Ch. 71..80

 

Chapter 71

Eliza was afraid that if she really fought, she would hurt the child in her stomach. She could only show off and said, "I've already officially reunited with my biological parents! From today onwards, I'm the real daughter of the Rhodes family!" "Without your identity as the daughter of the Rhodes family, let's see what you can do in the future."

She looked forward to seeing panic on Audrey's face.

However, Audrey only sneered. She then gently raised her hand.

Afraid that she would hit her again, Eliza took half a step back in fear. "I won't argue with you now!"

With that, she ran away as if she was running for her life.

After Eliza left, the ward fell into a strange silence.

The Harper family looked at Audrey in a daze and forgot to react for a moment.

Audrey did not regret hitting Eliza.

However, the Harper family had taken care of her for more than 20 years.

Audrey was afraid that the Harper family would have something to say about her hitting Eliza.

After some time, Peter looked at Audrey and asked hesitantly, "You... You are..."

Audrey knew what he wanted to ask.

Seeing that he could not ask, she simply said in a calm manner, "That's right. I'm your actual daughter!" Before coming, Audrey had never thought of reuniting with the Harper family on such an occasion.

However, since things had already come to this, there was nothing to hide.

Seeing that the Harper family was silent, she lowered her eyes in disappointment.

After seeing the Harper family's attitude towards Eliza with her own eyes, she was sure that Eliza had been lying.

The Harper family did not favor boys over girls, and they had never abused her.

On the contrary, they treated Eliza very well. They did their best to love her.

To be honest, Audrey was a little envious.

Although she had never lacked food and clothing in the Rhodes family, she had never received this much love. However, the past few years had made her understand a principle. Not everyone could be loved unconditionally.

It was normal for the Harper family to not be able to accept this change after raising Eliza for over twenty years.

With that thought in mind, Audrey slowly smiled and placed the gifts on the bedside table.

She said, "If you don't want to have me, it's fine. I won't disturb you again in the future."

She thought, 'However, from now on, I will have no family... But it doesn't matter. I am already married! In the future, I might have a child with Alistair...'

Audrey put down the things and curled her hands slightly. She turned around and prepared to leave.

"Wait..." Peter stopped her.

Anticipation appeared in Audrey's eyes, but she did not turn around and only stopped.

Looking at her back, Peter explained carefully, "I'm sorry. It's not that we don't want to have you back. It's just that this happened too suddenly and we didn't know what to do." Audrey thought, 'Is that so?"

She slowly turned around and looked at the sincere Peter.

He was looking at her carefully and guiltily. There seemed to be thousands of words in his gentle eyes.

Audrey's heart softened.

At this moment, Miles took a step forward and asked her doubtfully, "Are you... really my sister?"

The word 'sister' was like a nightmare to Miles.

Due to Eliza's poor health, his parents had always doted on Eliza.

This caused Eliza to be very arrogant and despotic in private.

She would deliberately break his toys and secretly throw his favorite pets into the snow.

Every time he told his parents about it, she would use her illness to cover up her crimes.

To be honest, he had thought countless times about how good it would be if he didn't have a sister.

However, he now knew that Eliza was not his real sister. Instead, Audrey was his sister.

He wondered if it was a dream.

Meeting Miles's expectant gaze, Audrey nodded slowly. "Eliza secretly did a paternity test with the Rhodes family before coming to Riverdale. She is the daughter of the Rhodes family. I was born in the same hospital as her and we were swapped by accident!" Hearing this, Jessica no longer had any doubts.

Now that she had regained some strength, she looked at Audrey guiltily and waved at her. "Can you... can you come over and let me take a good look?"

Audrey could not bear to reject a patient. She obeyed and sat down next to Jessica.

The next second, Jessica grabbed her hand.

Jessica had been sick for too long. Her hands were as thin as sticks. When she was held, Audrey could even feel the calluses on them.

Jessica held Audrey's hand and reached out with another trembling hand to touch her face.

Audrey inclined her head slightly.

However, Jessica's hand did not land on her face. Instead, she cried. "You look so much like me when I was young. Why didn't I recognize you..."

Looking at the tears on Jessica's face, Audrey panicked and comforted her clumsily, "Don't... don't cry."

She raised her hand and gently wiped away her tears.

However, Jessica cried even harder. Her eyes were filled with guilt as she said, "I'm sorry, child. I've let you down. If I had known that you were taken away by others, I definitely would looked for you. I'm sorry." "Don't say that... We're family. There's nothing to be sorry about." Audrey did not know how to comfort her, so she could only lean over and hug her.

This was just an accident. Jessica didn't do it on purpose. Audrey had never thought of blaming her.

Jessica asked in a low voice, "From what Eliza said before, the family that took you seems to be doing well?"

"Yes." Audrey nodded gloomily.

At the mention of the Rhodes family, she couldn't help but think of the ignorant Fiona and the self-righteous Albert.

She no longer had any attachment to them.

Sensing the change in her mood, Jessica's heart ached even more.

She held Audrey's hand tightly and said, "Although our family is not rich, we welcome you home anytime!"

Jessica could tell that although Audrey was dressed glamorously, there was obvious hurt in her eyes when she mentioned that family.

Clearly, the Rhodes family had hurt her/

The only thing Jessica wanted to do was to try her best to make up for the love Audrey missed out on in the past.

Chapter

72

Jessica was the first to welcome Audrey. Although Peter and Miles were shocked, they quickly regained their senses.

Miles said, "Audrey, come home. We will be family from now on!"

Peter also nodded. "That's right. After so many years, we definitely can't let you suffer anymore!"

Hearing these words, Audrey could not help but be moved.

She thought. So this is what it feels like to be loved by family! It doesn't seem bad... Perhaps changing my sumame to Harper is not a bad idea. Audrey Harper! That sounds nice However, on second thought, Audrey felt that something was wrong

She was already married. So she should take her husband's last name. Moreover, she was already used to this name.

