Chapter 145 Mr. Sterling's Scheme
Arabella knew anyone would be curious about this connection, so she briefly explained the story of her grandfather's past kindness to William.
"I see, so that's how it happened. They truly knew how to repay a debt of gratitude and keep their word," Ella said with genuine admiration.
"Yes, William was very good to me. Without his financial support, I never could have finished high school or college."
That's why she had willingly fulfilled the old man's dying wish.
Ella sighed, "Honestly, if you were shameless enough to just stay put, you could live comfortably for the rest of your life. Even with a divorce, you'd walk away wealthy."
Arabella smiled, "I don't need that. Money earned with my own hands feels more solid."
"That's true!"
On this point, Ella completely agreed with her values.
Despite her privileged background, she hadn't wanted to depend on her parents' wealth or let them dictate her life—which is why she'd been kicked out and learned to be self-reliant.
But her current life wasn't bad at all.
Having your own abilities was more reassuring than depending on anyone else!
"Actually, I came over tonight because I wanted to talk to you about something important," Ella said halfway through their hot pot meal.
Arabella straightened up, "What is it? What's going on?"
Ella's announcement was shocking: "I'm planning to quit my job and start my own business."
"What?" Arabella looked up in surprise.
Ella explained in more detail, "I've actually been thinking about this for a while, but I couldn't find the right person to do it with. Now that I know you, and you seem to fit what I'm looking for, the idea's come back stronger than ever. Plus with all the toxic drama at the department lately, going to work just makes me miserable. Better to quit and move on."
"I understand..." Arabella knew what had been happening at the department, but starting a business was difficult—it required major investment and carried huge risks. "So for the business, you're thinking social media?"
"I want to start a social media company. I already have established accounts and a video channel that I've been running as a side hobby. I haven't posted much, but over the years I've built up a decent following... Once I treat this as a real career and increase investment, it should do well."
Arabella considered this carefully, "But increasing investment means you'd need a lot of money upfront for operations..."
"Yes, I don't have much cash left, so I'm planning to seek investors," Ella said with a mysterious smile. "Tomorrow we're having dinner with Mr. Wright, right? Did you think I reached out to him because I liked him? I'm interested in his money."
That day when the three of them met downstairs at the apartment building, Manuel had given her his business card. When Ella saw "Investor" printed on it, everything clicked into place.
While there were many ways to raise capital, a professional investor was more reliable than bank loans and could share some of the risk—especially since they already knew each other.
Ella said happily, "I have to say, you really are my lucky charm."
Arabella was amazed and said sheepishly, "I was thinking you were my lucky charm! If it weren't for you, I'd be homeless on the streets right now."
"Then we're even!"
"But will Manuel agree to invest?"
Ella said, "Whether he agrees or not, we'll find out tomorrow when we talk, right? I added him on social media that day and asked about his investment focus. He said he's not limited to specific sectors—it mainly depends on the project's prospects."
Ella knew very well that once Arabella was involved as a business partner, Manuel would definitely invest unconditionally, regardless of prospects.
This kind of social media company didn't need much capital initially—one or two million would be enough.
For a professional investor, that amount was pocket change.
Arabella ate thoughtfully and said admiringly, "You're amazing, able to maximize the potential of everyone around you."
Ella took this as a compliment and said proudly, "I have good instincts. If the business succeeds, you could turn your life around and become a boss yourself!"
Arabella was slightly startled, "You mean, we'd do this together?"
"Of course!"
"But... I don't have any money at all."
"You have talent, you can bring in investment—isn't that more important than money?"
Arabella didn't respond immediately, but her heart began racing with excitement.
She hadn't expected that when her life had reached such a desperate low point, such an incredible opportunity would fall into her lap.
"Ella, come on—let's toast with soup instead of wine to our future business venture!" She was overjoyed and immediately picked up her bowl.
Ella was equally happy and raised her bowl, and even the five-year-old girl was caught up in the excitement, grabbing her water cup to join their celebration—
"Cheers!"
————
Saturday arrived, and Arabella, Ella, and Manuel met as planned.
Ella had chosen the restaurant.
Being from wealth herself, she had high standards for lifestyle and sophistication, and considering Manuel's status, she naturally selected an upscale establishment.
The three sat at a relatively secluded table, their attractive combination drawing many eyes, perfectly complementing the restaurant's elegant and refined atmosphere.
After hearing Ella's entrepreneurial plans and vision, Manuel was very interested.
"I was on a business trip a few days ago and had dinner with the owner of a film studio. He was talking about exactly what you're describing—some social media companies that have done well have already become major players. The prospects really are excellent."
Ella was delighted, "So Mr. Wright means... you'd be willing to invest in our project?"
Manuel was straightforward: "How much initial funding do you need?"
"Not much—two million would be enough. I don't have experience yet, and I don't want to expand too quickly. Better to build steadily and grow gradually."
Ella had a bold personality and was decisive, but also cautious and steady, which Manuel greatly appreciated.
"Alright, that works. I'll invest in your project!"
Ella was thrilled. She looked at Arabella, they shared a smile, and immediately raised their glasses: "Thank you so much, Mr. Wright!"
At another table not far away, Dominic and Gabriel sat quietly, both staring at the same spot.
Seeing his friend's furious expression and fists clenched so tightly on the armrest they made creaking sounds, Dominic sighed helplessly.
He sat up slightly, refilled Gabriel's tea, and said sympathetically, "Have some tea, calm down. Don't make yourself sick over this."
Gabriel blinked and came back to himself, picking up the teacup: "Who's upset? I'm about to be single again—couldn't be more free!"
Before he'd finished speaking, he tilted his head back and drained the tea in one gulp, then immediately lost control of his expression as the hot liquid burned him.
"What kind of tea did you pour!"
Dominic suppressed a laugh and said innocently, "Tea is meant to be sipped slowly. Who drinks it like you just did? And you're blaming me."
Gabriel angrily slammed the teacup down on the table, his mind racing with what to do.
He could storm over there and accuse her of improper behavior—flirting with strange men before they were even divorced. But they weren't alone; there was another woman with them.
In the end, he'd just humiliate himself and lose face.
But doing nothing while they laughed and enjoyed themselves so smugly was unbearable!
After much consideration, Gabriel decided on an indirect approach.
He made a phone call home and gave detailed instructions. Now it would depend on Mary's performance.
Dominic listened to him coaching the housekeeper word by word on how to lie and trick the mistress into coming home, and shook his head repeatedly in disbelief.
"Gabriel, you're done for... I think you've fallen for Arabella, and it's even worse than when you were obsessed with Emily. After knowing you all these years, I'm just realizing you're completely hopeless when it comes to love."