Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Newton’s words had a profound impact on Javier and the entire Walsh Group.
It was public knowledge that Newton, despite retiring from his role as the Walsh Group’s chairman, held the company stocks and remained the shareholder and the honorary chairman across many other companies.
He remained in control of Brighton Technology and Alcove Co. Although Javier was eager to get his hands on the two companies, Newton refused to give him the opportunity.
However, Newton had breezily given Jeremy power in the two companies, which was clearly an act of favoritism. It was also a subtle declaration that Jeremy was the “chosen one” and the heir of Walsh Group.
“Why are you quiet? Do you disagree with my decision?” Newton asked coldly.
“I’m sure you have thought over it carefully,” Javier replied.
After a pause, Javier added, “But you’ve given Jeremy too much stock ownership when he’s still young. I worry that he might feel pressured by it. It’s also a distraction that might affect his growth in the future.”
“I know what Jeremy is capable of. Even if the sky falls, he’ll be able to handle it. You don’t have to worry about a thing when he’s the president of Walsh Group. He’s always managed to solve the problems. Isn’t that right? He’s driven by challenges. Put pressure on him, and you’ll help him release his potential.
“Besides, he’s going to marry the Taylors’ daughter in the future. Winston Taylor is the wealthiest man in Belbanks. My grandson needs to hold some wealth to measure up to the Taylors. I can’t have them looking down at him. It’s not like he’s marrying up,” Newton said aloud as he pictured the future marriage of Jeremy and Alyssa as well as his great-grandchildren.
Javier had wanted to talk back, but he held his tongue out of fear of provoking Newton into transferring more power to Jeremy.
Newton leaned back into the chair and waved dismissively at the glum-looking Javier. “You may leave the car. I’m about to have dinner with my grandson and my granddaughter-in-law. I don’t want to ruin the mood, so I’m not inviting you.”
Jameson was abroad in Mosgravia in an artistically decorated room looking out to a maple grove. Birds chirped around them, which reminded Jameson of the idyllic towns of Cyrris.
A digital chessboard was displayed on a huge screen in the room. Jameson was playing chess with a man who was seated behind a curtain.
In front of Jameson was a crystal chess set. Every time he made a move, it would be reflected digitally on the screen.
“Mr. Jameson, you should spend more time with your mom since you’re in Mosgravia. You don’t have to entertain me,” the mysterious man remarked with a smile.
Jameson replied courteously, “Sir, you have my loyalty. I’m not entertaining you.”
“You’ve done a lot during this time. However, after Sophia Kirkman’s downfall, I fear that Jeremy Walsh and Alyssa Taylor might redirect their attention to you. You need to be prepared. You shouldn’t fall into their trap.”
“I will take note of that.” The light in Jameson’s eyes dimmed.
The mysterious man lifted a chess piece with slender fingers and decisively captured Jameson’s knight. The man opined, “Josh Schmidt is the last obstacle in your family. After getting rid of him, we can finally make use of the Schmidt Group’s influence to expand our business in Cyrris.”
“I’ll get that done as soon as possible. I won’t keep you waiting for long.”
“Sheryl, Jameson’s tea is getting cold. Get him a new cup,” the man instructed with a knowing smile.
“Yes, sir.” A lovely figure moved around. Soon, Jameson heard the tapping of heels from behind the curtain.
He squinted and took off his gold-rimmed glasses. He stared at a woman dressed in a white coat and sported shoulder-length dark hair as she glided toward him.
“Mr. Schmidt, here’s some Vintage Narcissus tea that was flown in this morning. Please have a taste,” said Sheryl Gillis.
She deftly and elegantly prepared the tea for Jameson, which was an art form in itself.
Soon, she served him a new cup of hot tea. The fair lady stood there amid the steam from the tea and the subtle tea scent wafting in the air. She radiated a captivating yet distant presence, a combination of contradictory traits that strangely complemented each other.
Indeed, those who worked for the man were the cream of the crop who were carefully nurtured. Troublesome employees would have already been removed early on.
“Thank you, Ms. Gillis.” Jameson raised his cup, but his gaze remained fixed on her.
She bore a resemblance to a particular someone¡ªthe woman whom he had loved for a long time.
“Mr. Schmidt, is there something on my face?” Sheryl wondered with a gentle smile.
“No. Sorry. That was rude.” He quickly looked away with astonishment.
The man behind the curtains laughed. “Sheryl, you’re too beautiful. People are naturally attracted to beauty.
“Mr. Schmidt, how does Sheryl compare to Lyse?”
Feeling surprised, Jameson trod carefully. “My apology, sir. Sheryl is great, but Lyse remains my only love in this lifetime. She’s the most beautiful lady in my eyes, which no one could ever replace.”
The man chuckled and sipped on the tea. “How loyal of you! But have you heard about this saying¡ª that the loyal one in love suffers the most regrets?”
“I don’t mind having regrets. I will willingly lose to Lyse.” Jameson smiled wryly. Memories of their tense confrontation on the flight still pained his heart.
