Rupert and Lauren discuss the troubling situation with Jacob, who has come seeking help but is unable to communicate properly. Rupert is frustrated by Jacob’s incompetence and the ongoing burden his family places on Xavier and Aveline. Lauren suggests that Aveline should take control of the family company, but worries about how this would affect her already busy life and their chances of having grandchildren. Rupert suspects Aveline’s hesitation to have children stems from lingering resentment towards Xavier.
Lauren expresses doubts about helping Jacob’s small, debt-ridden company and even suggests letting it go bankrupt to avoid further complications. Rupert is concerned about the scale of Jacob’s debt, which could be much larger than they realize. They decide to wait for Xavier’s return before taking any action, as creditors have not yet pressured the family.
At the Sutton residence, Josephine struggles to start writing a script and is interrupted by Hilda, who informs her that Mr. Henderson has arrived and her mother wants to see her immediately. Josephine senses this is related to Eileen’s ongoing legal case. Meanwhile, downstairs, Gerald tells Courtney he cannot take her case because Xavier forbids it. Courtney reveals she has found another lawyer, Sean, introduced by a friend rather than Xavier.
Gerald shares alarming news about new evidence submitted by Fiona: security footage allegedly showing Eileen intentionally tripping Aveline. This evidence, analyzed by a reputable expert, has been accepted by the court, casting doubt on their case. Josephine is shaken but Gerald remains cautiously hopeful, planning to review the evidence further and urging Josephine to bring Eileen for a serious discussion.
Chapter 709
“He shows up at our doorstep asking for help, yet he doesn’t even know how to speak properly. All he manages to say are the most aggravating things,” Rupert remarked with a hint of frustration in his voice.
He paused thoughtfully before continuing, “Helping him through this situation wouldn’t be difficult, but Jacob’s sheer incompetence makes it a problem. This won’t be the last time we have to deal with him. Xavier and Aveline can’t be the ones carrying the burden of his family forever.”
Lauren frowned, clearly displeased. “Honestly, I think Aveline should just take control of the company.”
Rupert remained silent for a moment, then Lauren added, “She’s already overwhelmed as the lead architect, hardly ever home. If she takes on running the company too, when will I ever get the chance to hold my grandchild? When will you get to hold your great-grandchild?”
Rupert only sipped his tea, his expression unreadable. Deep down, he suspected that Aveline’s reluctance to have children wasn’t just about her busy schedule. The real reason was that she was still harboring resentment towards Xavier, unable to forgive him completely.
Lauren continued, “Does Jacob really need a small, debt-ridden company like that?”
“Dad,” Lauren said firmly, “if Aveline refuses to help her father, then I don’t see why we should either. It might actually be better if the company just goes bankrupt. That way, Jacob won’t keep showing up, begging for projects or assistance with his debts.”
Rupert frowned thoughtfully. “I never asked him how much he actually owes. A few tens of millions would be one thing, but I’m worried the debt might be in the hundreds of millions.”
Lauren added, “Aveline knew he was coming but didn’t warn us in advance. Dad, what do you think? Should we call Aveline over and discuss this with her?”
Rupert shook his head slightly. “There’s no need to rush. The creditors aren’t banging down the Suttons’ door just yet. Let’s wait until Xavier returns.”
Meanwhile, at the Sutton residence, Josephine sat in the study, her eyes fixed on the computer screen for nearly half an hour without typing a single word. The script she was supposed to write felt incredibly difficult to get started on.
If she couldn’t produce a decent script, Leona would probably struggle to help her out.
Just then, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Hilda entered the room. “Josie, Mr. Henderson is here.”
Josephine raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Why is he here?”
Hilda replied, “He doesn’t look well. Something seems to be wrong. Your mom wants you downstairs immediately.”
Josephine stood up, a knot tightening in her stomach. “It must be about Eileen’s case.”
