Chapter 213
213 A Sister’s Offer
213 A Sister’s Offer
Once the lab was officially up and running, Alice knew she’d start pulling back from Nolan Group .
She never signed up to be tied down here. She’d only come to help, not to sell herself to the company,
So when the time came, she’d leave on her own terms.
Eric didn’t need her anymore, not really. His capabilities spoke for themselves.
Before, it was his health that needed constant monitoring. That’s why she’d stuck around.
But now? As long as he kept taking care of himself, he’d be fine without her.
Alice gave a little wave. “I’m heading out.”
She turned and walked toward the elevators.
Eric watched her go, his gaze darkening with something unreadable.
Daniel, ever the shadow, hurried over.
“Mr. Nolan, I just came from that direction. I think she’s actually headed to the hospital. Doesn’t seem like anything shady.”
He paused, then added, “Also, I think she’s short one driver. Do you want me to keep an eye on her for you–real subtle.”
Eric gave a low grunt of acknowledgment and tilted his chin slightly, keeping his cool.
Daniel took that as permission and bolted.
The car over? I can
There was no time to waste–if he didn’t get moving, Alice would’ve already sped off. And with the way she drove?
There was no chance he could catch up if she hit the gas.
At the Spencer Group, Charlie cracked open the office window and lit a cigarette.
Cash flow was getting tighter by the day, and the projects he had on his plate? All money pits.
He was spending but not making a dime.
If he couldn’t land a new investor soon, the company would be in serious trouble.
Then, his assistant, Shane, walked in.
“Mr. Spencer, your sister’s here.”
Charlie frowned. “What? ”
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213 A Sister’s Offer
“ It’s Ms. Linda,” Shane quickly clarified, realizing the misunderstanding.
Charlie’s expression didn’t soften much.
For a second, he thought it might’ve been Alice–coming on behalf of Nolan Group to offer help.
But realistically, he knew that wasn’t going to happen.
Still, like Josh had said, they never treated Alice like family–so why should she consider them as her family.
“Let her in.”
Linda had been standing outside the whole time.
Back in the day, she used to walk straight into his office without question.
Now, she was stopped by Shane.
She got the message. Some bonds–if not tended–slip away whether one admits it or not.
But it didn’t matter. She had Clayton now.
He’d proposed last night—well, started to. She hadn’t said yes yet, but it was a solid step forward.
Soon, she’d be the daughter–in–law of a college president–a woman of real statu
Who needed Spencer Group anyway? They were just a stepping stone.
“Charlie,” she said softly from the doorway, almost timidly.
She didn’t even have the nerve to step inside.
Charlie looked up.
This was the sister he’d protected for years. There were real feelings there.
Seeing her like this, his guard dropped a little.
“What are you doing standing out there? Come in and talk.”
She finally walked in and sat on the couch.
I just came to see you, and to apologize.
Charlie blinked. “Huh?”
“I didn’t know the company was in trouble. I only found out after overhearing one of your calls with Gary.
She lowered her head, looking like she was about to ery.
“I’ve been seeing someone. He saw how upset I was and asked what was going on. That’s when I told him .
“He said he might be able to help.”
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Her voice cracked, emotions tucked behind her words.
“I didn’t think it was possible… but then he told me he’s Mr. Reese’s son.”
Charlie froze,
He then turned to look at her with an expression of disbelief.
Byron’s son ?
Wasn’t Clayton her boyfriend ?
How is he suddenly Byron’s son ?
Wait …
Was their only interest in Clayton because of his background ?
Had they gotten her all wrong ?
Suddenly, guilt hit him hard. He’d assumed the worst and judged her without knowing the facts.
“Linda… You don’t need to apologize,” he said, voice low. “Honestly, I owe you one.”
Linda lifted her tear–streaked face. “I just really wanted to say sorry. If I’d known who he was earlier, I would’ve asked him for help right away.
“Even if it meant he might look down on me for it.”
That line hit Charlie like a punch to the gut.
As a CEO himself, he knew how it felt. If a girlfriend came to him asking for help with a failing business, he’d definitely think twice. And, he would probably assume she was just using him for money or status.
He might even use it as an excuse to break things off.
Linda had been protected her whole life. She had no idea how ugly the world could be.
If she really did ask Clayton for help, and things got messy, the Spencers would always be inferior to him.
“Linda … you’re not to blame. You didn’t know what was going on.”
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