmen…’
Without the Wilson family and Diamonde family backing, she couldn’t give Carmen the best life.
“I know,” Alice said softly. Xander was gone. Her top priority now was protecting Carmen.
Ernesto knew his sister well, and he also knew her weakness. His tone softened slightly. “Your husband is already starting to lose patience. You really need to be more careful going forward.”
Alice fell silent, nodding. But in her heart, that man’s image still lingered. She wondered if he was Aubree’s man.
Once the networking event ended, Aubree returned to the hotel.
Kyler stood nervously before her. For him, the earlier conference had been a test. Now came judgment.
He knew this might be his only shot at turning his life around.
Aubree sat on the couch. Bowen sat beside her. “Well? What do you think? If he won’t do, I’ll find someone else.”
If no one looked like Xander, they could always have someone undergo plastic surgery. There were more methods than problems.
“He’s fine,” Aubree said with a faint smile. “The lethal charm of a first love lookalike is irresistible,” she thought to herself.
Aubree smirked faintly. The event wasn’t even over, and Vincent had already told her Alice was trying to contact him.
The motive was obvious.
“You want me to get close to that rich lady, right?” Kyler asked.
“No rush. I’ll have you trained. Once you’re ready, I’ll arrange it.” Just a face wasn’t enough. Carmen’s case had proven that Alice’s love for Xander ran deep.
Kyler’s resemblance to Xander alone wasn’t enough.
At first sight, a similar face might entrance Alice. But a face alone wouldn’t cut it in the long term.
Aubree had someone take Kyler away. Then, as if remembering something, she said, “I saw the Yurchenko family reach out to the Wilson family. They’re probably planning to go after GrabCheap.”
She continued, “I’ve already gathered quite a bit on the Yurchenko family’s dirty laundry. When do you think is the best time to strike?”
Bowen brushed through her hair. “Let’s go big.”
The alliance of the Wilson, Diamonde, and Yurchenko families created too many unpredictable variables.
But one thing was clear. If Quantavius really convinced Ronald to support him, the Wilson family would definitely need to make some sort of public move. At the very least, they’d invest money.
Bowen said, “Wait until they’ve officially tied together. That’s when the profit will be the biggest. But of course, you’ll need to be ready to handle the storm that comes with taking on two major families.”
He added, “We’ve already paid the price. Naturally, we’ll take the biggest reward.”
Aubree pressed her lips together. She had confidence. She could handle whatever storm followed.