Claire Wilson's announcement sent a shockwave through the room, causing gasps of disbelief. Everyone assumed she was out of her mind. Emgrand Team was Aurouss Hill's largest company, and the Wilsons were insignificant in comparison.
Harold scoffed sarcastically, "Claire Wilson, do you actually think you can get an offer from Emgrand Team?"
Wendy echoed his mocking tone, "Claire Wilson, who do you think you are? What do you think Emgrand Team is? Your recklessness will only disgrace the Wilson family!"
Another person chimed in, "Wendy's right! If she's rejected, our family will be the laughingstock of Aurouss Hill."
Claire's face burned with embarrassment. Her standing in the family had plummeted since marrying Charlie Wade. Her parents used to be proud, but under the scornful comments, she regretted her impulsive suggestion. She shouldn't have made such a ridiculous proposal.
Lady Wilson, observing the scene, was furious. Now that Claire had bravely stepped up, everyone was mocking her! Lady Wilson had always disliked Claire, but she appreciated Claire's willingness to take on the challenge, unlike the others who only offered criticism—especially her grandson, Harold, who was a constant source of frustration.
Lady Wilson's attitude toward Claire shifted dramatically. She declared, "Stop your nonsense, you cowards! I'll give Claire the task of negotiating with Emgrand Team!"
Sheepishly, Claire mumbled, "Don't worry, Grandmother, I'll try my best."
Harold snorted, "You try your best, and then what? You'll shame us if you fail!"
Charlie Wade, in a teasing tone, asked, "Harold Wilson, why are you belittling Claire? Do you think the Wilson family is unworthy of partnering with Emgrand Team?"
Harold hadn't expected Charlie to speak up, especially so confidently. Seeing Lady Wilson's displeasure, he quickly explained, "No, I just think it's unlikely Claire will secure the deal."
Charlie Wade laughed, "What if she succeeds? Should we make a bet?"
Harold grinned, "Okay, let's bet! I'm not afraid of your little wager. What do you propose?"
Charlie Wade said, "If Claire succeeds, you'll beg for mercy at my feet and admit you're wrong. If she fails, I'll do the same. What do you say?"
Harold chuckled, "You're digging your own grave, loser! I accept!"
Charlie Wade nodded, "Everyone here is witness. Whoever breaks the bet will have their parents and grandparents die!" He emphasized "grandparents" loudly, ensuring Harold wouldn't renege. Harold knew he couldn't back out; doing so would essentially be cursing Lady Wilson.
Harold, confident of victory, laughed, "Everyone, you'll witness me as you kneel before me!"
Claire, alarmed, tried to signal Charlie, but he ignored her. Lady Wilson didn't care about the bet; she only wanted the deal with Emgrand. She said smoothly, "Very well. Claire, you have three days to negotiate the deal. Dismissed!"
Back home, Claire's parents confronted the couple. Her mother, Elaine Ma Wilson, paced angrily, "Claire, you're insane! How could you listen to that loser and accept this without thinking?"
Her father, Jacob Wilson, turned to Charlie, scolding, "You helpless loser, you've driven my daughter to ruin! If she fails, she'll be ostracized, and you'll have to grovel before Harold! My dignity will be ruined!"
Charlie Wade said seriously, "Dad, Mom, everything will be fine if Claire succeeds, right?"
Jacob growled, "Negotiate my ss! Do you know how powerful Emgrand Team is? They won't even look at the Wilson family!"
Charlie Wade smiled, "Maybe someone will. I believe in Claire; I think she'll get the deal easily."
Elaine sneered, "You believe? Who do you think you are, the owner of Emgrand Group? You're a loser, a piece of trash! How can you be so oblivious and positive?"