Category: The Divorced Billionaire Heiress

Nicole got dressed and came out. Her phone rang again.

She thought it was Eric again, so she was very annoyed when she picked up the call.

”What do you still want?”

The other party was silent for a few seconds before a warm voice came through.

“Who made our princess angry just now?” It was Clayton’s voice.

Nicole was stunned and suddenly remembered that she had not had time to contact Clayton all day, so he would call her before going to bed.

Suddenly, she felt like her emotions were too out of control.

“An insignificant person. You’re still awake?”

Clayton was still hung up on it.

”How could an insignificant person make you so angry? Who is it?”

Clayton did not fall for it at all.

Nicole was silent for a moment before she answered, “Eric Ferguson.”

She immediately felt annoyed about the matter, so she retold everything to Clayton.

Clayton was silent for a few seconds and did not speak.

Nicole thought that Clayton was upset, so she called out to him tentatively.

“Mr. Sloan, are you still listening? You should at least give a response, right? Otherwise, I’ll just sound so dumb complaining to myself.”

Clayton let out a light laugh. His voice was clear and clean.

“Sorry, I was just thinking.”

“Thinking about what?”

Hearing nothing strange in his tone, Nicole was relieved. “Thinking about who really did it.”

“We’ll know once we catch that reporter!”

When Nicole mentioned it, she just wanted to skin that reporter alive. If she managed to catch that reporter, she would not let him off easily.

After a while.

Clayton chuckled. “Do you think it’s a business competition or a personal grudge?”

Nicole froze for a moment, not having thought about this question.

However, when Clayton mentioned it, she had a vague speculation in her mind.

Nicole felt muddled from this vague feeling.

“What do you think?”

Clayton analyzed the situation. “In Sand City, this project is extremely valued, and all departments have given the green light to it. After all, everyone knows that the benefits and changes brought by this project will be the key to the city’s development. The best time to stop this project is before the signing. So, if it’s a business competition, it’s a little too late now…”

Nicole was shaken. “You think it’s a personal grudge?”

Clayton spoke in a light voice.

“Mhmm… There’s no evidence, but it’s more likely to be a grudge. Perhaps someone who’s stationed in Sand City has offended someone?”

Clayton did not say that it was Nicole directly, but she was smart, so she would surely guess it.

Nicole was silent and did not say anything.

She admitted that she was like a headless chicken bumping around without any direction or goal.

Nicole had offended a fair share of people, but there were not many people who had the power to retaliate.

“It’s okay. Don’t think too much now.

Get a good night’s sleep.”

Clayton seemed to sense Nicole’s heavy mood and comforted her.

“That person won’t be hiding forever for the sake of name or profit. As for the regulatory department’s quality inspection, they just want to stop the public from going into an uproar.

For now, it‘s better to let the company’s public relations step in to solve it.”

Clayton did not retreat because it was Stanton Corporation’s internal matter.

On the contrary, he was very active in solving Nicole’s problems.

Clayton was willing to be involved in every single thing Nicole did.

Nicole blinked her eyes and felt that she was really sleepy. “Okay then, I’m going to bed. Goodnight!”

“Goodnight, baby.”

Once Nicole heard Clayton’s words, her face turned red, but Clayton had already hung up.

Her heart, which had been heavy all night, suddenly felt a lot more relieved.

Nicole lay in bed and felt sleepiness instantly overwhelming her consciousness. Surprisingly, she did not lose sleep because of this big problem.

Floyd shook his head with a glum face.

“That old Leonard knows what to do. He’s very shrewd and likes to expand his network. He especially likes to establish his superiority among the younger generation.”

The butler thought about it and said, “Chairman, I think there’s no rush. Ms. Stanton has only been there for a day. With her ability, she can solve this matter without relying on the Leonard family.”

Floyd raised his eyebrows and looked at him. “You believe in her so much?”

The butler smiled. His loving gaze flickered. “Of course! I watched her grow up, so I trust in her ability.”

Floyd was pleased by these words and could not help but smile proudly. He looked at Mr. Anderson and said, “You say it like you’re her father. I trust her more than you do!”

The butler said, “Then don’t worry so much. If she really encounters something that she can’t solve, she’ll naturally come back and ask for help.

