Chapter 313:
The Ferguson family was not known for playing games.
Therefore, if Eileen aimed to establish her presence within Ferguson Group, she needed a significant project, and the Walsh familyâs project seemed ideal.
This period gave her the chance to truly rejuvenate and gather her strength.
Although she occasionally dealt with minor issues at the branch company, her main focus remained on studying the details of the Walsh familyâs project.
Meanwhile, Zola was also actively pursuing the same project.
With Kianâs involvement, she had managed to secure several private meetings with Leland.
However, each encounter with Leland resulted in her being taken advantage of, and despite her sacrifices, she still failed to secure the project.
Left with no other option, Zola sought Bryanâs help once more. She confronted him outside his office after work, her face tense with frustration.
âYou canât just completely detach yourself from everything now that Iâm handling Apex Groupâs operations,â she protested, stretching her arms across the hallway to block Bryanâs path. âIt was no small feat to snag this project from Leland, but with you on board, we can definitely pull it off!â
âAnd why exactly should I help you?â Bryan asked, his tone carrying a hint of challenge.
Zolaâs eyes flashed with urgency. âApex Group belongs to you too, doesnât it? How can you even frame this as helping me?â
âIf itâs mine, then itâs none of your business what I do with it,â Bryan replied coldly as he walked around her to press the elevator button.
Find your imagination at galn ovels ; con Driven by desperation, Zola stepped in front of the elevator doors, blocking his way.
âI canât keep this up much longer,â she said, her voice strained. âWe have, at most, two more months before the Walsh family project moves into launch preparations. I can stall for two months, max. After that, youâll need to step in so we can secure the project together, okay?â
She knew that after those two months, competition for the project would increase, and without Bryanâs influence, she would be left with only one optionâsuccumbing to Lelandâs advances.
Bryanâs response was cold and dismissive. âIf you canât keep it up, then just let it go. I wonât be available after two months.â
Stunned, Zola demanded, âWhat could possibly be so important that you wonât have time for this?â
He was clearly just spending his days idly at the company, so where could he be going?
After a brief pause, Bryan frowned and announced, âIâm going abroad.â
While Zola was still processing his words, Raymond seized the opportunity to pull her away from the elevator doors.
âWaitââ Zola tried to resist, but it was too late. Bryan stepped inside the elevator, and the doors slid shut.
âWhat are you going abroad for?!â she shouted, but her voice was cut off by the closing doors.
Raymond entered the elevator with Bryan, his gaze shifting uneasily. The silence hung between them for a moment before he spoke up.
âMr. Dawson, the Walsh family project is crucial for Apex Groupâs survival,â Raymond said, his tone laced with concern. âWith a potential breakthrough just two months away, can you really afford to leave the country now?â
Bryan leaned against the elevator wall, his posture relaxed but his eyes distant. His gaze was sharp but hollow, and he exhaled slowly as if carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
âIâm going abroad, not having an affair,â he replied, his voice tinged with both weariness and indifference. âWhy are you making such a fuss?â
âIâ¦â Raymond hesitated, visibly flustered before blurting out, âYou donât have any chance of having an affair anyway.â
Bryanâs gaze shifted to him, sharp as a blade.
Raymondâs heart skipped a beat. Panicking, he quickly corrected himself.
âMr. Dawson, can you be honest with me? Is there still hope for Apex Group to recover? If I switch jobs⦠you wonât hold it against me later, right?â
His words echoed in the confined space, his tone filled with uncertainty and quiet desperation.
The thought of leaving Apex Group was daunting. If the company were to rebound after his departure, Raymond knew he wouldnât be able to face anyone.
âApex Group will not recover,â Bryan declared with certainty. âBut I wonât let you fall with it.â
Raymond found the implications hard to decipher, yet he was now convinced that staying with Bryan would still benefit him.
âStarting tomorrow, I wonât be coming to Apex Group,â Bryan continued, his tone firm but calm. âYouâll hold the fort. Once Iâve sorted out a few things, Iâll be back.â
His mind was already on Eileen. He needed to see her.
After a brief pause, he added, âYou donât have to hide where I am. Let them think Iâm acting out of a broken heart. A little impulsiveness from me will seem natural to them.â
âUnderstood,â Raymond nodded, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. âSo, youâre going to reignite an old flame, huh?â
âI have no interest in that,â Bryan interjected abruptly, his eyes sharp with warning. âDonât spread such nonsense.â
If certain individuals actually took those words to heart and believed there was still a spark between him and Eileen, it could bring unnecessary trouble to her.
Meanwhileâ¦
Time had flown by, and Eileenâs pregnancy had advanced to over eight months. Her due date was just ten days away.
All the preparations for delivery had been made. Everything was in place, simply awaiting the babyâs arrival.
Suddenly, a realization struck Rylie.
âWe shouldnât handle the postpartum period on our own,â she announced, pulling out several glossy pamphlets. âRuby, letâs visit some of these places soon. Donât you think professional care would be better?â
Ruby, who had never considered such an option before, turned to Eileen to gauge her reaction. But it was clear from Eileenâs face that she hadnât thought about it either.
âWellâ¦â Ruby hesitated before responding. âThe doctor mentioned that Eileen could go into labor at any moment now. Itâs crucial she isnât left alone.â
âFirst births arenât usually that quick,â Rylie replied, her eyes flicking over to Eileen, who was snacking on some fruit. âLook at her. Sheâs perfectly fine, right? She definitely wonât be giving birth today. Why donât you come with me to check out the top two options?â
The three of them exchanged uncertain glances. Ruby was still hesitant.
After a brief pause, Ruby turned to Eileen and asked, âEileen, whatâs your take on this? Iâve taken care of kids before, but I might not match up to a professional.â
Rylie quickly interjected, âYouâre definitely no match for a professional.â
âProfessional or not, the important thing is keeping the baby safe and sound,â Eileen said firmly, her resolve clear. From the beginning, she had always aimed to ensure a safe birth and a healthy upbringing for her child.
âIâll cover the costs,â Rylie announced confidently. âDonât worry, I have more than enough money. Weâll choose the most expensive and best option available. Ruby, you wouldnât hesitate to spend for your daughterâs well-being, would you?â
Ruby glanced at Eileen, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
âOf course not,â she replied, her voice soft but resolute. âWeâll do whatâs best for both Eileen and the baby.â
The atmosphere grew lighter, and despite the looming uncertainty, they each felt a little more at ease knowing the right support would be there when the time came.
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