Ch. 851..860

Chapter 851

Harry glanced at Genevieve from the rearview mirror. When he saw her pretty side profile, he curled his lips. The wind gently billowed past her long hair and made it tickle the back of his neck.

His eyes darkened. He then drove the motorcycle to the place closest to the sunset before stopping it and taking off his helmet.

Meanwhile, Genevieve climbed down from the motorcycle before standing by the railing to gaze at the sunset.

Harry walked over to her, but he leaned his back against the railing instead. As he stared at her orange-tinted figure, he said, "I come here to see the sunset every time I'm in a bad mood. Watching the sunset here makes me feel better. What about you, Genevieve? Are you feeling any better?"

"Mm." Genevieve tucked away the stray strand of hair by her face and smiled. "It's hard to stay gloomy after looking at the beautiful sunset."

When she went overseas with Armand for the show, she even planned to ask him to accompany her for a hike up Mount Drakon. She wanted to lie in his arms and watch the sunrise with him after waking up, but alas, it never happened.

Nevertheless, the sunset in front of her was a beautiful one as well.

Harry even pulled Genevieve to the beach and let her feel the sea breeze on her face before leaving a long track of footprints on the beach with her.

When the sun went below the horizon and cast a blanket of darkness over the land, it was time for the two to return.

"Genevieve, my right arm hurts a little," Harry told Genevieve as they walked back to the road. "Why don't you steer the bike instead?"

"I'll take you to the hospital for a checkup." Genevieve knew that he had severely fractured his right arm before.

Harry hummed in agreement. Not long after he climbed onto the motorcycle, he wrapped an arm around Genevieve's waist and placed his palm on her waist to gently hug her. Genevieve did not dwell on it, thinking that he was holding onto her to avoid falling off the motorcycle.

After going back to the city, the first place Genevieve went to was the emergency department. The doctor then filmed Harry's right arm and informed them that his arm was fine.

By the time they left the hospital, it was after seven, and the air was a little colder than before.

"Genevieve, what do you want to eat?" Harry asked. "I know a nice Jetroinian restaurant. Why don't I take you there to try it out?"

"Sure," Genevieve easily replied, smiling. "You've brought me to see the sunset, so let me treat you to Jetroinian cuisine."

The Jetroinian restaurant that Harry was talking about was located in a building near the river. When the two were in the elevator, the lights in it flickered as if no one had changed them for a long time. Genevieve was looking at her phone when she sensed someone leaning closer to her before grabbing her hand.

Instinctively, she tried to pry her hand away, but when she raised her head, she saw Harry's pale face and trembling lashes. In the next second, she recalled that Harry was claustrophobic and did not like to be in enclosed places.

When Harry lowered his head to look at Genevieve with his reddened eyes, Genevieve could see the fear and anxiousness in those eyes.

It made her heart ache.

Genevieve was sure that she would feel guilty if she were to push him away, so she had no choice but to let him hold her hand.

Nevertheless, Harry continued to push his luck by resting his head on the woman's shoulder as his fingers interlaced hers. However, there was a smile on his face.

Indeed, the seafood at the Jetroinian was good, and Genevieve ate quite a lot.

By the time they were done with their meal, it was after nine. Harry led Genevieve to the riverside.

Across the river was an old tower, and the night scenery was magnificent.

As Genevieve leaned against the railing and enjoyed the breeze, she smiled and said to Harry, "Thank you for accompanying me for so long. It's been a while since I've been this relaxed." Harry rested his head on his palms and replied, “I can always keep you company whenever you're feeling down."

A beat later, he said, "Genevieve."

"Hm?"

Harry was leaning his back against the railing and watching the running children with pinwheels a distance away. "Do you think older boys are smarter, or do you think younger boys are smarter?" Genevieve stiffened, not knowing why he was asking something like that.

Chapter 852

"The big boys, I think," Genevieve replied. "The big boys are the older ones, so they'll feel the need to be good role models for their younger brothers. Subconsciously, they'll restrict themselves and act more mature."

Harry asked, "Why must big boys be smarter than younger boys?"

His words rendered Genevieve speechless.

It was then she recalled that Nigel had a boy and a girl with his ex-wife. His son, who was the eldest in the family, was more than ten years older than Harry and seemed to be currently working as a politician. She wondered if Harry had been berated by Nigel at home for him to ask her that question. Hmm, did Nigel tell Harry that he is not as good as his brother?

"Harry, it isn't good to keep comparing yourself with others. You have your area of strength, and your brother has his," Genevieve told him. "I like you. You're lively and cute." Harry's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Of course. Mandy likes you too," Genevieve continued. "She has always been looking forward to you coming to Jadeborough to play with her."

"Then I'll go to Jadeborough next week to look for Mandy."

Genevieve hummed in agreement. Right then, someone called her. When she saw that it was a call from the production company's secretary, she walked to the side to pick up the call.

"What's the matter?"

Genevieve Orsi was previously under Helt Corporation, but Jack later separated it from the company and gave Genevieve Orsi to Genevieve.

