Chapter 47

Seeing Catherine's upset face, Zoey just gave a cold smile.

She shoved Catherine aside and strolled right into the golf course. The waiter didn't even try to stop her.

Catherine bit her lip and quickly followed.

When Zoey walked into the lounge, she spotted Arthur chatting with three company directors, looking pretty pleased with himself.

Her eyes went cold for a second, but then she plastered on a bright smile. "Hey Dad, I'm not late, am I?"

Arthur's body stiffened at the sound of Zoey's voice. He turned and saw her standing there.

"How did you get in here?" He had invited Zoey today just to humiliate her.

This golf course had a super strict membership policy. No way could you get in without a member's introduction.

Zoey sighed. "Well, I had to get a membership to get in. Catherine's acting like she doesn't know me from Adam, and it's cost me a cool million. But Dad, you'll cover that, right?"

Zoey looked all innocent and hurt, leaving Arthur at a loss for words.

Catherine caught up and heard what Zoey said.

She snapped, "You already have a VIP bank card! How can you ask Dad to pay for you?"

Zoey sighed at Catherine. "Catherine, do you have any conscience? I've been fending for myself all these years. Any idea how much Dad has been shelling out for you? It's more than a million a year, right? I only asked for a million this year. Is that too much?"Catherine fumed. Ever since Zoey showed up, the family's assets had shrunk. Arthur wouldn't even buy her a fifty-thousand-dollar bag, let alone giving her a million dollars.

Catherine added, "Do you have any shame left? You took fifty percent of the company's shares, yet you still want a million dollars."

Zoey's smile faded, and she looked at Catherine with a mocking gaze. "How could I possibly compare to you and your mom in terms of shamelessness? You live in the villa my mom bought and spend the money she earned from her company. Why don't you two feel any guilt?"

Catherine was so mad she almost choked.

But the most embarrassed one was Arthur.

Even though Zoey hadn't mentioned him directly, he felt extremely uneasy, as if the words 'live off the ex-wife' were written across his face.

The three directors nearby could barely hold back their laughter at Zoey's words.

They had all started the business with Zoey's mom. After she passed away, they let Arthur manage the company but didn't think much of him.

If it weren't for the potential benefits and the fact that Arthur's daughter had aligned herself with the heir of the Brown family, they wouldn't have bothered with Arthur.

"Dad, am I right? I still remember when Caroline first came into the house, she eyed my mom's jewelry box eagerly and insisted all the jewelry was hers. She even tried to snatch it from me."

Zoey looked at Arthur with an innocent expression, recounting an old story about Caroline as if it were just a casual tale.

The three directors nearby widened their eyes. They knew Caroline was greedy, but they hadn't expected her to go after Zoey's deceased mother's belongings.

Arthur's face turned dark, and he quickly cut Zoey off. "Enough. I called you here because I have something to discuss. You're not a kid anymore. Why are you still hung up on things that happened years ago?"

He added, "Besides, Caroline said she was just keeping them safe for you because you were too young. You insisted she was trying to steal them. In the end, you lost them yourself. It would've been better to let her keep them."

Zoey sneered inwardly. Those pieces of jewelry weren't lost; she had hidden them and lied about losing them.

Caroline had thrown a fit, turned her room upside down, and even forbade her from eating for a whole day.

If Zoey hadn't pretended to faint and stayed unconscious, Arthur, fearing for a fatal incident, might have let Caroline starve her for two or three days.

"Alright, enough about the past. Dad, why did you call me here?" Zoey shrugged indifferently, making Arthur even more irritated.

After calming himself, Arthur spoke, "I called you here to tell you that even though you have fifty percent of the shares, you need to prove your skills if you want to manage the company."

He added, "Otherwise, the directors and I won't agree to let you participate in the company's management."

Zoey wasn't surprised by Arthur's words.

She just smiled at the three directors. "Do you all feel the same way?"

Juan Stewart, known for his shrewdness, speak with a smile, "Zoey, we've watched you grow up. You've always been gentle and meek since childhood. However, a company needs a leader who's got steel in their spine, so our concerns are natural and understandable."

The other two directors nodded in agreement, clearly sharing the same sentiment.

Zoey didn't show any anger but smiled at Arthur. "So, Dad, what do you think I should do to prove myself?"

Arthur coughed and said seriously, "The company has been aiming to secure the Apex Group's hotel project. If you can get it within a week, I'll let you manage the company."

Zoey keenly noticed that when Arthur finished speaking, the three directors looked incredulous.

She had heard of Apex Group, a real estate company even bigger than the Spencer Group. Its president even had political connections, making it very successful in Maple City.

She pretended not to see the directors' surprised expressions and readily agreed. "No problem. I'll secure the deal within a week."

Arthur snorted coldly. "You better keep your word. Otherwise, don't mention managing the company anymore, and transfer your shares to me. This is all for your own good."

Zoey knew Arthur had some ulterior motive.

"Zoey, what are you doing here?" A surprised male voice sounded, and Zoey turned to see Alexander glaring at her.