She let her imagination run wild and forgot that the Harper family was still waiting for her to express her stance.

Seeing that she didn't speak for a long time, Jessica thought that Audrey wasn't that satisfied with this family

She thought that Audrey did not like to be around elders and quickly added, "If you want to live alone, we can also pay a down payment to buy you a small apartment. You don't have to worry about the mortgage in the future. Well pay it for you." Hearing this, Audrey could not help but reveal a stunned expression.

She knew that the Harper family of five was still living in a small house in an old residential area.

In addition Jessica had just undergone surgery and had already spent a lot of money.

The 15 thousand dollars in the card that Peter rook out should be their only savings.

They were still willing to buy a house for her even when they didn't have money

Seeing her surprise, Jessica also felt that her words might have been a file overconfident and unreliable.

However, she had thought about it carefully and immediately said. "We do not have much cash, but I still have some things I can sell

"If I sell them. I can make the down payment of a small house in Riverdale."

Hearing this, not only was Audrey shocked, even Miles was shocked.

He said with some heartache, "Mom, you were so sick previously, but you still couldn't hear to sell those things. Let's think of another way to buy a house." He knew how much Jessica cared about those things.

"I was going to leave these for your sister... At this point, Jessica suddenly realized something and shut her mouth.

She held Audrey's hand again and said with a firm gaze. "We've missed out on you all these years. As long as you can live a good life, we will happy

Meeting Jessica's sincere gaze, Audrey immediately felt relieved

Il be

She held Jessica's hand and smiled geraly. She explained gently, "It's not that I don't want to move in with you, nor do I mind that your house is small. It's just that I'm already married and now live with my husband" The Harper family was dumbfounded.

ay that Eliza had snatched her fance away! Why is she married now

They thought, Didn't she just say

Miles blinked in shock. A guess suddenly appeared in his mind, and his voice immediately became sharp. "Don't tell me you married that peacock guy who was rude at the hospital yesterday?" Audrey

raised an eyebrow in confusion.

She thought, "Who is he talking about? Is it Dominic?"

Miles said matter-of-factly. "That's right. He was wearing a flowery shirt and was very arrogant. He looks like a peacock."

Audrey thought. "It is really Dominic...

She could not help but laugh and thought. That name fits him quite well

Seeing Audrey smile, Miles thought that he had guessed correctly

He immediately said bitterly, "Audrey, although he's barely pleasing to the eye, he's not worthy of you at all. Why did you marry him?" Peter and Jessica did not quite understand. They did not have a good impression of Dominic either.

It was obvious that such a playboy was not a good candidate for a husband,

Seeing that they had misunderstood. Audrey quickly waved her hand and explained. "No, I didn't marry him. I married his uncle!"

After Dominic met Alistair, he would have to politely greet her as his aunt. At the thought of that scene. Audrey felt relieved.

Miles thought. 'Uncle! That peacock guy was already in his twenties. His uncle... has to be in his forties or fifties!

Miles was so shocked that he forgot to react.

When they thought about how the beautiful Audrey had married an old man, the expressions of the Harper family members immediately changed.

Jessica's eyes instantly turned red. She felt wronged for Audrey and asked, "How could you marry an old mant Did they force you?"

She thought. The Rhodes family is really inhumane! They actually used my daughter's marriage in exchange for benefits!

 

 

Chapter 73

"This is too much!" Peter, who was sitting at the side, suddenly slapped his thigh and said excitedly, "How can the Rhodes family treat you like this? This is too much."

He thought, Even if Audrey wasn't their biological daughter, they had raised her for so many years. Do they not have any feelings for her?'

Looking at the Harper family members who were indignant because of her, Audrey's heart warmed.

She still wanted to catch up with them, but she had to go to work in the afternoon.

She could only hurriedly comfort them. "Don't worry, I'm doing well now! I still have a lot of work to do. I'll go back first and visit you guys later."

Everyone from the Harper family thought, 'She has just said that Eliza had ruined her career, and now she is using work as an excuse... This girl is not going back to work. This is clearly an excuse to not let us worry!' Seeing Audrey leave anxiously, Peter could not help but overthink.

He thought, 'Is her husband a pervert who is very controlling? If she doesn't have freedom, how can she be happy?'

At the thought of this, Peter was even more determined to have Audrey divorce her husband.

He thought, 'My daughter is so good. She should not be tortured by that kind of old man!'

After Audrey left, Grant personally brought a few doctors to examine Jessica.

After a careful examination, Grant said happily, "You've recovered well. This is a blessing."

Only then did Peter remember that Grant came to treat Jessica because of Audrey's husband.

He thought, 'From the looks of it, my son-in-law should be quite capable!

'However, it is impossible for my daughter to repay his favor with her life! I can't have her marry an old man. She has to get a divorce!'

On the other side, Albert was at home with Fiona wondering if Eliza could get the invitation when he saw Eliza walk in crying.

Seeing her aggrieved look, Fiona quickly stood up and asked with concern, "Eliza! What's wrong?"

Eliza did not say anything. She only revealed her swollen face.

Fiona asked, "My baby, who hit you?"

Eliza threw herself into Fiona's arms and held her arm tightly. She cried, "Mom, I'm so sad! I wanted to visit them out of goodwill, but not only did they not appreciate it, they even hit me..." Looking at the red marks on her delicate cheeks, Fiona felt that her heart was about to shatter.

She thought, 'Who was it that dared to bully my precious daughter like this?'

She had always felt that she owed Eliza. Now, she naturally had to stand up for her.

She asked, "Who hit you? Eliza, make yourself clear. I want to see who dares to bully my daughter!"

She thought, 'The Rhodes family is not so easily bullied!'