Our young lady isn’t someone who makes things difficult for herself!”

Floyd nodded repeatedly. His expression obviously relaxed a lot. “You have a point. I was just blindly overthinking it. She must have a way. I’ll back her up at the end!”

The butler smiled and turned around to give Floyd a new cup of hot tea.

Nicole returned to the hotel, changed into a silk robe to take a bath.

Logan was considerate and meticulous in his work. Since they came in a hurry, Logan got the big-name brands to send over some clothes for various occasions at the last minute.

Lying in the fragrant environment, Nicole felt a little drowsy and tired from the smell of essential oils.

Just as she was about to fall asleep, her phone rang.

Nicole reached out to the side to pick up her phone. It was Eric.

She wrinkled her brow and hesitated for a few seconds before picking up impatiently.

“Something wrong?”

If it was not for Eric’s help in Liberty, Nicole would not even bother to take his call at this time.

Eric paused. His tone was somewhat cold. “Something went wrong with the project in Sand City?” He sounded like he was discussing a business matter.

Nicole woke up from her sleepiness and pursed her lips.

“Did that big mouth Keith tell you that? You two really aren’t dating?”

The two of them were simply a matching gay couple.

Eric did not hear Nicole’s mocking tone. He was quite serious as he said, “This matter has nothing to do with Ferguson Corporation.”

Nicole laughed. “You want to disassociate yourself from this? There’s no need to be in such a hurry. We’ll know once I have it all checked out.”

“I advise you not to waste time on me.”

Eric rubbed his temples, knowing that she misunderstood his intention.

“I had someone check on Ferguson Corporation’s middle and senior management. None of them has contacted Sand City, and there’s no motive.”

“Then perhaps it’s just an ordinary employee?” Nicole refused to relent.

Eric said, “Do you think that an ordinary employee has the ability and capacity to go against Stanton Corporation and not be discovered?”

Nicole was silent.

She also knew it was impossible, but if it was not the middle or senior management…

Nicole bit her lower lip. The warm water vapor made her chest a little suffocated.

“Solving this matter is most important. I’ll talk to Old Master Leonard…”

Before Eric could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by Nicole’s cold voice.

“No need. I might as well count on myself. I’ve already seen his intentions. You don’t need to interfere in this matter. Otherwise, don’t blame me for losing my temper.”

After saying that, Nicole hung up the phone without hesitation.

Tonight, Nicole returned without achieving her purpose. If Eric used his relationship to make Old Master Leonard change his mind, then her name would be completely inseparable from Eric’s in the circle.

Nicole had not yet reached the point of needing to tie herself to others in order to solve the problem.

Although Nicole was dubious, she still believed what Eric said.

If Eric said that it was not Ferguson Corporation’s people, it was time to change direction.

Who actually instigated that reporter to do this?

Keith paused. ’Eric can still sleep in such an urgent situation?!’

“Ferg, something big has happened!”

Originally, this matter was not worth telling Eric, but once it involved Ferguson Corporation and with Eric’s sensitivity to Nicole, Keith felt that this matter could be even more precarious than he imagined.

“Speak.”

Eric’s tone was cold, decisive, and harsh.

Keith said, “Stanton Corporation’s project in Sand City was recently sabotaged by someone. Nicole found out that the person who sabotaged them is someone from Ferguson Corporation.”

The phone suddenly went silent after Keith said that. There was not even the sound of breathing.

Keith looked at his phone strangely and double-checked that he was still on the call.

“Ferg, are you listening?”

Eric suppressed his emotions. “What do you mean? My people?” Keith gritted his teeth.

“The person she found isn’t some middle or upper management. I’m guessing that he’s just out to cause trouble, but he has something to do with Ferguson Corporation. Ms. Stanton was very furious tonight. She was rejected by Old Master Leonard and was annoyed by me. That’s why she just blurted this out.”

Eric’s sleepiness completely faded. His voice was deep and extremely cold.

“Tell me what happened and everything she said, word for word.”

After Keith’s embellishment, Nicole’s original words were definitely not the same anymore.

Keith immediately felt aggrieved and started to question his communication skills. ’Did I not summarize it properly?’

