Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Though Landon was filled with anger and frustration, he suppressed his rage.
“Grandpa, have you forgotten what you promised me before? Zoe has committed an unforgivable mistake, tarnishing her reputation and nearly bringing down our entire family! How could you let her come back?
“With her personality, she’ll continue to cause trouble if she doesn’t receive any heavy punishment.
Have you thought about what to do if that happens? As the head of the family, how can you go back on your word?”
Cornelius retorted, “Zoe has suffered enough during her time away from home. She has acknowledged her mistakes and apologized to me and her mother.”
“It’s all an act! Once she’s back in Solana City, her true colors will show!”
“You are my only grandson, but Zoe is also my only granddaughter! I cannot bear to see my descendants exiled!”
Cornelius slammed his hand on the desk, glaring at Landon. “Zoe has been pampered since childhood. When has she ever suffered such humiliation and torture? Do you know she almost died abroad?
“As her brother, you show no concern for her well-being. Yet you have the nerve to lecture me about not wanting her back. Do you still treat her as your sister? Your father must feel deeply hurt if he sees this from heaven!”
Landon was so angry that he gnashed his teeth so hard that it hurt.
The death of his father was the greatest source of pain in his life. He would feel a pang of pain just hearing his father’s name. But now, Cornelius was using Bill’s death to attack him, all for the sake of protecting Zoe.
It was a disgrace to Bill.
“Do you know that your mother fainted on the spot when she heard that Zoe was admitted to the emergency room? Luckily, the servants were there to catch her in time. Otherwise, if she had collapsed and hit her head, you might have lost her.”
Cornelius continued, “Landon, I know you’re close with Jeremy and Alyssa, but never forget that you are a member of the Harper family. You’re about to become Harper Group’s president¡ªmy successor.
“At this crucial moment, you should focus on managing the company’s affairs. Other matters don’t need your attention.”
Cornelius stared at Landon coldly. “I heard that you have already taken your girlfriend to propose to the Walsh family privately and have met with the Walsh’s.”
Landon’s heart skipped a beat.
“You haven’t arranged for me to meet Mr. Javier because you wanted to wait until the appointment is official. By then, you’ll have enough confidence to formally propose to the Walsh family.”
When Cornelius noticed the change in Landon’s expression, he knew he had the upper hand. He sat back leisurely in his chair.
“Mr. Javier is a man of high standards. He’s renowned for being difficult to please in the business world of Solana City. If you want him to fully accept you as his son-in-law, you need to show sincerity. Don’t you think so, Landon?”
In the hospital, Julien administered the medicine Jameson had sent to Winston right after he found out it was safe.
The next morning, amidst the anxious prayers and anticipation, Winston gradually woke up and opened his eyes.
“Dad!” Alyssa couldn’t contain her excitement and rushed to hug Winston tightly.
“Oh my… You’re suffocating me. It seems that Jeremy really feeds you well,” Winston teased weakly as he patted Alyssa’s back.
Inwardly, he was overjoyed. “I just came back from the brink of death. Are you trying to send me back?
“Dad, don’t say such things!”
The mix of relief and joy from their reunion made Alyssa hold Winston even tighter. Her eyes shone with tears of happiness. “What brink of death? You were just asleep and woke up.”
Winston sighed and smiled weakly. “Lyse, this is my body. How could I not know my condition?
“I’m getting old… really old. Before, even if the sky fell, I thought I could bear it. But now, without anything happening, I’ve already fallen.”
Alyssa’s eyes stung with pain, and she felt a lump in her throat.
“Lyse, thank you for taking care of me. I’ve frightened you, haven’t I?” Winston gently stroked her hair as he tearfully scanned his children.
“Dad, you’re recovering quickly. There’s nothing serious,” Jonah said with a forced smile as he walked to the bedside.
Everyone nodded, pretending to be relaxed.
“Don’t try to fool me.”
Winston chuckled. “Look at your three mothers. Their eyes are swollen, as though bees have stung them. If you’re going to pretend, at least make it believable. Your worries are written all over your faces.”
Outside the ward, Jeremy stood quietly at the door. He was just an outsider, after all. Beside him stood Axel, who exchanged awkward glances with Jeremy.
After a long silence, Jeremy finally spoke. “Axel, why don’t you go in?”
“Why should I?” Axel crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow in response.
Jeremy said, “Your family is all inside…”
“So? Do I have to join them? Will squeezing in get me some reward?” Axel tilted his head and narrowed his eyes.
Looking at his mischievous expression, Jeremy smiled faintly.
Despite Axel’s tough demeanor, the faint redness at the corners of his eyes betrayed his concern for Winston.
A voice called out urgently, “Axel!”
Liam had rushed back from Leichtown overnight. He was still in his military uniform.
“Liam!” Axel’s eyes lit up, and he hurried over.
“How’s Dad?” Liam’s eyes were red from exhaustion. He was decisive on the battlefield, but now he appeared cautious.
Axel’s usually sharp gaze softened as he placed his hand on Liam’s shoulder badge. “Don’t worry. He has woken up.”
“That’s good. I’ll go in and see Dad.”
Liam finally relaxed. Just as he wanted to enter the ward, he noticed Jeremy’s tall figure standing nearby. His expression darkened at once.
“Why is he here?”
Jeremy’s throat tightened, his long lashes trembling slightly.
Scratching his head, Axel grinned, revealing a row of white teeth. “Who else is going to be here if not him? He follows where his woman goes, of course.”
“His woman?”
Liam’s tone was icy, devoid of any warmth. “You guys are so easily swayed by him?”
“Liam, I¡ª”
“No matter how he tries to make amends now, it’s useless. In my eyes, the harm he caused Lyse is unforgivable.”
Liam’s eyes turned red. His gaze was so sharp, like a blade on Jeremy’s neck. “I will never forget the pain Lyse endured because of him. Lyse’s child died because of this jackass!”
After saying that, he stepped inside and slammed the door shut. Jeremy stood rooted to the spot, his mouth agape, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions that constricted his throat and brought tears to his eyes.
“Hey, are you still here?”
Axel snapped his fingers in front of Jeremy, causing the latter to startle and bow his head. “Sorry.”
“Sorry my ass! Look at you, with your head hung low like a wilted plant. I really want to hit you with a stun gun!”
Axel punched Jeremy hard in the chest. Despite the impact, Jeremy remained unmoved.
“If I were you, the more he looks down on me, the more I’d cling to Lyse, pester her, and haunt her for the rest of my life. I’d never give up until he accepted me. Why are you dejected after a couple of criticisms? Where’s that stubbornness of yours, Jeremy?”
Jeremy’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “I’m pestering her, aren’t I? Don’t worry. For Lyse, I can be even more shameless than Jameson.”
Axel nodded approvingly, his expression saying, “You’ve got potential.”
“I just¡ª”
“It’s all in the past.” Axel’s voice interrupted him, shaking his head.
“In Lyse’s journey to find her partner, we can only protect her, not judge her. If she’s completely at peace, we have no right to meddle.
“Liam has had his own logic in everything he does since he was young. He’s the most stubborn and least receptive to advice. Even Jonah, Silas, and Cyrus together can’t sway him.