“That’s right!”
Gina smacked herself on the forehead after hearing Cindy’s suggestion, exclaiming in realization, “Why didn’t I think of that? You’re so smart, Cindy!”
“That’s for sure, but…”
Cindy snorted, casting a brief glance at Helen while pouting. “Someone just doesn’t see it.”
Helen was certainly aware Cindy meant her but did not bother to get petty, saying solemnly, “It’s not going to work. Anyone who has that much money to waste would be smart-the land won’t be that appealing even as bait.”
Cindy simply giggled coolly, not bothered that she was causing trouble. “Oh, so you’re suggesting that Aunt Gina isn’t smart? Talk about being veiled insults!”
Gina scowled at that even if she was wrong to believe Peter, it still upset her that her daughter would insult her like this.
“That’s not what I mean, Mom…”
Helen sighed, shaking her head as she found no strength to explain herself. “Whatever. Just do what you like, but I don’t think anyone would be willing to take that land off your hands.” There was no denying that Helen had reason to say that anyone who made it rich would definitely have a brain made for business dealings and would not be easily tricked like Gina. Gina gave up on pretenses right then and leveled a hopeful look at Helen. “You’re right, but where should we get a fall guy to take it off our hands?”
Helen shrugged, gesturing that she was helpless and refused to be the scapegoat. “Don’t give me that look. Lanecorp won’t take the fall-if we do, the board will remove me the next day.” That was when Cindy snorted. “Why bother asking her, Aunt Gina? Her company is more important to her than her family, and you’re still hoping for her to help? No way!”
Helen scowled-Cindy’s words
stung, but she said flatly, “Don’t be glib, Cindy. You made me fire you because your behavior left the company outraged, or do you not remember? Should I remind you?”
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Refusing to cave, Helen’s words. were icy and direct, deflating Cindy right then since she was indeed at fault. And if Helen revealed everything, everyone would lose face.
“Hmph.” Cindy snorted and said nothing.
“Enough!” Gina intervened right then, shooting an accusing glare at both Helen and Cindy. “We’re family so stop causing such a huge fuss. It wil ook bad to outsiders.”
“Outsiders?”
Helen looked around but found no outsiders until her gaze lingered on Frank.
Laughing despite herself, she snapped, “Did you just call Frank an outsider, Mom?” “What, are you saying he’s not?”
Gina scowled, but her eyes flashed slyly soon enough as an idea took hold.
Turning toward Frank, she asked, “By the way, are you interested in that land?” She clearly wanted Frank to take the fall!