Jack had been the one to handpick the executive members of the production company, so Genevieve was at ease to leave the company to them instead of going to the office every day. "Bad news, Mr. Rachford," the secretary, Faye Petterson, said to her. "Rachel killed herself..."

Ever since Sylvie terminated her contract with Genevieve Orsi, the company had turned to support Rachel instead. Soon after, she had won numerous major awards for film and television, and she was a capable trending star.

However, at around seven in the evening, Rachel jumped off the top floor of her condominium.

The news of Rachel's suicide spread like wildfire. Some even said that Rachel was coerced by her manager to take drugs and had a drug addiction. They also said that Rachel was supposedly brought by her manager to a social event to entertain a bigwig.

Celebrities who were jealous of Genevieve also took the opportunity to fan the flames. They bought ghostwriters to force Genevieve Orsi to a dead end.

James was truly at his wits' end, and that was why he asked the secretary to call Genevieve for a discussion.

Genevieve Orsi was now Genevieve's, so naturally, she could not just let things be and let something happen to the company.

After ending the call with the secretary, she instantly bought a plane ticket back to Jadeborough.

Then, she said to Harry, "I'm going back to Jadeborough after packing up in the hotel right away. Are you going to Evan's place?"

"Let me send you back to the hotel to pick up your things first," Harry told her before hurrying away from the riverside with Genevieve.

On their way to the airport, Genevieve scrolled her Twitter, only to see the news of Rachel Henderson trending even more intensely than before. In fact, some official accounts even remarked that their production company was immoral and were going to get the law enforcement departments to investigate them.

After one in the morning, Genevieve arrived in Jadeborough and went into Faye's car.

Genevieve then asked, "Had Rachel really taken drugs?"

"Yes." Faye nodded. "Her manager found out about it a long time ago and once tried to make her quit. However, Rachel said that she was too stressed out from filming and was only taking a little, so the manager couldn't intervene."

"What do you mean by she couldn't intervene? Does she not have a mouth? Why didn't she report it to her higher-ups?" Genevieve hissed, her expression dark.

The country's laws on drug abuse were strict. Any celebrities who were found taking drugs would be banned from appearing on screen, and their scandal would even affect the company's reputation. Genevieve massaged her temples before asking, "What about the video of her attending a social event?"

"It's real too..." Faye's expression was equally dark. "However, her manager did not know about that. Still, someone managed to sneak a shot of her attending it."

Upon hearing that, Genevieve turned so livid she wished she could curse at anyone.

After a while of suppressing her fury, she went on. "Why did Rachel kill herself?"

"I've asked her manager about this, but her manager said that Rachel has been joining the film crew as usual for her scenes and took part in the red carpet events. There wasn't anything amiss about her. However, her phone is locked, and her manager doesn't know the password to it."

A beat later, Faye commented, "Ms. Rachford, I have a feeling that this is planned. They're after our company."

Chapter 853

Genevieve could figure as much after seeing the news and hearing Faye's words.

Regardless of why Rachel had killed herself, the company had released a statement and said that they were going to cooperate with the law enforcement departments' investigation. However, the media did no care about the truth as they honed in on Genevieve Orsi. They even tried to get the state owned media company involved in an attempt to strike Genevieve Orsi Productions hard.

Genevieve queried, "Where's Rachel's phone?"

"The cops took it."

Genevieve switched on her phone screen to check the time; it was two in the morning. "Hold a press conference in the company at eight and invite the reporters within the industry. Also, make a copy of Rachel's contract and schedule and send them to me."

For some reason, Genevieve could feel something ill nagging at her soul.

Genevieve could not sleep after returning to the hotel. Instead, she stayed up and read the documents that Faye sent to her. Nevertheless, she was far too tired and ended up sleeping for a while. When it was half-past seven, Faye came to pick Genevieve up. By then, Genevieve was already awake and had washed up.

Dozens of reporters from the industry were already in the production company's conference room.

Not long after, they saw a woman entering the conference room.

The woman was wearing a black shirt, and a quarter of her sleeves were folded up to reveal her slender wrists. However, her shirt was buttoned up to the top and revealed no skin. Her dark hair was tied into a casual low ponytail, and her lips were light pink, almost as if she had no lipstick on.

Her black outfit made the fairness of her skin stand out, and it also made her seem even less approachable.

After Genevieve walked to the front, she slowly said, "I'm the chairman of Genevieve Orsi Productions, Genevieve Rachford. I've invited you all here to apologize on behalf of the company." Once Genevieve was done making her apologies, the reporters instantly began unleashing their onslaught of ruthless questions, such as when Rachel began taking drugs, whether or not she was forced to attend social events, and whether or not she had killed herself because the company had forced her to provide sexual services to the rich and the powerful.

Genevieve responded to their questions calmly and collectedly.

Right at that moment, someone opened the door to the conference room again. The middle-aged woman who barged into the room began yelling at Genevieve. "Your heartless company is what killed my daughter! Give her back to me!"

