Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
“Thank you, Uncle Winston. I appreciate Mr. Walsh Senior’s kind gesture.” Landon expressed his heartfelt gratitude, addressing Winston as he desired.
Landon understood that Newton had likely used his health as an excuse. After all, the Harpers hurt Lauren multiple times and almost cost her life.
Even if Newton had forgiven them, appearing at the funeral would stir up gossip.
Jonah and Silas offered their condolences as well. In that moment, Landon felt a newfound sense of belonging with the Taylors. He realized he had gained a new family and resolved to leave behind thoughts of vengeance and solitude.
“Let me take you back, Dad,” Alyssa said softly, gently caressing Winston’s arm.
“I’ll be fine. With everyone here, I’m well taken care of,” Winston reassured Alyssa, patting her hand.
“With no one left in the Harper family, it’s important for us to stick together and lend our support. You and Jeremy are Landon’s closest friends. Stay by his side till the end.”
Alyssa, deeply moved, nodded through her tears.
“Winston, allow me to escort you to your car,” Jeremy offered, approaching Winston with care and consideration befitting a son-in-law.
Winston nodded. “Okay, follow me.”
This was Winston’s first public appearance since recovering from his illness, and he made sure to make a grand entrance to support Landon. As a result, numerous media reporters surrounded the place.
To divert attention from the commotion, Winston’s wives, with the assistance of their bodyguards, got into the car and left. Winston, however, remained composed and entertained the media with the help of his two sons and daughter.
“Thank you all for your concern regarding my health. I’m now fully recovered and feeling well. Today, we gather to bid farewell to Mr. Cornelius, and I’m sure he would be pleased to see so many of you here to pay your respects,” Winston addressed the reporters bluntly yet tactfully, effectively silencing anyone who sought to stir up trouble.
“The Harper Group has faced its share of tribulations,” Winston continued, “and Mr. Landon’s sudden ascension undoubtedly raises questions. However, I have watched him grow up, and I know him well.”
“Therefore,” he declared, his chin rising a notch as his eyes burned with conviction, “I say this with absolute certainty¡ªthe sun will rise again on the Harper Group. Under Landon’s leadership, it will rise to even greater heights!”
Winston’s words brought a hush over the crowd. Meanwhile, Jeremy stared in awe at the noble presence Winston exuded. Despite his age and stature, Winston commanded respect and radiated strength and integrity.
Feeling a sense of security in Winston’s presence, Jeremy resolved to learn from the venerable man.
“Jeremy, there’s someone here,” Jonah’s voice interrupted their thoughts, drawing their attention to a luxurious sedan parked nearby.
The arrival of the sedan caught the interest of some media personnel, and as its doors opened, two bodyguards emerged, followed by a woman in a white suit¡ªSheryl Gillis.
Jeremy’s heart clenched as he observed the scene, his jaw tightening in anticipation.
Justin was lifted into the wheelchair with the help of the two bodyguards. Sheryl then wheeled him toward Winston and Jeremy.
“Who is that?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve never seen him before. But he doesn’t seem like a regular folk.”
He looks upper-class, judging by his appearance, manners, and demeanor. It’s a pity about his legs, though. No one’s perfect.”
“Who says there’s no perfect person? Just look at Mr. Jeremy. He’s practically flawless¡ªhe has a beautiful wife and support from Mr. Winston. He’s a winner!”
As the discussion buzzed, Justin made his way through the crowd until he stood before the Taylors.
“Hello, Mr. Winston. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” Justin greeted politely, his hand raised despite his immobility. A gentle and humble smile graced his lips as he continued, “I’m Jeremy’s brother and the eldest son of the Walsh family, Justin Walsh.”
Justin Walsh?
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
Justin’s name was synonymous with the immense suffering he had endured. He had survived a brutal kidnapping that resulted in severe mutilation. To receive proper treatment in Mosgravia, he had to relinquish his right to succeed.
He was finally back!
Jonah and Silas exchanged wide-eyed glances.
The hushed atmosphere shattered as cameras flashed, a cacophony of questions drowning out Justin’s polite greeting.
“Oh, it’s you, Mr. Justin. The pleasure is mine,” Winston greeted, his eyes narrowing imperceptibly. Despite any internal turmoil, he remained composed, extending his hand to shake with the legendary figure of Justin Walsh.
Justin’s hand felt cold as ice, its smooth and clean appearance contrasting starkly with the roughness of Jeremy’s hands. Winston couldn’t help but note the difference.
Jeremy’s hands were so calloused that Winston wouldn’t have been surprised if Jeremy had done hard labor in his spare time. Winston didn’t think Alyssa was particularly difficult to look after.