However, hearing Eric’s threatening voice, Keith dared not refute and had no choice but to retell the events of the night in detail.

Of course, Keith omitted the reason that Autumn and Nicole argued was because of that man, Clayton Sloan.

Keith was afraid that Eric would be furious when he found out.

Finally, Keith added in a weak voice, “In fact, I suspect that the mastermind behind this should also be Ferguson Corporation’s people, but Nicole didn’t say it explicitly, so I guess that she hasn’t found out yet…”

After that, Eric did not reply and hung up on Keith.

Keith was speechless and thought, ’Anyway, I did my best. The rest depends on Eric’s own ability. Come to think of it, the person who made this fuss will end up very miserable. Old Master Leonard too…’

In the car, Nicole closed her eyes, pretending to sleep.

Nicole needed time to digest what she saw and heard tonight. She also felt nauseated from it all.

Luca could tell that Nicole was not in a good mood, so he did not say anything.

When Floyd messaged Luca as usual asking about Nicole’s daily life, Luca replied very seriously.

“Ms. Stanton is in a bad mood. The Leonard family has an ulterior motive.”

Floyd had a lot of trust in Luca. Besides Grant and Nicole, only Luca knows all the company’s business secrets.

Thus, when Luca replied to his message, Floyd did not question it.

Floyd sat in the study and lost the mood to go fishing. He then sat in the living room for a while without moving.

Mr. Anderson took a cup of tea over to Floyd and surveyed for a while.

“Chairman, are you in a bad mood? Do you want me to put a few big fish in the lake?”

Floyd stared at the butler speechlessly and snorted coldly.

“Someone wants to make things difficult for my daughter. How can a few fish make me feel better?”

Mr. Anderson froze for a moment. “Right. That person has to be taught a lesson!”

Floyd responded with approval. He sat there with a stern and cold expression with a somewhat heavy heart.

“That old Leonard is bullying Nicole. He forgot that he only relies on his huge family background to keep his business. How dare he bully my daughter?!”

The butler paused, stood aside to ponder for a few seconds, and suddenly remembered something.

“It’s unexpected that the Leonard family refuses to help. Perhaps he thinks that Ms. Stanton is too young and wants

to show his superiority for you to call him personally?”

Nicole’s smile faded. Her gaze was clear and cold as she looked at Keith.

At that moment, Keith could feel a chill crawl up his backbone.

Nicole’s voice was indifferent as she said, “Keith, I was right about you. You’re just a scumbag that can’t think of any good solutions. I really hope Ms. Lehman can be relieved soon and escape from her suffering.

I decided that as long as she’s willing, I’ll help her without reservation. I hope that you’ll both separate as soon as possible!”

Keith’s expression crumbled slightly. ’God! I just wanted to give my good brother Eric a chance to start over again.

How did I get cursed?!’

The feelings that Keith fought for only a while back were attacked without reservation.

For a moment, it was as if Keith saw hell.

If Nicole really wanted to help Livia escape, the odds were that Keith would not have the chance to meet Livia again in his life.

Luca got the driver to drive the car to the front.

After Nicole said that, she wanted to walk down the steps and leave this place.

Keith was in a trance for a while. He gritted his teeth and gulped.

“Wait…”

Keith called out to stop her.

Nicole paused and turned her head to the side. ’He still wants to get insulted?’

Keith braced himself, gritted his teeth, and continued to speak.

“I have a second method!”

Nicole glanced at him impatiently.

Keith saw that Nicole had little patience and hurriedly spoke before Nicole could criticize him.

“Ask me for help… You can give me my photos, and I’ll go beg Old Master Leonard. In any case, my relationship with him is much closer than his relationship with Autumn. If I request this on your behalf, Old Master Leonard won’t refuse.”

Nicole heard this and suddenly snorted.

Keith pursed his lips. “Of course, you also have to promise not to interfere with my affairs with Livia in the future.

We’re going to remarry each other, so why are you constantly thinking of destroying my relationship with her?”

As long as Keith could achieve these two purposes, he would have nothing to worry about in the future. He would no longer need to be so frightened when he sees Nicole.

Nicole’s eyes swept up and down Keith. She pursed her lips.