The woman was not alone as she had brought a group of people with her. There was a young man standing by the middle-aged woman's side, and he was carrying a black and white photo of Rachel. When the reporters caught a whiff of drama, they quickly turned their cameras to face the middle-aged woman.

Genevieve had read up about Rachel's family background, so she knew that the woman was Rachel's mother. As she walked over to them, she said, "Mrs. Henderson, please come to my office first-" "We shall speak here!" Rachel's mother, Mildred, took a few steps back.

As she pointed at the black and white photo in the young man's hands, she sobbed out to the reporters, "Look! My innocent daughter entered their company and was forced to do those dirty deeds. My daughter's only twenty-eight, but she's gone! Oh, my dear Rachie... You! You're all demons! You must all pay for taking my daughter's life!"

As she spoke, she jabbed her finger at Genevieve and the others.

Meanwhile, Steven warily watched the scene, ready to protect Genevieve if anything were to happen.

When Genevieve realized that Mildred was adamant about staying in the conference room, she retracted her arm and calmly said, "Mrs. Henderson, do you really not know why Rachel committed suicide?" "What are you trying to say?" Mildred gritted out and glared at Genevieve. "You were the ones who drove my daughter to kill herself!"

Genevieve took a few documents from Faye and brought one to one of the cameras for it to focus on the papers. "This is the A grade contract our company has signed with Rachel. The terms in the contract all benefit Rachel, and the company has agreed to prioritize her for any good deals they receive."

After flipping the contract, Genevieve flipped another document and brought it to the camera as well. "This is the schedule that Rachel's manager made for her. She has enough rest, but..."

Then, Genevieve suddenly changed the topic. "Rachel can earn around forty million for a television show. Twenty to thirty million for a jewelry endorsement. In other words, you can consider her to have a higher income in the entertainment industry. However, her manager told me that Rachel is constantly short of money. She had privately contacted those producers for jobs to work on and went to join those social events discreetly." Genevieve pursed her lips. "Even if she wanted to buy a house, she'll earn more than enough to buy one to two properties. Why is she still so short on money and still working so hard?"

Then, Genevieve turned to Rachel's mother and asked, "Mrs. Henderson, do you know why?"

Chapter 854

Mildred's expression turned cold as she cursed in a high-pitched voice, "She's working so hard because your company made her do so! Don't assume that I don't know that an actress' peak state is before she reaches thirty. Once she becomes thirty, she's no longer useful! Your heartless company just wants to squeeze every last bit of benefit from her!"

Genevieve smiled before flipping the pages of the contract again. "Mrs. Henderson, Rachel signed the A grade contract with us, so that means she retains many rights. No one will be able to force her if she doesn't want to take on the jobs. By the way, we've retrieved some footage from Rachel's condominium. Let's take a look at them."

With that, Genevieve gestured for Faye to turn on the projector.

Everyone turned to fix their gazes on the projection.

The reporters could see Rachel sitting in the living room of her condominium in the footage. Beside her, a woman in officewear had her hands on her hips, angrily berating Rachel.

As the surveillance camera had an audio recording function, the people in the conference room could hear what the woman said.

The things she said were about how Rachel was now a movie star and should not simply accept all kinds of television shows to lower her net worth. Although the two television shows she accepted had a high budget and would bring her quite an amount of income, the casting directors would have second thoughts when they considered her for a role.

Furthermore, Rachel had secretly accepted the endorsement of diet supplements manufactured by a shady company. If something were to go wrong after someone took the pill, she would have to take the blame for it as the ambassador.

The next scene of the footage was nighttime. Rachel was making a call by the window, sounding devastated. "I've already given you all the money I've earned all these years. I really don't have any more money. What do you mean by I'm earning hundreds of millions because I'm a star? Do you think I'm the only one working here? Do they not need to pay the rest of their employees? Mom, are you trying to kill me?"

After the call, Rachel fell to the ground and began bawling. What she said "Mom"-told the others that her family must be asking for money from her.

Before Mildred could speak, Genevieve swiftly and clearly said, "I went to consult Rachel's assistant. Apparently, she had to send money home every month or even half a month, and every time, she would send millions. If she did not do that, you'd call her and call her a b*stard. You'd curse at her for being an ingrate, and you even tell her that you'll take her to court and ruin her reputation."

"I'm her mother! It's her duty to give money to her family!" Mildred asserted. "No mother in this world would dare to claim that she has never scolded her daughter!"

"So you admit that you've called her a b*stard and an ingrate?" Genevieve questioned.

Mildred snapped, "I did not!"

"Ms. Rachford." Right then, Faye hurried over to hand Genevieve a document.

After Genevieve flipped through the document, her expression darkened.

