Chapter 112: Was she trying to escape?
Suddenly, Carrie and the others came up to her, their eyes a bit red.
“Paige.”
Carrie called out to her. After they had left the meeting room, they had felt both disappointed and unwilling, but then they received calls from their families.
Carrie’s mother told her that Paige had visited and explained everything. Her mother had learned that Carrie had to lower her head and give up opportunities because of her. Her mother had urged her to fight for her chance, taking all the risks together. Paige had already reduced those risks for them.
Paige promised that she would arrange jobs for any family members who faced unemployment, and find jobs close to the university for mutual support.
She assured them that Elite Club would not dare to go as far as taking lives. If it came to that, Paige would be the first to face it.
Indeed, Paige had made such promises to every family and had even written a guarantee letter.
Because of this, Paige had moved every family, convincing the parents to support their children in fighting alongside Paige.
“Paige.”
“Paige.”
“Paige!”
Nick watched the scene with immense excitement, knowing that Paige would eventually be recognized and admired by everyone!
Paige remained mostly expressionless. She looked at them briefly, then stood up, her tone cool as she said, “As always, those who can’t compete with Elite Club should just drop out.”NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.
Carrie, standing in front, smiled, “Paige, I can’t guarantee other things, but in competitions of intellect, I won’t lose.”
“Good. I’ll handle any further issues. You just need to win all the competitions and claim all the resources that rightfully belong to you.”
“Understood, Paige.”
“Got it, Paige. We won’t let you down.”
Everyone spoke in agreement.
“Alright, then we’re done here.” Paige said, glancing at her earphones. She still had to figure out how to placate the big boss. She had hung up on him today… She turned and saw Rachel standing a short distance away, quietly watching her.
Paige ignored her and walked forward.
Rachel, holding her book, approached and said, “Sometimes, reaching too high isn’t a good thing, especially if it’s a place that doesn’t belong to you. It’s easy to fall hard.”
Paige smiled upon hearing this and raised an eyebrow, “Are you talking about positions, or are you talking about men?”
Rachel’s face turned pale. Paige was provoking her, mocking her for not being able to get Enrico.
Nick stood nearby and immediately let out a mocking whistle at Rachel.
…
The luxury business car stopped at a traffic light.
Jaden, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced back and saw Enrico in the rear, holding a phone. As they left the consortium, Enrico had been given a pair of wireless earphones, and it wasn’t clear what he was listening to.
Enrico reclined in the back seat, adjusting his earphones to hear the entire student meeting. From securing sponsorships to the fierce debate with the school leaders and making everyone bow to her will, Paige performed exceptionally. She anticipated every move and established Peak Club without wasting a moment. He had given her a month, and it seemed like he had underestimated her. How could his woman be so smart?
Listening to Paige’s voice, Enrico couldn’t help but smile, his gaze softening.
Enrico smiled and suddenly his expression darkened.
Kevin. A man at the border… If he truly wanted to stop her development, the bet would be meaningless. He could easily make sure she never got ahead here.
Feeling frustrated, Enrico loosened his tie and rolled down the window.
Outside, a couple was standing by the roadside, arguing. The man, with tear-filled eyes, clung to the woman, while she pushed him away with a look of impatience.
Enrico glanced coldly and was about to roll up the window when he heard the man’s choked voice, “I regret it now. I shouldn’t have let you develop on your own. Now that your career is taking off, you think I’m a hindrance and want to kick me aside… Don’t forget, it was me who helped you rise.”
Enrico’s hand paused, his gaze growing colder.
The woman pushed his hands away and sneered, “Don’t you get it yet? Everything I did was to get away from you.”
“What?” The man was stunned, deeply hurt.
“I never liked you. You used your power to force me to be with you. I had no other choice but to survive.”
The woman stood firmly, emphasizing each word, “So I worked hard, climbed up to where I am now. Now, you no longer have control over me.”
“Darling…”
“Don’t call me darling again. You have no idea how much I hate hearing those words!” The woman glared at him with disgust. “I never want to see you again.”
The green light came on.
The car moved forward slowly.
Enrico glanced up at the rearview mirror. The couple was left behind, the woman walking away without looking back, and the man stood by the lamppost, pounding it with anguish.
“People really have all sorts of reasons for breaking up these days,” Jaden remarked.
“Are there really women who work so hard just to get away from a man?” Enrico’s deep voice broke the silence in the car.
Jaden quickly turned around to see Enrico rolling up the window, half of his face shadowed.
Jaden wanted to say something, but didn’t dare. Boss still has some doubts about Paige…
…
Late at night.
Paige was in her study, dealing with Peak Club matters after shower, when she heard a car pull up outside.
Enrico had arrived. Paige felt a pang of unease; she had flatly refused to speak with him earlier, so he was likely upset… After a moment’s hesitation, she stood up and went downstairs.
As she pushed open the study door and was about to head down, she suddenly felt something. She turned sharply. The living room was dark, with no lights on, and a shadowy figure sat on the couch, almost impossible to make out.
A match was struck, and a small flame flickered in the dark, revealing his face. He had come up.
Enrico sat there, taking a cigarette from between his thin lips, the red ember glowing at his fingertips.
“Paige, come here,” he said in a husky voice. It was clear he was angry.
Paige walked towards him, hands clasped behind her back, and stood in front of him. She offered a simple, direct explanation, “I’m just Kevin’s savior. Seeking sponsorship from the Lautner family was just…”
“Squat down,” Enrico interrupted, still holding the cigarette, his voice low and difficult to read. “Let me see you.”
Paige stood silently, studying him. After a moment, she took a deep breath and crouched down in front of him. She had just showered and was wearing a simple nightgown, with a faint scent of milk emanating from her, which was rather alluring.
Enrico, seated on the couch, stared at her intently, thought:
She liked him; if she didn’t, she wouldn’t have shot Jeremy for him, nor would she have told him that AS schizophrenia was just another illness.
But if she liked him, why wouldn’t she just be content as his woman? Why was she so determined to rebuild the slums?
Was the slum gang so important to her, or was this just an excuse? Was her goal to grow to a point where even he couldn’t control her?
Was she trying to be like that woman today, escaping from him without looking back?…