Albert also chimed in, "That's right. This is too much. If they damaged your face, how are they going to compensate for it?"

He did not really feel sorry for Eliza. However, Dominic had taken a fancy to Eliza's face. If it was destroyed, Albert felt that Dominic would leave Eliza.

Eliza choked with grievance. "My adoptive mother is sick. I originally wanted to ask her if she needed any help. If she is short of money, I'm willing to give her some. After all, they've raised me for so many years. "But I didn't expect to meet Audrey there. She probably hates me for snatching Mom, Dad, and Dominic away. She slapped me three times right after seeing me!

"Mom, am I wrong? Maybe I shouldn't be with Dominic and shouldn't come home..."

After hearing this, Fiona was furious.

She thought, 'What did Eliza do wrong? She is so kind and sensible, yet she is still bullied!'

Fiona hugged her and said, "Eliza, don't cry. You're not in the wrong. It's Audrey's fault. Don't worry, I'll get her to come back and apologize to you!"

With that, she immediately took out her phone and called Audrey.

However, Audrey did not even give her a chance to speak. She said that it was inconvenient for her to drive and call before she hung up.

Fiona was so angry that her blood surged.

She did not understand how Audrey, who had once been obedient to her, had become like this.

She thought, 'Could it be that Audrey was pretending to be obedient and sensible in the past?'

When Albert heard what Audrey said, he immediately slammed the table in anger.

He said, "This Audrey is too much! If it weren't for the fact that she's still useful for our company, I would definitely fire her now."

Hearing this, Eliza's eyes flashed with calculation as she said calmly, "Dad, actually, even if you fire her now, it won't affect anything."

Hearing Eliza say that, Albert was instantly intrigued. He asked anxiously, "Why is that?"

Eliza pursed her lips and said excitedly, "The company kept Audrey because Brightview Group specifically asked her to be in charge of their project.

"But the contract has already been signed. Even if we fire Audrey and get someone else to take over the project, Brightview Group won't take the risk of suspending the operation for Audrey!"

The contract had already been signed. If Brightview Group breached the contract, they would have to pay ten times the money for compensation.

Although Eliza did not know why Brightview Group favored Audrey, she did not think that Brightview Group would be willing to pay such a huge price for Audrey.

Albert calmed down and tapped his knee with his fingers. He frowned and pondered. "It makes sense, but who can replace Audrey after I fire her?"

Although he didn't like Audrey, he knew that Audrey was quite capable. It was very difficult to find a replacement for her in the company.

Eliza immediately added, "Dad, have you forgotten that I have participated in this project before?

"Moreover, I'm already very familiar with the data of this project. Give me another chance, I'll definitely be able to handle it!"

 

 

Chapter 74

Albert didn't forget that Eliza embarrassed him because she knew nothing when she signed the contract.

He was a little hesitant.

Audrey also had an invitation to the Brightview Group's anniversary.

He could fire Audrey silently. But if Audrey spouted nonsense at the party...

It wouldn't be good if someone spread the rumor that when he got what he wanted, he killed those who had helped him.

Thinking of this, Albert said cautiously, "The anniversary is coming. Why don't we wait until this is over before firing Audrey?"

Eliza was instantly unhappy.

She looked up at Albert with tears in her eyes. She choked and said, "But when I think about seeing the culprit who hurt me in the company, I feel terrible."

Albert sighed and said, "Just bear with it for now."

Eliza felt even more aggrieved. She said softly, "Dad, I know you're afraid that after Audrey is fired, she will badmouth us to others in Brightview Group's anniversary celebration." Since she had guessed correctly, Albert did not deny it.

If they could not attend the party in the end, Audrey could say whatever she wanted at the party.

This was too disadvantageous for them.

Albert was worried they would make a fool of themselves if things got ugly.

Eliza raised her eyebrows slightly and said confidently, "Dad, Dominic has already agreed to get us an invitation to the anniversary celebration.

"At that time, as long as we think of a way to make Audrey unable to attend the anniversary celebration, won't your worries be gone?"

When Eliza was sad, Fiona was also worried.

She did not understand the company's operations and thought things were that simple. She immediately told Albert, "Let's do as Eliza says and fire Audrey first. This time, she went too far. She won't admit her mistake if we don't teach her a lesson." When he heard Eliza promise she could get the invitation, Albert smiled happily.

'This new daughter of mine is quite useful,' he thought.

He slapped his thigh happily and said, "Alright, alright. We can fire her as long as we get the invitations."

It was to his liking because he had long disliked Audrey.

He did not care for a daughter who had never been close to him since she was young and had been stepping on his head since she came to the company.

Her plan succeeded. Excitement flashed in Eliza's eyes.

Eliza couldn't wait to see Audrey's embarrassment when she was chased out of the company...

At two in the afternoon.

Audrey finally drove back to the company from the hospital.

However, when the car parked in the garage and she was about to enter the company with her bag, she realized that the device at the door had failed to recognize her face. Audrey didn't bring her employee card when she left at noon because their employees could use facial recognition to get in and out.

Now that it failed to recognize her face, Audrey could only ask the receptionist who was returning to the company with her coincidentally. "Please help me see what's going on. Is there a problem with the instrument?" Audrey asked.

The receptionist pursed her lips nervously. It was as if she was in a difficult position. She even looked at Audrey with some sympathy. Audrey raised her eyebrows. "What's wrong?"

The receptionist said softly, "Ms. Rhodes, there's nothing wrong with the equipment. It's..."

"What is it? Don't hesitate when you speak."

The receptionist gritted her teeth and confessed, "Mr. Rhodes said you got fired from the company, so he has frozen your access rights." 'Huh...' Audrey was so angry that she laughed.

'Is there something wrong with Audrey's brain? How dare he fire me at this juncture?' Audrey thought.

