Love’s Change of Heart novel Chapter 707

Chapter 707 Consider It as Relieving Your Shock

"Everything has been taken care of," said Kevin after returning to the private villa. "I heard the news about the Crossley Group mortgaging their assets in major banks on my way back."

"Well, that's quick." A chuckle escaped John as he fiddled with the paring knife in his hand. "The question is how much of it is genuine."

"That's no small amount of money. Given the Crossley Group's current situation, it won't be enough even if they mortgage all their assets," Freya remarked.

"Don't forget, though—even if the Crossley Group can't come up with that much, there's still Aidan Pearson and the Complex Group," John reminded. "The Complex Group's current market value overseas is in the billions of Andvis Union Credits. This money is not a problem for them."

"But would Aidan Pearson and Leanna McKinney pay such a high price for Daniel?"

After all, the entire Crossley Group and Complex Group would end up as nothing but empty shells once they shelled out the money.

"Of course, it's not enough," Joseph said while wiping his glasses. Mortgaging all of Crossley Group's assets was just a sleight of hand in figuring out their next step.

He never hoped to obtain this money solely based on Daniel.

"What should we do next, then?" Kevin asked.

"We need more bargain chips, of course." Joseph put on his glasses, crossed his legs, and looked relaxed and content.

Just then, Leroy descended the stairs, and it was obvious he had overheard their conversation as he said icily, "I don't care what you all want to do. I just want to get my hands on that money. Everything else is none of my concern."

"I understand your eagerness to leave this place," said Joseph. "But even if you leave, what difference will it make? Aidan Pearson and Lloyd Crossley will still come after you. Besides, don't you want to rescue your daughter?"

At that, Leroy snorted amusingly. "I can't even save myself. Don't you think you're worrying too much?"

John clapped his hands and applauded. "As expected of the ruthless Mr. Crossley. So be it that you orchestrated a plane crash that led to your parents' deaths and even harmed your brother's entire family, but now, you're even leaving your own daughter to face the world herself. You sure know how to live a carefree life."

At that, Joseph smiled and gazed at Leroy. "Mr. Crossley, now that we're all forced to be on the same boat, there's no way out for anyone. How about you calm down first and let us proceed according to the plan?"

Leroy swept his gaze across the people in front of him and smirked. When had he stooped so low that these people could threaten him?!

After a beat, Joseph continued, "I believe you now realize the consequences of not doing a clean sweep. Do you want the same thing to happen again?"

"What do you all have in mind?" Leroy asked the group as a hint of malice flashed across his face.

…

Leanna McKinney spent the entire afternoon at the Crossley Group.

After news of the Crossley Group mortgaging their assets was released, various things were said in the news. Some claimed that the Crossley Group was facing a massive debt crisis and might collapse. Meanwhile, others said that without Pearson Group as their backer, the Crossley Group could no longer sustain itself and was seeking alternative solutions.

All sorts of conspiracy theories created a sense of anxiety among people.

As evening approached and the sky darkened, a drizzle began to fall.

Just then, Richard came in. "Miss McKinney, President Pearson, the major banks have been informed, and they have provided an estimated amount for the complete mortgage of the Crossley Group, totaling ten billion."

The current Crossley Group, even though pulled back from the brink of life and death by Leanna, was still far from its peak. Moreover, several key projects were still in their early stages, and the exact market value was yet to be determined.

However, based on this amount, it was still far from the fifty billion Andvis Union Credits Leroy wanted. But considering Leroy's insane intentions, he didn't care about how much the Crossley Group was worth. What he wanted was the fifty billion Andvis Union Credits.

"This money isn't enough. We…" Leanna gazed toward Aidan, who reassured her. "Don't worry. I've contacted William," he said.

The news took Leanna aback. "What did he say?"

"He will find a way to raise the money."

The Complex Group was worth much more than the current Crossley Group, so if they mortgaged their assets, they could probably gather enough funds.

"But I can't shake off the feeling that the plot isn't as simple as we think it is," Leanna said with a frown.

"They wouldn't believe we'd give them the money so simply either," Aidan said plainly while resting his arm on the couch calmly. "Daniel is indeed not worth fifty billion Andvis Union Credits."

"So…"

"We'll sit back and watch."

…

Meanwhile, at the studio, Charlotte returned to her workstation with renewed determination to work hard and improve herself, fully focused and motivated.

Due to the rain, the number of customers in the evening dwindled, so Zoe suggested, "It's going to turn into a storm soon. Let's all leave early."

"Thanks, Zoe," said a few girls, and just as Charlotte was about to change her clothes, someone entered.

"Uncle Joseph!" Charlotte chirped.

Joseph had his assistant hold an umbrella for him while he approached Charlotte with a smile. "Are you done with work?"

"Yeah, I'm just about to change my clothes."

"In that case, how about I take you out for dinner? Consider it a way to relax after the shock you went through."

Charlotte felt so ashamed to eat this meal that she turned Joseph down. "You know what, forget it. I—"

"Charlotte, don't let Lachlan's aloof words get to you. Besides, this isn't just to help relieve your shock. I'm leaving Highside tomorrow, so it's also a farewell."

His words stunned Charlotte for a second, and she no longer refused him. With that, she turned to Zoe. "Zoe, why don't you join us too?"

"I'll pass. You two go ahead," Zoe said with a smile.

She had stopped Charlotte from following Joseph in the past because she thought he had ulterior motives, but now it seemed that he was quite normal, so there was no need for her to go with them.

Joseph nodded slightly at Zoe. "I apologize for what happened before, Miss Hart. It's on me for failing to protect you and Charlotte."

"No, you're too polite, Mr. Woodley," Zoe said before turning to Charlotte. "Go on, Charlotte. Go and get changed. Don't keep your uncle waiting."

"Alright!" The young woman nodded and came back out in her own clothes in two shakes.

After leaving the studio and watching Joseph and Charlotte walk away, Zoe withdrew her gaze. However, she was about to hail a cab to go home when the phone in her bag suddenly vibrated.

She assumed it was some spam message, so she didn't think much when she checked it until she realized it was from Daniel.

She widened her eyes at once and took a deep breath after reading the text. With that, she rushed to the roadside and hailed a cab. "Take me to this place!" she urged immediately.