Chapter 24 Harming One's Own Interests
"Zach, you're back."
Alicia's voice was soft and gentle as she called out to him. Her blue eyes, clear as water, gazed at Zachary with unmistakable affection. Her lips parted slightly, as if she had a thousand things to say but was holding herself back.
The stainless steel thermos she'd been carrying slipped from her hands when they nearly collided, hot soup splashing across the floor. The housekeeper quickly rushed over to clean up the mess.
"During Ms. Parker's headaches, Ms. Davis has been visiting every day," the housekeeper explained. "When she heard that massage could help with migraines, Ms. Davis even found a professional therapist to learn the proper techniques. Ms. Parker's symptoms have improved these past few days—Ms. Davis deserves all the credit."
Mary, the housekeeper, was one of Sylvia's confidantes, and every word she spoke painted Alicia in a favorable light. Alicia kept her eyes lowered, not seeking praise, which only made her appear more modest.
"Mary, I just did what little I could. It's really nothing worth mentioning."
Her words were humble, but her eyes secretly glanced toward Zachary. Naturally, Alicia was doing all this for Zachary to see. He was a devoted son—he couldn't help but value such gestures.
However, Zachary's expression remained unchanged. He simply said flatly, "Thank you for your trouble." With that, he strode directly to the black Maybach and got in, not lingering for even a moment.
Alicia watched the taillights disappear into the distance with disappointment, letting out a heavy sigh. "Ms. Davis, don't worry. Mr. Jennings sees everything—he'll definitely remember your kindness," Mary added.
Alicia withdrew her gaze and replied calmly, "I hope so."
After leaving Sylvia's villa, Zachary's expression grew even darker as he closed his eyes again. To curry favor with the Davis family, Sylvia had acted first and asked for forgiveness later, announcing his engagement to Alicia in his name. She naturally had her own calculations for Zachary's benefit. A marriage alliance between the Jennings and Davis families would give Zachary a powerful ally behind him.
When William ultimately decided who would control Apex Global Group, he would have to consider this relationship and lean toward Zachary in his decision.
But her scheming couldn't escape Zachary's notice. At the end of the day, she wanted to use Zachary's power to seek revenge for the injustices she'd suffered years ago, to watch those who had framed her become laughingstocks one by one. As for whether her son—Zachary—would be happy, she simply didn't care.
"Look into what Quinley's been doing lately," Zachary suddenly opened his eyes and said to Lucas.
"Yes, Mr. Jennings."
Lucas carried out his orders efficiently. In just one night, he had the results Zachary wanted. The next day, before the morning meeting, Zachary received Lucas's report.
"Ms. Elikin did go to the airport, but she never boarded her flight. Her brother Dennis owed a massive amount in loan shark debt, and Ms. Davis helped pay it off."
Zachary had been sipping coffee to wake himself up, but at this news, his brow furrowed. "Alicia paid it off?"
"The amount was nearly three million dollars. Ms. Elikin probably couldn't repay it herself, so she went to Ms. Davis for a loan." Lucas wasn't certain and spoke tentatively.
Zachary said nothing, taking a large gulp of coffee as bitterness spread through his mouth. Three million dollars was indeed a substantial sum for Quinley, but going to Alicia for a loan didn't seem like her style at all.
"Why did Dennis borrow so much from loan sharks?" Zachary asked again. He'd met Dennis before—a well-behaved kid who didn't seem like the type to be reckless with money. How could a sophomore in college suddenly borrow such a large sum? It didn't make sense.
"We'd probably have to ask him directly for the specific reason," Lucas shrugged, then continued. "Dennis was in a car accident and is still unconscious in the hospital. Strangely, the driver fled the scene, and the surveillance cameras happened to malfunction. I think this might not have been an accident—it could have been deliberate."
Zachary had just swallowed his last sip of coffee, the bitterness dissolving in his mouth. His deep eyes darkened into sharp, cutting light. "What are you standing around for? Investigate!"
Someone was making their move, getting restless. If they came after him directly, he wouldn't be afraid. But Quinley was different—she had no power or influence, and her family was her weakness. The other party had carefully orchestrated this whole scenario with an obvious purpose—nothing more than forcing Quinley to comply. But comply with what?
She had already decided to study abroad and wouldn't be in anyone's way, yet they used this method to keep her here. What exactly did they want? Zachary's thoughts raced, and one person came to mind.
"Mr. Jennings, it's time for the meeting." Adela knocked on the door, reminding him quietly.
Zachary's expression was stormy, like an approaching tempest. In the conference room, he sat at the head of the table with an unchanged expression, but everyone present held their breath and chose their words carefully. Halfway through the meeting, Zachary suddenly spoke up.
"Give the Westbridge land to the Davis Group."
Everyone was stunned. This plot of land might not look impressive on Rosewood City's planning map, but its location was extremely strategic—adjacent to the International Trade Building and bordering the city's largest commercial center, with subway and bus lines connecting in all directions. Surrounded by lakes with abundant greenery, whether developed as a commercial complex, recreational center, or even sold to real estate developers for luxury housing, it would generate enormous profits.
"Do I need to repeat myself?" Zachary stood up, his authoritative presence silencing everyone in the room.
This land was equivalent to a massive piece of the pie, and as businesspeople, everyone understood what that meant. Yet Zachary had still made this seemingly foolish decision.
The moment he left the conference room, the company executives immediately began discussing among themselves. "The Westbridge project—our business development department worked on it for three years, and now we're just handing it over to the Davis Group?" The business development director looked completely unwilling to accept it.
"Ms. Gomez, you should try to persuade Mr. Jennings. Marriage alliances are one thing, business is another. Surely Mr. Jennings wouldn't damage his own interests just to please the Davis family?"
Adela couldn't fathom Zachary's thinking and also felt this decision was too sudden and risky. But as his secretary, she had to maintain his authority. "If any of you have objections, you can bring them up with Mr. Jennings directly. He made this decision for his own reasons. I advise you all not to speculate behind his back—it's best not to make unfounded comments." With that, she turned and left.
Less than twenty minutes after Zachary made his decision, Harold received the news. The Davis Group had also been bidding on the Westbridge land. Knowing they were likely just there to make up the numbers, Harold had still gone through the entire process. The bidding had entered its final stage, becoming a showdown between Apex Global Group and the Davis Group.
The Davis Group's strength was on par with Apex Global Group's, but Zachary had been relentless in his pursuit. Despite Harold's best efforts, he hadn't been able to secure the deal. Just when Apex Global Group seemed certain to succeed and the Davis Group had prepared to give up, Zachary suddenly let go, giving Harold a tremendous surprise.
"Is this information reliable?" Harold couldn't hide his smile as he asked his secretary.
"Apex Global Group has withdrawn their bid."
Upon hearing this, Harold rose from his seat and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, a smile on his face but his eyes distant and thoughtful. Suddenly releasing a prize that was already within reach—this wasn't Zachary's style. His uncharacteristic behavior meant he definitely wanted something in return. But what could it be?
Harold was completely puzzled. But soon, something occurred to him. "Set up a meeting with Zachary at Evergreen House!"