“Keith, it’s not that I’m underestimating you, but you may not be as close to Old Master Leonard as Ms. Ferguson, who doesn’t have any blood ties to him. But in any case, I still need to thank you for taking the trouble.”

After saying that, Nicole turned around and left.

Nicole suddenly remembered something, so she stopped, turned around, and looked at Keith.

”You know what? I found out that the reporter who created the rumor and caused trouble is someone from the

Ferguson Corporation.”

Keith’s eyes widened for a moment.

Nicole curled her lips. “I know this matter has nothing to do with Eric, but I won’t let it go just like that. Please tell him that if he can’t even manage his own people, don’t get heartbroken when I deal with them.”

No matter who sent that reporter, Nicole would not let this slide.

After that, Nicole turned around lightly and left.

Keith was still dumbfounded by the news she left behind. He was so shocked that he could not react.

How could this be connected to the Ferguson family?

If it was indeed connected to the Ferguson family, this matter would be more troublesome.

Keith was just watching a good show at the dinner table, but now that he thought about it, he was really scared.

He immediately took out his phone and called Eric. It was not yet dawn where Eric was.

After a busy day, Eric had just slept for less than two hours when he was woken up by Keith’s call.

Eric originally did not want to answer, but Keith kept calling incessantly like he was crazy.

If Eric did not answer, Keith would not give up.

Eric picked up his newly replaced phone. His voice was hoarse and deep. “Hello? Keith, you’d better have a good reason for me to answer this call.”

Otherwise, Eric would block Keith forever!

The people in the back continued to discuss in a soft voice. “Ms. Stanton really drank too much…”

’there are too many things happening recently, so maybe she’s upset.”

“Old Master Leonard, are you really just going to ignore it? No matter what, this project is also under the Stanton Corporation. If Floyd Stanton comes forward, we can hardly refuse…”

Autumn let out a light laugh.

“How could Chairman Stanton step in so easily? If Nicole can’t solve this kind of trivial matter, it just shows her incompetence. How else can she establish her strong CEO persona in the industry going forward? We’ll just wait and see what happens…”

Old Master Leonard said, “You shouldn’t go too far either. I still have a relationship with the Stanton family. If Floyd Stanton contacts me, I won’t continue to make things difficult for his daughter…”

Someone from the approval department asked, “Then we’ll continue to drag it out?”

Old Master Leonard sighed, then laughed casually.

“Drag it out. Nicole’s still young and inexperienced, so she won’t be able to make a big fuss. She just needs to compromise and make Autumn happy, then it won’t be a big deal…”

Everyone looked at Autumn a little differently.

They could see that Old Master Leonard valued Autumn, so much so that he could disregard Nicole Stanton.

Autumn proudly lifted her chin, looked at Old Master Leonard, and pouted.

“Thank you, Grandpa! I know what I’m doing and won’t make things difficult for you.”

Autumn just wanted Nicole to bow down. Nicole should be able to understand.

When Nicole saw Autumn appear at this dinner party, with Nicole’s intelligence, she should have guessed the solution.

As soon as Nicole left the villa, she stood up straight.

There was no trace of drunkenness.

Luca let go of Nicole’s arm and took a step back like he was used to this.

“Miss, shall we go back to the hotel?”

Nicole looked at the time. It was almost 10:00 pm.

This dinner was not a waste of time. At least, it showed Nicole clearly that some friendships could not be counted on.

Nicole let out a faint “mm” and nodded.

Luca called the driver, but no one answered. However, the car was parked in the distance.

“The driver may have fallen asleep. I’ll get him, so wait here for a moment.”

Nicole nodded, and Luca ran over quickly. The night breeze was a bit chilly.

Nicole’s mind was unbelievably clear.

Someone behind her approached. Nicole heard it clearly, but she did not react.

Listening to the footsteps, Nicole thought that there should be no one else there except Keith.

“Nicole, you’re just going to leave?” Keith came over, somewhat incredulous.

Nicole came with a purpose, so why did she just leave without achieving her purpose?

Nicole glanced at him lightly.

“If I don’t leave, should I just sit there to be humiliated ?” Keith paused. His intuition was right.

That strange tension at the dinner table just now was really disconcerting.

“But don’t you want to do your business? It’s not like your style to leave like that, huh?”

