Chapter 284
Haynes watched her with a gentle smile. “See anything you like? I can get it for you.”
Stella’s lips curved upward. “Well then, I won’t hold back.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Haynes‘ face, subtle but clear.
Stella caught it immediately. “What’s wrong? Did you think I’d say no?“”
He replied coolly, “That’s right. You’ve always struck me as someone with a lot of pride. I figured you wouldn’t accept
Stella laughed. “If I were really that proud, I wouldn’t have split the assets with you–or asked for that hundred million: Haynes was about to respond when Benson hurried over to his side.
“Mr. O’Brien, if we don’t leave now, we’ll be late for the signing.”
Haynes nodded, voice calm. “Understood.”
He started to walk away, then paused, glancing at Stella, who stood nearby. “I’ve got to go. Pick out whatever you like–I’ll cover iL”
Benson shot him a surprised look.
Mr. O’Brien seemed much warmer toward his wife than usual!
It didn’t take long for him to realize why.!!
Walden’s proposal on Stella’s behalf, without asking her.
This was Haynes‘ way of making amends after all, he’d turned down Mr. W
After Haynes left, Stella called up Abby Murphy.
“Abby, come shopping with me! My treat today–pick anything you want.”
Abby was stunned. “Did you win the lottery or something?”
“Nope. Haynes told me to get whatever I wanted. He’s paying.”
Abby immediately got the picture.
She squealed, “Ten minutes–I’ll be there. Wait for me!”
A week later, inside a Wilkinson Group office-
Jasper stared in disbelief at the middle–aged man across from him.
“What? In just one week, I racked up ten million dollars in spending?! Manager Sharp, you must be kidding!”
Manager Sharp wiped the sweat from his brow. “I’m afraid not, sir. All these charges were made at Wilkinson Group businesses, on Mr. O’Brien’s account. You said previously that any expenses made by Mr. O’Bnen at our companies would be billed to you, so..” He’d come to collect payment.!!
A few million would be no big deal, even if it took months to settle, but this was over ten million.
Jasper’s companies might not clear that much in a year!
After college, Jasper’s father, Galen Wilkinson, had given him some start–up capital and connected him with a few subsidiary firms. Thanks to help from Haynes and Foreman Richards, Jasper’s companies had flourished.
Next year, Galen would turn sixty and retire, handing the entire Wilkinson Group over to Jasper
But unlike the simple O’Brien family, the Wilkinsons were complicated.
Galen had several illegitimate children scattered around.
Jasper was average–neither shrewd nor especially capable. Among Galen’s many offspring, his business skills were at the bottom.
The only thing Jasper had going for him was being the son of Galen’s legal wife.
But Galen didn’t care about that–he only cared about who could grow the Wilkinson Group best!
Jasper was lucky. With friends like Haynes and Foreman, The O’Brien and Richards Groups had his back. As long as they stayed in the picture, Jasper barely had to lift a finger–success was practically guaranteed.
Jasper frowned. I know Hayne There’s no way he could’ve spent that much.”1
Manager Sharp hesitated. “Well… it wasnt Mr. O’Brien who made the purchases. It was his wife, Mrs. O’Brien_”
“His wife? Jasper blinked, momentarily at a loss.
Manager Sharp prompted, “Her maiden name is Cameron, I believe.
“Damn it
Elsewhere, Abby watched Stella, who was still on a wild shopping spree, and asked uncertainly, “Star, are you sure this is okay?”
Stella nodded with a calm smile. “Relax. After this, Jasper will be desperate to get me and Haynes divorced–he won’t dare try any tricks again.”
Only one thing can truly wake a person up: self–interest.