"Ms. Rhodes, please go in quickly." The receptionist called Audrey and opened the door for Audrey with her access card.

Audrey looked at her in shock.

The receptionist pursed her lips and smiled shyly at her. She said softly, "Back then, it was because of you that I could keep this job. This is all I can do for you now." Although she might be fired if she did so, at least she had lived up to her conscience.

Audrey was stunned.

She didn't remember helping this young receptionist.

The receptionist did not explain and only urged, "Ms. Rhodes. Ms. Harper is throwing your things in your office now. You should go and take a look."

"Thank you." There was no time to think. Audrey nodded at the receptionist and walked straight to the office.

'Throwing my things, huh?' Audrey thought furiously.

She wanted to see how capable Eliza was.

 

Chapter 75

Audrey

took the employee elevator to the office floor.

As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw many colleagues whispering to each other.

"Ms. Rhodes is here..."

"Why does she look like she's going to fight?"

manner. Otherwise, Eliza will think that Ms. Rhodes is easy to bully."

"She has to show her imposing manner.

Hearing these voices, Audrey walked to the office at the end with a cold expression.

The door was ajar. A pile of her belongings lay on the floor.

Emily had her back facing Audrey. She grabbed the door frame with both hands and stopped the person inside.

"Ms. Harper, even if Audrey is fired, you can't touch her things," said Emily

Her face was filled with determination and tenacity. She decided to defend Audrey's things before Audrey returned.

"Get out of my way" Soon, Eliza's arrogant roar came from the office.

She said. "Audrey is just an imposter. Now that her identity has been exposed, the company has fired her to remove the evils from the people. Don't even think about leaving these dirty things behind to dirty my eyes. Moreover, Eliza thought this office would soon belong to her, so everything related to Audrey had to be thrown our

"But even if you fire an employee through the proper procedures, you have no right to throw her personal belongings away," said Emily.

She was still unwilling to give in. Seeing that Eliza was about to throw Audrey's photo frame, she quickly rushed to Eliza and grabbed it. Eliza could not win against Emily. She staggered and became even angrier after being pushed.

Audrey does have a loyal dog: Eliza couldn't help but think

She said, "Damn it, Emily, are you trying to rebel? Do you believe that I'll fire you too?

Emily clenched the photo frame in her hand angrily Is she threatening met Alright, if she wants to fire me, so be it. I'm not afraid anyway..!

However, a cold and indifferent female voice came from the door before Emily could speak.

"Eliza, who allowed you to touch my things?" Audrey walked in slowly in her ligh heel.

Eliza grinted her teeth in hatred and glared at Audrey almost venomously.

Her overly intense expression pulled at the wound on her face, causing a burning pain.

She would never forget the humiliation of these three slaps

Eliza clenched her fists and snarled, "How dare you come up? Audrey, you stray dog.

Audrey said coldly and sarcastically. "Looks like you went home and complained successfully. Do you feel proud of yourself for being a bully under the protection of others?"

Eliza was speechless

She wondered why she had the illusion that she would be so angry that her mind was blurry every time she faced Audrey

She wanted to rush up and tear Audrey's mouth apart.

However, thinking that they were in the company, Eliza still held it back. She gritted her teeth and said, "What's so good about verbal sparring! I said I'd get you out of here in disgrace, and now I've done it." She slowly opened her hands and looked around the huge office.

Then, she continued, "Look carefully, Audrey. This office is mine now, and you are destined to be defeated by me

Chapter 75

П

Faced with her provocation and showing off, Audrey only chuckled and raised her eyebrows. The game has yet to be decided. It's still uncertain who will win."

Looking at her calm smile, Eliza suddenly felt angry but powerless,

This made her feel very defeated. She immediately retorted indignantly, "You've already been fired, yet you're still pretending to be confident. Audrey, don't you think you're ridiculous!" "Who are you calling ridiculous!"

Eliza did not expect anyone to refute her words. She turned around angrily and saw Darren Lennon, a director whose shares were second only to Albert

Her expression immediately changed.

Why would this old guy stand up for Audrey? Could it be that he had an affair with Audrey? Eliza wondered.

Looking at Darren, who was about the same age as Albert, Eliza's eyes flashed with mockery

Audrey glanced at her coldly and said in a low voice. Put away that disgusting gate of yours?

After being exposed, Eliza did not feel guilty.

Anyway, my father, Alben, is the company's chairman

"Even if Darren is determined to stand up for Audrey today, he has to consider the consequences of offending the chairman, Eliza thought

"Mr. Lennon." Eliza looked up at the person who came and said fearlessly, "My father fired Audrey"

Darren frowned, and his eyes were filled with a sharp pressure.

www.a little afraid. She forced herself to say, "As the chairman, my father should have the right to fire a manager, right?"

How could Darren not understand what Eliza was thinking!

She wants to use Albert to pressure me? She's too naive, Darren thought

He snorted coldly and said, "If it were anyone else, he might have the right, but he can't fire Ms. Rhodes no matter what." Eliza's

is expression darkened. "Why not?"

""What's

so special about Audrey? It's not like the company can't operate without her, Eliza thought

First, it was the higher-ups of Brightview Group, and now it was Damen.

Eliza wondered why these people were all defending Audrey.

She couldn't help but wonder what benefits Audrey had given them. Could it be that... she had already slept with them all?

 

 

Chapter 76

"I don't care what benefits Audrey gave you, but my father is the chairman. He said he wanted to fire Audrey, so we must fire her. It's useless even if you want to protect her," said Eliza. After Eliza finished speaking, everyone looked at her like she was a fool.

In particular, Darren's expression had completely turned cold.

Eliza repeatedly emphasized Albert's status as the chairman to him, wanting to use Albert's identity to suppress others.