Nicole’s voice was extremely cold.

“If one road doesn’t work, then I’ll just take another one. I won’t stick to the same path.”

Keith opened his mouth. His eyes flickered. “Actually, there is another way. I have two good solutions!”

Just now at the dinner table, Keith understood the gist of it.

Encountering such a situation was very annoying, just like stepping on shit. It was completely disgusting but easy to solve.

Nicole looked at him and curled her lips. “What do you want to say?”

Keith asked, “Autumn only hates you so much because of Clayton, right?”

Nicole raised her eyebrows and nodded.

“Probably so!”

Keith smiled. “Isn’t it simple then? Get Clayton to sleep with her for one night and have a little pillow talk with her. Won’t everything be solved then?”

Old Master Leonard took a deep breath, raised his eyes to look around, and put down the fork in his hand.

“In fact, I can’t help much in this matter, but I’ve invited these people for you, so you might as well ask for their opinion.”

Old Master Leonard looked at the big names in the current political arena who were present and nodded politely.

The head of the approval department smiled.

“Old Master Leonard knows very well that this matter looks simple, but it’s actually very tricky. Ms. Stanton, I’m sure you know that the current online public opinion is like a scourge. Once it’s posted online and involves people’s personal interests like their health, it’s simply impossible to resolve it silently.”

Another bigwig on the side nodded with a difficult look on his face.

“That’s right. It’s also very difficult for us. Unless that reporter comes out to clarify that this is merely rumors that he created, it’ll simply be too difficult to close the case…”

“But now, that reporter‘s missing. Even the police can’t find him…”

“It’s too difficult. Are we supposed to just keep dragging it out then? The construction is aborted halfway. It’s just a pity that the loss is so big.”

“But now we can only get the regulatory authorities involved. It’s most important to prove the quality!”

A few people said a few words back and forth.

It sounded as if they really cared about this project of Stanton Corporation in Sand City.

However, Nicole did not hear a key point being discussed, so were they discussing for nothing?

Were these not all obvious questions? Did she need them to repeat it?

Nicole smiled faintly, but she was getting vaguely impatient.

She put down the glass in her hand, tilted her head slightly to the side, and looked at Old Master Leonard gently.

Old Master Leonard had been motionless and silent as he listened to the others.

“Old Master Leonard, I would like to hear your opinion…”

Old Master Leonard looked at Nicole with a smile and paused before speaking slowly and leisurely.

“Nicole, in fact, my opinion is what they just said. I think it’s not good to rashly go against public opinion now as it’ll only be counterproductive. Why not prove yourself from within? When the regulatory authorities have investigated it clearly, everyone’s doubts will naturally disappear.”

Nicole watched him for a few seconds and laughed.

“What you said is very reasonable, Old Master Leonard. On behalf of Stanton Corporation, I’m very grateful for your pertinent advice as well as this dinner specially arranged for me this evening. I appreciate it.”

With that, Nicole raised the glass of wine in front of her and gestured toward Old Master Leonard and those who were present at the table.

Nicole downed the glass of wine in one go, put the glass

down gracefully, and smiled. She looked bright and gentle with a slight flush, which made her look a little lazy and charming.

Under everyone’s gaze, Nicole rubbed her temples.

“I’m really sorry, but I can’t really hold my alcohol and can’t continue drinking. Gentlemen, I’ll take my leave first.”

Nicole smiled and looked at Old Master Leonard with a sincere apologetic face.

“Old Master Leonard, please forgive my rudeness. I’m sorry.”

Old Master Leonard was slightly stunned. He then smiled and nodded.

As soon as Nicole stood up, she seemed to be a little unsteady. Keith was so frightened at the side that he hurriedly went over to hold her.

However, Luca, the bodyguard behind Nicole, moved faster and did not give Keith a chance to touch Nicole.

Luca easily moved Nicole’s chair away and held her arm as they walked back. He nodded and took Nicole away without hesitation.

Nicole seemed to be really drunk as she was walking a little wobbly.

Old Master Leonard turned his head to the side. “Taught a lesson? Is there some kind of misunderstanding? Why would Nicole teach you a lesson?”

Autumn gritted her teeth and was just about to speak.

