fool

Chapter 15 

Ella thought, “Why else would you be sipping it so slowly, as if savoring each taste? She holdly snatched it and took a big gulp. It seemed even tastier than hers. 

radiance. But it seemed not too difficult to accepi 

after all. 

Jaden, left with nothing in his hand, was still adjusting to Ella’s assertiveness and r 

Ill take you to the office later, then we can go shopping. The doctor mentioned that staying cooped up at home isn’t good for your recovery 

You want to cure me?” 

“Of course! I don’t mind the way people look at us, and I think you’re great just as you are, but I want the best for you. Don’t worry, I can afford it. Even if we can’t cure you, I’ll take care of you for life. I promise you’ll want for nothing, and no one will ever hurt you again!” 

This wasn’t the first time Jaden had heard Ella use the phrase “for life. It was a commitment so distant and filled with uncertainties, yet she said it with such conviction, her eyes earnest, 

He nearly got lost in the depth of her gaze, nearly believed her lifetime promise. He didn’t respond, instead focusing on his food. He never committed to anything uncertain. 

After breakfast, Ella took him to the company. There, he met Willow Group’s professional manager–Finn Santino. 

Finn was in his early thirties, wearing rimmed glasses, exuding competence and steadiness, with a clam demeanor. 

Jaden quickly sized up the man. He thought, Tough Ambitious. Extraordinary 

Finn also gave him a curious look. Just a fool, he thought, 

Soon, Ella had to leave for a meeting, and Jaden’s phone buzzed. It was an email detailing the Plan to Acquire Willow Group), outlining every step up to the final one where Willow Group would fail to make the last partnership payment, leading to court proceedings and asset auction. Willow Group would then be officially bankrupt. 

Hank texted: [Sir, please review] 

Jaden quickly scanned the document, finding no faults. It was a precise strike, leaving no chance for Willow Group to rebound. He should have been satisfied with his team’s thoroughness, but instead, he felt no joy–only a suffocating sensation, as if the air in the room had thickened. 

He exhaled a heavy y breath and mustered the detachment a businessman should have and texted: [Execute. 

After sending the command, he erased all traces of the correspondence, leaving nothing behind. 

After the meeting, Ella felt as drained as if she had just undergone a grueling workout, having struggled to comprehend topics that were completely over her head 

The recent wedding had one significant upside–it had generated a surge of orders, Willow Group was overwhelmed by the volume, but passing up this opportunity could mean never seeing such a chance again. She knew her connection with Denison Group wasn’t as deep as it seemed. Once they figured this out, they wouldn’t view her in the same favorable light.. 

Therefore, she had to accept as many of these lucrative but risky orders as possible. Of course, this came with substantial risk. If she failed to meet the delivery dates specified in the contracts, she would face severe penalties. 

The directors were hesitant, none daring to make the final call for fear of becoming the scapegoat in the company’s history. Ella had to decide herself, taking full responsibility for all outcomes. If successful, everyone would profit together. If not, she would sell her shares at a low price to recoup the loses 

Ella was under tremendous pressure, but she felt it was necessary. If Willow Group continued to play it safe, it was still headed for disaster. 

Upon returning, she collapsed onto the sofa. 

“Are you tired!” Jaden asked. 

“Not tired, this is just what I need to shoulder. Someone else carried it for many years; now it’s my turn. Anyway, explaining this to you wouldn’t make much sense.” Ella answered 

Her next task was to find subcontractors since their own facilities were nearly at capacity. There was a company that had greatly benefited from her family in the past, and it was time for them to return the favor. 

She made a phone call. “Troy, you remember me, right? I’m Ella. My dad used to frequently meet you for tea. I’d like to discuss a potential collaboration with you, splitting profits sixty–forty…” 

She was cut off before she could finish. “Ella, it’s not that I don’t want to help you, laut I’ve just signed a contract with the Rhys family. Harry made it clear that if you came asking for help, agreeing would be disastrous for me. I have both elderly and young ones to care for, I really have no choice!” 

“Harry!” Her expression darkened instantly, thinking. That bastard is still setting traps for mef