She did not wish to reveal the scars of others to the world, but Mildred had come to the office to kick up a fuss. Genevieve had no choice but to salvage her company's reputation. Genevieve then coldly looked at Mildred and uttered, "It's because you had two daughters, so Jerome Henderson thinks that you're useless. He curses at you all the time. When you had Rachel, Jerome cheated on you. You became resentful and you feel that your husband would not have had an affair if you had a boy instead. Therefore, you took out your resentment on Rachel. You've never treated Rachel well since young. If not for her aunt sponsoring her, she would not have been able to go to university. A scout later recruited her to become a model and later a star. She gained a little fame, and once you found out that she had money and fame, you kept calling her and hounding her for money. She worked so hard to earn more because you keep asking for more. You forced her to the edge of the cliff, and that's why she killed herself!"

Even without looking at the contents of Rachel's phone-even by just watching the footage and the documents-Genevieve could decipher why Rachel killed herself.

Although most of the media thrived on the misery of others, all of the reporters in the room still felt that Mildred was inhumane after hearing what happened.

In fact, some reporters transferred those videos into their phones and uploaded them on the internet without even editing them.

Mildred never thought that Genevieve would look into the matter, but she was too used to kicking up fusses and was shameless. "I suffered so much to give birth to her, and I raised her for over twenty years. It's only right for her to give me money! Your company is the one who drove my daughter to death! It has nothing to do with me!"

Genevieve did not continue talking to Mildred, for the police that Faye called had come.

After the police announced that Mildred was linked to a suicide case, they cuffed her and brought her away.

"Thank you for your time." Genevieve inclined her head at the reporters before leaving.

The secretary would settle everything else.

Just as Genevieve stepped out of the conference room and before she could even let out a sigh of relief, an unfamiliar number called.

Chapter 855

After a glance at the number, Genevieve picked up the call.

However, she was not the first to speak; the other person was. "Genevieve, ask Coop if Specter Corporation's overseas company is still going fine. Come to Blue Shore Cafe to look for me after you're done with the call."

With that, the other person ended the call.

Genevieve's heart sank. The moment she entered her office, she called Cooper, but no one answered the phone. Thus, she called Bertilla instead.

"Ms. Rachford." Bertilla picked up rather quickly.

"Is Coop not in the office? I called him a few times, but no one picked up the call," Genevieve said. "Also, did something happen to Specter Corporation's Mysonna branch?" "Yes. Mr. Sutton has gone to Mysonna to deal with it."

Genevieve then found out from Bertilla that Specter Corporation's Mysonna branch was suddenly investigated by the local law enforcement department and had lost hundreds of millions in Anglanduran currency.

Genevieve drew her brows together and asked, "Has this matter been settled?"

"No." Bertilla sighed. "Mr. Sutton has been communicating with the local law enforcement department, but an executive member of the branch admitted to offering bribes to the law enforcement officers. Not only does it seem like the branch won't be opened for a while, but it also seems like we'll be facing a huge amount of penalty. The other party is clearly after Specter Corporation, but Mr. Sutton has no grudges with any overseas forces..."

Bertilla's last sentence reminded Genevieve of something.

After a while longer of conversing, Genevieve ended the call and hastily left the company to head to Blue Shore Cafe.

As it was only a little over ten in the morning, there was hardly anyone in the cafe.

After Genevieve stepped into the place and scanned the area, she soon noticed someone seated by the corner.

Her eyes darkened, and she walked over to sit down opposite the person.

Sally leisurely lifted her head to glance at Genevieve before shaking her phone in front of her. With a sneer on her face, she said, "I've seen the Twitter video that the reporters posted just now. Genevieve, you're impressive to have turned the tables, but so what? It's true that Rachel took drugs. Just that alone is enough for me to make your company rot."

Genevieve knew that it was highly likely that Sally was behind both Rachel's suicide and the trouble at Specter Corporation's Mysonna branch.

After all, it was simply too easy for Sally to get rid of a company with her status and ruthlessness.

Sally's powerful family background was a mountain of pressure on Genevieve, and Genevieve knew what was the outcome of a peasant fighting with a king.

Hence, Genevieve pursed her lips and quietly asked, "What do you want?"

Sally let out a prideful laugh when she saw Genevieve humbling herself.

She then lifted the cup of coffee that had turned cold and poured some on her sports shoe. Instantly, her white shoe turned brown from the liquid.

Then, Sally put the cup back on the table and nonchalantly said, "My shoe's dirty. Why don't you clean it for me?"

Genevieve narrowed her eyes.

She knew that Sally was doing that on purpose that she wanted to destroy her dignity.

"Ms. Rachford, didn't you ask me what I wanted? I'm giving you a chance now, so why aren't you cherishing it?" Sally leaned back on her chair and began relishing Genevieve's gloomy expression. "It took me three days to make the local law enforcement officers investigate Specter Corporation's Mysonna branch. Do you want to make a guess how long it'll take for me to make Specter Corporation get investigated too?"

Specter Corporation was the Rachford family's blood, sweat, and tears. Genevieve had once sworn that, as long as she was alive, Specter Corporation would forever be owned by the Rachford family. However, Jadeborough was the Loake family's territory.

Sally had the right to be so haughty and wild. She could easily use anyone from the military and the political world, so crushing a corporation would be as simple as crushing an ant for her. Genevieve stared at Sally for a few more seconds before she slowly stood up from her chair.

