York was susceptible to flattery. When he heard Estelle’s words, his expression softened immediately. “Your Mom is right. I’m your uncle. How could you be so impolite to me?”
“Uncle York, I know I was wrong,” Estelle said as she pointed at the sandwiches on the table. “You haven’t had breakfast yet, right? I remember that you suffer from hypoglycemia, and so do I. Let’s have breakfast first and then talk about other things.”
After glancing at Melody with hatred in his eyes, York walked quickly to the dining room, sat down, and then began to eat the sandwiches.
Estelle then raised her eyebrows and looked at Melody, who was crying. “Auntie Melody, come and have breakfast.”
“Don’t call her aunt!” York snapped. “This dirty bitch doesn’t deserve to be my wife.”
Estelle was secretly pleased to see such a scene and thought, ‘It’s easy to act. I can also do it.’
She continued to pretend to be gentle and considerate, saying, “Uncle York, Auntie Melody has been with you for so many years. She also made contributions to our family...”
“Don’t try to persuade me. You know nothing!” York exclaimed. “Since she married me, I have been providing support for her and Gretchen! What contribution has she made? She hasn’t even given birth to a child for me!”
Estelle pondered silently, ‘York isn’t as naive as I initially assumed. I have successfully shattered his trust in Melody and created a dispute between them. In York’s perception, Melody has crossed a boundary, and he won’t easily believe her anymore. This outcome works in my favor.’
‘York is incompetent but pompous, while Melody is selfish and vicious. Neither of them is a good person, and they are a perfect match.’
“Uncle York, I heard that there are some problems with the company now. Is that true?” Estelle suddenly inquired.
Upon hearing this, York’s anger surged. “It’s all because of Cristofer!” he exclaimed furiously. “He unexpectedly pulled out his investment from the company without any explanation, causing a vital project to be halted. I’ve already invested millions of dollars in it, and now the company faces cash flow issues. I need to apply for a loan from the bank to tide over this crisis.”
Suddenly, York became wary and asked, “Why are you inquiring about the company’s affairs?”
“I want to work in the company,” Estelle replied.
Upon hearing Estelle’s response, York sneered and replied, “Don’t think that I’m unaware of your true intentions. You want to regain control of the company and assume leadership, don’t you?”
Estelle maintained her façade and continued, “Uncle York, whether or not I can take charge of the company isn’t my primary concern. However, the company represents the culmination of my father’s lifelong efforts. I don’t wish to witness its downfall. If it goes bankrupt, the comfortable life we currently enjoy will vanish.”
York said stubbornly and reluctantly, “I will hire a professional manager to help me manage the company. I’ll offer him a high salary.”
“But can he help you solve the cash flow problem?”
York was speechless.
Even if he hired a competent professional manager to manage the company, the project would still be in suspension if the cash flow problem couldn’t be solved.
“Uncle York,” Estelle said, “I can help you solve the problem.”
York then looked at her suspiciously and asked, “You mean your boyfriend will invest money in our company?”
“He does have the ability to do that. But I don’t want him to get involved in this matter. After all, the Hudson Group is our family’s business. Once he invests money in the company, a large proportion of the shares will belong to him. Uncle York, that’s not what you want, right?”
York took her words with a pinch of salt and asked, “What do you want to do then?”
“I’m going to join the board of directors and be responsible for all the projects in the future,” Estelle quickly offered, “In other words, Uncle York, letting me help you with the company affairs is better than hiring a professional manager at a high salary. I will deal with everything for you for free. And you just need to enjoy your life and wait for the dividend.”
“You will do it for free? Then what do you want?” York asked with his eyes full of wariness, still not believing her.
“Of course, I won’t help you for nothing. I have a requirement,” Estelle hastily stated.
Hearing this, York looked at her with a sneer as if he had seen through Estelle’s intention, “I knew you wouldn’t be so kind as to help me. What do you want? The shares of the company?”
“No, I just want to move back here with my mother.”
York’s eyes widened in surprise at once, and he asked in disbelief, “That’s it?”
“That’s all. My mother has resided in this place for numerous decades, and she has become accustomed to living here. My only wish is for her to experience a joyful and comfortable life. Moreover, this house holds great significance for her as it is filled with memories of both her and my father.”
York took a big bite of the sandwiches and chewed it as he said, “Estelle, as you know, your mother is weak. If I hadn’t taken over the company after your father passed away, it would have gone bankrupt long ago.”
Upon hearing his words, Estelle wanted to roll her eyes and sneer, but she restrained herself from doing that.
With a smile, she nodded in agreement, mirroring his sentiment.
“That’s why I believe I deserve ownership of the company. It is rightfully mine now, and I won’t allow anyone to snatch it away from me!” York asserted.
“As I mentioned earlier, my sole intention is to assist in resolving the company’s issues. If its progress continues to improve, it will bring happiness to my father in heaven,” Estelle expressed.
York began to believe her.
He thought, ‘Estelle’s father loved and spoiled her so much before. And the two of them were in a good relationship. It is understandable that she wants to protect the company founded by her father.’
“You really don’t want the money?” York asked.
Estelle chuckled and said, “Uncle York, as you know, my boyfriend is wealthy. I don’t lack money at all.”
The latter sentence completely dispelled York’s doubt.
After contemplating momentarily, York nodded and stated, “Very well, you may work in the company. However, you must address the cash flow issue as a priority. If you can successfully resolve this problem, I will grant you a position on the board of directors. Otherwise, I will not allow you to stay in the company.”
“Okay.”
“And,” York asked suspiciously, “Who is your boyfriend?”
“He doesn’t want others to know his identity,” Estelle smiled.
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