Chapter 8
The Lynn family’s diamond business barely compared to the Goodman family fortune–not even close. And the useless Jackson wasn’t cut out to inherit any family fortune at all.
On the flip side, Yancey took charge of Goodman Group in just three years. Also, he made smart moves that boosted the company’s assets several times over. Now, Goodman Group was on par with Sheppard Group, the largest company in Aritial.
Mason’s intentions were pretty clear. He wanted to ride on Yancey’s coattails, hoping his own company could score some benefits from their
connection…
Goodman Group was a powerhouse. If Yancey handed over even a couple of money–making projects, the Lynn family would be set for life.
Despite being married to Yancey for years, Daphne had always pushed back against Mason’s attempts to work with Goodman Croup–she didn’t want to take any handouts from the Goodman family.
If Daphne weren’t so stubborn, Mason wouldn’t be putting all his affection on Hannah. Now, he was helping Hannah get closer to Yancey. Once Yancey and Daphne divorced, Hannah would be the ideal candidate to take on the role of Yancey’s wife
Just as Hannah brushed against Yancey’s suit sleeve, he shined slightly and frowned, saying, “Your place! It was a small movement, but the distance felt big.
Hannah hesitated, sensing his annoyance. She bit her lip, nodded, and tried to keep her voice steady. “My parents always say you should come by for a visit.
She had expected him to say no, but surprisingly, he glanced at his watch and replied, “How about tomorrow afternoon!”
His straightforward agreement eased Hannah’s nerves. She brushed aside her worries, thinking he must have been influenced by Daphne Otherwise, he wouldn’t be avoiding her.
A flash of determination crossed Hannah’s eyes, and her dislike for Daphne grew stronger. The title of Mrs. Shaw is rightfully mine. Now that I’m back in the picture, it’s time for Daphne to step aside.
The car turned the comer and vanished down the long street. On the second floor of the restaurant, Daphne finally pulled her eyes away from the window.
She cut her steak delicately, her casual air and graceful movements showcasing the poise of a true lady. Just watching her was enough to leave an impression on anyone nearby
Chester drummed his fingers on the table, a slight–frown creasing his brow as he asked, “Does that illegitimate girl from the Shaw family always talk to you like that?”
She had the nerve to openly mock Daphne. There’s nothing sisterly about her, die thought, feeling a surge of anger,
Laphne shrugged slightly, “What do you expect?”
As the legitimate daughter of the Shaw family, Daphne knew her presence made her a thorn in Hannah and Yvonne’s sides. As long as around, those two could never find peace–she was a constant reminder of their not–so–glamorous past.
Chester’s expression hardened, his eyes like ice. “I’ll take care of her for you
she was
He didn’t expect Hannah would have the nerve to bully Daphne. Now that he was aware of the situation, be refused to let it slide. He was ready to step in
Daphne found it amusing. And how exactly are you planning to handle her?”
Chester’s face was all business, making it clear he wasn’t joking. “If Mason can’t even protect his own daughter, how is he supposed to nun a company!”
With just a word from her, he could make sure Mason’s entire family couldn’t stick around in Aritial.
Daphne understood what he was getting at. She set down her knife and fork, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and said, “That’s not necessary”
Leaning back in her chair, she gazed lazily out the window with a smile, “They want to see me embarrass myself, right? Let them wait and see who the real joke is in the end” Kicking them out would just be boring.
Chester paused for a moment, then broke into a smile and affectionately ruled phur’s hair. “You’ve grown up. Then I’ll let you handle this your way.” No matter what happened, dse Sheppard family would always have her back.
1/2
10:51 AM
Chapter 8
Daphne smiled back. It was a bit annoying that Chester still treated her like a kid, but it also warmed her heart. After three years with the Goodman family, where love and closeness were missing, she was really tired.
The dinner wrapped up pleasantly. Chester had to rush back to the office for an unexpected meeting, so he arranged for a driver to take Daphine home first.
Just before leaving. Chester suddenly remembered something and asked from outside the car window, “Are you going to divorce tomorrow?”
“Yeah, tomorrow,” Daphne nodded. More specifically, it was at nine in the morning. She wanted to get this divorce over with as soon as possible.
“I have Philip go
go with you tomorrow, Chester said. After seeing Yancey’s attitude today, he didn’t feel comfortable letting her go alone.
Daphne shook her head with a casual smile. “No need. I can handle it m
myself”
Chester insisted, “If you don’t want Philip, I’ll find time to go with you.”
“Philip is okay. He has more free time, Daphne quickly replied. After all, Philip, as the vice CEO, often took time off work for dates. It would be easier than dragging the busy Chester along
Chester nodded and signaled the driver to start the car,
Daphne waved goodbye to Chester, and soon after, her phone rang. It was her best friend, Jessica Donald
“Daphne, my dear, you’re finally breaking free from the marriage trap?” Jessica teased.
“You already know!” Daphne asked, surprised. Things had happened so fast that she hadn’t had a chance to tell jessica about her divorce plans, yet somehow, Jessica was already in the loop.
Jessica laughed. “The word about your clash with Yancey at the charity auction is already making the rounds.”
Even before the event ended, gossip about them had been everywhere.
Daphne raised an eyebrow, not shocked. “Enjoy the gossip?”
Jessica chuckled, “On, you bet. Especially with all those posts Iushing Hannah I went ahead and liked every single one of them.
The drama of two women competing for one man was thrilling enough, especially with the juicy backstory. Hannah’s mother, the current lady of the Shaw family, carned her place as the infamous other woman”
And now, her daughter wanted to break up her half–sister’s marriage either. This whole situation was just too thrilling
Jessica shook her head in amazement. “Hannah really doesn’t care about her reputation, does she? She’s got the guts to drag Yancey around in front of everyone. Thank goodness you shut her down; otherwise, you would’ve been the one facing the criticism today!”
