When Vincent caught sight of her, he was taken aback. “Miss Hudson?”
Estelle nodded in acknowledgment and reassured him, “Don’t worry. I’m not here to cause a scene.”
Vincent was momentarily stunned before responding, “I will inform Mr. Hans immediately of your presence.”
“No, thanks,” Estelle stopped him. “I’ll go inside now.”
When she was about to enter the office, she heard Melody talk to Cristofer in a flattering voice.
“Cristofer, did you have breakfast? Gretchen has been busy making breakfast for you the whole morning. Would you like to have a taste?”
“Yes, Cristofer. I got up early this morning to make breakfast for you,” Gretchen echoed.
“You made it?”
“Yes, yes,” Gretchen nodded instantly.
“I have had breakfast,” Cristofer said coldly, “I’m busy. Let’s get down to business now.”
Hearing this, Melody smiled awkwardly.
Although she was annoyed, she had to endure Cristofer’s bad attitude.
Melody was fully aware that she could no longer rely on York and that he would eventually be swayed by Estelle and hand over the company to her. Consequently, Melody decided to take action to turn the tables.
At present, there are only two individuals in Hadale who could assist the company in overcoming its difficulties: Cristofer and Tim.
Initially, York had hoped that Tim would step in and help the company for Estelle’s sake. However, his hopes were shattered.
After careful consideration, Melody made the decision to seek Cristofer’s help.
Given that York held a grudge against her, Melody understood the importance of promptly regaining his trust and rekindling their relationship. She made it her mission to win his heart once again.
If Cristofer agreed to assist, York would once again align with Melody, forsaking Estelle.
“Cristofer, I understand that Gretchen’s past behavior has irritated you, leading to your decision to withdraw your investment from the company in a fit of anger. However, I must emphasize that Gretchen is now carrying your child. Could you find it in your heart to help us resolve the cash flow problem for her sake?” Melody sighed as she made her plea.
Wearing a cold expression, Cristofer cast a brief glance at Melody and then directed his gaze toward Gretchen’s belly. With a disdainful sneer, he questioned, “Is that my child?”
“Yes, you seem to have forgotten. And you told your grandfather that you would…”
Interrupting her, Cristofer interjected with a question, “Are you really pregnant?”
Gretchen was stunned, and her heart skipped a beat. “Yes…”
“But according to your medical records, there is no indication of pregnancy whatsoever. I am aware that you visited the hospital and expressed interest in undergoing IVF,” Cristofer stated. He then shifted his attention to Melody and added, “Melody, I’m not so easily to be deceived.”
Upon being exposed to her deceit, Gretchen was overcome with anger and shame, causing an immediate change in her facial expression. “You spied on me?” she exclaimed.
“Gretchen, you have told an excessive number of lies, and I find it difficult to trust you anymore. Even if you are truly pregnant and give birth to the baby, I will insist on conducting a paternity test to confirm if the child is mine. Furthermore, on the night you drugged me, nothing happened between us, correct?” Cristofer asserted.
Upon hearing Cristofer’s remark, Gretchen became overwhelmed with panic and blurted out, “You remember everything? You didn’t lose consciousness that night?”
“Indeed, my suspicions were correct,” Cristofer remarked with a scornful sneer as he reclined in his seat. “I did lose consciousness and have no recollection of that night. Furthermore, the strong dosage of the drug caused me to experience certain… mental issues. However, discussing it now is useless. Since nothing happened between us that night, and you are not pregnant as you claimed, our engagement will be terminated.”
Gretchen’s face suddenly turned deathly pale. Then she looked at Cristofer’s forehead and asked, “The wound on your forehead has healed?”
“It’s of no concern to you,” Cristofer replied with indifference.
“Very well,” Gretchen acknowledged, realizing that the situation was irreparable. She continued, “As long as you assist in resolving the company’s issues, I will agree to end the engagement.”
“That’s not sufficient,” Cristofer stated firmly. “In addition to ending the engagement, you should also donate one of your lungs to Estelle.”
Gretchen vehemently refused, her voice taking on a harsh tone. “Cristofer, don’t be absurd. Estelle is already with Tim. She no longer loves you. Even if you were to assist her, she would never return to you!”
“It doesn’t concern you, Gretchen. I will do the same if you uphold your end of the bargain. That’s all,” Cristofer stated, his voice still laden with coldness.
“You…”
Before Gretchen could say anything, the door of the CEO’s office was pushed open.
Estelle, dressed in a floral outfit with her long hair flowing freely, entered the room with a calm smile. She addressed Cristofer, “Thank you, Mr. Hans, but I don’t need your assistance.”
“Why are you here, Estelle?” Gretchen seethed, her teeth clenched. “You heard that Cristofer would be present today, so you came to prevent him from investing in the company, didn’t you?”
Estelle approached Gretchen slowly and spoke in a gentle tone, “Not everyone is as malicious as you are. This company is the result of my father’s tireless dedication. I hope it thrives far beyond your expectations.”
With a superior air, she then turned her gaze down towards Cristofer, who was seated on the sofa.
“Mr. Hans, it’s been a while,” Estelle greeted with directness. “Our company is currently facing a crisis, and I’d like to know what it would take for you to consider assisting us, aside from Gretchen’s lung donation.”
Upon hearing this, Cristofer furrowed his brow, his gaze fixed on Estelle, but he remained silent.
Estelle maintained a professional demeanor as she pressed on, “Let’s keep this conversation strictly business. You are welcome to express your terms.”
After a prolonged silence, Cristofer inquired with a mixture of emotions, “Are you suggesting that you want me to offer assistance to the company as well?”
“I am not asking for your help. I am discussing a business proposition with you,” Estelle clarified, emphasizing the distinction. “Mr. Hans, this particular batch of gemstones is of exceptional quality. If you are willing to invest in our gem project, I can assure you that it will yield significant profits.”
Cristofer kept his gaze on Estelle briefly before responding, “Making a profit is not my concern at the moment.”
Hearing this, Estelle’s brow furrowed slightly, and she replied, “Mr. Hans, I’m not quite sure I understand your intention. Could you please clarify?”
“It’s not important if you don’t understand my meaning,” Cristofer retorted. “Estelle, let me ask you a question. Are you genuinely asking for my help in resolving the company’s issues? You should be aware that the company is not in the same state it once was.”
Upon hearing Cristofer’s words, both Estelle and Melody grasped the underlying implication.