Jory was stunned when he saw her staring at the cover of the document he was reading. On top of it, the words “Norton Corporation analyst report” were clearly written. He quickly turned the document face down. When the folder’s hardcover dropped on the desk, the resulting bang jolted both of them.
Suddenly, a ruthless look flashed within Jory’s eyes. Ever since he changed, he told himself that he would never give anyone the same look. But, in the face of the insolent Gabriella, he couldn’t help but break his own vow.
“Let me warn you one more time. Don’t meddle in my affairs.”
Gabriella’s eyes sparkled in triumph. “I knew it! The Norton Corporation’s stock price crash and subsequent takeover must have something to do with you. Now, I wonder if it’s somehow related to our partnership?”
She had expected Jory to be infuriated and to coerce her into keeping his secret. However, his expression became more resolute instead, as if it didn’t matter to him at all. In fact, he was actually smiling.
“Go ahead and tell everyone. If anyone believes you, I will consider that I have lost,” Jory declared confidently, “By then, I can hand you over to the police for disrupting public order.”
He was right. Without any proof, no one would believe her. But Jory was different. He was rich and powerful. Also, he wielded the influence of a large conglomerate. No matter what he did, there would be many who would willingly protect him.
There was no competition between the two of them at all.
Just when Gabriella wanted to vent her frustrations, she suddenly thought of Nancy. Coincidentally, she had met Nancy once before. When one had a weakness, one would no longer be invincible. Jory was no different as Nancy was his weakness.
She held onto her injured wrist. “Your plan of being together with Nancy is not realistic at all. The chairman of Barrymore Group would never admit that his daughter had an affair. Also, there’s still Caspian whom I interacted with before. He is a stubborn one. Although he isn’t meant for great things, he loves Nancy a lot.”
When Jory remained silent, Gabriella continued, “Taking a step back, even if for some reason Mr. Barrymore agrees to their divorce for the sake of Nancy’s happiness, do you think Caspian would stand quietly while you take Nancy away from him?”
“Caspian. I have indeed never met him before…”
Placing her hand on Jory’s shoulder, Gabriella smiled deviously. “Therefore, why don’t I help you take Caspian out of the picture. When that happens, no one will stand before you and Nancy.”
Jory narrowed his gaze on the hand she placed on him. “What do you plan to do?”
Gabriella’s flaming red fingernails looked as if they were on fire. “There’s no need for you to worry about the details. All you need to know is that you will be satisfied with the results. As for my reward, I’m sure you know better than anyone else what I want.”
“Is it all just for money?” Jory asked skeptically.
Gabriella pretended to sound pitiful. “Ever since I was kicked out by Landon, money has become everything to me. Someone like you who is never short of it will never understand how I feel.”
When Jory thought back to this incident much later, he could only hate himself for not giving Gabriella a slap and blame himself for not asking for more details.
With regard to Nancy’s situation, Joan didn’t have much to say about it. After all, Nancy was her good friend and she was obligated to side with her no matter what.
However, she did promise Nancy that before the latter broke the news to Caspian, she would keep it a secret, even from Larry.
Meanwhile, it was obvious to Larry that Nancy and Caspian were having problems. Furthermore, he could also tell that Nancy must have said something to Joan.