Suddenly, Nicole curled the corners of her lips. Her expression was dull and cold. “Ms. Ferguson, you misunderstood. How was that a lesson? Everyone knows that Clayton and I are dating. You keep calling me ’sister-in- law’ in front of Clayton. You didn’t even call me that before Eric and I got a divorce.

Ms. Ferguson, if you’re suddenly so friendly, it’ll make my boyfriend misunderstand the situation.”

Nicole knew full well that Autumn was interested in Clayton, but she still unapologetically stated her relationship with Clayton.

She also knew very well that Autumn’s animosity toward her was because of Clayton.

However, Nicole would not deny the fact that she and Clayton were dating just to please anyone.

The air instantly became stagnant for a moment.

Keith felt awkward and could not say anything.

He was Eric’s best friend, so he was well aware of Eric’s feelings for Nicole.

Now when he heard Nicole’s admission about her and Clayton dating, Keith felt that Eric had very little hope of getting back together with Nicole.

What a pity!

Keith felt that if Eric heard Nicole’s words, Eric would be so angry that he would fly back from Liberty to settle the score.

Autumn’s expression changed a few times. Women still understood each other the best.

Autumn immediately understood the meaning of Nicole’s

words – Clayton was Nicole’s, so other women should stay away from him.

Old Master Leonard was silent for a few seconds. He paused and looked at Autumn.

“Well, it’s all in the past now. Don’t hold a grudge. You just came back from abroad and don’t understand a lot about the real world yet. From now on, try to remember this.”

Autumn smiled. “Yes, Grandpa.”

She sat down naturally and smiled at Nicole. “Ms. Stanton is right. I didn’t think it through. How we address someone is indeed very important. Oh, by the way, you have a good eye, Ms. Stanton. Mr. Sloan is indeed a good match for you.”

Nicole raised her eyebrows and spoke with a smile. “Thank you, I think so too.”

Keith was speechless.

He could not say or do anything because his position was so awkward.

Halfway through the meal, Old Master Leonard spoke slowly.

“I heard that something went wrong recently with Stanton Corporation’s project in Sand City?”

It seemed to be a casual question.

Nicole saw that there were a lot of guests for the dinner

tonight.

Some were familiar faces, but others were strangers.

The political and business dignitaries came over to network without any concerns.

It was evident that Old Master Leonard’s status in Sand City was just as good as they said.

It was just that Nicole did not expect so many people to turn up to an appointment that she asked Logan to make with Old Master Leonard.

However, since this was the Leonards’ territory, perhaps Old Master Leonard had his own plans.

Just as Nicole was thinking about this, someone came over and respectfully relayed a message.

“Ms. Stanton, Mr. Leonard is asking for you.”

Nicole raised her eyebrows, put down the glass of wine in her hand, said thank you, and walked over with the waiter’s guidance.

The lights shone brightly. Nicole attracted a lot of attention as she walked to Old Master Leonard.

“Old Master Leonard…”

Nicole immediately put on a friend Iy smile as if she was joyful from the heart.

Old Master Leonard turned around and looked at her as he introduced someone.

“Come, Nicole. Let me introduce you to Mr. Lowe, who’s in charge of planning and construction, Mr. Zimmerman, who does the approvals, and…”

Nicole suppressed the deepening doubts in her heart and only put on a polite smile to greet them one by one.

In fact, there was no need for this.

Old Master Leonard could just say the word and solve the matter, so why would he introduce them to Nicole?

Nicole did not understand why Old Master Leonard would spare his own connections and introduce them to her.

Or perhaps there was some other purpose.

Since Old Master Leonard delivered them on a silver platter, there was no reason for Nicole to reject it.

Nicole immediately put on a smile and greeted everyone. Everyone shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

Everything seemed so smooth, but Nicole still had a vague feeling in her heart that something was wrong.

When they arrived at the table, the key people were already seated. Only then did the others come and sit down one after another.

Nicole sat on Old Master Leonard’s left-hand side. Keith said hello and sat down next to Nicole.

In the next second, Nicole looked up and saw the sudden appearance of an unexpected woman opposite her.

Nicole raised her eyebrows. She did not look startled on the surface, but she was secretly surprised, no less than when she saw Keith earlier.