'If such a stupid person continues to stay in the company, she'll be the disaster of the entire company,' Darren thought.

Darren's expression was as dark as it could be. His dark eyes flashed with obvious disdain and ridicule. "It seems you still have much to learn, Ms. Harper."

Eliza frowned in confusion.

"Although you're a member of the Rhodes family, you might not know although Albert is the chairman of Rhodes Enterprises, he doesn't have the final say," said Darren.

Hearing Darren's words, Eliza was very disapproving.

'My father is the chairman, and the entire corporation belongs to him. How can he not have the final say?' she thought.

Looking at her expression, Darren knew that Eliza was not listening. For a moment, he was even more annoyed by this stupid person.

His tone became even colder. "Although Albert has 35% of the company's shares, I still have 30%. Ms. Rhodes has 15%.

"If I insist on standing on Ms. Rhodes's side, with our combined 45% shares and the few shareholders present, it's enough to hold a board meeting and remove Albert's position as chairman." 'What? Can the board of directors remove the chairman from his post?' Hearing this, Eliza instantly panicked.

She had never come into contact with these things before. She did not expect things to be so serious.

What made her even more concerned was that Audrey had shares in the corporation.

Eliza thought, 'I'm the young lady of the Rhodes family, but after returning to the Rhodes family, I only have hundreds of thousands of dollars in pocket money every month.'

The house and car had nothing to do with her, and Fiona and Albert had not mentioned anything about the shares to her.

Even her current position in the company was obtained by her wheedling and acting obediently.

'Why? Why does Audrey have shares in the company?' Jealousy made Eliza's already swollen face look a little ferocious.

Albert rushed over at this moment.

When he heard Darren wanted to hold a board meeting, he panicked and said anxiously, "Mr. Lennon, this is all a misunderstanding."

Although he was dissatisfied with Darren's decision to dismiss him, Albert knew what was more important.

He could become the chairman not because of his ability but because of Audrey's 15% equity as his support.

If he insisted on firing Audrey now, Darren would stand on the same side as Audrey.

Then he would lose his position as the chairman.

With this thought in mind, Albert could only grit his teeth and say, "Audrey's ability at work is so outstanding. How can I bear to let her go out? The dismissal is a misunderstanding. Eliza misheard." Upon hearing this, Eliza was stunned.

Her father, who had just promised to stand up for her, actually shamelessly pushed her out to take the bullet.

Before she could react, Albert strode to her and ordered, "What are you waiting for? Apologize to Audrey now."

"No, Dad, I-"

Albert did not give Eliza a chance to speak. He said forcefully, "Apologize quickly, or I'll punish you according to the company's rules."

Eliza was at a loss for words.

Although angry and indignant, she did not dare to offend Albert.

She had yet to live a good life.

She had no choice but to take the blame today.

With that in mind, Eliza could only suppress her unwillingness. She said to Audrey, "I'm sorry, Ms. Rhodes. I made a mistake."

Audrey only looked at her coldly and did not respond.

This made Eliza feel even more aggrieved. For a moment, she hated Audrey so much.

Albert came forward to smooth things over again. He said, "Alright. Everyone can disperse since the misunderstanding has been resolved. Go do what you need to do during working hours." The farce ended just like that.

Eliza had made a fool of herself and ran away crying.

Albert felt a little awkward and slipped away as well.

After the embarrassing father and daughter left, Audrey looked at Darren and said, "Mr. Lennon, thank you so much for today."

Darren smiled and waved his hand. "Don't say that. I've seen how much you've contributed to the company. It would be my negligence if I let you get fired for no reason.

"In the future, do whatever you want. I'll deal with Albert for you."

Darren's gaze was as if he was looking at the most capable child in his family, proud and friendly.

"Thank you." Audrey bowed deeply to him.

Although she didn't care if she would be fired, she was still very touched that Darren could protect her like this.

Darren said a few more words of encouragement to Audrey before he left. He even got someone to help Audrey clean up the office.

After they had gone far away, a shareholder with small shares asked in confusion. "Mr. Lennon, why are you so protective of Audrey today?"

Although Audrey had indeed contributed a lot to the company, Darren usually did not value her so much.

Darren adjusted his glasses and said meaningfully, "Rather than saying that I'm protecting Audrey, it's better to say that I'm protecting Rhodes Enterprises. We're old. It's time to give the young people a chance."

Hearing this, the expressions of the few shareholders with small shares became solemn.

They felt the situation of Rhodes Enterprises was about to change.

On the other side.

In the private room of the cafe.

Logan pushed open the door and walked in. He raised his hand and threw a document to the man sitting in the private room.

He said, "It's all settled. Darren Lennon, the cunning guy from Rhodes Enterprises, is smart. Over the years, Rhodes Enterprises has been getting worse and worse. He was also worried that those shares would fall into his hands. When he heard you wanted to buy them, he hurriedly agreed with a good attitude."

As he spoke, Logan pulled out a chair and sat down. He poured himself another cup of coffee.

After drinking the coffee, he continued, "Other than that, I've also collected some loose shares. Now, the shares in your hands are already more than Albert's. Coupled with the shares in Audrey's hands, it's not a problem to empty Albert."

In the quiet room filled with the fragrance of coffee, Alistair leaned lazily on the armchair and played with a nice coffee mug.

Hearing Logan's words, there was no emotion on his face. His tone was indifferent. "Continue the acquisition. It's best if you Acquire Albert's too."

Hearing this, Logan was not surprised, thinking, 'Albert was courting death for daring to hurt Mr. Hayes's most beloved person.'

 

Chapter 77

The smile in Logan's eyes deepened. "There's no problem with acquiring it, but there's one thing I'm curious about."

Alistair looked at him coldly, indicating for him to continue.

Logan leaned against the table with one hand and suddenly leaned closer to stare at Alistair's face. His eyes were filled with teasing.

