Chapter 565:
After a brief silence, his assistant continued, his voice laced with disbelief and unease. “They also wired an additional five million with a note attached. It says, ‘Jeffery’s scare tactics are quite something.’”
Jeffery’s entire body tensed. Five million. Scare tactics. The meaning behind those words was crystal clear. CR Corporation’s founder was retaliating.
For what? Jeffery didn’t need to guess. He had offered Linsey five million to buy her off.
But why? Why would Mr. Riley go this far for Linsey? Why break a multi-billion-dollar deal—just for her? Wasn’t he already married? Wasn’t he deeply devoted to his wife?
What on earth was happening? He couldn’t comprehend it. His jaw clenched and his fingers curled into fists.
A chilling realization crept into his mind. Could Linsey be his wife?
At that moment, Carol hesitantly spoke from behind. “Jeffery, are you okay?”
Jeffery snapped out of his thoughts and turned to meet Carol’s anxious, uncertain gaze. His heart tightened. Had he really just ignored her like that?
He took a sharp breath, realizing how his frustration had bled into his actions toward Carol, who had nothing to do with any of this. “I’m sorry, Carol. I was too caught up in my thoughts earlier. I shouldn’t have brushed you off like that. Please don’t be upset.”
Carol knew better than to make a fuss at a time like this. She played the part of the considerate sister, shaking her head with a reassuring smile. “I’m not mad, Jeffery. And don’t stress too much—whatever happened, we’ll figure it out.”
After a pause, she hesitated before cautiously asking, “Is this about CR Corporation?”
Jeffery exhaled slowly. Carol’s understanding demeanor offered him a brief moment of relief. But at the mention of CR Corporation, his expression darkened once more. Running a hand over his temple, he muttered, “Yeah… CR Corporation unilaterally terminated our partnership.”
Although Carol had already overheard parts of the earlier conversation, hearing Jeffery confirm it sent a jolt of shock through her. She blurted, “Terminated? How? I know our company isn’t as big as CR Corporation, but this collaboration benefited them too. And the contract was signed days ago—why would they suddenly cut ties? Did they give a reason?”
Jeffery’s face grew even more grim. He studied Carol intently before speaking. “Earlier, you said Linsey has been clinging to Mr. Riley. Do you know how he actually feels about her?”