In response, Sally "kindly" stuck out her dirtied shoe as if she was making it easier for Genevieve to clean it. The entire time, her expression was cold.

Just as Genevieve was about to walk over, a youthful voice came from behind her.

"Mommy."

Genevieve turned around to see her son walking toward her. "Lucian, why are you here?"

"I came out here to buy Mandy desserts, and Aunt Jojo asked me to get her a cup of coffee as well." As the boy spoke, he walked over.

He was tall and skinny, and although his facial features were still childlike, the way he carried himself was not.

Lucian's eyes then drifted downward and saw Sally's coffee-stained shoe.

The smart boy immediately understood what was going on.

"Miss, my mommy has been spoiled her entire life, so she doesn't know how to bend over." With that, Lucian took out two pieces of tissues from the tissue box on the table and crouched down to dab the coffee stains on Sally's shoe.

Chapter 856

Then, Lucian stood up and tossed the tissue into the trash can. "Some of the coffee stains have already penetrated into the shoe and can't be wiped off anymore."

Lifting his head, he said to Genevieve, "Mommy, give this lady some money to buy a pair of new shoes."

The urge to hug her son and give him a hearty smacker gripped Genevieve in gratitude for his timely arrival and defense of her dignity.

She took out a thick stack of bills from her bag and slid it over to Sally.

Meanwhile, Sally's expression gradually darkened at the derailment of her plan.

Without even sparing the stack of bills a glance, she got to her feet. "Genevieve, you're not my match in all aspects, so don't displease me anymore. If you dare get all intimate again with the man I fancy, bankrupting Specter Corporation is the least I'll do!"

Before Genevieve could respond, Lucian flashed Sally an adorable smile. "It's only a man, miss. Just take him if you so wish to do so. My mommy doesn't give a fig when there are tons of men yearning to be her husband. But miss, if you make my mommy cry in the future. I'll be settling the score with you."

His voice was childlike, but his eyes were jet-black, and he was exceedingly serious as he spoke.

Thus, Sally had no doubt he would take revenge on her if she were to cause Genevieve to shed tears.

Sneering, she whipped out a wedding invitation from her bag and placed it on the table. "Do come with your children at that time."

Subsequently, she strode past Genevieve and Lucian before leaving the coffee shop.

Genevieve opened the envelope and took out a red wedding invitation. It was stated clearly on the wedding invitation that Armand and Sally were getting married at a hotel on 1st October. Glimpsing the contents of the wedding invitation, Lucian frowned. "Daddy is going a little overboard."

I read the letter he wrote back then, so I knew he had no choice but to leave us. But he's going to marry another woman in a few months. Not only is he hurting us, but he's also hurting Mommy badly.

"Is he just going a little overboard?" With a snort, Genevieve chucked the wedding invitation into the trash can.

Bending down, she cradled her son's face and planted two smackers on him. "You're really my darling son, Lucian! If it weren't for you, I would've lost my dignity today."

Lucian's face almost went out of shape from her kneading. After expending much effort, he finally managed to break free.

He went to the counter and got his coffee before leaving the coffee shop with Genevieve. When they had gotten into the car, he couldn't help asking, "What exactly is going on, Mommy?"

"Your father said he wants to take care of Sally and told me to regard him as a stranger when I bump into him in the future. As you can see, he's going to marry Sally," Genevieve answered calmly while driving. Sally's sabotage of Specter Corporation and their conversation that day enlightened her of Armand's intentions.

It was because he knew that Sally wasn't one to be messed with that he wanted me to regard him as a stranger. But I'm really irate that he said he wanted to take care of her nor can I understand that either! Following that, Lucian snagged Genevieve's phone. "I'll give Daddy a call to clarify things."

"What's the use of that? Besides, I don't have his number." Pursing her lips, Genevieve added, "I can only relent when Sally is blackmailing me with Specter Corporation."

Lucian put down the phone and lowered his eyes, seemingly in contemplation.

Upon arriving at Johanna's place, Genevieve glanced at her phone, only to see a WhatsApp message from her secretary half an hour ago.

After being interrogated, Mildred admitted to hounding Rachel for money incessantly and even verbally abusing her. Coupled with the surveillance footage, it was proven that Rachel's suicide was linked to her indirectly. As such, she would be convicted.

The company swiftly spread the news to the public by posting it on Twitter. As news of Rachel's suicide slowly subsided, the company's reputation rebounded slightly.

Although the production company was spared, Genevieve's heart remained heavy.

Specter Corporation's branch office in Mysonna was still under investigation due to Sally's interference, and she didn't quite know how to settle that.

When she saw that the housekeeper had already opened the door, she dismissed all those troubles for the time being.

As she stepped into the house with Lucian, she was greeted by the sight of a young and handsome man playing with Asel in the living room.

In a whisper, Lucian explained, "This is the man who's pursuing Aunt Jojo. His name is Hector Lee, and he's Aunt Jojo's business partner."

