Chapter 580

"You're right, no need to stress over this."

Zoey nodded at Henry. It was rare to get a chance to relax, and once she got back to the States in a couple of days, she'd be buried in work.

Thinking about her plans back home, Zoey looked at Henry. "Henry, there's something I need to tell you. I was going to wait until we got back, but now seems as good a time as any."

Henry raised an eyebrow and walked over to the couch, motioning for her to join him. "What's up?"

Zoey took a deep breath and sat beside him. "When we get back, I want to merge my company with the Windsor Group."

Henry looked shocked. "Merge? Are you sure? You've built those companies from scratch."

"That's exactly why I'm making this decision." Zoey clasped her hands on her knees. "Helena's blatant provocation has completely severed ties with us. When we return, there will be a fierce battle between us."

Henry's expression turned serious. "You think Helena will target the Spencer Family's business?"

"Not just target." Zoey's voice grew somber. "I suspect Helena had something to do with my mother's death. The assets she's accumulated abroad, the speed at which she established Honghe Film and Television Company upon returning, all indicate she has backing. And..." She paused, "She hates the Chambers family."

The sound of waves outside was faintly audible, and the air inside seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

Henry reached out and held Zoey's trembling hand. "So you want to merge the companies to consolidate our strength against Helena's potential business attacks?"

"Not just that." Zoey looked Henry in the eye. "If we go to war, our command system must be unified. I trust your abilities more than mine. I'm willing to follow your lead and support you. In two months, we'll be married, and we should face this together."

Henry was silent for a moment, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. "Do you understand what merging means? We rise and fall together. Those companies are your life's work. Once merged..."

"I know the risks." Zoey interrupted Henry. "But spreading our forces is riskier. Helena's confrontation with my father is outrageous. I've already cut ties with her, so we need to pool all our resources."

Henry stood up and walked to the window, his back to her, deep in thought.

The sunlight outlined his tall figure, and Zoey could see the tension in his shoulders.

Zoey knew this decision wasn't easy for Henry either. Accepting her company meant taking on potential debts and risks.

"Do you trust me?" Henry suddenly asked, without turning around.

Zoey answered without hesitation. "More than I trust myself."

Henry turned around, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.

He walked back to Zoey, knelt on one knee, and cupped her face in his hands. "Alright, we'll start the merger process when we get back, but I have one condition."

"What condition?"

"We make important decisions together."

Henry's thumb brushed Zoey's lower lip. "I won't accept you just playing a 'supporting' role. Your business instincts are the sharpest I've ever seen."

Zoey felt her eyes grow warm. She blinked and smiled. "Henry, are you complimenting me?"

"Just stating the facts." Henry smiled too, standing up and pulling her to the balcony.

Zoey leaned against the railing, feeling Henry's warmth as he embraced her from behind.

"Helena won't give up easily," Zoey said softly. "She came to Marigoldia targeting my father."

Henry tightened his arms around her. "Using the deceased to achieve her goals is despicable."

"This is just the beginning." Zoey turned to face him. "After merging the companies, our first task is to investigate Honghe Film and Television Company's funding sources and backers. Helena couldn't have accumulated so much capital on her own."

Henry nodded. "I've already had my assistant gather some information. Honghe Film and Television Company has signed several top stars and invested in two major films within months. This expansion rate is abnormal."

Zoey frowned. "Helena is replicating my initial strategy but faster and more aggressively. This requires a massive cash flow. Although Honghe Film and Television Company has been hit hard, it hasn't collapsed, which says a lot."

"Helena must have powerful backing," Henry added. "When we get back, I'll contact some friends to investigate her international connections."

The sea breeze brought a slight chill.

Zoey leaned against Henry's chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

In this paradise-like setting, she felt the storm approaching.

"No matter what happens, we'll face it together," Henry promised softly, as if reading Zoey's thoughts.

Zoey looked up at his determined profile and couldn't help but rise on her tiptoes to kiss his lips. "Together."

The afternoon in Marigoldia was like a sapphire soaked in sunlight, with the sea shimmering with golden flecks outside the villa's floor-to-ceiling windows.

Finnegan stood on the balcony, a nearly burnt-out cigarette between his fingers, his gaze aimlessly sweeping over the horizon where the sea met the sky.

The air conditioning's cool breeze mingled with the tropical heat at his neck, creating a subtle temperature difference.

"Finnegan, Upton's boat has arrived," Mabel's voice called from the living room, with a deliberately softened tone.

Finnegan stubbed out his cigarette and turned around, his face already adorned with a polite smile.

At fifty-two, he maintained his physique well, with only a slight belly hinting at years of business engagements.

He adjusted the collar of his polo shirt and walked to the door to greet Upton, who was nearly twenty years younger.

Upton entered the villa, dragging his suitcase, his face radiating youthful energy.

At thirty, Upton wore a T-shirt with a trendy logo and jeans, somewhat out of place in the luxurious villa. But upon seeing Finnegan, he immediately flashed a fawning smile.

"Finnegan! This place is amazing!" Upton exclaimed, setting down his luggage and dramatically looking around. "It's even better than those Instagram hotspots I saw online."

Finnegan patted Upton's shoulder, his smile tinged with a hint of detachment. "Glad you like it. Mabel insisted on having you join us for the vacation."

Mabel emerged from the kitchen, carrying three glasses of iced juice.

She was fifteen years younger than Finnegan, her well-maintained face showing little sign of aging, with only a few fine lines appearing when she smiled.

"Upton, was the trip tiring?" She handed Upton a glass, her movements naturally affectionate.

As they settled in the living room, a rush of footsteps sounded from upstairs.

Thirteen-year-old Jett dashed down the stairs like a whirlwind, his eyes fixed on Upton.