The woman in front of her was actually Autumn, who she had met before coming to Sand City.

What a coincidence.

Seeing that Nicole was in a daze, Keith tugged Nicole’s dress from under the table.

Only then did Nicole smile and regain her natural composure.

It would be close to impossible for an ordinary guest to eat at this table.

’Could it be…’ Nicole thought

Old Master Leonard was happy to see Autumn. His aged voice carried a complaining tone.

“I haven’t seen you all night. You only came out now? Quick, say hello to your uncles. By the way, you probably don’t know her, right?”

Old Master Leonard looked at Nicole, and then at Autumn.

“This is Nicole Stanton from Stanton Corporation. Speaking of which, you both were somewhat related, but it’s all in the past now, so let’s not mention it. Nicole, this is Autumn, a distant relative of the Ferguson family. Her mother is my goddaughter, and Autumn grew up here. She recently graduated and came back home, so I asked her to come and visit me for a few days…”

Nicole smiled. ’So, that’s how it is.’

Autumn looked at Nicole, lifted her chin, and had a cunning look in her eyes.

“How can I not know her? I’ve seen Ms. Stanton before and was taught a lesson just a few days ago. She won’t let me call her ’sister-in-law’ anymore. I didn’t expect us to meet here.”

The surrounding people did not understand the relationship between the two ladies.

The atmosphere then became a little awkward.

On the side, Keith came up to Nicole and asked in a low voice.You guys have a conflict with each other?”

The waiter on the side handed over a glass of juice. Nicole said thanks and took it over, then gently took a sip.

Keith stood on the side and watched. “Why aren’t you curious that I’m here?”

Nicole looked at him calmly. “Why should I be curious?”

It had nothing to do with her.

Keith choked and suddenly did not know what to say.

“What are you doing here? Are you here to ask for help from the Old Master?”

Nicole replied, “Mm.”

Keith smiled and rubbed his chin. “What a coincidence! Old Master Leonard is my granduncle, so we’re considered relatives. If you need any help, I can put in a few good words for you. Maybe then, you’ll achieve what you want with half the effort.”

Nicole raised her eyebrows. “There’s no need for that.” Keith smiled. “I’m just being kind, for Eric’s sake.”

“So, you’re saying that you’ll help without getting anything in return?”

Keith was quiet for a moment. He pursed his lips, and only after a long time did he hesitate to speak.

“If you want to return my photos to me, I’ll probably put in more effort.”

In the end, what haunted Keith most was the photo of him running around naked after losing a bet with Nicole.

That was a real ticking time bomb hanging over his head, which made it hard for him to sleep.

Now, Keith even developed a habit where he subconsciously thinks about whether he did anything to offend Nicole whenever he hears the words “Stanton Corporation”.

What a coward!

Nicole hooked her lips and raised her eyes to look at him. There was indifference and ridicule in her eyes. “That’s not a good deal.”

If Nicole kept those photos, she could make his life difficult forever.

When Nicole thought about what Keith did to Livia, she just wanted to punch him. ’Such a scumbag doesn’t deserve a good night’s sleep!’

Keith’s body stiffened slightly. His eyes instantly looked disappointed and despairing.

’Sigh… I forgot that it’s impossible to make a deal with this woman…’ Keith thought.

He drank the wine in his hand in one gulp, put down the glass, turned around, and left.

Staying one more second would just make him feel more humiliated.

Nicole raised her eyebrows indifferently. No one could see the slightest fluctuation of emotions.

A few high-society ladies upstairs saw this scene and were a bit dumbfounded.

“Nicole is so conceited! Who does she think she is? Isn’t she here to ask for help?”

“Yeah, she really has that high and mighty attitude wherever she goes. Does she think that she’s the host?”

“I think that Nicole has no other merit other than being beautiful. Why do they say that she has an outstanding ability? If she’s that great, will she still be here to beg Old Master Leonard?”

“Yeah! Mr. Ludwig is the President of the Ludwig Corporation, but she doesn’t show him any respect!”

“Autumn, why did your crush fall for someone like her? I think you’re so much better than her!”

Autumn Ferguson stood next to the railing and looked down with an extremely mocking smile.

