CEO's Passion: Love by Mistake

Chapter 118

“Sure! I’ll definitely deliver the message on your behalf!” Natalie was all smiles.

Mr. James was the chairman of James Corporation and a good friend of Natalie’s mentor because they were both chess enthusiasts.

The duo had a great time catching up with one another, but suddenly, a gentle and loving voice could be heard. “Nat, are you acquainted with Mr. James?”

Harrison showed up with a glass of wine.

As soon as Natalie noticed it was her father, her expression turned gloomy.

Mr. James frowned because he could sense that Natalie was irritated by the presence of the man. “Nat, who is this?”

Harrison got ahead of Natalie and greeted Mr. James before she could speak. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. James. I’m Natalie’s father.”

He initiated a handshake, yet Mr. James ignored him and behaved as though Harrison didn’t exist at all.

Harrison felt awkward and withdrew his hand after a few seconds. He looked at Natalie and said, “You should have told me you’re an acquaintance of Mr. James! Why have you never brought it up in front of me?”

Goosebumps sprang up all over Natalie’s arms due to her father’s odd behavior. She cut to the point and confronted, “Dad, what brings you to me today?”

Natalie couldn’t stand it anymore because her father only pretended to be loving due to her being a close acquaintance of Mr. James.

“I’m not here for you, but for Mr. James.” Harrison turned and looked at Mr. James in the eyes. Once again, he introduced himself with a bright grin, “Mr. James, this is my name card.”

Mr. James took over the name card from him and had a good look before asking, “You’re Mr. Smith from Smith Group?”

“Yes!”

Mr. James stuffed the name card in his pocket and queried, “How can I help you?”

“I believe you have heard of the hardship Smith Group has been going through lately...”

Mr. James knew what Harrison had in mind as he asked curtly, “Do you want me to finance Smith Group?”

“Yes.” Harrison nodded vigorously. NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

In order to get in touch with prospective investors who could get Smith Group out of the nasty situation, he had spent a fortune to get his hands on the invitation card to the birthday banquet.

Although Smith Group managed to pull through the crisis, the company was in a tight spot due to the lack of cash to maintain its day-to-day operation. If things were to persist any longer, Smith Group would have to file for bankruptcy soon. Therefore, he had no choice but to cast his dignity aside.

“Mr. Smith, I believe your daughter is Mr. Shane’s fiancée, right? Since you have such a capable son- in-law, why don’t you acquire his aid?” After Mr. James finished his question, he thought of something else and continued, “Since Nat is your daughter, does that mean she’s Mr. Shane’s fiancée?”

“Y-Yes...” Harrison stuttered and lied, signaling Natalie to play along with him.

Mr. James was known as a doting husband and father. He despised men who cheated on their wives. Thus, Harrison couldn’t let the former know he had turned his back against his spouse and given birth to Jasmine.

Nevertheless, Natalie pretended as though she didn’t get the signal and swirled her glass of drinks. “What are you talking about, Dad? Have you forgotten that my sister is Mr. Shane’s fiancée?”

Harrison’s expression turned gloomy all of a sudden.

“Oh? Does Mr. Smith have another daughter? Why have I never heard of such a thing? I’m only aware of this sole daughter of yours here. Does that mean...”

Smirking, Natalie stated before Mr. James could finish his question, “Yes, Mr. James. My sister is my father’s illegitimate child whom he brought home after he filed for divorce with my mother seven years ago.”

Harrison cast a stern gaze at his daughter as he felt a strong urge to take her out there and then.

Natalie couldn’t help but sneer deep down when she detected her father’s look.

All this while, she was confused due to her father’s biased actions. He would side with her sister despite both of them being his daughters.

As a matter of fact, he demanded her to apologize for the things she hadn’t done for no apparent reasons and attempted to make use of Natalie’s identity to conceal the fact that Jasmine was her illegitimate daughter. She couldn’t stand him anymore. Therefore, she decided to expose him in front of others.

Mr. James was aware he had gotten himself involved in a family feud between the father and daughter duo.

He stared at Harrison and replied in a callous tone, “I’m so sorry, Mr. Smith, but I’m afraid I won’t be financing Smith Group. I believe you’re aware I prioritize nothing else above my family, right? I have always despised disloyal men who have turned their backs against their spouses. You should reach out to someone else for help.”

After he made himself clear, he looked at Natalie and denoted gently, “Nat, I’ll have to join my friends over there. Let’s catch up in the future.”