Chapter 143
143 Bargaining with Guilt
Finished
Eugene agreed with the suggestion and gave a subtle nod. Oliver let out a long sigh, massaging the bridge of his nose before speaking. “Let’s stop focusing on her..Since we cut ties, she’s no longer our concern.”
few years .
But the truth was, he couldn’t face Scarlett. Not unless he was willing to admit that, for the past he’d been nothing but a blind fool–a bully, really. He wasn’t ready to confront that.
On the way to Jandale, he’d already decided that it was better if they just stayed out of each other’s way. At least that way, knowing Scarlett’s character, she wouldn’t do anything to hurt Joyner Corp or the family.
“The priority now,” Franklin said, forcing himself to let go of his resentment, “is figuring out how to get into the banquet–and how to get the Lane family to give us a chance.”
He took a slow breath to steady himself.
“Our most important task is getting the Lane family to stop pursuing charges against Rebecca . After that, we need to establish ties with them, maybe even push for a collaboration.”
“I had a private investigator look into it. Right now, the person with the most influence in the Lane family is Sophia–the first wife. After her, it’s Owen, then the old matriarch.”
“I heard Sophia has a thing for antique paintings. I’ve already arranged for someone to bid on a da Vinci portrait. Hopefully, that’ll make a good impression.”
He paused for a moment, exhaling heavily. “Only then can we ensure Rebecca’s safety.”
Just as he finished speaking, his phone buzzed in his hand. He quickly glanced at the screen.
“It’s a reply from the Lane family’s second branch. We got an invitation!”
The three brothers visibly relaxed. Oliver spoke first. “Even if we can’t win them over, just attending the banquet gives us a chance to meet some high–profile people. That alone is good for business . ”
“It’s still early,” Stanley said. “Since we’re here, we might as well look around.”
The four of them stepped out of the hotel, initially intending to grab a quick meal at the restaurant across the street. But they hadn’t gone far when they unexpectedly ran into Connor.
He was accompanied by an assistant and clearly in a hurry. His expression shifted when he saw the Joyner family approaching.
“You guys are here too?” he asked, visibly surprised. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
Franklin smiled politely. “We’re in town for an event.”
Connor’s face tightened. What kind of event would warrant the full Joyner family showing up in Jandale- especially Stanley, who barely knew how to handle business ?
He cut straight to the point. “Is it for the Lane family’s banquet?”
Franklin looked mildly surprised. “You’re attending as well?”
Connor’s expression turned smug. “Yeah, I was invited.”
Franklin’s smile widened with calculated warmth. “Young and accomplished–looks like the Jude Group’s
1/3
Car 143 Bargaining with Dum
Expansion is just around the corner.”
He paused, then changed his tone. “But…”
3 Emojj
That one word made the smile freeze on Connor’s face. He turned to Franklin with a wary look.
Franklin chuckled again. “It’s been hard to reach you lately. Since we’ve run into each other why don’t we grab a bite? We can talk about Rebecca’s situation.”
Connor stayed quiet. If he’d known the Joyner family was staying here, he would’ve booked a different hotel. But this was the best option near the Lane estate–most out–of–towners corning for the birthday banquet were staying here.
I know you’re upset Rebecca got arrested in front of me,” Franklin said, waving a hand dismissively. “This isn’t the place to talk about it.”
He pointed across the street to the restaurant.
Ten minutes later, Connor walked into the restaurant, clearly reluctant. He knew the Joyner family was going to grill him, and there was no avoiding it. If they caused a scene at the Lane banquet tomorrow , all his plans would go down the drain.
Better to deal with them now and prevent any complications.
Franklin had been fuming for days, and now that he had the chance, he wasn’t holding back.
“Rebecca went to meet with the Lane family rep with you,” he said. “She was accused of plagiarism , then declared an arsonist? You better have an explanation, Connor!”
Connor took a breath, choosing his words carefully.
“The plagiarism issue–it wasn’t entirely Rebecca’s fault,” he said. “We needed the proposal done quickly, and I kept pressuring her. Someone gave her a few ideas, and I guess she used them in the plan. She probably didn’t know they were taken from somewhere else.”
“But the original creator, Red Star Flash, fought back hard. That’s when the Lane family got involved. Once they saw the evidence, they were furious. They’re the ones who called the police.”
Franklin slammed his hand on the table. “I knew it! Rebecca’s a good, honest girl. She wouldn’t steal work on purpose!”
He turned to Oliver. “Track down her roommate–the one who gave her the ideas. Find her and bring her in!”
Oliver immediately began sending messages from his phone.
Connor waited until Franklin’s anger started to cool, then added, “The Lane family was disgusted by the whole situation. I saw how bad it looked, so I let the police take Rebecca–for now. I figured I’d find another way to help her later.”
Franklin scoffed. “Help her? You? Sounds more like you were running for cover to protect yourself!”
212.3