He asked, "Is the Rhodes Enterprises in your hands an engagement gift or a wedding gift for her?"

Alistair lowered his eyes. "Boring."

Logan chuckled and sat up straight. He snapped his fingers in the air. "Alright, I understand. Whether it's an engagement or a wedding gift, it's Mrs. Hayes's, right?" Alistair did not deny it.

Audrey had been busy in the office for an entire afternoon. She went to the washroom when she was about to get off work.

The company's washroom and pantry had always a gathering place for gossip.

She had just closed the cubicle door when she heard discussions outside.

"Eliza is ridiculous. She thinks she can do whatever she wants in the company just because she's born into a good family."

The person who spoke was a woman with short hair that reached her ears. She touched up her lipstick in front of the mirror by the sink.

Beside her stood another female colleague. She only smiled and did not say anything.

Lina Ternence did not mind. She put away her lipstick and

hot

Cuched the last bit of it in the mirror.

Then, she laughed mockingly and said, "If you ask me, she's just stupid. If our company is somewhere one can easily gain a foothold with background, Mr. Rhodes wouldn't have ended up with no real power. after working here for so many years." Footsteps came from outside the door.

Unfortunately, Lina, immersed in the gossip, did not hear it. She continued, "She has no ability at all, but she's bossing us around in the company like we're her servants. Serves her right for being slapped in the face by Ms. Rhodes."

Lina spoke happily, but the person beside her caught a glimpse of the figure outside the door through the mirror.

That person's expression changed as she saw the angry figure. She was about to remind Lina.

Bang!

The bathroom door was pushed against the wall.

Eliza's hope of firing Audrey fell through.

Albert even pushed her out to take the blame.

Eliza was already filled with anger. Now, she heard someone looking down on her behind her back.

How could she tolerate it? She rushed in with a livid expression and raised her hand to slap Lina.

"Bitch, how dare you talk about me behind my back?" said Eliza furiously

Lina staggered and her lower back hit the edge of the sink. She was in so much pain that her expression changed. "M-Ms. Harper..." Lina was shocked.

Without giving Lina a chance to speak, Eliza grabbed Lina's hair and dragged her out of the washroom.

"Ouch!" Lina covered her head in pain, but Eliza was so strong that she could not struggle.

It was time to get off work. People were coming and going in the corridor. When they saw this scene, they were all stunned.

Lina felt humiliated, but she could only grit her teeth and suffer. She put on a humble posture. "Ms. Harper, I'm sorry. I was wrong. I was speaking without thinking. I'm sorry..."

A vicious look flashed across Eliza's eyes. She reached out and grabbed Lina's collar, slapping her again.

"No matter how incompetent I am, I'm still from the Rhodes family. I can fire you as long as I want."

'Fire me?' Hearing this, Lina finally panicked.

She said, "Ms. Harper, I've worked at Rhodes Enterprises for over ten years. I'm one of the company's backbones and old employees. You can't do

this."

Eliza sneered. "So what if you're an old employee? There are a lot of new employees in the company. If I fire you, I can give the new employees a chance."

Immediately after she said so, the old employees watching from the side instantly felt their hearts turn cold.

Lina also felt wronged and said softly, "Ms. Harper, it's my fault for talking about you behind your back. You can hit me or scold me. Can you not fire me? I know my mistake. I won't do it again. Please let me go.

"I still have a seriously ill father at home. I haven't even gathered the surgery fees. I can't lose this job."

Seeing that Eliza was going to fire her without a care, Lina was afraid.

She thought Eliza had left long ago, so she casually said a few words. She did not expect to be caught red-handed.

In the future, she would never dare to talk about others behind their backs again.

Eliza retracted her hand and smiled faintly. "It's not impossible for me to forgive you."

Lina's eyes lit up.

Eliza continued, "Bow to me twice and call yourself a stupid pig in the company's group chat. Then, I'll consider letting you off."

Lina was at a loss for words, and her face instantly turned pale. She gritted her teeth in humiliation and tensed her back in embarrassment.

Eliza sneered. "Why? Can't you do it?

"It seems that you don't need this job that much." She raised her eyebrows casually and said gently, "In that case, don't think about working in this industry in the future. Go home and take good care of your seriously ill father." Lina almost cried when Eliza said that. 'Is she trying to ban me from the industry? Ruthless. How ruthless she is!"

She could calmly give up a job and start over if she was in her twenties.

But she was about to turn 40, and she still had her sick father at home.

She couldn't lose this job, and she couldn't bear the consequences of being blacklisted by the entire industry. "Alright, I'll do it..."

Lina gritted her teeth and held back the tears in her eyes. She trembled and was about to bow to Eliza.

Suddenly, a pair of fair hands reached out from afar and grabbed her slightly bent arm.

Her bowing was interrupted. Lina looked at the person who stepped out in shock. "Ms. Rhodes..."

 

 

Chapter 78

Initially, Audrey did not want to interfere, but Lina was an old employee of the company.

However, Eliza wanted to fire her and ban her from the industry just because she said those few words. Audrey felt it was too much.

Jealousy flashed across Eliza's eyes. "Audrey, I'm just firing a supervisor. Do you want to interfere?"

Audrey's expression was calm as she said unhurriedly, "Although Ms. Ternence is at fault, it's not serious enough to be fired."

Eliza retorted indignantly, "So what? I'm going to fire this person today no matter what."

After saying that, Eliza deliberately told Lina, "Lina, just wait for the dismissal notice."

After that, Eliza swiped her phone screen and was about to make a call.

Audrey narrowed her eyes slightly and explained in a cold voice, "The company stipulates that if an employee is fired without a valid reason, we have to pay compensation according to the other party's working age and salary."

'So be it. We'll compensate her. It's no big deal,' Eliza thought.

