Chapter 54

Harper's voice was barely a whisper, like she was struggling to get the words out.

Even though the Brown family was dying to know what Harper wanted to say to Anna, they obediently left the hospital room. Harper still had that kind of pull.

"What? Grandma, you want to give the whole family business to me? What about Samuel? He's your grandson!" Anna's voice echoed in the room, full of shock.

"Anna, don't you get it? I've always wanted Samuel to pave the way for you. You're the only heir in my heart. Everything I've done over the years has been for you." Harper's words were full of emotion.

"Grandma..." Anna's tears started flowing like a river.

She felt so stupid for ever doubting Harper's intentions.

Given Harper's condition, Anna knew she wasn't lying. After all, people don't lie on their deathbeds.

Anna was overwhelmed with guilt, wishing she could show Harper her heart.

"Anna, my time is running out, but I have one last request. You must promise me, or I'd roll in my grave." Harper struggled to sit up, her face serious.

"Okay, Grandma, tell me. No matter what it is, I'll do it!" Anna cried as she spoke.

At this moment, Anna would agree to anything, even if it meant going to hell.

Anna returned to the hospital apartment, her emotions all over the place.

Louis had been waiting for her.

"How did it go?" Seeing Anna's somber expression, Louis pretended not to know anything and asked.

"The doctor said Grandma doesn't have much time left," Anna whispered, her voice filled with sadness and helplessness.

"Really?" Louis replied indifferently.

"Grandma saw a video. She thinks the person who confessed to me at the Sunset Bay International Hotel is David, the chairman of the Dragon Group. She wants me to go to the Dragon Group tomorrow and ask David to save the Brown family for my sake." Anna's tone was cold, with a hint of sarcasm and helplessness.

"So, what are you trying to tell me?" Louis stared at Anna, like he was trying to see through her.

"Louis... let's get a divorce." Anna's tears fell like rain. "This is Grandma's last wish... I can't let her leave with regrets..."

Her tears hit Louis like a ton of bricks.

She bit her lip, making a huge decision, her voice choked with emotion. "Louis, let's end this."

Louis was surprisingly calm. He even smiled, though it was a bitter smile.

"Anna, do you really believe what she said? Are you sure she's not manipulating you?" he asked tentatively.

"Shut up!" Anna's eyes burned with anger. "Don't you dare speak about Grandma like that! She's my grandmother, and she's dying. How can you slander her like this?"

With that, Anna turned and left, her high heels clicking on the floor, echoing her frantic heartbeat.

In the hallway outside the hospital room, Anna leaned against the wall, gasping for breath.

She closed her eyes, Louis's piercing gaze filling her mind.

'Maybe it's a bad decision?' she thought to herself.

Just then, the hospital room door opened, and Arnold's sleazy face appeared. "Anna, Mom wants to see you."

Anna took a deep breath, composed herself, and walked into the room.

Harper lay on the bed, her face pale as a sheet, her breathing weak.

Seeing Anna, Harper managed a faint smile and beckoned her over.

Anna walked to the bedside, holding Harper's withered hand. "Grandma."

"Anna, my time is short." Harper's voice was barely a whisper. "The Brown Group is my biggest concern. Will you take over the Brown Group?"

Harper's eyes were filled with hope. She looked like a drowning person grasping a lifeline.

Anna's remaining doubts vanished as she saw Harper like that.

She nodded firmly. "Grandma, I will! I'll restore the Brown Group to its former glory!"

Harper smiled with relief. "Good girl..."

After a violent cough, Harper's breath grew weaker.

She gripped Anna's hand, mustering her last bit of strength. "Anna, I'm entrusting the family to you..."

With that, Harper's hand fell limp, her eyes closing slowly.

"Grandma!" Anna cried out, collapsing by Harper's bedside, sobbing uncontrollably.

The next morning, Anna sat at her vanity, dark circles under her eyes.

"Let's get a divorce." Louis's voice came from behind her.

Anna trembled slightly but didn't turn around.

"I'll give you a day to think about it," Louis continued. "If you still insist, I won't object." With that, Louis left the room.

