Chapter 42

"Hmm?" Evelina was deep in conversation through text with Caleb when Jasper's interjection caught her attention. She glanced up, took a second to register his words, and responded, "Don't worry, Jasper.Caleb's in Ireah but he'll return soon."

Florrie, overhearing the conversation, expressed her astonishment. "Really? He's coming back already?"

She was aware that lan had exerted a lot of effort to ensure Caleb was sent far from Aglonard.

Evelina explained while texting, "He's actually on vacation. So after he deals with the urgent matter at hand,he will come back immediately." She looked at Florrie, confused by her reaction.there an issue?"

Florrie exhaled, trying to hide her concern. "No, it's nothing."

She sighed inwardly. Her uncle's journey to a love life seemed turbulent from the very beginning.

Meanwhile,at the Gibson Group, Cary was struggling under immense pressure.

The suppliers had increased their prices significantly, and the largest purchaser of Gibson's products was exploiting Cary's desperation by lowering their offers, relentlessly critiquing the quality, and demanding additional modifications.

Since his tenure began at Gibson Group, Cary had not encountered such a horrible situation. He was struggling to keep the company afloat.

Then, another urgent matter came from the finance department. "Mr. Gibson, there was a transfer of three hundred million from our funds to purchase earrings for Miss Barton. It's imperative you reimburse the company promptly. We're facing a multitude of issues lately, and our cash flow is critically strained."

The potential collapse of cash flow presented a terrible scenario that Cary couldn't even begin to fathom.

Cary's temper flared as he asked, "Is there no one here who can come up with a solution?"

The finance team was tasked with fund management, not revenue creation; their hands were tied.

Originally, when Cary decided to extract funds from the company's reserves, the finance director had staunchly objected.

Using his clout, Cary coerced her into compliance by promising a swift reimbursement within a month. She agreed,albeit with great reluctance.

"I've exhausted all options and now must turn to you for help, Mr. Gibson."

Yet Cary found himself equally devoid of alternatives and resorted to desperately calling for help.

His pleas for help were met with refusal after refusal.

"We previously extended help because of our debt to Ms. Marsh. Since you're no longer associated, our obligation no longer stands." This was the common retort from suppliers and buyers alike.

Only then did the reality dawn on Cary; the Russell family's remarks about his dependence on Evelina's influence to best his uncle weren't just mere assertions.

But how had Evelina, ostensibly just a housewife, managed to amass such leverage over influential businessmen?

Overwhelmed and disheveled, Cary slackened his tie and contemplated whether to dial Evelina's number,his thumb hovering over her contact.

It was merely a separation. Cary believed he could ensure Evelina wouldn't suffer financially and they could part as friends. Why was she complicating the situation?

"Cary, lunch is ready." Esme approached with a lunchbox, her demeanor soothing.

As he saw her, Cary felt his spirits lift, and he turned his phone over on the table.

Esme possessed intelligence, beauty, and a prestigious background. An alumna of an international university, she had been mentored by/Landen himself.

She surpassed Evelina in every way.

Evelina had been instrumental in his victory over his uncle, but Cary was confident Esmne could elevate his career even further.

"I'm truly fortunate to have you," Cary said, caressing her hand gently.

"Cary..." Nestling into his embrace, Esme murmured softly, "My brother inquired again today about our marriage. How much are you setting aside for my security? My family considers it a mere formality, yet they've set aside a hundred million as my dowry."

Though Esme projected generosity and understanding, her intentions were quite calculated.

Her family was ready with a hundred million; Cary should at least match that, shouldn't he?

Cary's face darkened at the mention of finances. "I've given you the Starry Night Earrings worth three hundred million. Doesn't that show my commitment?"

Esme felt a jolt of surprise but quickly masked it with a smile. "That's precisely what I reassured my parents.Yet, they feel it's insufficient. It's mostly for appearances, to impress our acquaintances."

She exhaled and said, "They insist on making a grand event out of my first marriage."

Cary caught the underlying scorn for his second marriage attempt.

His expression turned grim abruptly. "I need to go to a meeting. You better go prepare for Miss Russell's surgery the day after tomorrow."

Esme was taken aback by his curt dismissal. She lingered, hoping to speak further, but Cary had already exited the office.

Esme stamped her foot in annoyance.

She had managed to contact the Sight Weaver earlier today, only to be stunned by the demand for one hundred million to perform the surgery that could potentially restore Florrie's vision.

Refusal meant risking her false identity being revealed to the Russell family.

Desperate, she had turned to Cary for support, not anticipating his indifferent response.

Now what was she to do?

One hundred million-such a sum was nowhere within her reach.