Seeing her fearless attitude, Audrey said unhurriedly, "Moreover, Ms. Ternence is the company's old employee. She has contributed to the company and participated in many large projects. According to the rules, you must pay at least 300 thousand dollars to fire her. "If you insist on firing her, you'll have to bear the cost."

Hearing this, Eliza, who was about to make a call, stopped.

She thought, 'What? 300 thousand dollars? Do I need to pay so much to fire an old woman in her forties? Was she bluffing?'

"Who are you trying to fool? How is she worth that much money?" Eliza said disdainfully.

Seeing that Eliza did not believe her, Audrey added, "I suggest you go back and read the company's rules and regulations. Or, you can call Mr. Rhodes and ask him." Eliza was speechless.

Although she wanted to fire Lina, she had just spent one million dollars to buy three invitation letters to the Brightview Group's anniversary celebration.

How could she have 300 thousand dollars?

Eliza argued, "She's an employee of the company. If we fire her, the company will pay for her compensation. Why should I pay for it?"

"She's just gossiping about you. She didn't violate the company's rules," Audrey retorted unhurriedly. "If you insist on firing her, you should naturally pay for it."

'Damn it. Audrey is deliberately embarrassing me.' For a moment, Eliza felt that she was in a difficult position.

Seeing that Eliza was silent, Audrey turned around and gave Lina a look.

Lina immediately got the hint. She took the initiative to say, "Ms. Harper, I've realized my mistake. I'm sorry, please forgive me."

As she spoke, she bowed to Eliza again.

Eliza did not want to give up just like that, but when she thought of the compensation of 300 thousand dollars, she could only swallow her anger.

She said, "Since your attitude is quite sincere, I'll forgive you this time. If I catch you again, I'll tear your mouth apart."

"Thank you for your tolerance, Ms. Harper. I promise I won't spout nonsense again..."

Eliza felt something amiss.

She felt she was tricked again.

Now that she embarrassed herself in the company again, Eliza's hatred for Audrey deepened.

She felt all of this was caused by Audrey.

'Sooner or later, I'll kick Audrey out of the company,' Eliza thought.

Audrey did not know that Eliza was thinking of dealing with her.

After settling this matter, she was about to go home when her phone rang.

'A call from Alistair?' Audrey raised her eyebrows and answered the call. "Hello. Honey."

As soon as she said that, the surrounding colleagues instantly slowed down and pricked up their ears curiously.

 

 

Chapter 79

After Audrey entered her office to carry her bag, the people outside started discussing it instantly.

"It's Ms. Rhodes's husband. The one who came to the company to deliver lunch for her. He is tall and handsome. He's even more charming than male celebrities." Hearing that, many people looked envious.

"Ms. Rhodes is too lucky. Her husband delivered food and came to pick her up personally. She's being loved like a princess."

Eliza was unhappy. She gritted her teeth and said jealously, "So what if he dotes on her? Isn't he still a pauper?"

'It's not like we can allay our hunger by looking at a man's face when we have no money to buy food,' Eliza thought.

Her colleagues looked at each other helplessly and found excuses to leave.

Feeling neglected, Eliza stomped her foot and chased after Audrey.

She wanted to see what kind of new car the gigolo Audrey found could drive to pick her up.

Audrey met many colleagues in the elevator. Everyone was chatting and laughing.

However, at the last second before the elevator door closed, Eliza squeezed in.

The conversation and laughter stopped, and the elevator instantly fell silent.

Eliza could feel it, but she quickly put away her awkward expression and raised her head arrogantly as if nothing had happened.

Soon, the elevator reached the first floor.

Everyone swiped their cards and walked out of the office building. They saw a luxurious car parked by the roadside. Beside the car was a handsome man with an outstanding aura. "Look, that's Ms. Rhodes's husband. I didn't lie to you, right? Isn't he very handsome?"

"He's more than handsome. He's like a god descending to the mortal world. This is the first time I've seen someone wear an ordinary white shirt so elegantly. He's too charming." "Ms. Rhodes is so lucky with men..."

Alistair saw Audrey coming out and immediately walked to her. He naturally took the bag from her and asked with concern. "Are you tired?"

Audrey shook her head at him. Her soft eyes were filled with smiles.

Eliza's words did not affect her at all.

Alistair looked at her with a smile. "I'll make you something delicious when we get home. What do you want to eat tonight? We'll go grocery shopping later."

Audrey thought seriously momentarily and shook her head, looking a little torn. "Well... I haven't thought about it. Why don't we go and take a look later?" "Alright, we'll do as you say."

The two of them chatted as if no one was around, making the people around them even more envious.

When they reached the car, Alistair turned around and took the initiative to greet Audrey's colleagues. He even asked, "We live on Hunsmare Road. We can give you a ride if it's on the way." The other colleagues quickly waved their hands and refused. "No, it's fine. We'll take a cab."

No one would be so insensible as to be a third wheel.

Alistair asked everyone politely but skipped Eliza.

Audrey almost burst out laughing.

She knew that Alistair was using this method to defend her. She was both touched and secretly pleased.

After Audrey and Alistair got into the car and left, everyone could not help but exclaim.

"Ms. Rhodes is so lucky. Her career is successful, and her husband is family-oriented and considerate."

These words inadvertently hurt Eliza's feelings again.

She gritted her teeth and said indignantly, "It's just a lousy car that costs tens of thousands of dollars. What's there to brag about?"

Everyone was speechless. They could feel the jealousy in Eliza's tone was about to overflow.

However, when they thought of what Lina had just experienced, they did not dare to refute her.

However, a male colleague could not stand it anymore.

He said, "That's not some lousy car worth about 100 thousand dollars. No SUV of this brand costs less than 300 thousand dollars.

"Besides, other than the appearance, all the parts of this car have been modified. Not to mention anything else, just the engine alone costs at least one million dollars.

