Chapter 1992

Terrence pondered for a moment, "Alright, here's the deal. Once we get to B City, I'll give you guys

twenty percent of the new company's shares. Does that work for you?"

Simone couldn't help but smirk, "Look, we're risking our necks with the Lamont family possibly coming

after us for this. Considering that, twenty is a bit tight, isn’t it? Thirty sounds more like it."

Terrence's face darkened as he turned to Bennett.

Before Bennett could speak up, Simone cut in with a meaningful emphasis, "Dad, remember, Estelle is

our flesh and blood. We're the ones sticking our necks out, and if anyone's going to be on the Lamonts'

hit list, it's us!"

With no other option, Terrence conceded, "Fine, thirty percent it is!"

"Thanks, Dad!" Simone beamed with satisfaction.

"Then get ready and send out the press release tomorrow morning," Terrence instructed.

"Sure thing!" Simone agreed eagerly.

Bennett stood up, bid farewell to Terrence, and left with Simone.

On the way home, Simone was busy calculating the benefits of owning thirty percent of the B City

company, and with that, she grew more thrilled by the minute.

Bennett, however, wore a grim expression and drove in silence.

Once back home, the housekeeper informed them that the young lady had already had her dinner and

retired to her room. After inquiring about what Carmella had eaten and showing some concern, Simone

headed to Bennett's study to discuss with him about the press release.

When she entered the study, she found Bennett smoking, who frowned and said, "Don't you think you

agreed a bit too quickly just now?"

"Not at all!" Simone objected, "I was actually worried that you'd agree too hastily, not taking the chance

to negotiate more terms with Dad."

"That's not what I'm talking about!" Bennett said with a grave tone, "Have you thought about the

consequences of releasing that statement demanded by the Crawleys?"

"The consequences?" Simone scoffed, "It's just pissing off the Lamonts. Dad said once the deal is

done, we're moving to B City. By the time Jonathan gets back, we'll be long gone. The J City company

is practically bankrupt anyway, and we can just sell it off. Estelle's just a tutor; even if Jonathan likes

her a bit, he's not going to chase us to the ends of the earth over her!"

"It's not just that!" Bennett's face was twisted with conflict, "Once the announcement goes out, we're

truly burning bridges with Estelle!"

Simone dismissed the idea, "Haven't we already done that? She encouraged Jonathan to come after

us. Do you really think she has any affection for us?"

Bennett suddenly seemed uneasy, "She's still our biological daughter!"

Simone turned away and looked out into the cold night with an indifferent gaze, "To be honest, I've

never felt any affection for her. Even without all that's happened, I never liked her. It was her arrival that

drove a wedge between us and Carmella."

"Besides, Estelle doesn't care for us. She's latched onto the Lamonts and the Sampsons; she doesn't

need us anymore."

Bennett said, "If we release this statement, Estelle's reputation will be ruined, and her career will be

over!"

Bennett felt something wasn't right, but it seemed there was no turning back now.

Carmella, who was eavesdropping at the slightly ajar door, heard every word within the room. Her eyes

flickered with feverish excitement. Coոtent оf

Once the announcement was out, she'd be cemented as the Macclains' true daughter.

Estelle could never come back!