Anna stayed silent, like she was frozen in place.

Only when the room was completely quiet did she slowly turn around, her eyes empty, like a puppet without a soul.

She sat there for a long time until her phone rang, snapping her out of it.

"Anna, are you ready? We need to go to the Dragon Group!" Arnold's excited voice came through the phone.

Anna took a deep breath, stood up, and quickly got ready before leaving the room.

Louis was nowhere to be seen. The couch in the living room still had traces of him sleeping there.

Seeing this, Anna felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of loss.

She shook her head, pushing the feeling aside, and walked out the door.

The Dragon Group's building was a landmark in Sunshine City, towering and majestic.

The Brown family stood in front of the building, their eyes wide with awe.

"This is the Dragon Group? It's so impressive!"

"How many floors does it have? I lost count!"

"If only the Brown Group had a building like this!"

Arnold was especially excited, his face flushed. "Anna, you have to seize this opportunity and get close to the Dragon Group's chairman! The family's future depends on you!"

"Yes, Anna, don't forget Grandma's last wish!" Isabella chimed in.

The rest of the Brown family also spoke up, all giving Anna advice.

Anna remained silent, looking up at the towering building, her emotions in turmoil.

They entered the Dragon Group's lobby, stunned by the luxurious decor.

"Oh my God, is this floor made of gold?"

"And that chandelier, it must be extremely expensive?"

"This is true wealth. Our family is nothing in comparison."

Just then, a familiar figure appeared.

"Louis? What are you doing here?" Arnold's eyes widened in disbelief.

Louis, dressed casually and holding a file, was about to enter the elevator.

"Louis, you loser, why are you here?" Isabella screeched. "This isn't a place for someone like you! Get out!"

The Brown family members all berated Louis, telling him to leave.

Louis stopped, turned around, and looked at them expressionlessly.

"Enough!" Anna suddenly spoke, silencing everyone.

She walked up to Louis, her voice cold. "Are you following me?"

Louis looked at Anna, disappointment in his eyes. "Do you really think I'm that kind of person?"

"Then why are you here?" Anna demanded. "Don't forget, we're getting a divorce! Respect my decision and stay away from me!"

Louis said nothing, just gave Anna a long look before turning and entering the elevator.

The elevator doors closed, cutting off Louis from view.

Anna stared at the cold metal doors, feeling a sudden, inexplicable sense of loss and pain.

She realized she might have misunderstood Louis.

"Anna, why are you wasting your breath on him?" Arnold said impatiently. "He's probably here to try his luck. Maybe apply for a security job!"

"Exactly, a loser like him always thinks he's somebody!" Isabella sneered.

"Enough," Anna interrupted. "Louis has business with the Dragon Group. He's probably here for that."

"Business? Him?" Arnold scoffed. "What business could he have with the Dragon Group? He's just here to embarrass himself!"

Anna said nothing more. Her mind was a mess, and she had no energy to argue.

They reached the Dragon Group's waiting room, waiting to be summoned by David.

After a long wait, a man in a suit and tie, looking like a company executive, approached them.

"Excuse me, which one of you is Ms. Brown?" he said plainly.

"I am." Anna stood up.

"Ms. Brown, I'm Christopher Wright, the general manager of the Dragon Group." Christopher reached out his hand.

"Mr. Wright, nice to meet you," Anna replied politely.

"Where's the chairman?" Arnold asked impatiently. "When can we see him?"

"The chairman?" Christopher looked surprised, then smiled. "He's not in today. You can discuss your matters with me."

"What? He's not here?" Arnold was stunned. "Did we come for nothing?"

"Yes, we came to discuss a partnership!" Isabella also looked disappointed.

The Brown family members began to complain.

Christopher watched them, a playful smile on his face.

"Mr. Wright, are you here to deliver food?" Louis approached, jokingly.

The Brown family turned to Louis, their faces filled with anger and shock.

At a time like this, why was Louis still lingering around?

Christopher was the Dragon Group's general manager, not someone Louis could joke with!

Arnold's face darkened. "Louis, are you here to cause trouble?"