Chapter 149

A flash of embarrassment crossed Ava's face. She forced a smile and said awkwardly, "How could that be? Elizabeth already registered the marriage with you. If she really wanted a divorce, why would she have married you in the first place? Besides, don't you always say you treat us like family? Then why were you hiding things from us?"

David looked completely lost. "Hiding things? When did I ever hide anything from you?"

Mason kept a straight face, his voice low. "That eighty million dollars last time — if you hadn't pulled it out, we all would've thought you were broke. Doesn't that count as deceiving us?"

David couldn't help but laugh. "You're really good at making false accusations. Let me ask you — before that, did anyone ever ask me how much money I had? And even if I had told you I was rich, would any of you have believed me?"

Elizabeth clenched her fists and stared straight into his eyes. "Fine. I'm asking you right now — do you have money?"

David nodded seriously. "Yes."

"How much?" Elizabeth pressed.

David frowned and thought for a moment. "I haven't done the exact math, but conservatively speaking, a few hundred billion dollars, at least."

The moment he finished, Ava let out a scoff. "Alright, stop bragging. If you really treat us like family, then now that the family's in trouble, shouldn't you step up and help?"

David shot Elizabeth a suggestive look. "Of course. Elizabeth is my wife. If there's something going on with the family, I'll naturally take care of it."

Elizabeth caught his look and silently cursed herself for losing her mind when she fell for such a careless, irresponsible guy. She turned away and refused to look at him.

Ava got serious. "Good. Since you're willing to help, I'll be straight with you. You're the Head of Defense at Hill Enterprises, so you must have a decent relationship with Ruby, right? Hill Enterprises recently announced they're looking for a partner on a two-hundred-million-dollar project. If you really treat us like family, help the Perez family land that deal."

David had already guessed their intentions. He put on a troubled expression and sighed. "It's not that simple."

Elizabeth kept her irritation in check and said coldly, "I know it's not easy, so I'm not going to force you. You're the Head of Defense — you get to see Chairwoman Hill far more often than we do. Next time you see her, just introduce me. I'll handle the rest myself. Surely that's not too much to ask?"

Ava's face immediately fell. "Elizabeth, David hasn't even said no yet. At least let him try."

Elizabeth let out a cold snort. "Let him try? Give me a break. There are so many families in Seabrook eyeing this deal. If he goes in to negotiate and the project gets snatched away, the Perez family won't even hear about it until it's too late."

That actually sparked something competitive in David. More importantly, he knew perfectly well that the final say on this project was ultimately his.

Without hesitation, he said, "Elizabeth, how about a bet? Give me three days. I guarantee Ruby will come to you personally to discuss the partnership."

Elizabeth was caught off guard. After a few seconds, she asked curiously, "A bet? What are we betting?"

David's expression turned serious. Right in front of Ava and Mason, he said slowly and deliberately, "We've been married for a while now. If I land the Hill Enterprises deal, you'll finally do with me what we've never done before."

Elizabeth's face went completely red. Her eyes practically shot flames. She shot to her feet and pointed at David. "David, dream on! I'm telling you — I can land the Hill Enterprises deal on my own. I don't need your help!"

Ava panicked and quickly tried to smooth things over. "Elizabeth, what are you talking about? The Perez family has never had any dealings with Hill Enterprises. Without David's help, how could you possibly land this deal?"

Mason kept his stern expression. "Elizabeth, don't be stubborn. This is too important to let your emotions get in the way. Since David is confident, let him step in and secure the partnership for you."

Tears welled up in Elizabeth's eyes as she snapped, "Mom, Dad — can you let me make my own decision just this once? Ever since school, I've been walking the path you laid out for me. Work, marriage — when have you ever let me decide anything for myself? This time, I'm telling you I can land the Hill Enterprises deal, and I will!"

Seeing how determined she was, David figured there was no point in staying. He stood up with a smile. "Alright then. I'll wish you success in advance."

With that, he turned to leave.

Ava panicked immediately. She rushed forward and grabbed his wrist. "David, wait! Elizabeth is young and doesn't know better — but you can't just go along with this nonsense. Please, I'm begging you, help the family..."

Elizabeth completely lost it. She stormed over and pulled Ava's hand away. "Let him go!" she said icily. "I refuse to believe the Perez family will go bankrupt without him."

Just then, Zane walked in through the door with Quinn, carrying gift boxes and wearing a big smile on his face.

Taking in the tense scene in front of him, Zane quickly stepped forward and asked Ava with concern, "Ava, what's going on? Why is everyone arguing?"

Ava's eyes filled with tears. "She's grown up and won't listen anymore," she choked out.

Quinn gently took Elizabeth's hand and said softly, "Elizabeth, you're the President of the Perez Group now. Whatever it is, can't you all just talk it through calmly?"

Elizabeth ignored them. She kept her eyes locked on David and said coldly, "Weren't you leaving? Then go. Now."