Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 299

Chapter 299 Tricky Relationship

Troy replied, “Okay.”

Skyla texted again, “How much longer until you’re back? I’ll come pick you up.”

After sending that message, Troy didn’t reply.

When the car arrived at the bar, Skyla still hadn’t received any reply.

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But she didn’t worry about it. The fact that Troy remembered to get her a gift showed he cared -she mattered to him.

Skyla was sure he wouldn’t bring a present for his ex–wife.

After Howard and the others left, Norris left, too.

Rolf had started the argument first. Norris couldn’t stand it and spoke up.

Now that Rolf had suggested a collaboration tonight, Norris needed to think it over. If he had other options, he might choose someone else.

If not, he would have to put his personal feelings aside.

When Norris left, Lisa looked at Ayla. “I’ll apologize on Rolf’s behalf…”

Ayla said calmly, “If Rolf killed someone, are you going to take the punishment too? Apologizing doesn’t change what he did. I’ll still hate Rolf. No need to say more.”

Lisa was surprised.

Ayla’s direct way of speaking could easily upset people.

At the last party, she had even cut off her father in front of everyone. Some thought it was because Draven was there.

But this was just who she was.

Lisa liked that about her.

Halle suddenly asked, “Ms. Alvarado, do you know about Howard?”

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“I do.” Lisa smiled and pointed to the seven–seat SUV ahead. “Let’s go somewhere nicer and talk.”

The three of them got in.

They arrived at a nice private restaurant. It wasn’t noisy like a bar, nor as formal as a business club. It was clean, calm, and comfortable. Good for dinner, perfect for talking about business,

too.

“Howard is the second son of the Saffrons. He’s Helena Saffron’s half–brother.”

Halle couldn’t hide her surprise. “The son of the most powerful family in Trensea, and Howard is so low–key? No wonder he stands out from everyone else.”

Ayla had met Helena before. She was straight and serious.

Lisa, being the CEO of the Alvarado Group and six years older than Ayla and Halle, had seen a lot more of the world and knew more.

But she didn’t act superior. She spoke casually, like she was talking to friends.

“Howard keeps a low profile for a reason.”

“Tell us,” Halle said, clearly curious.

Ayla stayed quiet, more interested in Helena’s story.

“When Howard was born, Helena’s mother was very sick. She passed away a year later. Only then did Howard officially enter the Saffrons.”

Halle asked, “So he’s an illegitimate son?”

Lisa nodded. “Yes. Helena was twelve then, but her mother had been training her to take over since she was little. She had already witnessed all kinds of schemes. Howard’s mother couldn’t outmatch Helena and became afraid. She worried Helena would make sure Howard couldn’t succeed. For a year or two, she tried, then gave up. She kept a low profile, acted small, and weakened over time. A mother shapes her child. She taught Howard to stay low–key for years. Slowly, he became calm and detached, never competing, never grabbing for power.”

Ayla thought about Helena’s graceful and strong way of carrying herself.

She hadn’t known Helena had lost her mother so young and had gone through all that.

People who reach the top are tough and smart–no surprise there.

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Chapter 299 Tricky Relationship

Thinking about it, Ayla found Helena even more impressive.

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Halle’s mind turned to Howard. She laughed coldly. “Really? He doesn’t fight at all?”

Lisa said, “Maybe he wanted to, but Helena never gave him the chance. Now she’s very powerful in politics and business. Howard can’t change that, so he just has to accept it.” She paused. “For now, Helena and Howard still have a good relationship.”

Ayla nodded. “That’s a tricky relationship.”

He’s her brother, but he has to stay careful.

“At least in public, they seem fine,” Lisa said, looking at Ayla. “Some things can’t be talked about openly. Once you break that barrier, the sibling bond is gone.”

Ayla met Lisa’s eyes, her gaze serious.

Lisa asked, “Last time, Ms. Kinsman mentioned you have a younger brother. Are you really that close?”

“We are,” Ayla said, thinking about Kaleb and scrunching her nose in mild annoyance. “He can be annoying, but yeah, we’re close.”

Halle patted her shoulder. “You’ve worked hard, Ayla. So young and already taking care of a big kid. I respect that.”

Ayla replied, “Kaleb would freak out if he heard that.”

“Let him freak out. Who’s scared of him?” Halle said.

Lisa sighed. “Looks like you two really are close. I’m jealous.”

They were all smart people. Halle smiled. “There’s more behind your words, Ms. Alvarado.”

Lisa said clearly, “When my dad steps down, I’m going to run the Alvarado Group myself. I’m not giving it to Rolf.”

Her words were so direct that Ayla and Halle were both shocked.

“You’re already the CEO. Doesn’t Mr. Alvarado appreciate you?” Halle asked, confused.

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