Chapter 857

"Didn't I ask you to figure out a way to get him to leave?" Genevieve looked down at Lucian.

Lucian was promptly speechless. "Take a good look at me, Mommy. I'm only five years old. I've done everything I could. What can I do when he's determined to stay?" Feeling that it made sense, Genevieve caressed the top of his head. Then, they went into the living room together.

The instant Hector spotted Genevieve, he stood up and shook her hand. "I'm Hector Lee. I've heard a lot about you from Jojo. It's an honor to meet you today." When Genevieve heard him addressing Johanna so naturally and intimately, she grew all the more worried about Timothy's position.

Shaking Hector's hand lightly, she inquired smilingly, "What did Jojo tell you about me?"

"She said that you're very beautiful and smart, Ms. Rachford."

At that, the corners of Genevieve's mouth turned up. She then caught sight of Asel, who was dressed in a pink dress, playing with Amanda on the floor.

Bending, she scooped the little girl up. "Did you miss me, Asel?"

At the sight of her, Asel giggled, punching and kicking at the air in excitement. Genevieve leaned forward and pecked her on the cheek. Then, she placed her back onto the carpet.

Hector seemingly regarded himself as the master of the house, for he ordered the housekeeper to brew some coffee and two glasses of almond milk.

All that didn't escape Genevieve's eyes.

Taking a seat on the couch, she took an orange from the fruit platter and tossed it at Lucian. "Please peel it for me, Sweetie."

Lucian pouted, but still, he dipped his head and peeled the orange obediently.

When he had finished peeling it and handed her the segments of orange, Genevieve popped them into her mouth as she chatted with Hector.

"Isn't Jojo working in the greenhouse? Why didn't you tag along?"

"She doesn't like to be disturbed while she's drawing design drafts. I'll go and lend her a hand when she summons me after she's done," Hector replied.

"I think she should hire an assistant." Looking the man up and down, Genevieve remarked jokingly, "Looking at you, Mr. Lee, you're more suited to be in the office and make decisions for all projects."

In response, Hector chuckled. "Many things can be settled online. I enjoy the wonderful moments spent working together with Jojo."

With just a few simple words, Genevieve found that his emotional intelligence was impressively high.

He isn't aggressive in pursuing a woman. Instead, he saturates her with tenderness little by little to make her fall in love with him. If it were Timothy, he would simply apologize to Johanna.

Picking up the cup of coffee the housekeeper sent over, Genevieve took a sip as she unlocked her phone and texted Timothy: Isn't it said that men understood men best? Why are you incapable of defeating your love rival?

Timothy seemingly had his phone in hand, for he replied in no time: You went over to Jojo's place? Hector is there as well, isn't he?

Genevieve: Yup. He even has Asel giggling away. I talked to him, and his position is far higher than yours. I won't be surprised if Jojo asks him to stay the night.

A long while passed before Timothy texted back: I'll kill him if he dares stay the night.

He was almost overwhelmed by envy and fury at the thought of another man possessing his wife and child.

Genevieve stared at the WhatsApp message and only replied after a long while.

Just when she put down her phone, Johanna happened to return after concluding her work. "I saw from the news previously that Rachel's mother was taken away by the police. What's the progress?" She had been busy the past few days and seldom looked at her phone. Only when she saw the news that popped up that morning did she know that the production company was in hot water.

When she saw that the company was fine after Genevieve had a press conference, and the journalists even uploaded the video on the internet later, seemingly pointing to Rachel's mother demanding money from Rachel, her worry abated.

Chapter 858

"She indirectly caused Rachel to commit suicide, so she'll be convicted," Genevieve elaborated.

"Poor Rachel." Johanna lowered her eyes.

Like Rachel, she had an irresponsible mother. Worse still, she had a gambling-obsessed father who used her to pay off his gambling debts.

If I hadn't bumped into Genevieve in Xedells that night, I would have ended up no better than Rachel.

Clocking her low-spirited state, Genevieve sprang to her feet and grabbed her hand. "It's been a long time since we last dined together. Let's go out for lunch this noon! It'll just be us three adults while Lucian and the kids stay home to eat."

Then, she turned to Hector. "Mr. Lee, aren't you going to treat me to a meal since this is the first time we're meeting?"

Hector nodded with a smile. "It'll be my pleasure."

As soon as Amanda heard that her mother wanted to leave them at home, she pouted and geared up to voice her objection. Lucian hastily clapped a hand over her mouth. "After lunch, I'll help you with your Lego Disney castle."

After hearing that, Amanda promptly turned docile.

Well, it's quite worthwhile to exchange a meal outside with free labor from Lucian for an afternoon!

When they had all gotten into the car, Genevieve said to Hector, "I haven't eaten barbeque in a long while, so let's go and have some at Quintessential Barbecue. Can you eat spicy, Mr. Lee?"

"Of course! While I grew up abroad, I'm still from Jadeborough and love eating spicy!" Hector answered with a grin.

"Great!"