“Mr. Schmidt, don’t speak that way, or it might come true. Sir would be the first to feel sorry for you if you’re defeated by Ms. Alyssa, while she might or might not care.
“Without you, sir would lose a right-hand man. How is he going to run his business in Kontina? It’s difficult to find a decision-maker as capable as you,” Sheryl said with a smile.
With a gleam in her eyes, she added, “Not only is Ms. Alyssa a talented woman, but she’s also an unattainable target, relentlessly pursued by big names like you and Mr. Walsh. I have higher expectations for your crush now, and I can’t wait to meet her again.”
The man said to her, “Oh, don’t worry about it. You’ll have a chance to meet her.”
Jameson paused in the middle of drinking tea and shot a doubtful glance at Sheryl.
He thought, “Did Sheryl just say ‘meet her again’? Has Sheryl met Alyssa before? How is that possible?”
From the moment he was acquainted with Sheryl, she had never left the side of her employer. Neither had she traveled to Cyrris, so she couldn’t possibly have any interaction with Alyssa.
Sheryl returned to the side of the man and walked behind him. Then, she thoughtfully started to massage his shoulders. She asked, “Sir, when do you plan to return to Solana City?”
The look in Jameson’s eyes hardened. “Sophia Kirkman is no longer of use. If you look around the Walsh Group, there’s no one to keep Jeremy Walsh in check¡ªhe’s the only one in power.
“I’m concerned that Javier Walsh might hand Jeremy more power out of guilt for his son and his late wife, as well as pressure from Newton Walsh. If that happens, Jeremy will be invincible.”
The man said calmly, “Let’s play chess.” Then, he moved his chess piece.
Jameson pursed his lips. He was about to make his move when the man smiled and remarked, “Mr. Schmidt, why are you so insistent that I go back to Solana City soon?
“Is it truly for my best, or are you doing this for yourself to gain a helping hand? Are you using me against Jeremy Walsh to get your hands on Ms. Alyssa?”
“No, sir. Everything I do is in your interest. That surely wasn’t my intention.” Jameson broke out in cold sweat as he professed his loyalty.
“I don’t mind lending a helping hand. But looking back, nothing comes out of helping you. Your relationship with Ms. Alyssa is stalled, and you only seem to be pushing her further away.
“You should rely on yourself instead of others. It’s useless to depend on others’ help,” the man spoke, sounding like a wise elder.
“Mr. Schmidt, didn’t you ask for aphrodisiac from sir? Haven’t you used it?” Sheryl blinked at Jameson as though she was thinking out of consideration for him. “If it’s not much of help, we can share the latest drug developed by the research center with you.
“It’s more potent. I believe the new drug will make Ms. Alyssa listen to you. There’s no shame in taking a shortcut in matters of the heart.”
Frowning, Jameson gripped his teacup tightly.
The man put on a serious tone. “Enough, Sheryl. Stop teasing him. The drug DAD0044 has entered the trial phase, but we ran into a minor issue.”
Jameson sat up straight. “Please go on.”
“My research center has invested a significant amount of money and effort into developing this drug. Our goal is to be the global leader in developing a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
“If the trial of drug DAD0044 succeeds, we will make a huge contribution to the medical field, not to mention the astronomical profits we’ll make.”
As the breeze lifted the curtains, the man laughed melodiously. “When that happens, the four esteemed families will be no match for me. Buying out the Walsh Group will be a cakewalk.”
Jameson’s eyes lit up with excitement. He leaned forward. “Sir, Parkinson’s disease shares a connection with Alzheimer’s. Could drug DAD0044 possibly… cure Alzheimer’s too?”
The man nodded after he read Jameson’s mind. He explained, “Once drug DAD0044 is successfully launched, we’ll not be far from curing your mom of Alzheimer’s.”
Jameson’s voice trembled in agitation when he found a sliver of hope for his mom, who had suffered from Alzheimer’s for years. “Sir, let me know if you have any issues. I’ll do anything to help you out.”
The man leisurely sipped on the tea. Sheryl spoke out for him, “We received intel that the Lovelace Pharmaceuticals in Cyrris are developing similar drugs. Their progress is slightly ahead of us.
“We repeatedly attempted to send our man into the company to get their research data, but we failed. This will negatively impact sir’s plan of developing the drug.
“Besides, Lovelace Pharmaceuticals’ research is supported by the government. If they launch the drug on the market ahead of us, sir’s efforts will go down the drain. Not only that, we’ll suffer huge monetary losses.”
Jameson furrowed his brows. “Sir, do you want me to disrupt their research? To be honest, I can’t possibly achieve what you’ve failed to do¡ª”
“I would like you to speed up the research progress.” The man’s voice grew colder. “No matter what it takes, I need to market drug DAD0044 ahead of Lovelace Pharmaceuticals.”
Sheryl lifted a box from the table. She approached Jameson and placed the box in front of him.