Chapter 167: Making Trouble
Chapter 167: Making Trouble
Hearing sounds from downstairs, Astrid quickly pulled herself together, put down her phone, and went to take a shower.
When Silas came in, she had just finished blow-drying her hair. She was wearing a silk camisole nightgown with bare feet on the carpet.
The heating in the room was turned up high.
Her face was flushed.
"You're back." Astrid reached out to help him take off his coat.
Silas grabbed her hand, looking at her with confusion.
When it came to sex, Astrid wasn't coy - clearly, she enjoyed it. But being this proactive and attentive toward him? That was new.
Astrid looked up at him, blinking her beautiful, clear eyes.
"I'm serious about wanting to have a child."
Her voice was soft and calm, not seeming impulsive at all.
"I want to have a family."
As Astrid spoke, she withdrew her hand and started to walk away.
Silas hooked his foot around the door to close it, then scooped her up. His fingers slid up from under her dress.
Astrid let out a muffled moan, then kissed his Adam's apple.
Another round of passionate sex followed.
……
After leaving work, Astrid settled into being a housewife, ironing his coats, reading books, and trying to get pregnant in her spare time.
Silas was happy to go along with it all, cooperating with her in every way.
Time flew by, and two months passed.
News about Prescott Jewelers kept increasing.
Without even trying to find out, Astrid could get updates through various channels. From the reports, it seemed Rolf had really led the company through a successful transformation.
Hiring international celebrities and models as spokespeople rapidly boosted Prescott Jewelers' visibility. Entering landmark shopping centers in major cities nationwide. Everything was aimed at increasing Prescott Jewelers' influence.
This series of moves was something the old Prescott Jewelers would never have dared to imagine.
Astrid didn't know what was happening inside the Prescott family. Since Rolf had forced her out of the company, she hadn't been back to The Prescott Manor.
The Prescott family seemed to have forgotten she existed - no one had contacted her.
On this day, Prescott Jewelers signed a nationwide partnership with a major shopping center.
This mall was Arcadia's famous luxury brand hub. Every business that partnered with them had over a hundred years of history and a solid brand foundation.
Because of this mall's unique position in the industry, they heavily promoted every event.
News of Prescott Jewelers' partnership with them leaked in advance.
The signing ceremony was being broadcast on TV.
Astrid and Rachel were shopping at a mall when they happened to see the news on a store TV. Astrid's mood wasn't affected at all - she kept her head down, trying on a necklace.
"Come on, let's see what this event is about." Without waiting for Astrid's response, Rachel took her hand and led her into a dessert shop, finding the best seat to watch the TV.
On screen, Rolf wore a custom-made black suit, confidently shaking hands with the mall's representative.
Camera flashes went off, and the venue was decorated lavishly.
After the host praised both parties' positions in the industry according to the script, they announced that hostesses would bring the signing pens and documents to the two company representatives.
Suddenly, the host's expression changed, and the quiet venue erupted in chaos.
"Today's partnership doesn't count! He got those Prescott Jewelers shares through shady means!" someone shouted loudly.
This was a nationally broadcast program.
For the Prescott family, getting this level of exposure and partnering with such a prestigious mall was their best opportunity. It was something other businesses in the industry envied.
Yet someone couldn't stand to see Prescott Jewelers succeed and was making a scene at the event.
"Get that person out of here," someone ordered sternly.
"Don't you dare touch me!" the man shot back loudly.
Astrid's expression changed slightly, and her hand holding the spoon trembled.
It was Dean.
He wanted control of Prescott Jewelers, too, but how could he disregard the company's image and cause such a public scene?
"I'm his older brother, and I can vouch for what I'm saying - today's signing ceremony doesn't have the support of the company's other shareholders!"
The camera turned, showing Dean's angry face on the TV.
He had come prepared, with several bodyguards at his side, confronting the surrounding people.
"Dean, what are you doing! If you have something to say, tell me privately later!" Rolf's usually gentle face showed hints of anger.
"I don't agree to this partnership!" Dean kept pushing forward.
The mall representative's expression rapidly changed - from initial shock and confusion to visible anger.
"I hope you handle your family matters immediately, or today's partnership is canceled!" the mall representative stated firmly.
A strange look flashed in Rolf's eyes, and he glanced at someone nearby, but Dean was determined to make a scene - the people around couldn't stop him.
Someone bumped into the camera, making the image unstable. Only chaotic shouting could be heard.
Soon, the TV switched to commercials.
Prescott Jewelers had become a widely known joke.
Astrid quietly looked away, feeling uneasy.
If Garth saw his family in disharmony and the company being messed up like this, she wondered what he would think.
Just as they thought it was boring and were about to leave, a new scene appeared after the TV commercials - Rolf was being interviewed by reporters.
"Mr. Prescott, you've led Prescott Jewelers to such great success - what's your secret?" a female reporter asked, looking at him admiringly.
Rolf was still wearing the same outfit, his face showing a winner's calm confidence, with a slight smile at the corners of his eyes and brows.
"I believe every entrepreneur has their own path to follow. Prescott Jewelers' current changes are the result of careful consideration. We've been very careful with every step, and of course, very successful."
His gestures were calm and composed, very dignified - like a super successful person, as if nothing had just happened.
Rachel made a sound of contempt and started complaining in her ear.
"Everyone's been saying privately that Rolf is riding high in the industry."
"Astrid, does he have some grudge against the Prescott family? He clearly knows they shouldn't be transforming so recklessly, yet he's doing it anyway."
Rachel's Wilson family had about the same market position as the Prescott family, but the Wilson family believed in steady progress. She had always been good friends with Astrid.
As the Wilson family's only daughter, she had grown up watching how the company was run.
Everyone knew that when someone's steps are too big, they'll trip and fall, let alone a company. Every aspect of change needs to be handled carefully, or it could lead to total disaster.