The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 153

"However, I heard The Vale Group has had some recent investment failures, leading to a cash flow shortage?" Elias said flatly. Though his tone was emotionless, it carried an unspoken pressure.

Gallagher's heart sank, and his face paled slightly. "Mr… Mr. Shawn…"

Elias looked down at him condescendingly. "You have principles, Mr. Vale. I truly admire that. All I can do is wish you and The Vale Group the best of luck in overcoming this crisis."

With that, Elias turned and walked toward the Maybach.

Gallagher swayed on his feet, stumbling back a couple of steps. Then, as if snapping awake, he rushed forward and blocked Elias's path. "Mr. Shawn, that… that three hundred million… I'll take it! I… I agree to sever ties with Genevieve!"

Elias shot him a cold, sharp glance, his eyes filled with a subtle mockery.

When Elias remained silent, Gallagher's heart pounded in his chest. He forced a strained smile. "Mr. Shawn, you see—"

Before he could finish, Elias tossed the bank card at his face and got into the car.

Gallagher fumbled, and the card fell to the ground.

He stared at it, feeling as if he'd been slapped hard across the face, a stinging, burning pain spreading through him.

The Maybach drove away. It was a long while before Gallagher bent down to pick up the card, his hand clenching it tightly.

Mrs. Vale, who had been listening from inside, came out, frowning in confusion. "Gallagher, are you out of your mind? It's obvious Mr. Shawn cares about that girl. She's bound to marry into the Shawn family eventually. Cutting ties with her now means—"

"What do you know!" Gallagher yelled.

"Why… why are you yelling at me!" Mrs. Vale froze, then glared at him, her face filled with displeasure.

Gallagher's expression was grim. He had never suffered such humiliation in his life. He wanted nothing more than to snap the card in his hand, but it held three hundred million dollars—the lifeline for the Vale family. No matter how angry he was, he had to endure it.

"Such a shortsighted woman! You're the foolish one!" Gallagher retorted. "Didn't you hear what Elias said? When I returned the money, he brought up our company's investment failures. Do you think he was offering to help? That was a threat!"

"A threat?! How could…"

Gallagher rolled his eyes and went back inside. "Who do you think Elias is? He became the head of the Shawn family. Do you think he could hold that position with Old Mr. Shawn's support alone if he wasn't ruthless? Even if I hadn't taken that three hundred million, he has plenty of ways to make Genevieve cut ties with us. But as for the Vale family…"

"Without this money, all we can do is wait to die. Elias won't help us. In fact, he'll be the one to kick us when we're down!"

-

At Genevieve's apartment.

The private doctor finished examining Genevieve's wound and packed up his equipment. He turned to Elias and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Shawn. Miss Vale's head injury was treated promptly. As long as she rests at home for a while, it will heal completely without leaving a scar."

Elias stopped.

"Elias, I… I feel dizzy." Realizing she had been too hasty, Genevieve immediately let go, pressing a hand to her forehead and pretending she was about to faint.

Elias's eyes darkened. Just as she was about to fall, he caught her, sweeping her up into his arms.

"Elias…"

For a split second, something sharp and calculating flickered in Genevieve's gaze. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her gaze seductive. She tilted her head back slightly, intentionally closing the distance between them until Elias only needed to lower his head to kiss her.

Her chest heaved, and her neck arched back. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at the sex-drug candle on the nightstand.

Elias's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. Then, before Genevieve could react, he placed her back on the bed and removed her hands from his neck.

"Gen, you're still injured. You shouldn't be getting out of bed."

With that, he turned to leave again.

Genevieve bit her lower lip. She sat up and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, humbling herself. "Elias, don't go. Please stay with me. I'm… I'm really scared to be alone."

Elias turned back, about to say something, but Genevieve suddenly unzipped her dress. She then knelt on the bed and reached out to unbutton his shirt.