Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Winston held Bill Harper, the father of Landon and Zoe, in high regard, and the two were best friends. Winston even grieved for a while after Bill lost his life in a plane crash.
If Bill were around, the Harpers would have reached greater heights, and there wouldn’t be a place for the Schmidts. Besides, Landon wouldn’t have been placed in a difficult spot in the Harper Group.
“Let’s move on. We should be enjoying the annual horse racing event. Our family wouldn’t want to dampen the mood or divert the attention from the event.” Winston stood with his hands on his back, looking gracious. “Mr. Cornelius, just have Zoe apologize to Lyse, and we’re good.”
Upon hearing that, Zoe’s mind went blank. It would kill her to apologize to Alyssa.
Cornelius coldly urged her, “Zoe, apologize to Alyssa!”
Zoe, gritting her teeth and trembling, mustered all her energy to mutter, “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”
A captivating smile bloomed on Alyssa’s lips. She replied, “I’m cool as long as you know your fault. I just hope you won’t repeat the same mistake. Your reckless behavior might ruin someone’s reputation. After all, not everyone has the clout to confront the Harpers.”
Alyssa’s subtle jab left onlookers stunned.
Simultaneously, two hashtags, #ZoeHarperSlapped Herself, and # ZoeHarperApology, quietly trended on Twitter. Netizens reveled in the spectacle.
“Hahaha! I almost spit out my drink! Zoe Harper slapped herself?”
“Yeah, what’s that, a new performance art style? Is she starting a new trend?”
“I think she might have some mental issues. The Harpers should get her checked and treated soon.”
Zoe found herself once again subjected to humiliation, dragging down her family’s reputation.
Cornelius gave her a disappointed stare before leaving. Penelope, hugging Zoe, trailed behind Cornelius dejectedly as Preston supported them.
Penelope teared up in gratitude. “Preston, thanks for helping Zoe.”
“Don’t mention it. We’re all family. It’s what I should do for her as an uncle,” Preston replied nonchalantly.
Penelope sobbed when she was reminded of her late husband. She lamented, “After Bill’s death, there’s no one left to protect me and Zoe. Landon doesn’t come home anymore now that he’s held up by that Walsh girl. He no longer cares about me and Zoe. What are we supposed to do?”
“Penny, please don’t say so. Landon is a good man. He won’t abandon his family for his spouse,” Preston reassured, his eyes gleaming. “Besides, he needs your blessing to get married. If you refuse, there’s no way Lauren Walsh could marry him. You have to assert your authority.”
Hearing that, Penelope clenched her jaw and nodded resolutely.
Ignoring the surprised glances, Winston put an arm around Jameson’s shoulder with an approving smile..
He began, “Jimmy, I owe you thanks. Lyse would have been much to protect her image and the family’s reputation. How can I repay your favor?”
Staring at the indifferent look on Alyssa’s face, Jameson humbly replied, “Uncle Winston, don’t mention it. My feelings for Lyse have never wavered, and I’ll always stand by your side. I must intervene when
Lyse is mistreated. Even if she’s at fault, I will staunchly support her. If you insist on repaying my favor, just allow me to meet with Lyse. That’ll be enough for me.”
Alyssa coldly observed Jameson’s fake act as she clutched her fists.
Winston cast an affectionate gaze at Jameson and said warmly,” Attaboy. I know your feelings. Don’t worry. You’ll have many more opportunities to spend time with Lyse.”
The onlookers gasped at Winston’s response as the cameras captured the interaction. As a legendary businessman who was at the top of his field, Winston had never shown such affinity with men younger than him. He clearly approved of Jameson as his future son- in-law candidate.
Someone mumbled softly, “Why do I have a feeling that… Mr. Taylor intended to matchmake Mr. Jameson and Ms. Alyssa?”
“It appears like that to me as well. He’s always cold to Mr. Walsh but friendly with Mr. Jameson. It’s a clear sign, isn’t it?
“Besides, everyone in business knows that Victor Schmidt and Winston Taylor are good friends. Mr. Taylor spoilt his stubborn daughter. He wouldn’t have approved of her marriage to Mr. Walsh otherwise. Instead, he would have married her off to Mr. Jameson.”
“But Ms. Alyssa’s heart seems set on Jeremy Walsh. They even walked the red carpet like they’re getting back together.”
“Pfft. What good is that? Women from esteemed families have no say in their choice of husband. Mr. Taylor might have given her freedom once, but he would never allow it again.”
“An arranged marriage between the Taylors and the Schmidts will be big news. That will certainly shift the dynamics of the business world in Solana City.
