Chapter 230

Chapter 230
Lily's POV
I didn't actually care much about James having a first love—I was just annoyed that he'd lied, especially since I wasn't interested in him anyway.
"So what if he had a first love? What's the issue?" I dismissed Jackson's words, trying to hide my curiosity.
Jackson continued explaining: "It was his first love three years ago. The girl disappeared, and he really liked her. He searched for a long time, but unfortunately, she had passed away. He was depressed for quite a while after that and eventually channeled all his energy into work. Within two years, he built his group into what it is today."
I silently reflected that James was also a passionate romantic.
"Everyone has their own past and pain."
This gave me a deeper understanding of him.
"Enough about that. Since you two are together now, just get along well. Honestly, I think you two are quite similar," Jackson said in a casual tone.
I smiled and shook my head. "Similar people can't be together. If the person I'm dating is just like me, what's the point of that relationship? Only complementary personalities can bring fresh experiences to each other."
"Like William and me..." The thought flashed through my mind, but I immediately suppressed it.
Jackson wanted to say more, but I interrupted him: "Alright, I was just saying. I'll tell Nicholas to let you out of the hospital. I should go now."
As I was about to leave, Jackson stopped me, pleading: "Don't go yet. Talk with me a bit longer. Every day here is the same—I'm really fed up with it."
I turned around with a bright smile. "Should I find you some pretty nurses then?"
Jackson's face darkened instantly. "Get lost."
Seeing his exasperated expression, I couldn't help but laugh.
"Okay, enough teasing." I sat back down on the bed. "Focus on getting better. When you're discharged, I'll take you to my favorite restaurant. They serve the best steak in all of Manhattan."
Jackson's eyes immediately lit up. "Really? Then I'm ordering the most expensive one!"
"Whatever you want." I smiled, patting his shoulder before saying goodbye.
After leaving the hospital, I received unexpected news.
The controversy surrounding William and Emily seemed to have been deliberately escalated by someone behind the scenes, causing the Sterling Group to fall into crisis.
"The Sterling Group is in trouble?" Despite William choosing Emily, the Sterling Group was still half my life's work—I couldn't stand by and do nothing. So I called William directly.
The phone rang for a long time before being answered. "Hello?" William's voice sounded tired and cold.
"Have you found out who's behind this?" I asked directly.
"Yes, it's the Smith Group, and Samuel," William's voice clearly revealed his exhaustion.
"Samuel? He's involved too?" I was surprised, but thinking about his relationship with Emily, it made some sense.
"What do you plan to do?" I pressed.
William replied flatly, "Take it as it comes."
His words immediately ignited my anger. "Take it as it comes? William, what are you thinking? Are you just going to let the Sterling Group fall apart?" I couldn't help raising my voice.
"It's the only option for now," his tone remained calm, as if he'd already accepted fate.
"There are better solutions. Why not resolve it? Don't we have evidence of the Smith Group's tax evasion?" Before finishing my sentence, I suddenly realized those documents were only in my possession.
"He won't ask for my help." William had wronged me, so he wouldn't come to me for help, preferring to watch the Sterling Group decline instead.
This realization made my heart tighten.
"William, I can send you those files," I offered, only to see that my social media account had been blocked by him.
"I forgot to block your number too. From today on, don't call me again." William said coldly before hanging up.
When I tried calling back, I got the busy signal of being blocked.
Holding my phone, I felt a wave of helplessness and hurt. "He'd rather watch his company fail than accept my help?"
But immediately, a sense of stubbornness and determination welled up inside me. I took a deep breath, suppressing my churning emotions: "William, I'll help you one last time!"
I directly contacted Benjamin Smith of the Smith Group.
"Vice President Smith, long time no see," I opened with our familiar address.
The voice on the other end immediately became cautious: "Lily?"
"Yes, it's me," my voice was calm and confident. "I want to talk about the recent negative news about the Sterling Group."
"What does that have to do with you? Didn't you break up with William?" Benjamin's tone was probing.
"My relationship with William is irrelevant," I got straight to the point. "I just want to tell you that I have evidence of the Smith Group's tax evasion from the past three years. If you don't want this evidence sent to the tax bureau, you'd better withdraw those negative news stories."
The other end was silent for a few seconds. "Are you threatening me?" Benjamin's voice deepened.
"No, I'm just offering a win-win choice," I replied calmly. "You remove the negative news, and I guarantee these documents will never appear in public view."
Another silence. Finally, Benjamin sighed: "You win, Lily. I'll arrange to have the news removed."
"A wise choice." I said, then hung up.
The Smith Group acted efficiently. Soon after, I saw news of the Sterling Group's reputation being restored.
The negative reports were withdrawn, replaced by positive reviews and analyses.
After completing this task, I said to myself: "William, we're even now. This is the last time I'll help you."
I closed the news, feeling a sense of release. This was my final attachment to William. From now on, our paths would completely diverge.