Chapter 133

Chapter 133
Rhett's POV

While placing more food in Cherisse's bowl, I casually remarked, "George, since your retirement, Wright Enterprises has been in steady decline."

My comment hit the mark.

George, in his sixties, felt his smile freeze. Wright Enterprises was his creation. During Kenneth Hayes' time, the company had flourished through partnerships with Hayes Enterprise, quickly establishing itself in the industry. Through his friendship with my father, he'd acquired two percent of Hayes Enterprise shares.

Though small, this stake in Hayes Enterprise translated to astronomical profits.

Between Wright Enterprises and these shares, the Wright family should have been set for generations.

Unfortunately, the family produced a wastrel.

After George retired, the company passed to his son, who had raised a spoiled heir, George's grandson. The young man spent his days in nightclubs and bars, eventually developing a gambling habit.

This heir had not only squandered most of the family fortune but had lost most of the Wright Enterprises shares his father had left him.

Now the company was in free fall, forcing George to consider selling his Hayes Enterprise shares—originally intended for his retirement—to save his lifework.

George sighed deeply. "It's that good-for-nothing grandson of mine. Young people these days..."

"Young people like to play," I said, flicking ash from my cigarette while stroking Cherisse's silky hair with my other hand. "Eventually they learn their lesson."

The gesture was intimately affectionate, causing Cherisse's hand to pause as she spooned soup from her bowl.

I glanced at her. "What's wrong? Too hot?"

Taking the porcelain bowl from her hands, I added, "Let it cool a bit. No rush. We have all night for dinner."

Hearing my tender concern, Cherisse felt warmth spread through her chest. She also sensed another, more intense gaze fixed on her.

"Rhett, I need to use the restroom."

I nodded. "Alright, I'll have a server accompany you."

After a server wheeled Cherisse out, Darren turned to Alex standing behind him. "I've got some special bourbon in my car from my last business trip. Perfect time to share it with everyone." Alex acknowledged and left.

"How thoughtful, Mr. Hayes," George smiled.

I tapped the table with my clean, elegant fingers, smiling at George. "I hear your grandson racked up another $90 million in gambling debts yesterday, with an IOU promising payment within three days."

Holding up one finger toward George's rapidly paling face, I added, "Just shy of an even $100 million."

Learning of his grandson's fresh gambling debts, George nearly collapsed from anger.

This bottomless pit seemed unfillable, but with just one grandson, the family's only option was to indulge him.

I smiled. "I know you're facing liquidity issues, but out of respect for your friendship with my father, I'm willing to help."

Jack handed George a folder of documents.

"Sign this contract," I continued, "and I'll give you an additional $100 million—consider it your retirement fund."

George's thick white eyebrows furrowed sharply when he saw the bold text of the contract.

Now he understood why I'd appeared unexpectedly. I had an agenda.

Seeing his hesitation, I stood up, adjusting my suit. "Think it over, George. I need to take a call."

Pretending to check my phone, I stepped out and walked to a dimly lit hallway, where I overheard Alex's questioning voice from the restroom direction.

"Cherisse, what's going on between you and Rhett? Didn't you say Sheryl was the one he cared about?"

Yet my behavior toward Cherisse today clearly suggested I was protecting her.

Cherisse clenched her hands. "Alex, Rhett does love Sheryl. I wouldn't lie to you. If you don't believe me, just go after Sheryl and you'll see."

"Between you and Sheryl, who do you think Rhett would choose?" Alex pressed.

Cherisse bit her lip. "Sheryl."

Despite not wanting to admit it, she was certain I would choose Sheryl.

That's why she needed Sheryl to disappear from my life.

"Cherisse, I don't care what grudge you hold against Sheryl, but don't lie to me. If you do, even if I wanted to help you, Darren wouldn't spare you."

In the hallway, I smirked, grinding my cigarette butt under my foot before walking away.

Darren's POV

"What's the meaning of this?" George demanded once we'd cleared the room of outsiders.

Holding up the contract, he turned to me. "You said you were buying my Hayes Enterprise shares on behalf of the company. Yet Rhett's offering a hundred million less, plus demanding acquisition of Wright Enterprises! Ridiculous."

Rhett's extra hundred million sounded generous, but was actually just the cost of acquiring Wright Enterprises.

Two hundred million for both his shares and the entire company—Rhett had calculated well.

My face darkened. I hadn't anticipated Rhett's interference or his harsh terms.

"George, to be honest, this was Rhett's original plan," I said, keeping my tone conciliatory. "He's impulsive and ruthless. As his uncle, I can only clean up his messes, which is why I secretly offered you more without his knowledge. Who knew he'd show up tonight?"

I carefully phrased my next words. "So, everything we discussed earlier—you can't mention it to Rhett. It would put me in an impossible position."

George, already agitated, was interrupted by another call.

More news about his grandson's misdeeds.

His eyebrows knitted in fury as he slammed his fist on the table. "That ungrateful brat! Is he trying to send me to an early grave?"

The door opened, and Rhett sauntered in, casually taking his seat.

Noting George had ended his call, I smiled. "Well, George, have you decided?"

George's face was ashen, his withered hand clutching the contract tightly.

I continued unhurriedly, "George, understand this: no one in Boston can offer a better price than me."

More accurately, as long as I didn't approve, no one would dare make an offer. George knew this well.

Playing with my lighter, I added, "Anyone secretly trading Hayes Enterprise shares behind my back... I'll personally ensure they're buried alive."

My casual tone belied the brutality of my words, causing both George and Darren to tense.

George looked up at me, seeing a composed young face that concealed calculations and strategies that his sixty years of experience couldn't penetrate.

Kenneth Hayes had raised a worthy son indeed.

He picked up the pen and forcefully signed his name on the contract. When Jack presented the seal, George laughed bitterly.

I had planned this meticulously.

After signing, George threw out a parting line: "The Wright family thanks you, Mr. Hayes!" before storming out.

Only Rhett, Jack, and I remained in the vast room.

"George was desperate, which is why he invited me today, hoping for my help..." I began.

Rhett raised his hand, cutting me off.

He looked at me with a smiling face. "Uncle, no need to explain. I trust you. You came to George's dinner for the company's benefit, right?"

I nodded thoughtfully, my eyes flashing with hidden sharpness. "I'm glad you understand. Everything I do is for the good of our enterprise."