Chapter 309: I Support You Being Together

I stopped reluctantly, my tone cold. "Then say it quickly. I have a mountain of work at the office."

Winter cleared her throat and tried to straighten her back, attempting to reclaim her former dignity. She spoke slowly. "These past few days, Michael has been pining for you—barely eating or sleeping. He even cut ties with me to be with you. I've been reflecting, and I admit I was too harsh on you before. Now, I've come to a decision. I want to help Michael fulfill his wish. I'll support you two being together."

My eyes widened in disbelief.

What had gotten into Winter? How could she say something like this?

Seeing my shocked expression, she mistook it for speechless joy and continued. "But I have one condition. Help me get rid of Alice. Find a way to make her disappear forever."

"Disappear forever?" I latched onto the key phrase.

Winter's eyes hardened as she stared at me. "Yes. I don't care how you do it. Only if Alice is gone can you return to Michael's side. When that happens, I'll publicly acknowledge you as my daughter-in-law. I'll never oppose you again."

I couldn't help but laugh, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "Ms. Hayes, have you lost your mind? Why would I ever want to be your daughter-in-law again? You think far too highly of yourself."

Winter's brow furrowed in displeasure, her tone taking on a warning edge. "Don't tell me you actually plan to marry William? Let me tell you—the Brown family will never allow it. To them, you'd be nothing but a stain. If you stay with Michael, you can continue being the pampered Mrs. Johnson. Isabella will have access to the best resources."

"No need," I cut her off, my gaze firm. "Even if I stay single for the rest of my life, I'll never go back to the Johnson family."

I flashed her a cold smile and turned to leave.

But I walked straight into Hannah.

She wore a simple long dress—though the fine silk fabric and luxury brand made it clear it cost a fortune.

Two bodyguards stood tall behind her.

I was mildly surprised but had no intention of getting involved.

I'd long since washed my hands of the Johnson family's mess.

Then I remembered—I'd left my bag in Michael's room.

So I stopped a short distance away, planning to wait until Hannah left before going back in to grab it.

The moment Winter spotted Hannah, she forgot I existed. Like a raging rooster, she shrieked, "You bitch! What are you doing here? How did you even know my son was hospitalized? Are you here to gloat?"

Her chest heaved violently, her eyes full of venom. If not for Hannah's bodyguards, she probably would have lunged at her.

Hannah's voice remained soft, tinged with helplessness. "Winter, Caspian heard Michael was hospitalized and asked me to check on him. Please don't make this difficult. I'll just take a quick look and leave. Is that okay?"

"No! Get out!" Winter's voice was shrill and harsh.

Hannah sighed gently. "Since you're so against it, I won't go in. But I came to apologize to Michael. You can pass along the message if you'd like."

Winter froze, frowning. "Apologize for what?"

"The board officially removed Michael from his position today. Charles will take over." Hannah's tone was calm, but every word was a dagger to Winter's heart. "Charles can be reckless. I didn't expect him to go this far. I'm apologizing on his behalf. Even though Charles is taking over as CEO, I'll make sure he treats Michael as his older brother and respects him. Please tell Michael not to take it too hard."

Winter stood frozen, her face draining of color. She looked like she'd been struck by lightning.

Her eyes widened, voice trembling. "What... what did you just say?"

"The board removed Michael. The notice is already posted on the Johnson Group's official website."

Hannah repeated it, her tone still gentle but every word laced with venom.

"Impossible! You lying bitch!" Winter shook her head frantically, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. "When that bastard Caspian left with you all those years ago, he promised to give up everything at the Johnson Group! You people—you vultures—you see a helpless mother and son and come crawling back!"

Before she could finish, Winter lunged at Hannah like she was ready to die with her.

But a figure suddenly rushed forward and shoved Winter to the ground.

It wasn't one of Hannah's bodyguards.

It was Caspian—her ex-husband.

Caspian held Hannah protectively in his arms, glaring at Winter with disgust. Yet his tone toward his wife was tender. "I told you not to come. You insisted on apologizing to her. Did you really think she'd accept it? This woman has been a vicious lunatic since she was young. She's not worth your kindness."

Hannah sighed softly, her gaze tinged with pity. "I just felt guilty. Winter loves her son."

"You've always been so gracious, even when we were young." Caspian looked at her tenderly, though his next words were aimed at Winter. "But some people don't deserve your generosity. Remember how she treated you back then? Let's go. Don't bother with her. You're the biological mother of the Johnson Group's CEO now. She's just a shrew. Even looking at her lowers your value."

With that, he carefully guided Hannah away, checking to make sure she wasn't hurt.

I watched the scene unfold, suddenly understanding—Hannah wasn't some fragile, helpless woman. She was a master manipulator.

And Michael's blindness? He'd inherited it completely from his father.

Winter collapsed on the ground, sobbing hysterically.

Instinctively, I stepped forward to help her up.

Not out of sympathy. Just reflex.

But the moment I steadied her, she grabbed my hand like it was her last lifeline. "Evelyn, please think of something. Help Michael. Please."

I gently pulled my hand away. "I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do."

I turned and walked into the room to grab my bag.

Inside, Michael sat on the bed, his face even paler than when he'd woken. His eyes were bloodshot.

He must have heard everything outside.

His phone screen was still lit. I glanced at it—it was open to the removal notice on the Johnson Group's website.

Winter burst in after me, blocking my path. She grabbed my arm again, crying desperately. "Evelyn, you're close to Charles and William, aren't you? Go beg them! You... you should marry William! As long as he gives the Johnson Group back to Michael, I'll support you marrying him! Michael will support you too!"

She was incoherent, her eyes unfocused. She'd clearly lost all rationality. She didn't even know what she was saying or what she wanted anymore.