Alyssa ‘couldn’t bear listening to the gossip around her and hurried away with a heavy expression. Jameson rushed after her with concern. “Lyse, what’s wrong? Are you still angry over what Zoe did?”
She maintained her stride in silence. He persisted. “Lyse, I have many ways to cheer you up if you’re still upset. I’ll do anything for you as long as it makes you happy.”
Halting in her tracks, she questioned, “Do you have evidence of Zoe framing me?”
“No. I played tricks on her because I knew she would crumble under the guilt,” Jameson admitted openly with a chuckle.
“From my understanding of Zoe Harper, she is more resilient and shameless than Betty Walsh. Do you think she’ll cower under your threat when she has the backing of Mr. Cornelius and Landon?” She stared at him with doubt. “Or did she back off purely out of consideration of your relationship with her?”
Alyssa’s words were full of sarcasm, but it played into Jameson’s plan. Adjusting his glasses, he concealed the sly glint in his eyes, explaining, “Lyse, I have no relationship with any woman except for you.”
“Oh, quit it. I have a lover. No matter how interested you are in me, I will not feel the same for you.” Her harsh reply was akin to a blade that pierced through his heart.
Feeling bitter, he began, “Lyse, I-“
“I do not wish to take away your right to a healthy relationship,” she said with a smirk and called him out. “Don’t waste your effort. You can suck up to my father as much as you’d like, but I’d never leave. Jeremy for you.”
On the other hand, Jeremy had been working closely and discreetly with Xavier to launch their next move.
When he heard that Zoe had nearly tainted Alyssa’s reputation, he rushed to the scene at lightning speed, but it was too late.
The guests and the reporters had left. He and Xavier stood blankly at the scene.
Xavier reported, “Mr. Walsh, I just checked the trending topics. Zoe apologized to Madam and is now being attacked by the netizens. Everyone is speaking up for Madam.”
“But-“Xavier sounded hesitant.
Heart sinking, Jeremy demanded, “What is it?”
“Jameson Schmidt was the one who helped Madam.” Xavier broke into a cold sweat when he brought up Jameson’s name.
Rage filled Jeremy’s eyes. His jawline tightened as he clenched his teeth.
“Not only that, photos of Mr. Taylor and Jameson are circulating online. There are-unverified rumors of an arranged marriage between the Taylor and Schmidt families. Madam might end up marrying Jameson Schmidt!” Even Xavier quivered as he spoke.
Jeremy was clearly more crushed and heartbroken than Xavier upon hearing the news.
Nervous, he was about to look for Alyssa when he witnessed the Jesseltons of Mosgravia’s Jesselton Incorporated approaching him. under heavy security protection.
“Mr. Walsh, it’s the Jesseltons!” Xavier gaped at the entourage. ” Damn, are the father and son both here? It could’ve been a sudden schedule change, as we weren’t notified at all.”
While they were speaking, Ezzo and Zeke Jesselton came to a stop in front of Jeremy.
Ezzo addressed him with amusement, “Mr. Walsh, I thought I wouldn’t have a chance to see you again because you were absent from the meeting last time. I thought you resigned.”
Zeke lifted his chin with a mix of disdain and haughtiness. “Dad, is he the president of the Walsh Group? I thought the president was the
Jeremy pressed his lips, knowing that he must have pissed off the Jesseltons after he stood them up last time.
Worse, the Walsh Group and Jesselton Incorporated would see more interaction in the future as the two companies had recently signed a billion-dollar project.
The Jesseltons appeared to hold a grudge against Jeremy, looking down on him and choosing instead to side with Justin Walsh.
“Sorry to disappoint you,” Jeremy collected himself and replied with a nonchalant smile.
He shrugged off the Jesseltons’ attitude and graciously reached out for a handshake. “Justin isn’t the president-of the Walsh Group. Besides, I have not resigned from the company.
“Why don’t we take this opportunity to introduce ourselves once again? Let’s put aside petty grudges that stand in the way of mutual gains. There are no everlasting enemies in business. Don’t you agree?”
Ezzo and Zeke exchanged glances. Jeremy’s humility had thwarted them from making a scene.
Even though the Jesseltons were friends with Justin, at the end of the day, Jeremy held the power within the Walsh Group.
Moreover, Jeremy hit the nail on the head when he professed that there were no everlasting enemies in business, only private interests.
Finally, Ezzo and Zeke backed down and shook hands with Jeremy, their attitude softening. “Mr. Walsh, let’s work well together.”
Jeremy replied firmly, “I hope so as well.”
The four distinguished families settled into their seats in the VIP area.
After the debacle, the Harpers seemed uneasy and abashed, except for Preston, who had been reveling in the drama.