It happened to be lunch hour when they arrived at Quintessential Barbecue. Hence, the place was filled to the brim. The three of them were led to a table by the window by the server. Shortly after they had ordered, the server carried a grill plate over. As the oil sizzled, a fragrant aroma permeated the air.

Johanna talked shop with Hector, asking him to lend her a hand in the afternoon. Not only did Hector readily agree, but he even thoughtfully placed some grilled mutton slices into her bowl. As the three of them were eating, someone patted Genevieve on the shoulder out of the blue.

"Genevieve."

Genevieve looked back over her shoulder, only to see Charlotte, who was wearing an off-shoulder top. Her skin was fair to the point that it glowed, and her waist was unbelievably slender. Coupled with her beautifully long, wavy hair, she was sweet and stunning.

Lifting her hand, Charlotte brushed her long hair aside, revealing her petite face. Smiling, she explained, "I spotted you outside the window just now, so I came in to greet you." "What a coincidence!" Genevieve beamed at her before peering behind her. "You're alone?"

"Yeah. I'm going to the jewelry store to collect the earrings I have customized and happened to walk past here on my way there."

"Would you like to join us if you haven't had lunch? I still owe you a meal, so it'll be my treat today," Genevieve offered.

"Sure! It so happens that I love barbeque." Charlotte didn't bother standing on formality either.

The table by the window seated four, so she graciously sat down next to Hector and greeted him upon joining them.

In response, Hector inclined his head at her. Due to the proximity, he could smell the faint floral fragrance on her, very much sweet and enticing.

He could sense that the perfume was tailored especially for her.

Johanna had long since severed all ties with Timothy, so she didn't mind Charlotte's presence, eating and drinking freely.

Despite acting high and mighty at times, Charlotte was adept at socializing. That aside, she loved fashion and makeup. Therefore, she had no problems understanding Hector and Johanna's conversation. Occasionally, she even chimed in and gave her two cents.

When Hector saw that Charlotte wanted to eat barbecued shrimps, he automatically suggested, "Let me peel it for you instead, Ms. Benson."

"Sure! But I only eat shrimps peeled by my boyfriend." Charlotte then tilted her head and gazed at him with her alluring eyes. "Are you my boyfriend?"

Aware that she was teasing him, Hector guffawed and withdrew his hand.

Chapter 859

Charlotte put on a pair of gloves and peeled the shrimps skillfully. She said to Genevieve, "Are you free in the afternoon, Genevieve? How about accompanying me shopping? I'm quite bored since it's pretty boring to shop alone."

"Where are your friends?"

At that, Charlotte curled her lips. "They either ask me out to drink or play cards. It's all so boring."

Accidentally eating a strand of her hair beside her mouth, she uttered to Hector, "Mr. Handsome, please take out my hairband from my bag and tie my hair up as my hands are dirty. Thank you."

It so happened that her bag was in the middle of the couch on which they both sat.

Thus, Hector had no choice but to open the Bulgari bag and rummaged for the hairband.

Charlotte leaned close to him and turned to him so as to make it more convenient for him to tie her hair.

Genevieve's ruby lips curved into a smirk. She glanced at Johanna beside her, but the latter was grilling leisurely without paying the slightest mind to whatever the two people opposite her were doing. "Are you not jealous?" Genevieve queried in a low voice.

"I knew what you wanted to do when you asked Hector to eat with us. So, why should I be jealous?" Furthermore, I don't have any romantic feelings for him.

As Johanna inadvertently lifted her head, she seemingly caught sight of something, for her eyes narrowed into slits.

Puzzled, Genevieve followed her gaze, only to see the server leading a man and woman their way right ahead.

Coincidentally, the couple was seated at the table in front of them.

Genevieve just had a "friendly" chat with Sally at the coffee shop at a little over ten o'clock, but she unexpectedly bumped into her again when she went out to have barbeque at noon. Sally acted as though she didn't see Genevieve, parking herself on the couch.

"Who is she?" Johanna asked Genevieve, perplexed.

Genevieve didn't tell her about Armand having disappeared for a few months and suddenly becoming Robert's godson, so she had no idea about it.

Lowering her eyes, Genevieve replied mildly while eating a slice of beef. "General Loake's daughter."

Upon learning about Gerald's rank from her, Johanna sucked in a breath and cast her gaze at Genevieve. "So... Armand just changed his wifes after getting rich?" "That's probably it."

Johanna initially thought that Timothy was more than repugnant, but she then discovered that the latter was only a bit of a scumbag compared to Armand.

Seeing red, she slammed the fork in her hand on the table and made to shoot to her feet.

Charlotte and Hector, who were chatting opposite her, were both shocked and swung their eyes at her.

Genevieve tugged at her arm hard, still looking as calm as ever. "Why are you angry when I'm not at all irate? Ultimately, we're not her match."

Naturally, Johanna knew that the whole of Jadeborough was Sally's family's territory, considering her family background. Her face flushed bright red with rage, but she stopped struggling to get to her feet. The two of them talked in hushed tones, so Charlotte and Hector didn't hear them.