“I heard you’ve been undergoing treatment overseas. How is your health?” After all, Justin was Jeremy’s brother. Thus, Winston felt compelled to express some concern.
“It’s good. Thank you for asking.” Justin’s gentle gaze shifted to Jeremy’s uneasy demeanor. “Jeremy, make sure Mr. Winston is taken care of. I’ll head inside.”
“Okay, Justin,” Jeremy responded softly, his heart pounding against his ribs. He wasn’t a man easily shaken, yet his brother’s unexpected return had thrown him into turmoil.
He couldn’t shake the sense that there was more to Justin’s demeanor than met the eye.
Jeremy, Jonah, and Silas escorted Winston to his car.
“Take care, Winston.”
“Jeremy, come with me. I have something to ask you.”
Jeremy hesitated for a moment before complying, sliding into the backseat with Winston.
“Your brother’s timing is… curious,” Winston began, his voice laced with concern. “Choosing the Harper family’s funeral for his public return seems calculated. It garnered a significant amount of attention, something both your grandfather and father likely wanted to avoid, hence their absence. And your presence as Landon’s best friend makes perfect sense.”
“However,” Winston continued, his brow furrowing, “Justin has been absent from Solana City for over a decade. His lack of connection to the Harpers makes his appearance here. unsettling, to say the least.”
Jeremy remained silent, uncertain of how to respond. He didn’t wish to speculate on his brother’s motives without knowing the full story.
“You’re too kind for your own good,” Winston remarked with a helpless glance, recognizing Jeremy’s reluctance to engage in gossip. Sensing Jeremy’s discomfort, he shifted the conversation. “How would you describe your relationship with your brother?”
Jeremy’s gaze softened as he delved into memories from long ago. “I returned to the Walsh family with my mother when I was five years old. While we’re not blood-related, Justin always showed care and concern for me. He never held any resentment toward me, even after Dad brought me home years later. He was everything a good brother should be.”
“How about now?”
Winston’s gaze drifted into the distance. “His life took this turn because of you. He ended up confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his days, enduring years of solitude abroad.
“Now that he has returned, he saw firsthand how you’ve captivated the Walsh Group, achieving remarkable success. He’s watched as you’ve claimed what rightfully belongs to him as the eldest son of the Walsh family.
“Can he truly find peace, surrender everything to you, and live a life of luxury and leisure?”
“Justin has been undergoing treatment in Mosgravia all this time. We’ve kept in touch through emails and calls. He used to go out of his way to support me whenever I needed it.
“Your words make sense, but I just can’t imagine my brother holding any animosity toward me.” Jeremy laid out everything he knew for Winston, fully aware of the implications.
Winston clicked his tongue in disapproval. “You’re a divorced CEO. How can you be so naive?”
Jeremy couldn’t help but feel chastised, though a part of him felt a strange exhilaration. It was no wonder Landon hinted that Jeremy had a streak of masochism.
“He’s a grown man in his 30s. Unless there’s something wrong with his brain, why would he wear his heart on his sleeve like that?”
Winston spoke bluntly, “Don’t let your guard down. In wealthy families, even siblings from the same mother fight for power and personal gain, let alone a half-brother from a different mother.”
“Mr. Winston, there’s no need to put so much pressure on Mr. Jeremy. Not all wealthy families are like that,” Carl interjected from the passenger seat. “Look at your family, for example. Your wives and children, even though they’re not all blood-related, get along well and live in harmony.”
“That’s because they lack any semblance of intelligence. They either pretend to be virtuous or strive to be the golden child in public,” Winston retorted angrily, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Lyse is the only one who’s shown any ambition. The rest are utterly worthless. Most families would fight tooth and nail for their inheritance, but ours is a rare exception. Even if you handed them the inheritance on a silver platter, they’d likely turn their noses up and walk away.”
Neil didn’t know how to respond to Winston.
Jeremy’s smile faltered, a mix of envy and admiration flickering in his eyes. They were truly exceptional ¡ª intelligent and talented. They hadn’t shied away from the family’s responsibilities; rather, they had chosen to pursue other paths, indulging Alyssa’s desires. They had collectively decided to let their most beloved sister, Alyssa, take center stage.
After absorbing Winston’s words of wisdom, Jeremy stepped out of the car and watched as the Taylor family vehicle drove away.
“Jeremy.”
Jeremy turned and noticed Alyssa hastily walking toward him. They naturally laced their fingers together.
“Why are you here?” he whispered into her ear, his warm breath brushing against her face as he kissed her cheek.
“Your brother, Justin, is here to make his presence known,” Alyssa replied, her eyes shimmering as she leaned into his embrace. “I didn’t want to face him alone, so I came to find you. But I think he’s already left.”