“Well, she’s from Stanton Corporation after all. Grandpa Leonard didn’t refuse to have a meal with her because he still has some concerns over their relationship. But… It’ll be a little difficult to get what she wants!”

The people next to the cold voice echoed.

“Right. Does she think that this is Atlanta? I guess she’s never been rejected before in her life, right?”

“Autumn, did you talk to Grandpa Leonard? Grandpa Leonard won’t really help her, right?”

Autumn raised her eyebrows and smiled.

“I just suggested it. Grandpa has his own ideas.”

Someone on the side said, “Grandpa Leonard likes you the most. How could he let you suffer such a grievance?”

”That’s right. Autumn’s mother is Grandpa Leonard’s goddaughter. With this relationship between them, who does Nicole think she is?”

The voices inside seemed to fall silent for a moment. Those gazes were surprised, appreciative, and amazed.

Nicole swept a glance and suppressed the strange feeling in her heart. She finally looked at a majestic-looking old man.

She smiled. “Hello, Uncle Leonard.”

Old Master Leonard seemed to be stunned for a moment. He then smiled and greeted her.

“Nicole, come here quickly. I’ve attended your first birthday party, and now look at you! In a blink of an eye, you’re such a big girl now…”

Nicole smiled and politely walked over.

It was not important whether Old Master Leonard really attended Nicole’s first birthday party. What was more important was that his attitude was still respectable.

Nicole ignored the equally surprised Keith Ludwig on the side, walked over modestly, and smiled.

“Uncle Leonard, I’ve wanted to come over to visit you for a long time, but I only show up now. Please don’t blame me for being rude.”

Old Master Leonard laughed. He looked like he had seen all sorts of worldly affairs.

“You youngsters… If you didn’t have any trouble, why would you come over to an old man like me?”

Old Master Leonard pointed to the rest of the people around him. “Look, do you know these people?”

He slapped his forehead. “I forgot to introduce you guys…”

Keith stood up, looking frivolous as he walked over and stood behind Old Master Leonard. He squeezed the Old Master on the shoulder.

He smiled as he spoke.

“Granduncle, don’t bother. Who doesn’t know Nicole? Ms.

Stanton’s famous, pretty, and capable. She’s so presentable and such a catch, isn’t she?”

Keith looked at Nicole with a smile, looking like he was seeking praise.

Nicole did not even look at him and only smiled at Old Master Leonard. “We’re all in the same circle and have met a few times, so an introduction is not necessary.”

Keith was speechless.

Nicole was surprised at the way Keith addressed Old Master Leonard – granduncle?

This relationship was quite complicated.

Old Master Leonard laughed loudIy and looked at Keith. “Yes, she is. It’s a pity that you can’t match her, Keith.”

Keith, who was doubly hurt, was vexed and thought, ’Ferg, your ex-wife bullied me again!’

After Old Master Leonard laughed, he sized up Nicole and narrowed his eyes.

“Just now, I thought that I saw your mother.” Nicole and Keith were stunned.

Everyone knew that Nicole’s mother had passed away after giving birth to Nicole.

No one mentioned Nicole’s mother in front of her for fear of evoking her sadness.

Nicole was sad, but it was still bearable.

She was sad that she lost her mother, but her impression o f her mother was blurred.

Nicole paused for a few seconds as Old Master Leonard continued speaking.

“Your mother also likes to wear black dresses with pearls. She’s the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen wearing a slim-fitting dress just like yours.”

Nicole paused. Her heart suddenly tightened, and her eyes turned a little sore.

She tried so hard to discard the sadness in her heart.

On the surface, Nicole looked as if nothing was wrong as she smiled.

“Really? I haven’t seen her in it.”

“You haven’t? Don’t you have a lot of pictures of your mother at home?”

Old Master Leonard asked in surprise.

Nicole said, “My father was afraid that my brothers and I would be sad to see pictures of her, so they were all put away, and I haven’t seen them.”

Old Master Leonard immediately fell into deep thought. He seemed a little sad and mournful.

Nicole was silent for a moment. She was not in a great mood either.

Keith coughed on the side. Immediately after, he found an excuse to pull Nicole away.

Nicole did not refuse because she could tell that it was not

appropriate to ask Old Master Leonard for help in that situation.