Chapter 42

"You!" Dorothy was at a loss for words, blocked by Melinda.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the anger in her chest, and looked at Melinda, saying, "Melinda, I came to you today to discuss something important."

"Oh? What important matter?" Melinda pretended to be clueless.

"Melinda, you know very well why I came to you," Dorothy said timidly.

Melinda looked at her indifferently, "I don't quite understand what you mean."

"Let's be straightforward, Melinda. I know you have some issues with me, but I hope you can restrain your temper. Otherwise, it won't be good for you, the Stuart Family, or Sienna!" Dorothy said slowly.

Melinda smiled disdainfully, "If the leaders of the Carnegie Family are as hypocritical as you, then the Carnegie Family is really beyond saving!"

The two seemed to be talking about different things, yet they both understood the underlying meaning in each other's words.

Dorothy's expression changed unpredictably.

"Dorothy, get this straight, this is not the Carnegie Family's company! Think about your own status before you speak or act," Melinda reminded, "so you don't disgrace yourself."

Her words hit Dorothy's sore spot.

Dorothy took a deep breath and said, "Melinda, don't think that just because you're from the Stuart Family, I'm afraid of you. I'm telling you, if you continue like this, don't blame me for being rude to you."

"Really? Dorothy, do I need to remind you whether we are friends or foes? I think, given the Stuart Family's influence in Melondor, I shouldn't be any worse off than you, right?" Melinda raised an eyebrow and said, "If one of us were to lose, I think you would definitely be worse off than me!"

"Fine!" Dorothy clenched her fists and said angrily, "Since you want to fight, I'll play along. I want to see how capable you are!"

"Really? Then I won't let you down!" Melinda raised an eyebrow, full of disdain.

Seeing that Melinda was impervious to reason, Dorothy glared at her and turned to leave.

Watching her leave, Melinda's lips curled into a triumphant smile.

Before the banquet ended, I received a text message on my phone.

Seeing the caller ID, I hesitated for a moment, watching Dorothy skillfully interact with others.

I swiped the phone screen and replied with a 'yes.'

The café was very quiet, the lighting dim, and the music low, creating a lazy, sleepy atmosphere.

I ordered a black coffee, leisurely drinking it while occasionally glancing at the entrance through the glass window.

I knew that my negotiation with Dorothy was about to begin!

Soon, Dorothy walked elegantly into my view, wearing high heels.

She was dressed in a long white lace blouse paired with jeans, and wore stiletto sandals that showcased her long legs, making her look very alluring and charming. She looked stunning, and I couldn't help but admire her beauty. No wonder she could captivate a man like Russell.

Having just attended a banquet, she still had the mind to change her outfit.

I curled my lips in disdain.

Dorothy sat down across from me.

"Sienna, I actually came to you today to ask for a favor!" Dorothy said sincerely, looking at me.

"A favor?" I raised an eyebrow, looking at Dorothy, suddenly finding it amusing. "Then tell me, what do you want from me?"

"Sienna, I think you should know the current situation of the Carnegie Family, right?" Dorothy asked directly.

I nodded and said, "I've heard."

"I know the Carnegie Family's situation is very unstable right now, and many shareholders are eager to act, with some even wanting to sell their shares to others," I said, looking at her.

Dorothy's pupils contracted sharply, "That's right, they want to take this opportunity to go solo."

I shook my head, "No, they just want to use the Carnegie Corporation's name to expand their own market, without any ambition."

"Actually, you should know why I came to you," Dorothy said, "because only you can help me solve these problems."

I was surprised by her directness.

I had thought she would seek help from others, but I never expected her to come to me.

She could bend and stretch.

Even I couldn't help but look at her with a bit more respect. "Dorothy, you might be oversimplifying this matter."

"Sienna, I may have oversimplified it, but that doesn't mean I'm brainless!" Dorothy laughed.

"Since you know the difficulty, why would you want to rely on me to solve the problem?" I looked at her coldly and said, "You don't intend to use me to get rid of those board members, do you?"

Dorothy shrugged and said, "You're smart enough to see through my thoughts."

"I don't have time to play guessing games with you. What exactly do you want from me? Hurry up, I don't have time to waste with you," I said impatiently, looking at Dorothy.

"Sienna, the reason I came to you today is to borrow funds so that the Carnegie Corporation can get through this difficult time," Dorothy said, revealing her purpose.

"Are you crazy?" I looked at her in surprise, "Do you know how much funding the Carnegie Corporation needs?"

"But the matter needs to be resolved," Dorothy stammered.

"Dorothy, are you really that naive, or are you pretending?" I looked at her, frowning, with a hint of surprise on my face.

She, however, said nonchalantly, "Sienna, I just hope you can help me get rid of those foolish shareholders of the Carnegie Family. That way, even if Russell finds out, he can only let it go, and we can each get what we need!"

I frowned at her.

"What, you don't believe me?" Dorothy asked with a smile.

I looked at her, my expression uncertain.

She was a smart person and naturally knew what I was concerned about. She knew I wouldn't agree, yet she still brought it up.

What was the conspiracy behind this?

"Dorothy, I know you want to revive the Carnegie Corporation, but coming to me, aren't you looking for the wrong person?" I warned, "After all, you know we have no friendship to speak of."

Hearing my blunt words, Dorothy's expression changed slightly, but she still patiently said.

"This time, my target is the Carnegie Family, and your target is reputation. It's mutually beneficial, so why not?"

"Really?"

I looked at her and suddenly sneered, "But what obligation do I have to help you?"