Three months before the incident at Powell Group, the shares had been plummeting. Elisa had thought about this outcome, but she was too afraid to acknowledge her own thoughts, so she ignored them time and time again.
For four years, she had believed that she had grasped a lifetime of fantasies, only to realize that Hamish had been using her all along.
He had drained her for four years, strategically swallowing up Powell Group step by step.
Reflecting on the ironic turn of events, she couldn’t determine whether this man was heartless and unscrupulous or if she herself had been foolish.
“When I took over Powell Group, those old shareholders lectured me, saying that I was not smooth enough in my actions, that my personality was too assertive and aggressive, always insisting on doing things my own way, easily offending people. I listened to them but never made any changes.” Elisa breathed slowly and heavily, exhaling a sigh. Bitterly, she said, “Now I regret it.”
Hamish continued her words, asking, “Regret what?”
“I regret being too stubborn, not knowing how to adapt and closing off my own way out. If I hadn’t met you, if I hadn’t forced you to marry me, the outcome might have been completely different.” Elisa’s tone was heavy with bitterness, carrying a sense of resignation.
Her heart was unwilling, but she also hated herself for lacking strength.
Hamish’s expression changed, and he didn’t say anything, just staring at Elisa.
“Ivan stopped me today and said that if he had taken over the Powell family back then, Powell family might not have ended up like this today.”
Hamish sneered with a hint of meaning, “He’s quite confident. If he had taken over the Powell family, it might have disappeared five years ago.”
Elisa propped her chin up, lightly pursing her lips, stained with lipstick.
If she hadn’t heard those words from Ivan today, she would have almost forgotten that she used to be so powerful, invincible, and lived with pride and freedom.
But when did she become like this? She had lost her pride and self-esteem.
After marrying Hamish, she had lost herself, and that sword had become rusty.
Elisa’s thoughts gradually drifted away, and the beef placed in front of her had already gone cold. Hamish called the waiter to replace it and ordered seafood congee, made with Australian lobsters.
“Is your stomach problem caused by your habit of daydreaming while eating?”
Hamish’s voice awakened Elisa. She stared at the congee in front of her, stirred it with a spoon.
“Hamish, I want to work.”
Hamish seemed to have heard a joke and sneered, “Which company would want you?”
Previously, Elisa couldn’t find one, and now it was exposed to the outside world that she had a mental illness. No matter how strong Elisa had been in the past, no company would want someone with a mental illness.
Elisa lowered her head and took a sip of hot congee. She rubbed the rim of the bowl with her fingertip, her gaze lowered as if contemplating something. After a while, she said, “Didn’t you say before that I could work at your company?”
This surprised Hamish, “Are you willing now?”
“It’s better than being a useless person at home. Can I choose a position?”
Elisa had that ability, and Hamish always admired capable people. “What do you want to do?”
“You wanted to develop that piece of land into an amusement park, right? Let me take full responsibility for that project in collaboration with Baker Group. What do you think?” Elisa paused for a moment and said calmly, “Besides, isn’t that land under my name?”
She thought such a large project would require Hamish’s meticulous consideration for a few days, but she didn’t expect him to immediately nod in agreement.
“Alright.”
Elisa felt as if she were dreaming. She touched her earlobe with her hand, scooped some congee, and took a few sips. Her stomach hurt a little after vomiting, and Elisa was already full after just a few mouthfuls.
Hamish said, “I will arrange a few people to accompany you.”
Elisa understood that Hamish didn’t trust her much. On the surface, he would arrange a few people to help her handle things, but in reality, it was to monitor her.
Hamish overestimated her. She didn’t have his means or as much time as he did.
Her plan was simple. It was because of her that Baker Group had encountered trouble, so she wanted to take on this project and cooperate with Baker Group.
Elisa calmly replied, “Okay.”
After Elisa got into the car, she remained quiet and didn’t mention anything about the upcoming work. The night view of Bankshire was beautiful. The steel and concrete structures were adorned withneon lights, shimmering like stars. Countless lights illuminated the path home, row after row of street lamps.
Relaxing music played in the car, soothing her nerves, and she focused on gazing outside, captivated by the scenery. She didn’t know how long she would be able to enjoy this view. The summer in Bankshire was fleeting. It felt like just a few days ago she was wearing short sleeves, but now she needed to put on a jacket, especially at night. When she rolled down the car window, the cold wind blew in, sending a shiver down her spine.
Unable to help herself, she shrank back, and suddenly, her back and shoulders felt warm. She turned her head and saw that Hamish had taken off his suit jacket and draped it over her.
Hamish had had some drinks, and his usually cold and sharp gaze was now filled with the intoxication of alcohol, making it somewhat alluring.