Chapter 1042
Mark’s threat left Fleur hanging her head in silence.
However, Frank could also see that the other members of the Lane family appeared dissatisfied.
Discontent was only natural if Helen was appointed the head of the Lane family so soon-if anything, Fleur was saying exactly what was on everyone’s mind.
Even if they would not protest openly out of respect for Mark, they would try to sabotage Helen subtly, making everything difficult for her.
It was up to Frank and Helen to show what they had.
With that in mind, Frank nodded respectfully at Mark.
“Mr. Lane,” he said, “I believe that the wager you had with myself and Helen should be kept. We will make a profit of one billion in two months, so that Helen can become head of the Lane family without anyone questioning her abilities”
“What?” Mark was surprised by Frank’s suggestion-he had already announced that Helen would become the next head of the Lane family, but Frank would turn that down regardless?
Gavin quickly strode up to them. “But Mr. Lawrence, it’s been a month since that wager, and my wretched brother burnt down the farm resort. If the wager stays on, I’m afraid…”
“No, Uncle Gavin,” Helen said proudly, smart enough to read Frank’s intention right then. “We will rebuild it, and the wager stands. If we can’t make a billion out of the farm, I will give up my candidacy as the next head of the Lane family.”
Fleur snorted in disdain. “Hah! These are pretty words, but are you really going to make a billion dollars in a month?”
Helen smiled in turn. “You don’t have to worry about that, Madam Lang. We have our methods, and if we fail, I will automatically relinquish my candidacy.”
Mark was staring fixedly at Helen and Mark for a long while and eventually spoke, “I’ve kept that farm for the most of my life, but I’ve never managed to turn a profit out of it. If you two could really achieve that, I will retire and Helen will take my place!”
Helen was taken aback and quickly threw up her hands, “No, Granduncle. That’s not what I mean to do—” “Oh, but that’s exactly what I will do.”
Mark smiled faintly, holding up a hand to stop her. “If you can do it, that means you’re a person who can lead the family to new heights. Otherwise, an old man like me would just keep us running around in circles. That’s why passing leadership to you would be the better choice.”
Then, looking around at everyone else, Mark asked, “So? Does anyone have anything to say about that?”
Jon pursed his lips and snorted in disdain. “Well, it’s agreeable, but only if Helen succeeds. I’ve seen for myself the farm resort they were preparing, but it’s in ruins after Uncle Clark and Uncle Gable did a number on it. I really don’t think they can do anything at this point.”
“Accounting fraud, perhaps!” Fleur sneered darkly. “Not even divine intervention could help them otherwise!”
“We won’t resort to fraud,” Frank said, assuring everyone. “Every ledger of the farm resort will be available for public review in a month. If we can’t make a billion dollars by then, Helen will leave the Lane family, and I will depart from Riverton.”
“Good!”
Fleur and the other members of the Lane family were at once gleeful despite Frank’s confident wager.
