Chapter 581

"Uncle Upton!" Jett's voice was brimming with excitement. "Where's my game console? You promised!"

Mabel frowned. "Jett, that's so rude! Upton just got here, and you didn't even say hello before asking for something."

Upton waved it off with a smile. "It's alright, Mabel. I did promise Jett." He pulled out a box with the latest game console from his backpack. "See, I keep my promises."

Jett's eyes lit up instantly. He practically snatched the game console and dashed upstairs with a cheer, forgetting to say thank you.

Mabel shook her head helplessly but didn't scold Jett.

Finnegan watched Jett's retreating figure, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

He turned to Upton. "How's work been lately?"

Upton took a sip of his juice and shrugged. "Same old. Just getting by. But Finnegan, I've met some people recently who might be able to introduce you to some projects..."

Finnegan smoothly changed the subject. "Take a few days to rest first. Work can wait."

Then Mabel brought up Finnegan's daughter from his previous marriage, Claire.

Upton was surprised to learn that Claire had gotten married, and her friend was Zoey, the CEO of Treasure Jewelry Company.

And Zoey's fiancé was Henry, the CEO of the Windsor Group.

Upton said to Finnegan, "Finnegan, you should have Claire help you make connections. If you can collaborate with Henry, your company will thrive and never lack funding."

Finnegan's grip on his wine glass tightened, his voice strained. "You think I don't know that? The problem is that the ungrateful daughter won't help! She didn't even tell me she was getting married. Why would she help me make connections?"

The thought of Claire not only refusing to help but siding with others made Finnegan's face turn pale with anger.

The living room fell into a brief silence.

Upton's eyes darted around, and he suddenly had an idea. "Finnegan, if Claire won't help, we can approach her husband."

Finnegan raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"A dowry!" Upton said excitedly. "The Green family is loaded. As Claire's father, asking for fifty million dollars isn't unreasonable. In wealthy circles, that's pocket change."

Mabel looked at Upton in surprise. "Isn't that a bit much?"

"What's wrong with it?" Upton said confidently. "Finnegan raised Claire. Why shouldn't he get something in return? Besides, fifty million dollars is nothing to the Green family but could save Finnegan's company."

Finnegan stood there, his gaze growing resolute.

Alcohol and greed mixed in his veins, forming a dangerous determination.

He checked his watch. It was already past nine at night, but he couldn't wait any longer.

"Let's go meet my 'good son-in-law' right now." Finnegan put down his wine glass, grabbed his phone, and his room key.

Mabel hesitated. "Now? Isn't it too late?"

"Late? Young people stay up late, don't they?" Finnegan was already heading to the door. "Mabel, you come too. Upton, you're quick-witted, come along and give some advice."

They hurried out of the villa without even telling Jett, who was engrossed in his new game upstairs.

Jett, wearing headphones, was completely immersed in his new game world, oblivious to their departure.

Meanwhile, in a beachfront villa on the other side of the resort, the atmosphere was warm and relaxed.

Moonlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a silver path on the sea.

Claire and Zoey sat on the terrace in wicker chairs, each holding a glass of red wine, chatting softly.

"So you're really going to merge with Mr. Windsor's Windsor Group?" Claire asked, confirming Zoey's plan.

Zoey nodded. "Yeah, I'm about to marry Mr. Windsor. We'll be husband and wife. I trust him. He treats my kids like his own. He's so good to me, I want to trust him."

"You know, Helena suffered a big loss with me. When I return home, she'll definitely try to retaliate. I suspect she has backing. If there's a business war, it's better to face her with Mr. Windsor."

Claire agreed with Zoey's reasoning. "Zoey, whatever you decide, I support you. Just don't fire me."

Zoey laughed. "You don't need to work now. You're married to Joseph. You're the Green family's young mistress. Being my assistant is beneath you."

Claire rolled her eyes at Zoey. "It's not beneath me. You gave me plenty of shares. I just don't want to be idle. Titles don't matter. I just want to live my life, and Joseph supports me."

Zoey didn't argue further.

Inside, the children's laughter echoed.

Zoey's three-year-old Gabriel and Travis were playing with blocks, with Henry watching over them.

The business mogul had shed his usual stern demeanor, patiently answering their curious questions.

Zoey and Claire changed the subject to Claire's father, Finnegan.

Claire told Zoey, "If he keeps pushing, I'll cut ties with him. Since I went abroad, he hasn't cared for me. He gave me money twice, but my mom supported me. To him, I'm as good as nonexistent."

Then the doorbell rang.

Claire paused, then said to Zoey, "Could it be my dad again?"

Zoey couldn't be sure. They had to open the door to find out.

Joseph stood up. "I'll check."

When he saw Finnegan on the monitor, his brow furrowed.

He turned to Claire, silently asking how to proceed.

Claire took a deep breath, stood up, and straightened her clothes. "Let them in. I have to face this sooner or later."

Zoey stood up too. "Should Mr. Windsor and I step aside?"

"No need." Claire shook her head, a bitter smile on her lips. "Let my father see how well I'm doing without his 'arrangements.'"

As Joseph pressed the button to open the door, Claire whispered to Zoey, "If he tries to force me into a deal with Henry's company, I'll cut ties with him. This time, I'm serious."

Zoey nodded, her eyes full of support. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you."