Downstairs in the living room, Gerald was speaking to Courtney. “I’m very sorry, but I can’t take your case. You’re suing Aveline, and Xavier has made it clear he doesn’t want me involved, so…”
Courtney responded flatly, “It doesn’t matter. I’ve already found a competent lawyer for my case.”
“Sean, you know him, right?” she added casually.
Gerald’s eyes widened in surprise. “Sean took your case?”
He was baffled. Why would Sean take on a minor case like Courtney’s? And how would Courtney even know someone like Sean?
He asked cautiously, “Did Xavier introduce you to Sean?”
Immediately, he realized that was unlikely. Sean and Felix didn’t get along, and Rupert wasn’t fond of Sean either. Sean had only ever worked with Felix, never with Rupert’s side.
Courtney scoffed. “Xavier wouldn’t even let you take my case, so why would he introduce me to a lawyer? No, a friend introduced us.”
At that moment, Josephine came down the stairs. “Gerald, what are you doing here? Is this about Eileen’s case?”
Gerald’s expression became serious. “Yes. Fiona and Aveline still want me to appear in court.”
He took a deep breath. “It’s not good news. Fiona submitted new evidence to the court. My office was notified, so I sent my assistant to collect it. I’ve reviewed it.”
“Fiona had a top expert analyze the security footage from The Chu’s Hotel at Six Peaks Mountain. The footage shows Eileen deliberately sticking her foot out to trip Aveline.”
Both Courtney and Josephine gasped in unison, “What?”
Courtney’s voice trembled with disbelief. “How is that even possible? The police couldn’t find anything, so how did Fiona manage to?”
“Could the footage be fabricated?” Josephine asked nervously.
Gerald answered, “I’m not sure. But the court has already accepted this as evidence. The technician who analyzed it is well-known, and the court has relied on his expertise in several past cases, which were crucial to the verdict.”
Hearing this, Josephine’s face instantly turned pale, a wave of dread washing over her.
She asked in a shaky voice, “So… are we going to lose this case?”
Gerald tried to reassure her, “I still need to have a technician review the latest evidence myself. It also depends on how the judge interprets it.”
He gave a small, determined smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll do everything I can.”
Josephine nodded, trying to steady her nerves. “Should I call Eileen over now? I think you need to have a serious talk with her.”
The chapter closes on a somber note, highlighting the weight of familial obligations and the strain of unresolved tensions. Rupert and Lauren grapple with the difficult decision of whether to support Jacob, whose financial troubles threaten to drag down the family further. Meanwhile, the emotional undercurrents between Aveline and Xavier linger, casting a shadow over their potential reconciliation and the future of the company. The sense of frustration and helplessness is palpable, as each character wrestles with their own burdens and the complexities of loyalty and forgiveness.
Simultaneously, the legal battle intensifies, bringing uncertainty and fear into Josephine’s world. The emergence of new evidence against Eileen shakes their confidence, yet Gerald’s steadfast resolve offers a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil. This chapter delicately balances the personal and legal struggles faced by the Sutton family, reminding us that even in moments of despair, determination and support can provide a path forward. The emotional tension remains high, promising that the coming days will test their resilience and unity.
The next chapter promises to deepen the tension surrounding the unfolding legal battle, as new evidence threatens to tip the scales against Aveline and her allies. The introduction of seemingly damning footage raises unsettling questions about truth and deception, leaving Josephine and the others grappling with doubt and fear. Will they be able to uncover the reality behind the evidence, or will they find themselves cornered by forces beyond their control?
Meanwhile, the simmering family dynamics add another layer of complexity, with Rupert and Lauren caught between loyalty, frustration, and the burdens of past grievances. Aveline’s reluctance to embrace certain responsibilities hints at unresolved emotions that could influence the decisions and alliances within the Sutton family. As the characters prepare to confront both external challenges and internal conflicts, readers can expect a chapter filled with emotional depth, unexpected revelations, and the mounting pressure of choices that could alter their futures.
Sara Lili
Sara Liliis a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.