"I just observed and realized this car started very quickly. It means that the transmission box has also been modified. With that speed, the transmission box has to cost at least hundreds of thousands of dollars." In other words, these two modifications alone were already worth about 1.5 million dollars.

Not to mention the other invisible modifications that he could not tell.

Eliza was so shocked that she was speechless.

 

 

Chapter 80

Eliza's expression was as dark as it could be at this moment.

She didn't believe Audrey's husband could afford such an expensive car. After all, she always felt Audrey's husband was cheap and low.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars? If he has that much money, how could he pick up a random woman to get married at a wedding? And he lives in a place like Hunsmare Road,' Eliza thought. Although there were high-end residential areas on Hunsmare Road, they were not as tall and imposing as the Rhodes family's villa.

With this thought in mind, Eliza straightened her back and said sarcastically, "Maybe they rented that car to show off?"

Upon hearing this, the male colleague rolled his eyes. He did not want to say a word to Eliza anymore.

He thought she did not understand at all.

Luxury cars could be rented, but no one would be willing to rent out the one they modified at a high price.

After this incident, the colleagues present looked down on Eliza even more.

They all hoped that Audrey could chase this annoying fly out of the company as soon as possible and return the company to a clean land.

After getting into the car, Audrey realized that the interior color was her favorite light yellow.

"How do you know I like these?" she asked.

In the passenger seat was a cute, furry small-sized bear with a charmingly silly expression.

Audrey hugged the little bear as soon as she got into the car. She grabbed the little bear's ears and looked around the car. The more she looked, the happier she became.

Alistair was a grown man. She knew he couldn't like light yellow and small bears. Therefore, he must have specially prepared them for her.

Audrey looked at the man beside her and her gaze gradually softened.

She had never deliberately displayed her preferences in front of Alistair, but the things he prepared were exactly what she liked the most.

'Is it a coincidence, or has he specially prepared it for me?' Audrey wondered.

Alistair explained as he drove, "Many of your trinkets are bear-style, and many of your bags and clothes are light yellow."

Hearing this, Audrey felt a little strange.

In the three years she had been with Dominic, he had never noticed these small details, let alone knew what she liked.

But Alistair had only been with her for a few days, and he could sense her preferences so carefully.

It was said that when you liked someone, you would take everything about them to heart.

'Does this mean that Alistair likes me a little?' As soon as this thought appeared, Audrey shook her head.

She told herself she must have been overthinking...

After all, she had heard Alistair admit to his mother that he got married hurriedly for the child.

They'd only known each other for a few days. She didn't think she was attractive enough to make such an outstanding man fall in love with her so quickly.

Alistair was a gentlemanly and responsible man.

'Perhaps it's only because I'm his nominal wife that he is so attentive to things about me,' Audrey thought.

Alistair did not know what Audrey was thinking. Just as he was about to drive home, he received a call.

He put on the Bluetooth earpiece with one hand and did not respond immediately after hearing the other party's words. Instead, he tilted his head and looked at Audrey beside him. Then, he said, "I'll ask her."

Audrey raised her eyebrows in confusion.

Alistair asked gently, "A friend wants to treat us to a meal. Are you willing to go?"

Knowing that the person on the phone was still waiting for an answer, Audrey did not hesitate and nodded. "Sure."

After hanging up the phone, Alistair considerately said, "I wanted to arrange a gathering for you guys before, but I was afraid you wouldn't have time. You don't have to force yourself if you don't want to go." Audrey's heart softened again. She smiled and said softly, "No, it's good to know your friend."

At the same time, she was curious about Alistair's friend's identity.

He had just arrived in Riverdale not long ago. This friend of his should have crossed paths with him before.

Audrey wondered who it could be.

Half an hour later, the car stopped at the private restaurant, Shanyeats Pavilion.

Audrey got out of the car. Immediately after that, she saw a man with high-key silver hair and sunglasses standing at the restaurant's door.

His eyes and eyebrows were good-looking, and his eyes were filled with disdain for everything around him, revealing an insufferable sharpness.

This person was so good-looking, but he looked a little too high-sounding. His entire body exuded an overconfident aura.

It had been long since she had seen such a handsome man. Audrey looked at him curiously for a while before quickly looking away. She stood at the side and waited for Alistair to stop the car.

Unexpectedly, that person took the initiative to walk toward her. The arrogance in his eyes disappeared, and he reached out to her with extreme enthusiasm.

"Hello, Mrs. Hayes. Nice to meet you. I'm Logan, your husband's good friend."

Audrey was surprised. 'Logan? This flamboyant person is the CEO of Brightview Group, the famous Logan?'

She couldn't help but sigh. 'No wonder so many rich girls in Riverdale are flocking to him. They know he is a playboy, but they still fall for him. He does have the ability.'

Audrey was quite curious about this person. Seeing that he had no ill intentions, she was about to shake his hand.

However, just as she reached out her hand, she felt someone holding her shoulder. She was pulled back and snuggled into a man's broad and warm chest.

Alistair said expressionlessly, "It's cold outside. Let's go in first."

"Alright." Audrey did not think much and forgot to shake hands.

As he watched them leave, Logan raised his eyebrows slightly. 'If I'm not mistaken, Alistair was jealous just now, right?"

He was shocked. 'Good lord, I only wanted to shake hands politely. Does he have to be so possessive?'

The three of them entered the restaurant one after another.

The dishes had been ordered long ago. They were all the signature dishes of this restaurant. As soon as they arrived, these dishes were served one after another. During the meal, Audrey did not have to worry about anything. Alistair almost took care of everything for her.

He had taken care of the prawns and crabs.

She was already used to it, but Logan was so shocked that his jaw almost dropped. 'Fuck, is this still the Mr. Hayes I know?'