Mistakenly assuming that Johanna was livid because she chatted with Hector, Charlotte clarified with a shrug, "My hands were dirty, so I had Mr. Lee help to tie my hair. Is even that not permissible?" "How gentlemanly of him! Jojo naturally won't be mad because of that." Genevieve chortled.

She then stole a peek at Sally at the table in front before propping her hands against her cheeks and excitedly exclaiming, "Charlotte, there must be quite a number of outstanding men in your circle, yes? Introduce one to me!"

However, Charlotte couldn't fathom her sudden interest. "Why would you still need me to introduce a man to you when you're so beautiful and have a ton of suitors?"

"When have you ever seen anyone pursuing me?" Genevieve countered.

Frowning, Charlotte pondered for a moment. "The men in my circle are only interested in the physical side of a relationship, so they're not your cup of tea. But there's a high-end blind date event this Saturday, attended by elites from various industries. Are you interested in going for a look?"

Chapter 860

Genevieve nodded, beaming from ear to ear. "Sure! If I hit it off with someone, I'll give you a generous monetary gift."

"Here, I'll give you the WhatsApp contact of the person in charge."

After receiving the contact Charlotte sent over, Genevieve swiftly added it. Then, she put down her phone and continued enjoying the barbeque leisurely.

When they had almost finished eating, she went to the restroom with her bag in hand.

She rinsed her mouth with a small packet of mouthwash to dispel the spicy aftertaste before taking out a tube of lipstick and applying it while staring into the mirror. The moment she heard footsteps, she glanced at the door from the corner of her eye.

The restroom door was pushed open, and Armand's tall figure stepped in.

Retracting her gaze, Genevieve checked whether her lipstick was smeared from the mirror. "This is the women's restroom, Mr. Faulkner. You entered the wrong restroom."

Armand walked over and stood beside her. "Don't go for a blind date."

He heard the entirety of her conversation with Charlotte earlier. Her tone was exceedingly serious, making it clear that she really wanted to attend a blind date to seek out men, not only saying that for his benefit and upsetting him.

Admittedly, envy and panic inundated him at that instant.

Stuffing her lipstick into her bag, Genevieve turned around and eyed him in amusement. "If my memory serves, Mr. Faulkner, you personally told me that night to regard you as a stranger the next time I bump into you. I did exactly that. Conversely, why are you going back on your word?"

Armand gazed into her chilly eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Specter Corporation's branch office in Mysonna won't be under investigation for too long. I've already sent someone over to settle it."

"You're done talking, yes?" Genevieve didn't want to entertain him, brushing past him to head toward the door.

Grabbing her shoulder, Armand pinned her against the door and leaned over, capturing her lips without hesitation.

Verily, he craved her kiss to soothe the restlessness within him.

Genevieve found an opportunity and bit the man's lower lip hard. When he still didn't drop his hold on her when she tasted the coppery taste of blood, she lifted a leg to attack him.

Armand swiftly held her leg down and finally ended the kiss.

All the struggling earlier rendered Genevieve's hair a mess. Her freshly-applied lipstick was also smudged, and some blood stained the corner of her mouth.

Quite a bit of her lipstick had rubbed onto the corners of the man's mouth.

"There's no longer anything between the two of us, Armand. What do you take me for to kiss and bed me as you please?" Taking out a piece of tissue from her bag, Genevieve wiped off the lipstick and blood from her lips.

Armand swallowed the blood in his mouth and urged in a low voice, "Stop throwing a tantrum, Darling."

"Who's throwing a tantrum at you?" Hurling the tissue that had been crumpled into a wad at his face, Genevieve enunciated, "I'm single, so it's none of your d*mn business even if I were to bring a man home for the night, much less attend a blind date!"

Armand's gaze darkened a shade, and he stared at her intently.

Genevieve met his gaze without a hint of fear. "Please stay away from me in the future. I don't want your bride-to-be to vent her anger of failing to control her own man on me again."

No sooner had her words rang out than a hard knock sounded at the restroom door.

Straightening her hair, Genevieve pivoted and pulled open the door. To her surprise, it was Sally standing outside the door.

Sally had her arms crossed over her chest, her icy gaze shifting from Genevieve to Armand. The instant she glimpsed their red and swollen lips, her face gradually darkened.

Genevieve flashed her a faint smile. "It wasn't me who pestered your man this time. He was the one who came to the women's restroom to hound me."

Then, she brushed past the woman and left resolutely.

After they had finished eating, Johanna went back with Hector to work while Genevieve accompanied Charlotte shopping at the mall.

Genevieve unlocked her phone as they were at a boutique and saw that the person in charge of the high-end blind date event had added her on WhatsApp and sent her a message.

When Charlotte came out after trying on some clothes, Genevieve inquired, "How did it go?"

"I've never failed when it comes to seducing a man." Twirling her long, pink hair, Charlotte sneered, "He's very much interested in me. But because Johanna was there, he was extremely cautious when chatting with me."