Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 796

The ones who had stirred all the arguments and resentment were the people pressuring them.

"Michelle, I was wrong," Francis said softly. "I've always treated you like a child, and I overlooked your choices. Now, the decision is yours. If you still want to help Khloe, I won't stop you."

Michelle lowered her head, hesitant to meet her father's deep, steady gaze. "Dad… I understand your intentions… But if it's up to me, I… I don't want to bow to those who've forced us into this."

Her voice faltered, trailing off. At that moment, Mrs. Keller stepped forward and grasped her hand. "It's okay. If you don't want to, we won't bow either.

"Besides, we're not in positions of power anymore. Even if they try to mess with us, what can they really do?" Mrs. Keller glanced at her husband. "I think she's right. One compromise could become a lifetime of compromise. We're old enough—we don't need anyone threatening us anymore."

"Mom…" Michelle felt a sudden pang of guilt hearing that.

"Go on, Michelle. Do what you want," Francis said with a faint smile. "No matter what, your mom and I will always support you."

Michelle's resolve crumbled in an instant. She looked toward Khloe, her eyes betraying all the hesitation she felt in her heart.

Khloe took a deep breath. "Don't be so hard on yourself. Since Solara Energy is so eager to pressure you, doesn't that mean he has weaknesses too?"

At the hint, Michelle's eyes lit up immediately. She smacked her forehead. "Right!"

Earlier, Khloe had shared some of Solara Energy's past scandals with her. The original plan had been to release them just before the bid, to undermine public and evaluator trust in Solara Energy. But now, Khloe's intent was clear: with Barney determined to secure the bid, any piece of information that could harm Solara Energy was a perfect weapon.

"But… isn't this supposed to be our trump card?" Michelle asked, half uncertain.

"No worries. I'm confident we can win the bid. And besides, using this card in the right place is never a loss," Khloe said calmly.

At that moment, Francis's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his expression darkening. "It's Barney."

Michelle tensed instinctively.

Francis could hardly believe it. Had Barney lost his mind?

Just the day before, he had warned them sternly: if Michelle continued working with Khloe, the Keller family—and Michelle herself—would be defying Solara Energy. He had no idea what Solara Energy's people might do.

And now… Barney claimed it had all been a joke.

He even mentioned the message sent from Michelle's phone, suggesting it would be better to delete it for peace of mind.

Michelle couldn't help but laugh, then quickly turned to Khloe. "Could it be that Barney somehow saw our plan coming? Afraid we'd strike back?"

Khloe didn't answer.

She exchanged a look with Michelle's parents. For a brief moment, confusion flickered across all three faces—then, almost simultaneously, it seemed like they had come to the same realization.