Chapter 180
Stella knew that if she went to meet Kevin herself, he wouldn’t agree. So, she had Jordan go instead.
With the money Jordan offered, Kevin couldn’t refuse. Even if he tried, Jordan had countless ways to make him accept.
Kevin said, “Alright, I understand.”
After seeing Kevin accept the money, Jordan turned around and left.
On the way back, he transferred a sizable amount of money to Stella using his own account and then deleted the record. When he returned, he acted as if nothing had happened and handed Stella her phone.
They originally planned to stay in this city for five or six days, but ended up leaving after just three days.
Stella suggested that the previous dangers were unlikely to persist and that Jordan should return.
But Jordan insisted that things at the company were currently stable. He couldn’t spend the entire year in the office and needed to trust his
employees.
Jordan laid out a slew of reasons, making it impossible for Stella to argue. Fortunately, with Jordan’s company, they managed to sort out all the suppliers in just half a month.
When they returned to the office, Nola informed Stella that, thanks to their preparations, Lionel had lost the lawsuit, inadvertently giving
their supermarket some free publicity.
Nola also engaged some influencers to spread the word that Lionel had been copying the Hayes Group’s business model from the start. All his metrics were subpar, and he was under investigation by various departments.
The image of the Quinn family had been steadily declining due to several quality issues, putting him at the center of public scrutiny. With increasingly fewer customers visiting his supermarkets, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before he self–destructed.
This was excellent news for Stella. “It’s like they say, you reap what you sow.”
Nola glanced over the list of suppliers Stella had secured, her eyes widening in disbelief. “I can’t believe we got such great prices. Ms. Hayes, you’re amazing.”
Stella said, “But we can’t set our market prices too low, or other supermarkets will get angry. I’ll personally supervise the pricing.”
“Got it, I’ll get back to work,” Nola replied, busy with all the preparations for the grand opening coming up soon.
Once Stella finished her tasks and walked out of the office, she was blocked by Lionel. “Stella, I need to talk to you.”
Ignoring him as if he weren’t there, Stella tried to walk past.
Lionel stepped in her way again. “Stella, stop! I really have a lot to say to you.”
Stella paused, glancing sideways. “What’s there to talk about? Lionel, don’t tell me everything that happened between us was a misunderstanding. You’ve said that too many times already; it’s getting old.”
Lionel replied, “No, I want to talk about Jordan.”
“I don’t want to hear it,” Stella shot back. “I won’t listen to anyone talk about my husband, especially not you. How do I know you’re not trying to set him up?”
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Seeing she was still trying to leave, Lionel took a step back. “Fine, I won’t mention your husband. Let’s discuss the collaboration instead
“Collaboration?” Stella looked at him as if he were speaking nonsense.
She continued, “Lionel, your family’s reputation is in the gutter, and you’re out of cash. You probably lost a lot this time. What could you possibly offer for a partnership?
“Plus, do you really think I’d collaborate with someone who’s hurt me deeply? Don’t forget, just a few days ago, you cut off my suppliers.
Lionel’s words lacked conviction. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ve done a lot of awful things. But can’t you consider our past and the fact that I treated you well? Just help me this once; my family’s company can’t go under.”
“Not my problem,” Stella replied coldly.
Lionel pleaded, “Stella, I’ll do anything you want. I can even beg you if that’s what it takes.”
Stella looked at Lionel and felt that he had changed. He no longer radiated the confidence he once had; all that remained was despair about life and helplessness regarding his company.
Stella had always believed that Lionel had a bright future ahead. As a child, he excelled in everything he did. She had even worked hard to keep up with him, only to find him in this ridiculous state now.
Stella’s response made Lionel feel like she was waiting for him to beg. He was actually betting that Stella wouldn’t make him do it, but her silence indicated that she thought that way.
Recently, things had been tight at his home. His father had given strict orders to save the company at all costs, no matter what methods Lionel had to use. He felt he had no choice but to take a gamble.
By the time Stella realized what was happening, Lionel was already on his knees. A crowd had gathered, and Stella felt speechless. “What’s the meaning of this? Lionel, what do you want? To force me?”
He replied, “Yes, I am trying to force you. Stella, you might think I’m disappointing you now, but I’m out of options.
“You know about the recent issues at the supermarket. If I don’t find a way out, not only is our company done for, but my family is too.”
Stella found it all quite laughable. “Did you ever think that maybe I want to see your company and your family fail?”
Lionel froze for a moment.
Stella continued, “And why are you coming to me for help? You know, anyone in the world might help you, but I can’t.”
Lionel lowered his head. “Stella, I genuinely can’t find anyone else. I thought about trying to arrange a marriage, but now that our family situation is known, no one wants to deal with us.”
Stella interrupted, “So you come to me? Lionel, you don’t want my help; you want to drag me down with you.”
Lionel said, “No, listen to me. What I mean is, I can take a smaller share, and we can change the supermarket’s na let me keep the company for now.”
Stella couldn’t help but laugh. “Keep the company? Are you kidding me? Your company’s flaws are huge.
the Hayes Group. Just
“You make it sound nice, saying a smaller share, but what you really want is to use my profits to patch up your own company’s holes. Lionel I’m not an idiot.”
Lionel fell silent, unable to respond.
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Chapter 180
He looked at Stella; she still had the same face, but she was different now. Maybe Lionel had never truly understood har
Stella was smart. She had been generous before because they were family, and he had treated her well. The harm he had caused her might have been greater than what his family had done; he had no right to ask Stella for help.
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